When it comes to out-of-province medical emergencies your UBC benefit plan can help

Travelling? The cost of health care when travelling out of BC or out of the country can be a concern. 

Did you know you have access to emergency medical coverage through your benefits plan? As you prepare for travel this summer and into the new year, don’t forget to pack your out-of-province emergency medical insurance information and anything you need in the event of a health emergency abroad. Taking the time to prepare gives you peace of mind when you travel. 

Use the following checklist to help you prepare for an out-of-province/country medical emergency:  

Before Your Trip  

• Ensure you have your important health insurance information:    
  • Sun Life Travel Card, which includes 24/7 assistance phone numbers for Sun Life’s emergency out-of-province travel assistance provider. 
  • Download the card from MySunLife.ca or the MySunLife App. You can also find the card in the Medi-Passport brochure.  
  • On July 1, 2023, the emergency out-of-province travel assistance provider will be switched to Global Excel Management (GEM). The telephone number on the Medi-Passport will remain the same. Any emergency out-of-province medical expenses incurred up to and including June 30, 2023, will be processed by Allianz Global Assistance and any emergency out-of-province medical expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2023, will be processed by GEM. Learn more about the change to our emergency travel assistance provider 

Travel tip: If you have downloaded the Sun Life Mobile App to your mobile device, take a screenshot of your Sun Life travel card and save it to your pictures. This ensures it's available even if you can't access the app. 

• Bring your BC Services Card (make sure you and your dependents are covered under MSP). 
• You should familiarize yourself with the MSP eligibility rules and out-of-province MSP coverage when Leaving BC Temporarily
• Your physician’s contact information
• Fill your prescriptions
• If you have a medical condition, talk to your physician
• Determine if you need immunizations and/or if you're required to carry vaccination certificates
• Check the Canadian travel advisories website for the latest travel information, and advisories before you leave.  

During Your Trip  

Should you require medical care, you or someone travelling with you, will need to call our emergency travel assistance 24-hour operations centre (Allianz Global Assistance before July 1 and GEM on or after July 1, 2023) and provide the following information:  

• Your name, or if your dependent requires assistance, your dependent’s name  
• Your current location including city, state and country  
• Where you are calling from (e.g. hotel/residence, hospital, physician’s office)  
• A phone number (e.g. at your hospital or hotel) where the emergency travel assistance provider can reach you and leave a message if necessary  
• Your UBC benefit plan contract number: 025205  
• Your UBC benefit plan member ID number: your seven-digit UBC employee ID number  
• A description of your situation and the care you require.  

Any invasive and investigative procedures (such as surgery or angiogram) must be pre-authorized by Allianz Global Assistance (GEM on or after July 1, 2023), except in extreme circumstances. If you don’t contact Allianz Global Assistance, your claim could be reduced or declined.  

Keep records of any out-of-pocket expenses for medical services or supplies. When you return home, you can submit a claim for reimbursement. Visit the Making a Claim page for detailed instructions on how to submit a claim. Coverage will be provided as per the provisions of the UBC out-of-province emergency medical coverage as per the extended health group benefits booklet for your UBC employee group.  

But most importantly, enjoy your trip!