We believe that at this moment, everyone is aware of the necessary measures to avoid spreading the COVID-19. But since our students’ well-being is our primary priority, we are sharing GUARD.ME message to all the international students that currently live in Canada as well as for those who already have their study permit approved. Please read the text below thoughtfully and contact your student advisor in case of doubts.
Important Information For Insured Students In Canada
It is very important for you to know that if your policy is valid, you are covered for all new and emergent conditions and medically necessary treatment, including COVID-19. You can check the dates of your coverage on your guard.me ID Card.
Coverage for COVID-19 does not include costs associated with self-isolation or a mandated quarantine. Private accommodation and day-to-day expenses (food and non-emergency transportation) are not eligible for reimbursement. Only new and emergent conditions and medically necessary treatments are eligible. This includes private-duty care by a qualified nurse if it is medically necessary and prescribed by a certified health professional.
If your policy is going to expire, please contact your academic institution and request an extension. guard.me will extend your current policy at the same daily rate.
If you arrived early and are waiting for classes to start, you may be eligible to purchase early arrival insurance via your academic institution’s micro-site or you can email admin@guard.me to arrange coverage.
How Can I Avoid Getting Sick?
COVID-19 is a contagious virus that can be easily transferred from one person to another. You can’t always tell when a person is sick, that is why it is important to take precautions and practice social-distancing.
Many restrictions are already in place to slow the spread of the virus. By following the instructions of the health authorities in your area, you can play an important role in reducing the impact of the virus and protecting yourself and vulnerable people.
· Always maintain a distance of 2 metres or more between people, avoid crowds, and avoid activities or modes of transportation that expose you to many people. Stay indoors whenever possible.
· Avoid shaking hands and avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, eyes, and nose.
· Wash your hands at regular intervals using soap and warm water. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer immediately after coming into contact with common surfaces such as door handles or stair rails, or before preparing or eating food.
· Practice safe-coughing and sneezing etiquette: cough or sneeze into your elbow, or use a tissue, then dispose of it and wash your hands using soap and warm water.
What Should I Do If I Feel Sick?
COVID-19 symptoms are as follows:
· Fever
· Cough
· Difficulty breathing
· Sore throat
· Sneezing
If you have these symptoms and have:
· Recently been travelling or living abroad
· If you had direct contact with animals (for example, if you visited a live animal market)
· If you had close contact with a sick person, especially if they had a fever, cough or difficulty breathing
It is important that you do not go to a clinic or Hospital Emergency Room if you have these symptoms. Many provinces in Canada have established tele-health hotlines – see provincial links below for details on numbers to call and resources available to you in your province. After you have checked your province’s resources and recommendations, you may also use your guard.me ID card to access an online or telephone consultation with a doctor who can assess your symptoms through www.guard.me/mobiledoctor.
Should I Return To My Home Country?
The risk of travelling may outweigh the advantages of going home. We recommend that you consult with advisors at your academic institution before you reach a decision. Remember, things are changing rapidly and you may or may not be able to leave Canada or you may not be able to enter your home country.
It is very important to understand that your guard.me policy has a “home country exclusion”. What this means is that your guard.me policy does not cover you for medical expenses in your home country. You will not be eligible to make claims or seek re-imbursements for expenses incurred in your home country.
Important Resources To Consider
There are many sources of credible information available. It is important to make sure that the information you are accessing is accurate. Please think carefully about the reliability of news sources that you encounter.
Provincial Health Advisories (click on your province of study below):
· British Columbia
· Alberta
· Saskatchewan
· Manitoba
· Ontario
· Quebec
· New Brunswick
· Prince Edward Island
· Nova Scotia
· Newfoundland and Labrador
· Northwest Territories
· Yukon
· Nunavut
Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories:
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
Government of Canada Facts about COVID-19:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/know-facts-about-coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
General Information And Claims-Related Assistance
For general information about your policy and COVID‑19 call: 1‑905‑752‑6200 or toll‑free 1‑877‑873‑8447.
For claims inquires, use the Claim Assist line: 1‑888‑756‑8428 or email at: customercare@guard.me.
For up-to-date bulletins and answers to frequently-asked questions on COVID-19 and your insurance,
visit www.guard.me or your institution’s guard.me website.
