Purcell Collegiate School will ensure medical coverage on the student’s behalf provided that the student has a valid Study Permit, a Letter of Acceptance has been issued and the student has paid the required fees to attend Purcell Collegiate School.

Purcell Collegiate School has partnered with StudentVIP to provide international students comprehensive care during their time at PCS. Our Health & Wellness Plan offers a full circle of care by intertwining medical benefits and health care services that offer a proactive approach to health, wellness, and safety.

The Purcell Collegiate medical program includes inclusive insurance and expanding into mental health services, on-site virtual health clinic for medical care and 24/7 emergency assistance.

Quick Facts About Medical Coverage
Medical & Wellness Program Brochure

Health Insurance

The coverage for medical care, prescription medication, dental, travel and accidents is extensive.

Medical Benefits

Medical care coverage involves expenses such as doctors’ visits, hospital visits, surgery, x-rays, and lab tests. The plan has no pre-existing condition clause, so this means, we provide coverage for injuries or illnesses from the time you arrive in Canada.

Prescription Benefits

Coverage is there for prescription medication, asthma supplies and diabetic supplies. Prescriptions can be delivered directly to the boarding campus.

Dental Benefits

Coverage is in place for routine exams, cleanings, x-rays, extractions and for accidents.

Mental Health Care

Through a special program called, I.M. Well, students will be able to access on-demand counselling if they need support. The counselling service is available in over 200 languages and can be accessed by telephone or live-chat, 24/7. Students who may be in crisis or who just need to talk can use I.M. Well at no cost. Students can find support for personal, social, academic needs such as anxiety, stress, adjustment, home sickness, and culture shock.

Virtual Health Clinic

In addition to being able to access a medical clinic in our community, students also have access to the Virtual Health Clinic directly from the boarding campus. The Virtual Health Clinic offers unlimited visits with a Canadian Clinician 24/7 at no cost. A Clinician can support a student through video on a phone, laptop, or tablet. This means, the clinic uses a state-of-the-art device that conducts an exam remotely. The device allows the Clinician to conduct an exam virtually for the ear, throat, lungs, heart and check temperature and blood pressure.

The Clinicians can diagnose, prescribe medication, refill medication, refer to a specialist and refer for lab work or x-rays.

Health Insurance B.C. – Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Student VIP is the insurance coverage provider and has an extensive insurance plan for our students, covering the students during the three month waiting period for MSP coverage as well as during the rest of their study program with additional coverage beyond the MSP. Students whose study permit is less than six months will be covered under the Student VIP medical insurance for the full duration of their program.

MSP covers international students with study permits of six months or longer after a three-month waiting period. MSP coverage is required by law in B.C. for all B.C. residents. In order to activate this coverage, the international student must provide their current Study Permit to the International Education office upon arrival in B.C.

At the end of the waiting period, MSP will mail a Care Card to the student. Once the student has a Care Card number, he or she will receive medical services in the same manner as all British Columbians.

Each Care Card has an expiry date which is usually the same expiration date as the Study Permit. Purcell Collegiate and their medical provider, Student VIP will assist with this process.

To renew their MSP coverage, students must provide the International Education office with a copy of the renewed Study Permit. MSP benefits will end if coverage is not renewed. Students must ensure that they provide the International Education department with their current study permit while they remain in the program.

After arrival at Purcell Collegiate School, students will receive confirmation of their insurance coverage with an ID card, Policy, and Claim Form.

Students should keep their ID card with them at all times in case of illness or injury in order to be able to visit a doctor. Some medical clinics bill Student VIP Insurance directly. In some cases, direct billing is not available.

Therefore, the student must pay the clinic directly and collect a receipt including the clinic’s stamp and signature. The student can submit claims for reimbursement electronically or by mail. If the student is hospitalized, the student or hospital should contact Student VIP Insurance immediately at the numbers listed on the reverse of their ID card (24-hour Emergency Procedures).

Should you have any questions about medical insurance, please contact us at info@purcellcollegiate.ca

End of Medical Insurance Coverage

When the student ceases to be part of the International Program, insurance benefits become the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian. If a student’s study permit duration is longer than their program with Purcell Collegiate School, the student must notify MSP of their intent to leave Canada or pay their international student medical fees directly to Health Insurance BC.