“I Have a Plan” is a health coverage plan established by students for students, with coverage that typically costs less than a parent or employee plan. The coverage is specifically designed for students but most health plans through a students’ parent, employer, or spouse will have more benefits. It is important to read over the benefits you have now and what your school’s coverage provides in order to decide if you should opt out of “I Have a Plan”.

Universities automatically put the $198 “I Have a Plan” coverage in your tuition for the full year (September 1 – August 31).  If you started school in September, the Change-of-Coverage Period was from the end of August to the end of September. However, if you are a new student starting in January, the Change-of-Coverage Period is from the end of December to the end of January.

Many students are already covered by an equivalent health and/or dental plan from either their parent or spouse’s employee benefit plan, a plan provided by their band council, or through Health Canada.  In this case, the student will need to go to ihaveaplan.ca and opt out of the health and dental plan provided through their university.

In order to opt out of the “I Have a Plan” coverage, you need to opt out directly online (ihaveaplan.ca) with proof of coverage. Each year you are expected to opt out but you will not have to re-submit your coverage unless it has changed from the previous year.