Student insurance and benefits
Get the coverage and support you need while you study. Your health and well-being are important to your success as a student. Georgian College students have access to health and dental insurance coverage designed to support their physical and mental wellness throughout their academic journey.
Whether you need information about your coverage, help submitting a claim, access to virtual health-care services or support navigating your benefits, you’ll find the resources you need here.
What’s changing in fall 2026?
Georgian College is transitioning to GuardMe as the insurance provider for both domestic and international students.
This change creates a more streamlined experience by bringing student insurance services under a single provider. Students will benefit from easier access to information, consistent support across campuses, 24/7 Digital Doctor virtual care and a dedicated on-campus Benefits Plan Office.
Students will continue to be automatically enrolled through existing processes, and coverage will remain tailored to the needs of domestic and international students. Transition planning is designed to ensure continuous coverage with no disruption to service.
If you are inquiring about your current plan (active until Aug. 31, 2026), please see Gallivan for questions about myStudentPlan for non-emergency services, and GuardMe for questions about emergency international student insurance.
Your policy number is 163391. Your employee identification number is your nine-digit student number.
You can find more information about your benefits on the MyStudentPlan website.
- Email: georgianplan@mystudentplan.ca
- Phone: 1.877.746.5566
You can find more information about your benefits on the GuardMe website.
- Email: customercare@guard.me
- Phone: 1.888.756.8428
Insurance plans
Georgian offers different insurance coverage for domestic and international students. While plans vary based on student needs, all students have access to support, resources and services designed to help them stay healthy and succeed during their studies.
GuardMe Extended Health
Eligible domestic students are automatically enrolled in the GuardMe Extended Heath plan through existing registration processes.
Coverage is designed to help support everyday health and wellness needs and may include services such as:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Extended health benefits
- Mental health supports
- Digital Doctor (see details below)
Domestic students who have comparable coverage through another provider may be eligible to opt out during the designated opt-out period.
GuardMe Enhanced
International students are automatically enrolled in the GuardMe Enhanced plan that helps meet the needs of students studying in Canada.
Coverage may include:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital services
- Dental and vision care
- Mental health supports
- Additional health and wellness resources
- Digital Doctor (see details below)
International students can also access information about coverage requirements, dependents and health-care services available while studying in Canada.
Important dates and deadlines
Managing your insurance benefits starts with knowing key dates throughout the semester. Coverage dates vary based on your semester and enrolment status. Current coverage periods and eligibility information can be found through your insurance portal.
Important deadlines for each semester will be posted here and updated throughout the year.
| Semester | Coverage begins | Opt-in/opt-out period | Coverage ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | September 1, 2026 | Tuesday, Sept. 1 to Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 | August 31, 2027 |
| Winter 2027 | January 1, 2027 | Only for students starting their first semester in Winter: Friday, Jan. 1 to Sunday, Jan. 31, 2027 | August 31, 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | May 1, 2027 | Only for students starting their first semester in Summer: Saturday, May 1 to Monday, May 31, 2027 | August 31, 2027 |
What is Digital Doctor?
All students enrolled in the student benefits plans have access to Digital Doctor. Students can receive medical advice, prescriptions, referrals and follow-up care. Digital Doctor, a virtual health-care service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can support a range of physical and mental health concerns and help students access care quickly without needing to visit a clinic for many common health needs.
Students can receive:
- Medical advice
- Prescriptions
- Referrals
- Follow-up care
Connect with Canadian-licensed health-care professionals by phone, video or chat from anywhere in Canada.
On-campus insurance support
Students have access to a dedicated GuardMe Benefits Plan Office located within the GCSA office at the Barrie Campus.
The office will serve as a central support hub for students enrolled in the insurance plan and can help with:
- Claims questions
- Coverage information
- Understanding benefits
- Accessing health-care services
- Claims questions
- Navigating insurance processes
Students studying at Orangeville, Owen Sound and Midland campuses can receive support through their local GCSA offices and connect with the Benefits Plan Office for additional assistance. GuardMe representatives will also visit campuses throughout the academic year.
GuardMe Student Support Program
The GuardMe Student Support Program (SSP) provides students with real-time and scheduled access to counsellors 24/7 from anywhere in the world. More information to come.
Frequently asked questions
Students will receive important updates about their insurance coverage through their student email account from GuardMe throughout the academic year.
No. Students will continue to be automatically enrolled through existing registration processes.
Coverage will remain comprehensive and appropriate for each student group. Domestic and international students will continue to have plans designed to meet their specific needs.
Students can expect insurance fees to remain consistent with the 2025-26 academic year. The new agreement is designed to help keep costs predictable while continuing to provide comprehensive coverage and support services.
Both the Extended Health Care Benefits (domestic students) and Enhanced benefits (International students) fees can be found on the ancillary fees page.
Domestic students who meet eligibility requirements and have comparable coverage may be eligible to opt out during the designated opt-out period.
If you’ve previously opted out of your student insurance plan with GuardMe, you do not need to opt out again. Your opt out status will continue from year to year. If you’re new to GuardMe, you’ll need to submit an opt-out request during the designated opt-out period.
Eligible students may be able to add dependents during the opt-in/opt-out period. Details and instructions will be provided through the insurance portal.
Once your coverage becomes active, you can access your insurance card through the GuardMe portal. Keep a digital copy on your mobile device or download a copy for future reference when accessing covered services.
Students can contact the Benefits Plan Office, visit their local GCSA office or contact GuardMe directly for 24/7, multi-lingual support with coverage, claims and general questions.
Can I opt-in if I’m studying with a reduced course load?
Students that are registered with Accessibility Services that have persistent or prolonged, or permanent disability and are taking a part-time course load (between 40-66% course load) may be eligible to opt in to the student health and dental plans. Please contact the GCSA Student Benefits Plan office for further detail prior to the applicable deadline for your semester period of enrolment.
Get insurance support
Need help understanding your coverage, submitting a claim, accessing your benefits or finding the right support service? Assistance is available online, in person, or by email or phone.
GuardMe Student Benefits Office
Barrie Campus, Room A163
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Services: coverage questions, claims support, benefit navigation, help accessing Digital Doctor
- Email: georgian@guard.me
- Phone: 905.752.6212
GuardMe Online Support
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services: policy overview, coverage questions, claim status
- Email: customercare@guard.me
- Phone: 905.752.6200