Post‑Doctoral Fellows Travel Coverage
Travel Notices
Benefits coverage when travelling
Postdoctoral fellows enrolled in Dalhousie University's health plan, along with their eligible covered dependants, have travel coverage through the Medavie Blue Cross Worldwide Travel Benefit. This coverage forms part of the group health plan for postdoctoral fellows. Details of coverage are available below.
Travel Resources
Active Post Doctoral Fellows:
Worldwide Travel Benefit |
||
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Hospital and Medical Travel | % Co-Insurance100% |
Maximum$2,000,000/Participant per incident*; limited to the first 180 days of a Trip if under age 75, limited to the first 60 days of a Trip if over age 75** |
Your travel card is your Medavie Blue Cross health card. Your policy number and member ID are shown on your Medavie Blue Cross health card.
Travel coverage details are outlined in the health brochure. A summary of travel coverage can be found on page 12 and detailed coverage information begins on page 25.
Flight Delay Services
To access Flight Delay Services, register your flight at least 24 hours before its scheduled departure.
Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for participants who require medical assistance or general assistance while travelling. The assistance provider can be reached using the numbers below:
- Canada and the U.S. 1-800-563-4444
- From anywhere else 1-506-854-2222 (collect)
Travel Exclusions
Before travelling, employees should review the coverage information outlined in the brochure above as there are exclusions that apply under the policy pertaining to war, civil commotion, riot and insurrection. Two noteworthy provisions are highlighted below:
Exclusion for pre-existing conditions: Coverage is for sudden and unexpected illness or injury that requires immediate medical treatment only. The policy excludes any expenses related to pre-existing medical conditions that are part of an established treatment plan prior to the Trip.
Exclusion for level 3 and 4 travel advisories: If, prior to the Trip departure date, the Government of Canada issues a level 3 or 4 travel advisory for a country or region, any expenses related to the travel advisory will not be covered. Expenses non-related to the travel advisory will be covered as usual.
For further information regarding these exclusions please contact Employee Benefits.
Travelling Outside Your Province of Residence
If you are planning extended travel or relocation outside your Province of Residence, Employee Benefits should be notified before departure. This allows us to review any coverage considerations, policy requirements, or insurer notifications that may apply. Key considerations include:
Government Health Coverage: You must maintain active government health insurance (e.g., MSI) or equivalent coverage for yourself and any covered dependants while outside your Province of Residence. Eligibility for group health, dental, and travel coverage is dependent on maintaining active government health coverage.
Emergency Medical Travel Coverage: Emergency medical travel coverage is limited to the first 180 days of a trip for those under age 75, and the first 60 days of a trip if over age 75. Travel coverage extensions are not possible. If you will be outside your Province of Residence for more than the maximum period outlined, contact Employee Benefits before departure to discuss any coverage implications.
Non-Emergency Health and Dental Claims: Submission of non-emergency claims (such as maintenance medications and routine dental services) while outside Canada may be restricted under the terms of the plan. Employees should address non-urgent health and dental needs before departure where possible. Questions regarding coverage for non-emergency services while outside Canada can be directed to Medavie Blue Cross at 1-800-667-4511.