Travel Coverage
Benefits coverage when travelling
Travel coverage is applicable to employees (in certain employee groups) who are enrolled in Dalhousie University’s health plan. For clarification, please refer to your benefit package or contact Employee Benefits at benefits@dal.ca to confirm your enrolment in coverage. Travel coverage is applicable to all eligible dependants listed under your health coverage with Dalhousie University.
If you are a Postdoctoral Fellow, please visit Postdoctoral Fellow travel information.
Change to Travel Insurance Provider
Dalhousie University changed its emergency medical travel insurance provider to Medavie Blue Cross, effective April 1, 2026.
- Claims incurred on or before March 31, 2026, will continue to be covered by Beneva. Contact benefits@dal.ca if you have a claim to submit for this period, and we will provide next steps and the required claim form.
- Claims incurred on or after April 1, 2026 will be covered by Medavie Blue Cross.
Updated Medavie Blue Coss travel coverage booklets are now available by employee group below.
Travel Coverage Booklets
- Faculty and Senior Administration [PDF]
- All Other Regular/Active Employees [PDF]
- Grant Paid and Associated Employees [PDF]
Additional Resources
- Medavie Blue Cross Travel FAQ [PDF]
- Active Travel Coverage - Benefit-at-a-Glance [PDF]
- Flight Delay Service FAQ [PDF]
- Flight Delay Service Flyer [PDF]
If you experience a medical emergency while travelling contact Worldwide Travel Assistance immediately:
- 1-800-563-4444 (toll free from Canada and the U.S.)
- 1-506-854-2222 (collect from outside Canada/U.S.)
Members should contact Worldwide Travel Assistance as soon as possible and before seeking treatment whenever feasible, to ensure services are coordinated and eligible.
International Travel
When travelling employees should note there are exclusions that apply under the benefit policies pertaining to war, civil commotion, riot and insurrection. For information regarding these exclusions please contact Employee Benefits.
Visit Travel Notices, the Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice to help you make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada.
International Travel Framework
Employees are advised to review the International Travel Framework [login required], which includes important information about the university's International Travel Policy and details about Dalhousie's partnership with International SOS that provides 24/7 guidance and support to faculty, staff, and students before and during international travel. If you have questions about the policy or International SOS, please contact Karin McLay, Office of Vice President, Strategic Engagement, karin.mclay@dal.ca.
Travelling Out of Country for more than 180 days
If you plan to travel outside of Canada for more than 180 days, you are required to contact Nova Scotia MSI because you may be eligible for an extension of MSI coverage. Please contact benefits@dal.ca if your MSI coverage ends as your participation in the group health and dental plan is dependant on having active provincial health coverage.
Please note: travel coverage is limited to the first 180 days of a trip. If you are taking an approved Sabbatical leave out of country for a period of more than 180 days, please contact benefits@dal.ca as a travel coverage extension may be possible but more information will be required before this can be determined. Travel extensions are not possible in other situations.