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 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 related to incidents that occurred on or before March 31, 2026 should be submitted through Beneva. Contact benefits@dal.ca for assistance.
- Claims related to incidents that occurred on or after April 1, 2026 are covered by Medavie Blue Cross.
Medavie Blue Coss travel coverage booklets are available below by employee group.
Travel Coverage Booklets
- Faculty and Senior Administration [PDF]
- All Other Regular/Active Employees [PDF]
- Grant Paid and Associated Employees [PDF]
Additional Resources
Flight Delay Services
To access Flight Delay Services, register your flight at least 24 hours before its scheduled departure.
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.
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 outside your Province of Residence. If you will be outside your Province of Residence for more than 180 days, contact Employee Benefits before departure to discuss any coverage implications.
Approved Sabbatical Leaves: Faculty members on an approved sabbatical who will be away for more than 180 days must contact Employee Benefits at least 60 days before departure to request insurer approval for an extension of emergency travel coverage. Confirmation that government health coverage will remain in force will be required as part of the review process.
Travel Coverage Extensions: Except for approved sabbatical leaves that receive insurer approval, extensions of emergency travel coverage beyond 180 days are not available.
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.
Long-Term Disability: In the event of an approved long-term disability claim, a return to Canada may be required to satisfy the insurer's care and treatment requirements. Any such requirements would be communicated by the claim manager.
Travel Exclusions
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.