Health & Dental
Plan Guide

Your benefits, as described below, come into effect after any Provincial Health Care annual maximums have been exhausted. Unused benefits from a specified time frame cannot be utilized in a future period.

Covered charges are reasonable and customary expenses needed for medical care, services or supplies, and received while the person is eligible, for either an illness or injury that is non-occupational or related to pregnancy. No amount will be payable for taxes and/or shipping and handling fees for any covered service/product(s).

Charges for dental services by a licensed dentist for the repair of sound natural teeth (healthy, non- diseased and not heavily restored) are covered at 100%, up to $1,000 per student year, when required for a non-occupational accidental injury, external to the mouth, which occurs while the person is covered. No amount will be payable for injury caused by an object placed in or on the mouth, self- inflicted injury, or damage to existing dentures, crowns, or bridgework. Work performed outside of Canada may be considered, after submitted to any Medical or Travel insurances of which you are eligible.

Benefits shall be paid in accordance with the Alberta Suggested Fee Guide for General Practitioners, in effect at the time of treatment. Treatment must commence within 90 days following the date of the accident, and the care or services must be completed within one year from such date. No amount shall be payable for charges incurred after the termination date, or after the person’s coverage terminates.

When submitting a claim for accidental dental, you are required to submit a letter detailing when and how the accident happened. The attending dentist must confirm that the treatment is the result of an accident.

It is recommended that the dentist submit a predetermination outlining the course of treatment and the resulting cost. Eligible Accidental dental claims must first be submitted to the Health Care Plan. Once this benefit is exhausted, remaining expenses can then be considered under the Dental Care Plan.

This benefit is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada under Policy Number SG102526.

This coverage applies to the insured student only. The amount of the benefit is limited to the percentage shown in the Schedule of Losses. To see complete details of coverage, or to download your copy of the Accidental Death and Dismemberment Policy, please visit your Plan Member Portal nwpsa.drawbridge.ca.

When you register an account on your Plan Member Portal, you can visit the Document Centre to fill out the form. Send a scanned copy, or the original signed copy, to The PBAS Group. If a beneficiary is not designated, any payments will be made to your estate.

Charges for licensed ambulance services within Canada, in excess of the amount payable under the covered person’s Provincial Health Care Plan, are covered at 100%, up to $1,000 per student year.

The coverage includes the transport of the covered person from the place of debilitation to the nearest hospital where treatment is available, or from the first hospital to another for specialized treatment not available at the first hospital, or to a convalescent/ rehabilitation hospital. No amount will be paid for air ambulance, or for expenses outside of Canada.

Counselling services provided by a:

• Licensed Psychologist;
• Registered Social Worker/Master of Social Work;
• Licensed Professional Counsellor;
• Licensed Counselling Therapist; or,
• Psychotherapist;

are covered at 100%, up to $1,000 per student year, provided the counsellor is licensed under the appropriate provincial or federal organization to practice their profession, in accordance with the rules of their profession. No amount will be paid for group counselling, testing/assessments, or reports.

An educational assessment is eligible for coverage under your Plan at 100%, up to $500 every benefit year, when it is conducted by a licensed professional acting within the scope of their license and in accordance with the standards of their profession.

These assessments may address, but are not limited to, the following areas:
Learning disorders: difficulties related to reading, writing, or mathematics.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): issues with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Cognitive or intellectual disabilities: limitations in intellectual functioning.
Other conditions: mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, behavioural disorders, and cognitive difficulties.

A referral from a Medical Doctor or licensed counsellor is required when submitting a claim for an educational assessment.

One eye examination, by an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist, registered and legally practicing within the scope of their license, is covered at 100%, up to $100 every 24 months. No amounts will be paid for contact lens fitting fees or retinal photos.

Lenses and frames or contact lenses are covered at 100%, up to $200 per 24 months, when prescribed by an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Itemized invoices are required. Laser eye surgery in lieu of lenses and frames will also be covered, up to the benefit maximum. No amount will be paid for electronic components for smart glasses or non-prescription glasses, such as safety or sunglasses.

When purchasing glasses or contact lenses online, you are required to submit a copy of your current prescription with your claim.

Services provided by the following health practitioners are covered at 80%, up to $500 per practitioner type per student year, provided the practitioner is licensed by the appropriate provincial or federal organization to practice their profession in accordance with the rules of their profession:

• Acupuncturist
• Chiropractor
• Dietitian
• Massage Therapist (referral required)
• Naturopath consultations
• Occupational Therapist
• Osteopath
• Physiotherapist (referral required)
• Podiatrist/Chiropodist consultations
• Speech Therapist

If a referral is required, it must be current, and will be valid for one year after the date of issue.

If an x-ray is recommended by any of the above health practitioners, an additional $25 is covered towards this expense. No amount will be paid for any visit for which any amount is payable under the covered person’s Provincial Health Care Plan, unless permitted by law.

Charges for hearing aids, purchase or repairs, (excluding batteries), are covered at 100%, up to $400 every 60 months, when recommended by a certified, clinical audiologist.

Charges are covered for the rental or purchase of medical equipment based on the nature and severity of the covered person’s medical needs at 100%, up to $1,000 per student year, when recommended by a licensed medical doctor (M.D.). Before incurring any major expenses, it is recommended you submit details to The PBAS Group to determine to what extent benefits are payable.

Covered items include, but are not limited to:

• Wheelchairs (purchase, $1,000 per lifetime; repairs, $250 per lifetime);
• Respiratory Equipment including oxygen, CPAP/BPAP machines and supplies ($1,500 per lifetime);
• Contact lenses/glasses following cataract surgery (1 pair per lifetime);
• Canes, crutches, walkers, casts, splints, catheters, colostomy supplies;
• Compression stockings or garments (excluding athletic or general-use apparel) (two items or pairs per benefit year);
• Insulin pump and diabetic supplies not covered under the prescription drug benefit (infusions sets, cartridges, and continuous glucose monitors) ($1,000 per benefit year);
• Intra-uterine devices with no medicinal content (1 per student year);
• Custom-made rigid or semi-rigid braces (not for athletic use) for back, neck, arm or leg ($1,000 per lifetime, per condition);
• Non-dental prosthesis such as artificial limbs and eyes, including replacement if required because of a change in physical condition ($1,000 per lifetime, per condition);
• Wigs for a diagnosed medical condition or medical treatment resulting in full or partial hair loss ($1,000 per lifetime).

To qualify for reimbursement, medical equipment must be obtained through a licensed medical equipment supplier or a recognized, reputable retailer specializing in medical or healthcare products. Items purchased through third-party online marketplaces or non-verified vendors are not eligible.

Excluded items include those intended for athletic use; personal comfort or convenience items; fitness or wellness equipment; safety or environmental modifications; cosmetic, self-care or hygiene items; self-help or environmental control items; over-the-counter or non-prescription items; experimental or non-approved devices; duplicates or upgrades. Items with both medical and non-medical uses are not covered, such as, but not limited to: heating pads or light therapy devices, communication aids, air conditioners or cleaners, and whirlpool baths or saunas. Not all exclusions are listed. Medical supplies not listed in this booklet are subject to prior approval from the administrator.

In order to submit a claim for medical equipment, a letter (referral) will be required from a licensed medical doctor (M.D.) describing the nature of the disability, the type of equipment, medical need and estimated duration required.

Charges for custom-made orthopedic shoes (including repairs), arch supports, molds and orthotics, which have been specially designed and molded for the covered person, are covered at 70%, up to $250 per student year, when required to correct a diagnosed physical impairment and when recommended by a licensed medical doctor (M.D.) or Podiatrist/ Chiropodist.

Coverage does not include footwear that are primarily designed for non-therapeutic purposes, including athletic, recreational, or performance enhancement use, or for general comfort.

The plan covers a list of Health Canada approved prescription drugs, professionally compiled to address the needs of students at 80%, up to $3,000 per student year. The “Student Managed Drug Formulary” is designed to help reduce the cost of the plan while maintaining comprehensive quality care and benefits. Access to the drug formulary can be found at studentbenefits.ca, or your Plan Member portal nwpsa.drawbridge.ca.

Eligible drugs include those approved by Health Canada, and are within the following general categories:

• Eligible drugs that, by law, require a prescription for purchase; and,
• Compound mixtures where one of the ingredients is an eligible item.

Coverage is limited to the cost of the lowest priced equivalent item in the applicable generic category that can be legally used to fill your prescription. The plan covers up to a 34-day supply of therapeutic (acute) drugs and up to a 100-day supply for maintenance drugs, unless prior approval is obtained from The PBAS Group.

The plan is limited to one intra-uterine device (IUD) per student year. IUDs that do not contain medicinal content may be eligible for coverage under the Medical Equipment benefit.

It should be noted that drugs are only considered eligible if they were prescribed by a licensed medical doctor (M.D.), licensed dentist, or another professional authorized by provincial legislation to prescribe drugs, and dispensed by a registered pharmacist or licensed medical doctor (M.D.).

The only drugs not legally requiring a prescription that will be reimbursed if accompanied by an official prescription receipt from the pharmacist, are:

• Vaccines/serums (only if course requirement, authorization by school required);
• Diabetic supplies such as insulin, syringes, needles, diagnostic reagents for the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes, lancets, sensors and readers. Diabetic supplies not listed may be eligible for coverage under the Medical Equipment benefit.

Additionally, the Plan covers the following, without a prescription, up to the benefit maximum:

• Digital contraception apps (such as Natural Cycles);
• Rapid at-home STI testing kits (such as trusti).

Information about these providers can be found in the Plan Member Portal under Preferred Providers. A detailed invoice is required.

Specifically excluded from coverage, whether legally requiring a prescription or not, are:

• Allergy testing and all forms of allergen immunotherapy, including but not limited to allergy serums, extracts, injections, and sublingual tablets or drops;
• viscosupplementation, including all hyaluronic acid derivatives and similar intra-articular viscosupplement products;
• Cannabis and psychedelics;
• Dietary foods and supplements;
• Fertility drugs;
• Hair loss and hair growth agents;
• Household products such as, but not limited to, soap and toothpaste, prescription mouthwash;
• Oral drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction;
• Smoking cessation products;
• Anti-obesity drugs;
• Vitamins (other than injectable);
• Vaccinations, unless required for course of study.

This benefit is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada under Policy Number SG102526.

This benefit applies to the insured student only. If you become disabled while covered, and are confined at home or in a hospital for a minimum of 15 consecutive school days, you are eligible for the private tutorial services by a qualified teacher, up to $15 per hour, up to $1,000 per disability. The teacher must be approved in advance by the Students’ Association. Disabilities due to the same or related cause will be treated as one disability.

If the disability is the result of an accident, confinement must occur no later than 100 days after the accident. Disabled means that you cannot, because of illness or injury, engage in most of the standard activities a person of the same age or demographic.

The Wellness Benefit, up to $150 per benefit year, is a flexible benefit that can be used towards approved health or dental-related expenses that are outside your plan's coverage, or when you have reached your maximum of a covered benefit.

Covered expenses include items and services that contribute to your wellness, whether through physical activity, mental health, or overall lifestyle improvement.

Fitness & Physical Activity

• Gym and fitness memberships;
• Exercise classes (e.g., yoga, Pilates, spin, martial arts);
• Personal training services;
• Cosmetic Surgeon (medical or dental);
• Expenses from a specialist not covered by your - Provincial coverage;
• Health related items such as vitamins, menstrual products, supplements, etc.

Wellness Technology & Equipment

• Wearable fitness devices (e.g., smartwatches, activity trackers);
• Fitness and exercise equipment (e.g., weights, treadmills, bikes);
• Gaming systems and accessories that encourage movement, activity, or stress relief.

Mental Health & Well-being

• Counseling or therapy services (where not covered elsewhere);
• Meditation or mindfulness programs and apps;
• Stress management programs.

Recreation & Lifestyle

• Organized sports or league fees;
• Recreation programs or memberships;
• Hobby or activity-based purchases that support relaxation, creativity, or mental wellness.

A detailed receipt is required when submitting a claim. Cash or debit receipts are not accepted. The receipt must include:

• the claimants name;
• the date of service or purchase; and,
• a description of the items purchased.

Ineligible Expenses
While this benefit is flexible, some expenses are not eligible:

• Items without a clear wellness purpose or intended use;
• Primarily cosmetic or aesthetic services (unless otherwise noted);
• General day-to-day living expenses (e.g., groceries, rent, utilities);
• Fees not tied to participation (e.g., late fees, penalties);
• Expenses that have already been covered under another benefit plan;
• Fees charged by your school (gym, benefit plan fees, etc);
• Administrative, processing, shipping, or convenience fees;
• Expenses that do not clearly indicate that they were purchased for personal use.

When using this toward expenses that are not normally covered under your plan, we recommend that you contact the administrator to ensure that the expense is an approved expense. When dependants have been added to the Plan, this benefit is limited to $150 per family.

No amount will be paid for care, services or supplies:

• if the payment is prohibited by law;
• if the benefit is covered under any government plan or law;
• where no charge would have occurred in the absence of this coverage;
• for care, supplies, or treatment which is not medically required;
• for dental work, excluding Accidental Dental;
• for testing including, but not limited to, allergies, sleep studies, learning disabilities; or,
• for care or treatment that exceeds the normal care or treatment that is recognized as customary and common practice for an illness or injury, in accordance with current therapeutic practice
• medical supplies, services, or treatments not listed in this booklet, unless with pre-approval from the Administrator.

No amount will be paid for any charge incurred as a result of:

• war, whether declared or not;
• insurrection, rebellion or participation in a riot or civil commotion;
• purposely self-inflicted injury; or,
• the covered person’s commission of, or attempt to commit, an assault or a criminal offence.

Eligible dental expenses are covered when they are incurred while the person is insured and service is provided by a licensed dentist, dental hygienist, anesthetist, or specialist. The term “dentist” in this provision intends to include all of the above. If treatment is given by a specialist, the amount paid will be limited to the amount stated for that treatment in the Alberta Suggested Fee Guide for Dental Services provided by General Practitioners in effect at the time of treatment, as described below. Treatment by a specialist will only be covered if a comparable dental code exists in the General Practitioner Fee guide of the province of the Plan.

There is an overall dental maximum of $750 per student year, however certain items are specifically excluded and limits exist. Unused benefits from a specified time frame cannot be utilized in a future period. It is recommended to submit a predetermination to ensure you are covered for your procedure.

The Plan provides coverage for eligible diagnostic and preventative services, at  90%, included in the overall maximum.

Examinations - one exam per student year

• Initial or complete examinations
• Recall examinations
• Specific examinations
• Emergency examinations

X-rays

• Full mouth series x-rays (once every three years)
• Periapical x-rays (up to 16 films every three years)
• Bitewing x-rays (up to four films per student year)
• Panoramic x-rays (once every three years, over age 12)

Cavity Prevention

• Polishing or cleaning teeth (two units per student year)
• Recall scaling (four units per student year, combined with root planing)
• Oral hygiene instruction (covered once per student year)
• Space Maintainers (once per space in a student year, under age 14)

The Plan provides coverage for eligible restorative services, at  90%, included in the overall maximum.

Fillings
Sedative, silver or white fillings
Retentive Pins

The Plan provides coverage for eligible endodontic services at 90%, included in the overall maximum.

• Pulpotomy
• Root Canal (once per tooth)

The Plan provides coverage for eligible periodontic services at 90%, included in the overall maximum.

• Oral Disease
• Desensitization
• Gingival Curettage
• Gingivectomy
• Flap Surgery
• Tissue Graft
• Root Planing (four units per student year, combined with scaling)

The Plan provides coverage for eligible major restorative services at 90%, included in the overall maximum.

• Crowns
• Pins
• Posts

The Plan provides coverage for eligible oral surgery services at 90%, included in the overall maximum.

Minor

• Extractions, erupted teeth
• Residual root removal

Major

• Extractions surgical
• Alveoloplasty, gingivoplasty, stomatoplasty, vestibuloplasty
• Surgical excision
• Surgical incision
• Fractures
• Frenectomy
• Post surgical care

The Plan provides coverage for eligible anesthetic services at 90%, included in the overall maximum.

• Local anesthesia
• General anesthesia
• Deep sedation
• Inhalation technique
• Intravenous sedation

No amount will be reimbursed for the following expenses:

• bite plates, bridges, major restorative (unless listed), bleaching, orthodontic services;
• any anesthesia administered in a hospital;
• dental charges that could be claimed under Workers’ Compensation;
• dental charges not included in the current provincial fee guide for General Practitioners;
• cosmetic procedures, experimental treatment or testing;
• charges for appointments that are not kept;
• charges for the completion of claim forms;
• treatment to correct temporomandibular joint dysfunction of the jaw; -endodontic treatment that started before the effective date of coverage;
• dental appliances (unless listed);
• any orthognathic surgery (remodeling or reconstruction of your jaw);
• procedures or supplies used in vertical dimension corrections (changing the height of the teeth) or to correct attrition problems (worn down teeth); or,
• implanting fabricated teeth or any major surgery resulting from implanting fabricated teeth.

This benefit is provided by Orion, under group policy number SBA10001.

As part of the health plan, you and your eligible dependants are covered for hospital services, physicians, and other services for emergency treatment of an injury or illness while traveling outside of the province of Alberta, including international travel. The travel plan covers reasonable and customary charges, which are in excess of the provincial health-care allowance.

You’re covered for up to 90 days per trip, for an unlimited number of trips taken during the time you’re covered. The maximum coverage is $5,000,000 per trip.

When travel is required to complete a course of study, coverage can be extended to 365 days, following confirmation from your academic supervisor. Please contact the Students’ Association or The PBAS Group to obtain a 365-day Medical Assistance Travel Card. For complete details of coverage and/or to print your 90- day Medical Assistance Travel Card, visit nwpsa.drawbridge.ca.

From Canada and the US, call toll free: 1-888-997-0152
From anywhere else in the world, call collect: +1-519-251-0152

If calling is not possible, contact us via Chat:
SMS: 1-450-234-8044
WhatsApp: 1-888-657-7611
Webchat: orion.xodus.ca/assistance
Email: orionassistance@xodus.ca

If you have an emergency while traveling, you must contact Orion immediately before seeking medical treatment. If you are unable to contact Orion due to the nature of your emergency, you must have someone else call on your behalf, or you must call as soon as medically possible. Orion is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In a life threatening emergency situation, call 911 or the local emergency number.