For many students at Brandon University, navigating health and dental coverage can be confusing. Misconceptions about who provides what coverage and how to access benefits often lead to frustration and unexpected expenses. Charles, the President of the Brandon University Student Union (BUSU), and Kesha, Vice President Engagement, recently clarified how the BUSU Health and Dental Plan works and addressed common student concerns.
The Difference Between BUSU’s Plan and the International Student Plan
One of the biggest sources of confusion comes from the distinction between BUSU’s health and dental plan and the MISHP plan, which is managed by the Office of International Activities.
“A lot of students, especially international students, mistakenly think the BUSU plan is the same as the one provided by the Office of International Activities,” Charles explained. “So they go to a dental office, present the wrong card, and then their claim doesn’t go through.”
The BUSU Health and Dental Plan is separate from MISHP, and each plan has its own coverage and procedures. Students need to be aware of which plan they are enrolled in to avoid unnecessary costs.
How the BUSU Health and Dental Plan Works
Every full-time student at Brandon University is automatically enrolled in the BUSU Health and Dental Plan. This means that, unless they choose to opt-out (if they have alternative coverage), they will be covered for a range of health and dental services.
“If you’re a full-time student, you’re automatically opted in,” Kesha said. “You just have to go into your account and download your health card.”
The process is straightforward: students can visit BUSU’s website, where they’ll find a link directing them to the Student VIP website. This is the platform that officially manages the health and dental plan.
Once on Student VIP, students can access their insurance card, review coverage details, and submit claims.
Submitting Claims and Getting Reimbursed
A common issue students face is when a healthcare provider does not process direct billing through BUSU’s plan. In such cases, students must pay for their services upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
“There’s a Blue Cross app where you can make claims and get your money back,” Charles explained.
For example, if a student pays for prescription medication but their insurance doesn’t go through at the pharmacy, they can upload the receipt and relevant details through the Blue Cross app to receive reimbursement.
Opting Out of the Plan
For students who already have health and dental insurance through another provider (such as a parent’s plan or personal coverage), there is an option to opt out of BUSU’s plan. However, this must be done before the opt-out deadline, which is outlined on BUSU’s website.
“If you have other insurance elsewhere, you can opt out, but you need to do it before the opt-out date,” Kesha emphasized.
Where to Get Help
For students who still have questions about their coverage, the best resource is the BUSU Office.
“There’s always one of us there,” Charles assured. “If we’re not, you can always email any one of us.”
By providing clarity on the BUSU Health and Dental Plan, Charles and Kesha hope to make student healthcare more accessible and reduce unnecessary confusion. With automatic enrollment, an easy online claims system, and the option to opt out, the plan is designed to ensure students can access the healthcare they need while studying at Brandon University.