EXCESS MEDICAL INSURANCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is there a $500 deductible?
No, the plan does not have a deductible. For non-emergency claims (i.e. visit to
physician or client for minor expenses) anything under $500 is typically paid for by the
insured and receipts are submitted with a claim form for reimbursement upon his/her
return.
2. Who do we call with General Inquiries?
General inquiries with respect to policy provisions should be directed to the Human
Resources Department or directly to the SSQ office in Dartmouth (1-800-848-0158).
3. When do I call for SSQ Assistance?
In the event of an emergency, SSQ should be contacted immediately. You may also
contact SSQ prior to travel for information on passports, visas, required vaccinations
and any restrictions that apply to the country you are visiting.
1-866-783-9473
(toll free from U.S.A. and Canada)
1-514-285-8195
(from outside USA and Canada, call collect via operator)
4. I called Blue Cross – why did they refer me to SSQ?
Blue Cross is the provider of your Group Medical Plan. SSQ is the provider of your
travel coverage.
5. Are my dependents eligible for travel coverage?
Family coverage is available. For confirmation as to whether you have Single or Family
coverage, please contact the Human Resources Department.
6. Is there a Pre-Existing Conditions clause?
If you are an Active employee, a pre-existing condition exclusion does not apply to your
travel coverage.
For retired employees, the following exclusion applies:
“Any condition for which the individual received medical advice, consultation or
treatment within six months prior to the commencement of a trip, with the exception of a
Chronic Condition which is under treatment and Stabilized by the regular use of
prescribed medication”.
Please refer to the booklet wording for specific definitions with respect to Chronic
Condition and Stabilized.
7. Where do I submit my claim?
All claims should be submitted to the Montreal claims office (address on claim form).
8. Do I need to submit receipts to my provincial plan before submitting to SSQ?
No, please send claims directly to SSQ who will do any coordination required with the
provincial plan.
9. I need a new SSQ Travel Card.
Please contact the Human Resources Department. A PDF of the card is also available
on the University website.
10. Can we laminate our SSQ Card?
Absolutely!
11. Cuba has new restrictions for travel insurance – what information is required?
If you are travelling to Cuba, please be advised that all visitors to Cuba, including
Cubans living abroad, are required to have travel health insurance in order to enter the
country. All visitors will have to provide proof of travel health insurance from providers
approved by Cuban authorities. Travelers who do not have coverage will be able to
purchase coverage directly from Cuban vendors at the point of entry. SSQ is on the list
of insurers approved by the Cuban government. Consequently, it is recommended that
you have the following documents at hand upon arrival:
- International Travel Assistance Card
- Group Insurance booklet, explaining the details of plan coverage
- Provincial Health Card