Student Health Insurance Opt-Out

Health insurance is mandatory for all CBU students.

Canadian Students

All Canadian students enrolled in at least 9 credits at Cape Breton University by the add/drop date of the current semester, and are paying Students’ Union fees, will be automatically enrolled in the CBU Students’ Union’s Campus Trust health and dental plans.  

CBU Students outdoor

CANADIAN STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE

Important Information

CANADIAN HEALTH INSURANCE OPT-OUT

Between July 22- Sept 14, 2026

Opt-Out Process

Students who have their own coverage through an employer,  parent or are sponsored by an Indigenous Band Council are eligible to opt-out of the CBUSU plan. Students must opt out between July 22 – September 14, 2026. Students will not be able to opt-out before Wednesday, July 22nd 2026.

Students who do not opt out before the deadline will be charged for both plans. 

To Opt Out:

  • Visit  cbusu.drawbridge.ca
  • Select the “Register to Opt-Out” option from the menu on the left side of the page
  • Fill out the personal information requested on the form and attach your proof of coverage. This can be a photo of your insurance card, letter from insurance company or a Band Card.
    • Your name must be listed on the card/document to be accepted as proof of coverage.
  • Complete all information requested and be sure to use your CBU email.
  • Once you have submitted your form click “Visit Portal” at the bottom of your page and it will load a screen showing your opt-out is complete. You will receive an email confirmation as well.
  • You will be taken to a page that confirms your opt-out.
    • We encourage you to take a screenshot for your records. In the event that you do not receive a confirmation email or are charged, this screenshot will provide your opt-out proof.

Questions?

If you do not receive the confirmation email or your account is charged incorrectly, please contact Dawn MacDougall at dawn_macdougall@cbu.ca or 902-563-1477. 

International Students

Healthcare in Canada is not free. As an international student at CBU, you have been automatically enrolled in Guard.Me’s international health insurance plan. There are two plans available for International students. Plan A is for students who do not have a Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI card) and Plan B is for students who do have a Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI card). International students eligible for Plan B may opt-out of Plan A.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE

Important Information
Students

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE OPT-OUT

Between Sept 2- Sept 14, 2026

Plan A (Students Without MSI Card)

Plan A is mandatory for all international students who do not have a Nova Scotia Government Health Insurance (MSI) card.

  • Students will automatically be enrolled in this plan.

Plan B (Students With MSI Card)

Plan B is for students who have a valid MSI card for the entire policy term (September 1 – August 31).
Students eligible for Plan B may choose to opt out of Plan A and remain only in Plan B.

  • International students who have a Nova Scotia Government health insurance (MSI) card, valid from September 1 to August 31, have the option to opt-out from Plan A and remain only in Plan B. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Students may have the option to extend their MSI card if it is not valid for the time period outlined above.
  • Note: New international students beginning their studies in January and May are not eligible for Plan B and must remain in Plan A.

Opt-Out Process

Students eligible for Plan B must go to https://sites.guard.me/cbu and opt-out of Plan A between September 2nd and 14th. The Guard.Me portal is the only way students can opt out of Plan A and remain only in Plan B.

Questions?

Students with any questions can visit the Advising Centre to speak to an International Student Advisor or review the International Student Frequently Asked Questions.

 

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