The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Health and Dental Opt-out period at McMaster University begins on September 3 and ends on October 1 for the fall term.
All graduate students are required to have health and dental insurance, which the university automatically charges at the start of the academic year. The insurance plans include the GSA Health Insurance Plan, covering costs not reimbursed by UHIP (such as prescription drugs and certain vaccines), and the GSA Dental Insurance Plan, which covers at least 70% of dental costs like cleaning and repairs. International students must have UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan), while different groups of students (e.g., those with teaching or research assistantships, visiting students, Divinity college students) have specific insurance requirements.
Important details:
- New graduate students enrolling in May and international visiting students must self-enroll by contacting macgsa@mcmaster.ca during the Change-of-Coverage period, typically the first month of each term.
- Students can opt out of the GSA Health and Dental Insurance only if they already have equivalent coverage, such as through CUPE 3906 dental plans for TAs or RAs, employer-provided insurance for part-time students with full-time jobs, or family health plans.
- The Change-of-Coverage Period allows students to opt out or enroll their spouse and/or dependents in the insurance plans
- The fall term period runs from September 3 to October 1
- For more detailed information on coverage, enrollment, and opt-out procedures, visit the GSA Health and Dental page here
- Please also see the opt-out guide here
- If you have questions or need assistance, contact macgsa@mcmaster.ca