Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What should I do if I have a medical emergency?
- Do I have to call before going to the hospital?
- What do I do when I need to see a doctor?
- Where is the closest clinic/doctor in my area?
- How do I submit a claim?
- What do I require when I go to a Canadian health care provider?
- How are claims reimbursed by Cowan?
- What if I am asked to pay for medical services up front?
- What should I do if I am having problems finding a physician who is accepting new patients?
- Can I apply for dependents coverage? What is the Cost?
- What if I suffer a serious accident while covered as a registered student?
- Am I covered for Out of Country travel while registered as a student?
- I lost my Cowan I.D. card; can I get a new one?
- After Graduation - I have graduated and would like to stay in Canada. Am I eligible to continue my coverage?
1. What should I do if I have a medical emergency?
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department to seek treatment.
Contact Cowan as soon as possible at 1-888-509-7797 and have one of your friends contact your student advisor.
Cowan will help you to:
- Verify your eligibility for coverage with the hospital/doctor.
- Coordinate payments with doctors and/or hospitals.
- If necessary Manulife will assign a case management worker to assist with your recovery.
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2. Do I have to call before going to the hospital?
If it is a medical emergency, proceed directly to the hospital. If you are admitted over night, please contact Cowan as soon as possible.
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3. What do I do when I need to see a doctor?
Go to your family doctor or any walk-in clinic and present your Cowan I.D. card.
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4. Where is the closest clinic/doctor in my area?
There are two links posted on the www.ismplan.com website which may help; Cowan’s Preferred Provider Search Engine or Doctor Search. You can also call the nearest hospital and ask if they know of any doctors taking new patients.
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5. How do I submit a claim?
As a general rule, claims will be paid by Cowan directly to the hospital or clinic. If you have paid for a medical service or prescription drug you will need to complete a claim form, providing all of the required information and original receipts. Please note that Section 5 of the form must be completed by the physician or hospital.
Send completed claim forms and original receipts to:
Cowan
1420 Blair Place
Suite #700
Ottawa, ON
K1J 9L8
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6. What do I require when I go to a Canadian health care provider?
You should always bring your Cowan’s I.D. health card and a claim form with you when you seek any type of service from a healthcare provider. Ask the provider before services are rendered if they can bill Cowan directly. If the provider has not yet billed Cowan directly, you can ask them to contact Cowan at 1-888-509-7797 to set up direct billing.
If the provider does not wish to bill Cowan directly, you will be responsible for paying the invoice and submitting a claim form and original receipts to Cowan. In all cases, ask the provider to fill out section 4 of the claim form before you leave the health care provider’s office and be sure to obtain a receipt for services rendered.
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7. How are claims reimbursed by Cowan?
The hospital, doctor or clinic may electronically submit the claim via Cowan’s E-claims system and reimbursement will be paid directly to him/her. If they are interested in this option, please direct them to www.eclaimservices.com to register.
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8. What if I am asked to pay for medical services up front?
Most hospitals will accept Cowan's I.D. card and are included in Cowan’s Preferred Provider network. If for some reason the Cowan I.D. card is not accepted have the hospital call 1-888-509-7797.
If your doctor will not accept the Cowan's ID. card you can pay them directly and submit a claim to Cowan for reimbursement. Please refer to How do I submit a claim?
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9. What should I do if I am having problems finding a physician who is accepting new patients?
Students are recommended to first proceed for medical attention to the on-campus medical clinic if available.
There are two links posted on this site which may help; Cowan’s Preferred Provider Search Engine or Doctor Search. You can also call the nearest hospital and ask if they know of any doctors taking new patients.
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10. Can I apply for dependents coverage? What is the Cost?
You can cover dependents living with you through the International Student Medical Plan coverage as long as you are enrolled as a registered full-time student. You will be required to pay an additional premium based on the number of months coverage required. See your International Student Advisor for information and rates.
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11. What if I suffer a serious accident while covered as a registered student?
Please refer to Accidental Death & Dismemberment claims.
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12. Am I covered for Out of Country travel while registered as a student?
You are covered worldwide under the emergency Out of Province/Country medical insurance and assistance benefit while registered as a student for a maximum of 45 days.
Please refer to Emergency Out of Province/Country Medical Insurance and Assistance.
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13. I lost my Cowan I.D. card; can I get a new one?
You can obtain a new card simply by visiting your International Student Department and request a replacement.
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14. After Graduation - I have graduated and would like to stay in Canada. Am I eligible to continue my hospital and medical coverage?
Within 30 days of completion of studies, you can extend your emergency hospital and medical coverage. Please see your International Student Advisor for brochure and application.
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