The University of British Columbia

Insurance

Workers' Compensation Board for Graduate Students

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage is extended to graduate and undergraduate students holding a research assistantship and/or a teaching assistantship where income is processed through UBC Payroll. Coverage only applies when students are performing their duties as teaching/research assistants.

Students who receive a scholarship (even if it's through UBC payroll) are not eligible for WCB. If in doubt it is best to refer to your pay slip to check if WCB premiums are being paid or check with the UBC WCB Claims Assistant.

Points to remember about WCB:

• WCB covers eligible students even if they are working outside of BC or Canada.
• WCB coverage is available to both international and domestic students.
• WCB only covers work-related injuries. It is not the same as travel insurance.
• There is WCB legislation, regulation and policy that all BC employers must follow.
• Work-related injuries are adjudicated on a case by case basis. Not all claims result in compensation.
• If proof of insurance is requested by an employer the Dept. of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) can issue a letter confirming you are covered.
• More information about WCB is also available on the HSE website.

Student Accident Insurance

Student Accident Insurance (SAC) is for UBC students performing course work in environments where the risk of injury is greater than in a classroom. e.g., research in laboratories, certain field work and practicums. Students performing travelling in chartered (i.e. nonscheduled) aircraft should secure alternative coverage by contacting UBC Treasury at 604-822-5623.

Points to remember about SAC:

• The department will pay for coverage for all current graduate students.
• Coverage is worldwide.
• Coverage for other students can be obtained by contacting the EOS Graduate Coordinator at gradsec@eos.ubc.ca.
• It provides a $50,000 maximum benefit for death or dismemberment, $100,000 for injury resulting in paralysis and a $10,000 excess medical coverage, e.g., ambulance, prescription drugs.
• A basic BC Medical Plan or its equivalent must be in place as SAC only provides a measure of excess medical coverage.
• The plan does not provide 24-hour coverage. It applies only during the involvement of a student in course work.
• If proof of coverage is required a letter can be issued by the UBC Treasury.
• You can find more information about SAC on the Treasury website.