Cape Breton University Students’ Union

Student Health and Accident Plan Benefit Summary

All full-time students are automatically enrolled in the student Health and Accident plan.  The cost of the plan is $138 per year (Sept. – Aug.)  If you have alternative coverage through an existing plan, please drop by the Students’ Union before September 30th to opt-out of (drop) the CBU plan. Students with spouses and/or children may opt their family into the health plan at a cost of $176 per year.

Health Insurance

Prescription drug coverage:

The plan covers 70% of the cost of generic prescription drugs to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Vision / eyeglasses:

70% coverage for eyeglasses is available up to a maximum of $80 every 24 consecutive months (or up to a maximum of $80 every 12 consecutive months for dependent children less than 18).  One eye exam is covered (up to a reasonable and customary charge) every 24 calendar months (or every 12 consecutive months for dependent children less than 18).

Paramedical Practitioners: 

70% coverage is available for paramedical practitioners.  The following practitioners are covered up to $250 per practitioner per calendar year:  speech therapist, naturopath, physiotherapist, psychologist, and massage therapist.  Chiropractors are covered up to $300 per calendar year. The Max Bell Centre on-campus offers physiotherapy to students.  Phone Nancy Dingwall at 563-1275 to book an appointment.

Tutorial Benefit: 

This benefit includes the tutorial services of a qualified teacher up to $145 per hour if, as a result of an accident or sickness, a student becomes disabled and he / she is confined to their home or hospital for fifteen consecutive school days.  100% coverage up to a $1,000 maximum benefit per disability. 


*Additional Health and Medical equipment and services are covered. Please see the Booklet for detailed information.

Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment

The Accidental Death and Dismemberment plan provides benefits in the event of: the accidental loss of life, sight, limbs, speech, hearing; or the accidental loss of use of limbs, or paralysis.  

Out-of-Province Coverage

This year, the Students' Union is pleased to offer out-of-province coverage to students. This means your health benefits will apply in other provinces for up to 60 consecutive days spent out of Nova Scotia.

Additional Information for Students

*Part-time students are eligible to opt-in to the plan before September 30th.  Anyone interested in doing so, is asked to stop by the Students’ Union to complete the appropriate forms and make payment ($138).

Students may also opt-out of the plan before September 30th by visiting the Students' Union and showing proof of alternative coverage. This may be a health insurance card, ie Blue Cross, or a letter from the existing insurance company.

Opt-in and opt-out forms are available on the Your Documents page. For claim forms, visit the Students' Union building.

Any additional questions can be answered by the Executive Assistant, Dawn MacDougall, at (902) 563-1477 or dawn@cbusu.com.