Benefits FYI | Summer 2023

Welcome to Benefits FYI

This month there are changes to our emergency assistance provider, we have tips to get the most out of your benefits in 2023, and we explore UBC's perks, and lots more. 

Our emergency travel assistance provider is changing

From July 1, there will be a change to our emergency travel assistance provider. Global Excel Management will take over from Allianz to provide emergency medical coverage for eligible UBC faculty and staff who are travelling out of the province. There will be no change to the coverage and the contact details to reach the provider will remain the same, but we have all the details and some FAQs to help you plan.  

Learn more

When it comes to out-of-province medical emergencies your UBC benefit plan can help

We've compiled a checklist so you can utilize your out-of-province emergency medical coverage. Review this information to ensure you have what you need for peace of mind when you travel.

Check out the checklist

Update: family forming benefits now include additional fertility claims

After receiving feedback from members, Sun Life has made a change to the fertility benefits available to UBC faculty and staff. As of May 29, 2023, Sun Life will now repay members for eligible expenses relating to donated reproductive materials from Canadian fertility clinics or donor banks. We have updated the announcement from March 2023, to describe the new provisions. 

Review the new benefits

Event highlight: Navigating the fertility journey

Learn more about the physical and emotional aspects of fertility with UBC alumni, Dr. Caitlin Dunne and Chandra Sen. In addition to these experts, our Benefits Specialist Janet McHugh will help faculty and staff understand the new family-forming benefits that can help reduce the financial burden of accessing fertility treatments.

• Tuesday, July 18
• 11 am–12:15 pm
• All faculty and staff at UBC Vancouver and Okanagan are welcome

Enrol today

It is the middle of the year, have you maximized your benefits?

Somehow there is less than half a year remaining in 2023. That's why we pulled together a list of three things you can do to check up on your benefits. This includes tips to use your yearly coverage amounts for dental, vision, massage, tuition waivers, and more.

Start using your benefits

Take a peek at your UBC perks

Let's explore some of the lesser-known perks and discounts for UBC employees, including on-campus opportunities and exclusive third-party discounts. These perks and discounts include meal kits, pet insurance, preferred pricing on new technology, and much more.

Check out the perks

LifeWorks to rebrand to TELUS Health by August 31, 2023 

LifeWorks — UBC's Employee and Family Assistance Program provider— will be fully rebranded to TELUS Health by August 31, 2023. We will provide more details as they become available. 

We want to assure faculty and staff that these changes do not affect the services offered by our EFAP provider and that there will be no changes to the privacy considerations we have in place with LifeWorks.

Find out more

Event Highlights

Understanding elder care: what you need to know to care for an elderly loved one

Many individuals find it challenging to understand the reality and the issues they will face as a caregiver for older loved ones. This seminar will help caregivers with their decision-making, and highlight why caregiving is a positive and rewarding role.

• via Zoom
• Monday, July 31: 2–3 pm
• For all UBC faculty and staff

Register today

Mental Health First Aid at UBC Okanagan 

In this two-day, in-person course, UBCO faculty and staff will learn to respond to emerging mental health problems and mental health crises by learning a first aid framework. This framework is helpful for having confident conversations about mental health with family, friends, colleagues, students, and strangers.

There is no cost to this training.

• In-person at UBC Okanagan
• July 26 and 27, 2023: 9 am to 4:30 pm
• For all UBCO faculty and staff

Register today

A confidential resource for questions and concerns related to substance use

UBC employees and their dependents have access to ALAViDA Substance Use, which offers confidential on-demand support. Whether you're looking to gain control over alcohol or substance use for the first time, have been trying to quit for years, or just want to be proactive about your health, ALAViDA is tailored to your needs.

Start by taking a quiz about the new Canadian drinking guidelines and receive a $5 gift card! And for even more insights on the impacts of substance use on your health and life, create an account on the TRAiL platform and access evidence-based resources and a journal where you can track your consumption.

Take the quiz

Guest Post from Teladoc: Skin and Sun — ways to protect yourself against skin cancer

Did you know that faculty and staff at UBC have access to Teladoc, a network of medical and mental health specialists who can guide you through your treatment needs? Teladoc provides additional medical advice to you and your dependents, and just in time for summer, they have shared some great advice to protect yourself against skin cancer. 

Learn more about skin cancer awareness

Explore your benefits

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Disclaimer: The information contained in Benefits FYI is for information purposes only; it is not a contract. In the event of a discrepancy between the information in Benefits FYI and the applicable contracts/documents, the applicable plan contracts/documents, collective agreements and/or governing legislation will apply. Unless otherwise specified in the newsletter, you must be registered and enrolled in the appropriate benefit plans to receive the coverage and/or services as described. Enrolment in some of the benefit plans is not automatic. For more information on benefits, visit hr.ubc.ca/benefits.