Benefits FYI | Winter 2024

Year-end deadlines are almost here: have you utilized your benefits?

Accessing your benefits is a great way to focus on your health and wellbeing. And with the end of the year upon us, it means we have a few more weeks to get the most out of your benefits plan and submit claims before the year-end deadlines.

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Travelling this holiday season? Don't forget your travel benefits

As you prepare for travel this winter and beyond, remember to pack your out-of-province emergency medical insurance information and anything you need in the event of a health emergency abroad.

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Seeking psych support through your benefits plan: which service should you use?

We have received questions about when to use EFAP for counselling and when to use the psychological services provision with a $3,000 annual maximum through our Extended Health Benefits plan provider Sun Life. 

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After the transition to GreenShield — how can you access previous providers?

Counselling services through TELUS Health

If you need to contact TELUS Health regarding an ongoing counselling service, please call: 1-800-387-4765. You will be able to discuss any normally scheduled sessions with a counsellor and you will be able to discuss access to pre-established services.

Expert second medical opinion through Teladoc

Support for pre-established services can be provided by calling 1-877-419-2378 and providing UBC Policy #025205.

Substance use support through ALAViDA

There will be no interruption to ALAViDA as sessions and access will continue under a partnership with GreenShield Health. However, you will no longer be able to sign in directly to ALAViDA. Please sign up and access these services through the GreenShield+ platform.

Your UBC Staff Pension Plan is on the air

Have you checked out Pension Airwaves yet? Pension Airwaves is a podcast that talks about all things Staff Pension Plan. You can listen to short episodes that discuss general information about pension plans and retirement considerations. We even hear from pensioners who want to share their retirement stories!

Listen and subscribe today

When we focus on wellbeing, everyone benefits

Your UBC benefit plan is one way UBC can help support your health and wellbeing. But there are more opportunities to help improve your wellbeing in the workplace.

Try Mental Health 101, a self-paced course

You may not always thrive (and even after Thrive month that's okay), but knowing when you need support, and what support looks like for others can help.

If you're looking to increase your knowledge, boost your confidence and add some resources to your mental health toolbox, this course is a great place to start!

Get started

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Explore your benefits

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.