Frequently Asked Questions
Corporate
- Where are you located?
- Do you have a toll-free number?
- Where is the agent nearest to me?
- What is your NSF Policy?
- What are your administration fees?
GMS Health and Dental Plans
- If we buy a health plan with options, does my spouse have to take the same options as the ones I choose, or can different ones be selected?
- Can I remove portions of my Individual Health Plan because I believe I won't use them?
- Is an application required to add options to my plan?
- When can options be added?
- If my child is a full-time student outside my home province, can they still be covered under my annual policy?
- What is the waiting period for health benefits?
- What happens when I move out of province?
- Why have my premiums increased?
- What is 'Hospital Cash'?
- Are there any restrictions/limitations to Hospital Cash?
Where are you located?
Group Medical Services head office is located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Our postal address is:
Group Medical Services
2055 Albert Street
PO Box 1949
Regina SK S4P 0E3
Reach us by phone or fax:
Phone: (306) 352-7638
Toll Free: 1-800-667-3699
Fax: (306) 525-6360
Reach us on the internet:
Email: info@gms.ca
Web: www.gms.ca
Do you have a toll-free number?
Yes, call our Customer Care Centre at 1-800-667-3699
Where is the agent nearest to me?
Currently, we have a network of agents offering our products in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan. Please call our Customer Care Centre toll-free at 1-800-667-3699 or visit our online list of Business Development Consultants to find the agent nearest you.
What is your NSF Policy?
Our policy for non-sufficient funds (NSF) payments reads as follows:
When Group Medical Services (GMS) receives payment that, when deposited, is returned marked Non Sufficient Funds (NSF) or Funds Not Cleared, GMS shall provide an opportunity for the payer to make proper payment or to arrange for a satisfactory payment schedule. A $25 fee will be collected from the payer by GMS to cover administrative and banking fees related to the returned payment. As well, all claims payments will be put on hold until full payment plus NSF fee is made. If payment is not received within thirty (30) days or the payment schedule is not adhered to, GMS will take the appropriate action. Effective April 1, 2010
What are your administration fees?
To cover handling expenses, GMS charges $1 per pre-authorized debit payment, $20 for refunds and $25 per payment returned NSF or Funds Not Cleared.
If we buy a health plan with options, does my spouse have to take the same options as the ones I choose, or can different ones be selected?
Under the guidelines of our health plans, all the members of a family under the plan must all have the same benefits, as this is how the plan is priced.
Can I remove portions of my Individual Health Plan because I believe I won't use them?
No, our Individual Plans are not 'customizable,' as the plans are priced and rated based on the plans being consistent for all members. None of the benefits available to you in BasicPlan, ExtendaPlan® or OmniPlan® are refundable if they are not used. Such benefits can provide peace of mind, however, knowing they are always available if you do need them.
Is an application required to add options to my plan?
Yes, please fill out an Individual Health Application Form when adding options to any Individual Health Plan.
When can options be added?
Options can be added at the initial application or at the time of renewal.
If my child is a full-time student outside of my home province, can they still be covered under my annual policy?
If they are full-time students and twenty-four (24) years or younger, your child may be eligible to receive coverage under your annual policy. Student dependants of GMS OmniPlan® policy holders are covered while receiving training anywhere in Canada. Student dependants of GMS BasicPlan and ExtendaPlan® policy holders are covered while receiving training within the policy holder's province of residence. These student dependants may wish to consider GMS StudentPlan if they are receiving training outside the policy holder's province of residence. StudentPlan provides coverage anywhere in Canada while attending school, and still provides coverage for the student under their parents' plan when returning home for holidays.
What is the waiting period for health benefits?
The waiting periods for health benefits is 30 days unless otherwise stated in the policy wording.
What happens when I move out of province?
When you move out of province, your plan will cover you for the remainder of that month plus two additional months at which time you should have valid provincial health coverage. Then we need a new Individual Application Form completed, and possibly an additional premium or refund before the account can be transferred over.
Why have my premiums increased?
Our premiums reflect the cost of providing health care in and out of Canada - costs that increase over time. For example, in recent years, ambulance costs have risen 80% and the costs of wards and in-hospital drugs have increased significantly. Prescription drug costs have also risen dramatically due to substantial research & development costs. Given the added use of health care facilities and extended health benefits by a population that is aging, our premiums must reflect the costs we incur to provide consistent extended health coverage.
What is 'Hospital Cash'?
Hospital cash is a benefit that can be purchased with our BasicPlan, ExtendaPlan® and OmniPlan® products. It pays you $100 per day beginning on the 4th day if your hospitalization is due to an accident or illness and on the 7th day if due to maternity. This benefit pays up to 30 consecutive days and you can use the funds toward your own expenses, such as food, parking, televisions, etc. If you prefer, you can even take this money and bank it - the choice is yours.
Are there any restrictions/limitations to Hospital Cash?
This benefit is not available for hospital stays for conditions in which you are awaiting, wait-listed or scheduled for hospitalization or surgery at the time of application. If you were diagnosed with cancer in the 24 months prior to your application for this plan you will also not be covered for any cancer related hospital stays if they are related to your original diagnosis of cancer.
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