Frequently Asked Questions

We have a network of brokers offering our products in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Please call our Customer Care Centre toll-free at 1.800.667.3699 to find the broker nearest you.

You sure can. When you sign up for a My GMS account on gms.ca, you can submit and view processed claims and payments, sign up to have claims deposited directly into your bank account, and view your Explanation of Benefits – anytime!

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

We have a Privacy Policy that sets out our commitment to responsibly using the personal information we need to provide products and services. The policy outlines the restrictions on our collection and use of personal information and the safeguards we have in place to protect it.

When you save a quote, you’ll receive an email notification with your quote information. We’ll keep that information for 60 days so you can complete your purchase when it works best for you. When you’re ready to return to the application, click the “Buy Now” button in your notification email. You’ll receive a reminder email ten days before your quote expires.

No. A quote isn’t guaranteed. A number of changes to the saved quote, such as a change in age or rate changes, could impact the quoted premium. We will automatically update any current saved quotes to reflect price changes. If there is a price change you'll be notified when you open a saved quote. The rate will be updated and a pop-up message will inform you of the updated premium. The expiry date is also always noted on the quote PDF.

Yes. By returning to the original quote and saving it again. The new quote will be re-saved for another 60 days. Please note a new quote number will be issued.

Using our online Claim Submission Form is a quick and easy way to send us your claim—plus it is available 24/7. Please note you will need to send scans of your receipts when using the online form. To make sure your claim is processed quickly and accurately please:

• check-off the Declaration statement;
• use the Attachments section to include your scanned receipts; and
• click the “Submit Claim” button.

If you're sending us health and dental claims through the mail, simply complete a GMS Health Benefits Claim Form and attach the original receipts for the product or service you're claiming. Completed forms and receipts can be mailed to:

Group Medical Services
Claims Department
2055 Albert Street
PO Box 1949
Regina, SK S4P 0E3

Please Note:

• GMS does not return receipts, so be sure to keep copies of receipts if you require them to co-ordinate claims with other insurers or for income tax purposes.
• Claims must be submitted within 12 months of the date of service in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
• If your individual or group health and dental policy terminates, you must submit claims to GMS within 30 days following the date of termination of the policy.

Yes! Using your Pay-Direct card, Dentists, Pharmacists as well as certain Health and Vision service providers can bill GMS directly. That means you don't have to fill out any claim forms. Check our Provider Locator to find Health and Vision service providers in your area.

In the event of a travel medical emergency, please contact the GMS Assistance Centre provided by Global Allianz Assistance prior to seeking treatment or no later than 24 hours after receiving treatment or being admitted to hospital. Our 24-hour travel assistance is available to help you obtain medical treatment, verify coverage, coordinate medical care and transportation, and provide foreign language support.

GMS Assistance Centre

• toll-free: 1.800.459.6604 (within Canada & the U.S.A.)
• collect: 905.762.5196 (from all other locations)

Once you have contacted the GMS Assistance Centre and eligibility is determined, we will arrange for all bills to be sent directly to GMS. In addition, you will be sent a Travel Emergency Claim form which you must complete in order for GMS to pay emergency travel benefits. Any approved payments will be sent directly to the facilities and/or health providers. Please ensure you include the original receipts or proof of payment for any other costs you may have incurred, prescription receipts and the following patient information:

• a photocopy of the sick/injured person's provincial health card; and
• documentation confirming departure and return date (ex. airline tickets, gas receipts, etc.).

Please sign and date the completed form and return the package to:

Global Allianz Assistance
P.O. Box 277
Waterloo, ON 
N2J 4A4

Please Note:

• If you did not contact the GMS Assistance Centre at the time of incident you may still submit a travel claim. Please complete the GMS Travel Emergency Medical Claim form, attach the documents requested in the instructions section of the form as well as the original itemized bills and return to:

Group Medical Services
Travel Insurance Department
2055 Albert Street
PO Box 1949
Regina, SK S4P 0E3

• GMS does not return receipts, so be sure to make copies of all submitted correspondence for your records.
• We request that you do not pay any medical fees directly to health providers unless you have been advised to do so by GMS.

You, or someone on your behalf, must contact GMS prior to medical treatment whenever possible. Failure to contact GMS within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving medical treatment or admission to hospital will limit benefits otherwise payable to 70% of eligible charges to a maximum of the sum insured.

A completed claim form must be submitted within ninety (90) days of the illness or injury

In order to pay a claim, GMS will require the following documentation:

• original itemized receipts for all bills and invoices;
• proof of payment by your or any other benefit plan;
• medical records, including a completed diagnosis by the attending physician;
• for dental claims, proof of the accident;
• proof of the travel dates including your departure date from your country of origin and visa documentation where applicable;
• your historical records, if requested by GMS.
• All documents for payment of eligible expenses must be received by GMS within thirty (30) days of your return home and no more than twelve (12) months from the date the last eligible expense was incurred.
• You shall afford to GMS the opportunity to examine you when and as often as it reasonably requires while the claim hereunder is pending.
• In the case of death, GMS may require an autopsy subject to any law of the applicable jurisdiction relating to autopsies.
• The file handling fee associated with the administration and consultation with GMS’ assistance firm which necessitate the need to set up a case file will be considered a reported claim, regardless of whether payment is made by GMS for any emergency medical expenses.

Please complete the GMS Immigrants and Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical Claim Form, attach the documents requested in the instructions section of the form as well as the original itemized bills and return to:

Global Allianz Assistance
Claims Department
P.O. Box 277
Waterloo, ON
N2J 4A4

• GMS does not return receipts, so be sure to make copies of all submitted correspondence for your records.
• We request that you do not pay any medical fees directly to health providers unless you have been advised to do so by GMS.

They're a maximum amount for a service or item that we set. When reviewing claims, the R&C for a service or item is factored in.

To come up with these limits, we calculate the average cost health providers charge for their service or item. We also account for the province where the service is provided.

R&C limits reduce the likelihood of claims fraud or abuse. And that helps keep the price of our plans competitive.