College, SA trying to educate students about health plan

Zalak Mistry, a Level 1 student from the responsibility center management program, is concerned about what’s covered in her health insurance.

“I am concerned about what my health insurance covers because I heard on my orientation day that my glasses are not covered, but I’m worried about this,” said Mistry.

WeSpeakStudent and the Students’ Association organized an information session for students on health insurance and support in the E-building on Oct. 9. The motivation for organizing this event was to inform Algonquin College students what is available through their health care. However, no one showed up.

WeSpeakStudent is a health benefits program designed to meet the needs of students throughout Canada.

The Algonquin Students’ Association offers a student insurance plan for both domestic and international students who opt to purchase it. The plan includes legal assistance, coaching, nutrition guidance, financial advice, and counselling services.

“In September there’s so much information that students have to digest,” said Kimberly Garrett, business development manager of WeSpeakStudent.

“Highlighting a key service that the Students’ Association offers through our organization is essential,” Garrett said. “These very important services are highlighted to the students in the midst of many of Algonquin’s other wonderful offerings.”

Garrett said that mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing students today, and they are dedicated to addressing it as a top priority.

“Everybody needs a teeth clean, everybody needs their prescription drugs, but mental health is an area that we’re really focusing on as well,” Garrett said.

The event provided students opportunities to ask questions and gain insights directly from experts.

Garrett said there have been misconceptions about health insurance, pointing out that many students believe they don’t need it since they’re still on their parents’ insurance.

“Students who do have coverage with their parents, they can also use this provided coverage and have additional coverages within what they already have available to them,” Garrett said.

Garrett said WeSpeakStudent wants to hear suggestions from students to make it better.

Divy Khakhriya is a Level 1 student in the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technician program. Khakhriya already had insurance when he immigrated here from India, but he wanted the health insurance to cover a specific issue.

“Probably health insurance could also cover skin problems as well, because there are a lot of skin problems, so I would like it to be covered,” said Khakhriya.