USC - Western University Students' Council - PurpleCARE

Health and Dental Plan Coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, health services, and more, helping with costs your provincial health plan doesn’t cover.

 

Drug Benefits

Your student health plan helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, making it easier to prioritize your health.

Health Benefits Coverage
Prescription Drugs 80%

Your plan covers prescription drugs and serums listed under your drug formulary. Coverage includes:

  • Drugs that require a prescription and are prescribed and dispensed by licensed professionals.
  • Generic drugs (lowest-cost option) unless your doctor specifies no substitution.
  • Up to $9.64 for the dispensing fee. Any amount charged above this limit will be your responsibility to pay.
  • Oral contraceptive drugs.
  • Some medications require prior authorization before they are covered.
  • Exceptions may apply if a listed drug is not effective, one alternative must be tried first.

Use the Prescription Search Tool to confirm if your prescribed medications are covered under your student health plan.

Prescription Search Tool
Vaccines 80%

Your student health plan covers up to $300 per benefit year for preventative immunization vaccines.
Diabetic Supplies 80%

Your student health plan covers reasonable and customary charges, combined with your maximum drug coverage, for the following diabetic supplies:

  • Insulin syringes
  • Disposable needles for use with non-disposable insulin injection devices
  • Test strips
  • Sensor for flash glucose monitoring machines
  • Lancets
Using Your Drug Card

You can use your drug card at most pharmacies to buy eligible medications.

To view your Drug Card:

  1. Open the Benefit Management Platform on your web browser or mobile app.
  2. Log in to your account.
  3. If you haven't registered yet, register now. To register, enter the following details: Group #: 177890 and Certificate #: Enter your student ID without any leading zeros or letters.
  4. Click the profile icon.
  5. Select “My Benefit Cards” from the dropdown menu.

If the card is not accepted, you can submit an online claim thought the Benefit Management Platform with your receipt, including the prescription number and drug name or DIN.

Prior Authorization Drug Claims

Some medications require prior authorization before they are covered.

To apply:

  1. Use the Prescription Search Tool to confirm if prior authorization is needed.
  2. If required, download the Prior Authorization Form on the TELUS Health Portal. To access the portal, enter the following details: Carrier #: 34 and Group #: 177890.
  3. Complete the Prior Authorization Form with your doctor. Any fees associated with completing the form are not covered.
  4. Return the completed and signed form to TELUS Health by fax at 1-866-840-1509
Drug Exception Process

If a medication is not covered or does not work for your condition, you can request an exception.

To apply:

  1. Download and complete the Drug Exception Request Form.
  2. Ask your doctor to fill out the physician section.
  3. Open the Benefit Management Platform on your web browser or mobile app.
  4. Log in to your account.
  5. Click the profile icon.
  6. Select “Supporting Documents” from the dropdown menu.
  7. Fill out the required information and upload the completed form.

To qualify, you must have tried at least one medication covered by your student health plan.

Drug Benefits

The student health plan pays for a portion of prescription drugs, removing some of the financial burden so you can make your health a priority.

Health Benefits Coverage
Prescription Drugs 80%

The maximum amount payable to an eligible brand-name drug will be limited to the lowest-priced item in the appropriate generic category.

A maximum Dispensing Fee of $9.64.

Vaccines are covered up to $300 per benefit year.

Drug Exception Process

If the medications covered by your insurance do not work for your condition, or if an effective drug is not covered, there is a special process to handle exceptions.

Download the form and print it, ask your doctor to complete the physician information section and submit your request to be considered for a drug exception.

To be considered for a drug exception, you must have tried at least one medication on your student health plan.

The Prescription Search Tool helps you find out if your prescribed medications are covered under your student health plan. Over-the-counter medications are not covered by the plan.

Last updated: October 15, 2024

  1. Enter the drug name (e.g., Ibuprofen) or Drug Identification Number (DIN)
  2. Click Search to check coverage
  3. Review if your prescription requires a Prior Authorization Form




Drug Identification Numbers must be 8 digits. If you have a DIN less than 8 digits, pre-fill with zeros.

Quick links Opt Out

Fall Deadline
Submit your online Family Add-On, Opt-Out, or Opt-In applications by September 23rd, 2025 at 11:30 PM

Quick links myBenefits Card

Benefit Cards
Get your Benefits Card on your Benefits App and use it where direct billing is available.

Quick links Perscription search tool

Prescription Search Tool
Find out if your prescription drugs are covered by the student plan.

Plan Claims

Plan Claims
Learn more about submitting online or manual claims to get your refund.