Wondering if your UBC dental insurance works outside campus? Your dental coverage with UBC is highly flexible and can be used at most dental clinics across Vancouver and other provinces. Yes, that includes off-campus clinics. What matters is not the clinic location, but how your dental coverage will be applied.
Your insurance coverage percentage stays the same wherever you go. It ultimately depends on the treatment to be done and the cost under the Provincial Dental Fee Guide. Some clinics are also part of the Studentcare Dental Network which offers additional savings to further reduce out-of-pocket costs.
If you want to know more, here's a quick guide for you with everything you need to know, including the services covered and how you can submit a claim.
What is Covered by UBC Dental Insurance?
UBC dental insurance covers a wide range of services. It includes a certain percentage depending on the treatment type and specific limitations under the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan. The plan is structured to mainly support preventive care, but it also provides partial coverage for other dental treatments.
In the list below, you will find more details about your plan. "Insured Portion" is the percentage your plan will pay while "Studentcare Dental Network Savings" is the additional discount you can expect by visiting an affiliate dentist. The latter is an option, but it can help you with even lesser costs.
Preventive Procedures
Insured Portion: 70%
Studentcare Dental Network Savings: 30%
Total Coverage: up to 100%
- Recall Exams – covered once per 12 months.
- Dental Cleanings – cleaning/polishing, bitewing X-rays, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride application is covered once per 6 months. Scaling is covered up to 2 units per policy year.
Extraction of Impacted Teeth
Insured Portion: 70%
Studentcare Dental Network Savings: 20%
Total Coverage: up to 90%
This includes surgical removal of partially or fully impacted teeth, including the third molars or wisdom teeth.
Basic Procedures
Insured Portion: 40%
Studentcare Dental Network Savings: 20%
Total Coverage: up to 60%
- Dental Fillings – metal fillings (amalgam) are covered for all front teeth while tooth-coloured fillings (composite) are covered for the front teeth and pre-molars only. Composite for the back teeth will apply a reimbursement rate similar to the amalgam fee.
- Oral Surgery – including simple or surgical tooth extractions
- Endodontics – may include, but is not limited to, root canal treatment or procedures targeted to remove and prevent tooth infection
- Periodontics – may include, but is not limited to, treatment for gum and periodontal disease
Major Restorative Procedures
Insured Portion: Not covered
Studentcare Dental Network Savings: 20%
Total Coverage: up to 20%
- Crowns – custom-made tooth caps for damaged or weakened teeth to restore shape, strength, and appearance.
- Bridges – used to replace up to two adjacent missing teeth.
- Posts – placed inside a tooth after undergoing root canal treatment to provide additional support.
Know More About Your UBC Insurance Plan
Below are some key details that you should know when using your UBC dental insurance for off campus treatments:
Coverage limit is $750 per policy year
Your dental plan covers up to $750 per policy year, which currently runs from Sept 1, 2025 to Aud 31, 2026. Any unused coverage will not carry over to the next year. And once the limit is reached, additional costs will be out of pocket.
Coverage applies automatically for select students, with option to self-enrol
Coverage is automatically applied to most domestic, international, indigenous, and sponsored students once AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan fees are paid. Exchange students, new summer-session students, students on medical leave of absence, and eligible dependents have the option for self-enrolment with instructions found here.
Treatment plan is required for procedures over $300
For dental procedures estimated at $300 or more, a treatment plan must be submitted by your dentist before any procedure is done. This pre-authorization helps confirm how much will be covered and prevents unexpected costs.
New patient exams are covered once per 36 months
The plan covers a new patient exam once every three years. This usually includes a comprehensive dental assessment, cleaning, X-rays, fluoride treatment, and oral hygiene education.
Services performed by an orthodontist are not covered by the plan
Dental braces and other orthodontic appliances are not part of your UBC dental plan. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, it is important to plan ahead to avoid financial surprises down the road.
How to Make a Claim?
Submitting a dental insurance claim using your UBC Dental Plan for off campus dental treatments doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these steps to make sure your claim is processed smoothly:
1. Find an eligible dental provider
You can visit any licensed dentist off campus and your UBC dental insurance will still apply. If you are looking to further reduce fees, you may also choose a dentist from the Studentcare Dental Network list here. There are on and off campus dental providers available depending on what works best for you.
2. Know your plan details
Make sure you know these key information to prevent delays or rejected claims:
Policy year: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Policy provider: Pacific Blue Cross
Certificate number: Your 8-digit UBC Student ID number
Note: Keep copies of your receipts in case your provider requests them and for personal tax records
3. Create your Pacific Blue Cross member profile
Before submitting any claims, you need to create an online Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) member account here. You can find the step-by-step guide for new member profiles here. Simply fill out the required information and you're good to go.
4. Register for direct deposit
Setting up direct deposit ensures that the reimbursements from your dental treatments are sent straight to your bank account. This is also a necessary step that allows you to submit and receive claims through other processes.
5. Submit your claim
There are several ways to submit your claim, including:
- Pay-Direct card for direct reimbursement – With this option, your chosen dental clinic will submit the claim directly and you only have to pay your portion.
- Via Pacific Blue Mobile application – Submit claims via the app free to download on App Store and Google Play. Just sign in to your account, follow the instructions to submit your claim. Make sure to upload your receipt as well for treatment verification.
- Online through the PBC website – Sign in to your member profile on the PBC website. Click the Forms and Claims button and choose the claim type you want to submit. Follow the instructions then click Submit. You may be required to upload receipts or other supporting documents.
- By mail or in person – Download and complete the appropriate form. Include the required documentation and receipts before mailing to Pacific Blue Cross PO Box 7000 Vancouver, BC V6B 4E1 or drop it in person at the Claims Drop Off Box at 4250 Canada Way Burnaby, BC V5G 4W6. The box is located in the parking lot available to drop off claims 24/7.
Conclusion
If you ever feel unsure about how to submit a claim or use your UBC dental insurance, our at Arbutus Station Dental is happy to guide you through the process. From understanding your coverage to submitting your claims correctly, we are here to help.
Arbutus Station Dental accepts UBC insurance for dental treatments and is also a Studentcare Dental Network provider. This means that eligible students and dependents can receive the maximum allowable coverage for their dental care. Simply book an appointment and we'll navigate through using your coverage and getting your treatment done with you.