The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) is proud to announce an important expansion to our student health insurance plan: coverage for gender-affirming care. Through Studentcare/Alumo, undergraduate students now have access to a range of supports that improve access to essential health services and reduce barriers for transgender and gender-diverse students. 

What’s Covered 

• Up to $50,000 per benefit year for gender-affirming medical care (up to $5,000 per eligible procedure). 
  • Coverage for procedures such as facial feminization, chest contouring, body contouring, tracheal shaving, and other gender-affirming surgeries not typically covered by provincial health insurance. 
• Legal assistance related to gender affirmation, including name and gender marker changes (no coverage maximum for legal). 

This service complements existing provincial health care coverage under OHIP, another provincial or territorial government health plan, or a provincial equivalent health plan and is available to both domestic and international students. 

We recognize this service has limitations in its current form and we will work with Studentcare/Alumo to continue to improve the program to meet the needs of our members. 

Why the Change? 

This change was voted for by students at our Annual Members’ Meeting in 2024. For transgender and gender-diverse students, accessing affirming healthcare can be a lengthy and costly process. By adding this coverage, WUSA is taking a concrete step towards reducing barriers for our students and supporting the needs of students in our community. 

You can learn more about Annual Members’ Meetings and how to submit a motion at Members’ Meetings (Formerly General Meetings). 

Find more information about specific coverage at: 2SLGBTQIA+ Support. 

You can also reference this fact sheet [link] for more information about coverage. For the most up to date and accurate information, please check Studentcare/Alumo’s website. 

FAQs

How does this coverage work for international students or out-of-province students?

International students must still have provincial or provincial equivalent coverage and are able to claim reimbursement of eligible expenses received in Canada that are not covered under their health plan.

Out-of-province students are able to claim reimbursement of eligible expenses received in Canada that are not covered under their provincial or territorial health plan.

There aren’t any clinics in Kitchener-Waterloo that provide top or bottom surgeries. Can I be reimbursed for travel expenses?

Yes, Alumo will cover up to $1,000 for transportation and accommodation expenses (if required) with a 50% co-pay.

Are surgery revisions covered?

Alumo will cover these as long as you send in something with your claim that shows OHIP (or another insurance provider) will not pay.

Coverage for breast augmentation is often dependent on growth after hormone therapy. Will Alumo cover surgery when OHIP denies approval?

Alumo will cover these as long as you send in something with your claim that shows OHIP (or other provincial/provincial equivalent coverage) will not pay.

For the most up to date and accurate information, please check Studentcare/Alumo’s website.