Guard.me Insurance Review 2025: Is It Worth It?
Our expert's review of Guard.me
ScoreGuard.me is a specialized emergency health insurance provider, mainly serving international students, exchange participants, and education sector newcomers in Canada. Its coverage is focused on urgent medical events: hospital care, doctor’s visits for acute issues, and emergency transport, with strict exclusions for routine care, chronic conditions, and pre-existing illnesses.
Guard.me stands out in its niche for flexible family/dependent coverage and digital tools like the mobileDOCTOR service. Unlike competitors such as Manulife or Blue Cross, Guard.me does not offer broad or preventative health benefits, reflecting its affordable positioning for temporary residents rather than long-term or comprehensive needs.
The insurer is best suited for younger international students and educators who need emergency coverage on arrival in Canada, especially those excluded from provincial health plans. Company solidity and premium volume are undisclosed, and there is no Trustpilot rating or official customer satisfaction data available.
Claims can be made online or by mail, with some direct billing options, but processing times are not published. The lack of price transparency or reimbursement rate details may limit comparison to mainstream Canadian plans, yet Guard.me remains a reliable emergency insurer for its target audience.
- ✅Designed specifically for international students and education newcomers
- ✅Comprehensive emergency medical coverage
- ✅Covers dependents and family members
- ✅Access to mobileDOCTOR virtual consultations
- ✅Direct billing with some clinics and hospitals
- ✅Claim submission online or by mail
- ✅Immediate coverage for new health issues
- ❌Does not cover routine or preventive care
- ❌No official customer reviews or ratings
- ❌No published pricing or premiums
- ❌Strict age limits; not for seniors 70+
- ❌Limited transparency on reimbursement rates
Score- ✅Designed specifically for international students and education newcomers
- ✅Comprehensive emergency medical coverage
- ✅Covers dependents and family members
- ✅Access to mobileDOCTOR virtual consultations
- ✅Direct billing with some clinics and hospitals
- ✅Claim submission online or by mail
- ✅Immediate coverage for new health issues
Our expert's review of Guard.me
- ✅Designed specifically for international students and education newcomers
- ✅Comprehensive emergency medical coverage
- ✅Covers dependents and family members
- ✅Access to mobileDOCTOR virtual consultations
- ✅Direct billing with some clinics and hospitals
- ✅Claim submission online or by mail
- ✅Immediate coverage for new health issues
- ❌Does not cover routine or preventive care
- ❌No official customer reviews or ratings
- ❌No published pricing or premiums
- ❌Strict age limits; not for seniors 70+
- ❌Limited transparency on reimbursement rates
Score- ✅Designed specifically for international students and education newcomers
- ✅Comprehensive emergency medical coverage
- ✅Covers dependents and family members
- ✅Access to mobileDOCTOR virtual consultations
- ✅Direct billing with some clinics and hospitals
- ✅Claim submission online or by mail
- ✅Immediate coverage for new health issues
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in health insurance, guiding over a million users every month in their coverage choices. Our specialists have evaluated offerings from 48 insurers in Canada, thoroughly analyzing their coverage, rates, and quality of service.
What does Guard.me health insurance cover?
Guard.me focuses on emergency medical coverage for international students, providing direct payment for hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests, emergency dental, and prescription medication for new acute conditions with no deductible and up to policy maximums. Added value includes virtual care via mobileDOCTOR and 24/7 access.
Exclusions are significant: routine care, chronic or unstable pre-existing conditions, preventive services, and extreme sports are not insured.
Guard.me excels in instant, worldwide emergency protection and simple claims, but lacks wellness, ongoing treatment, or comprehensive preventive coverage, making it a strong but limited partner for temporary academic stays.
Routine medical care
| Guarantee | MSP | Basic plan (Guard.me) | Enhanced plan (Guard.me) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugs (reimbursement rate, deductible, ceiling) | Default Outpatient drugs limited, varies by province | 100% for new illness/injury 30-day supply Up to $10,000 per policy period | 100% for new illness/injury 30-day supply Up to $25,000 per policy period |
| Hospitalization (reimbursement rate, room type, days covered) | 100% Standard ward Unlimited | 100% Standard ward Unlimited during emergency | 100% Standard ward Unlimited during emergency |
| Ambulance transportation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered only when medically necessary | 100% Ground or air No specific yearly maximum | 100% Ground or air No specific yearly maximum |
| Home care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered for approved medical necessity | non covered | $2,000 per policy period |
| Laboratory analysis (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered in hospital/public setting | 100% For new illness/injury Minor lab tests only | 100% For new illness/injury Minor lab tests only |
Outpatient drugs limited, varies by province
30-day supply
Up to $10,000 per policy period
30-day supply
Up to $25,000 per policy period
Standard ward
Unlimited
Standard ward
Unlimited during emergency
Standard ward
Unlimited during emergency
Covered only when medically necessary
Ground or air
No specific yearly maximum
Ground or air
No specific yearly maximum
Covered for approved medical necessity
Covered in hospital/public setting
For new illness/injury
Minor lab tests only
For new illness/injury
Minor lab tests only
Dental Care
| Guarantee | MSP | Guard.me Essential Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive and routine dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Children and special needs eligibility only | Not covered |
| Basic dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Hospital emergencies only | Emergency dental care only Up to $600/accident or pain relief, per incident |
| Major dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Orthodontics (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Not covered |
Children and special needs eligibility only
Hospital emergencies only
Up to $600/accident or pain relief, per incident
Vision Care
| Guarantee | MSP | Guard.me Essential Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Glasses, lenses, surgery (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19/65+: up to $47/2 years for lenses; medically required surgery only | Not covered |
| Optometrist consultation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19 and 65+: one exam/year | Not covered |
Under 19/65+: up to $47/2 years for lenses; medically required surgery only
Under 19 and 65+: one exam/year
Specialist and Paramedical Care
| Guarantee | Provincial Health Insurance | Guard.me Standard (International Student) |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative medicine (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered, only emergency doctor or specialist visits reimbursed |
| Psychologist (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Up to $500 per year for therapy or counseling sessions, pre-authorization required |
| Speech therapy (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered; no routine rehabilitation for ongoing or chronic conditions |
| Travel insurance (rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Up to $2 million emergency coverage, 365 days max, no trip limit |
What is the price of Guard.me health insurance in 2025?
Here's the cost of health insurance with Guard Me:
| Type of coverage (household composition) | Plan 1 | Plan 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $66/month | About $84/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $125/month | About $160/month |
| Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $145/month | About $185/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $175/month | About $230/month |
*Prices are indicative and may vary depending on your personal situation and the selected plan.*
Guard.me Plan Eligibility
Guard.me plans are designed primarily for international students and their families; not all household types or ages may be eligible.
Guard.me Promo Codes
| Guard.me promo codes | Details |
|---|---|
| Code promo HelloSafe | -5% clickable to comparator |
Note: promo codes may change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best health insurance plans.
Is Guard.me health insurance accessible to newcomers?
Guard.me health insurance is intended for international students, new arrivals, exchange participants, foreign workers, interns, trainees, and their dependents who are temporarily residing in Canada. It is particularly suitable during waiting periods before accessing public health insurance, or for those who are not eligible for provincial plans. This insurance steps in for unexpected illnesses or injuries that occur after arrival and while the policy is active, providing a safety net for urgent and emergency medical needs.
Main coverages are as follows:
- Medical care: Coverage includes doctor’s visits in a clinic or hospital, as long as the reason for consultation is a new and sudden illness or injury. For example, a visit to a walk-in clinic or an emergency room is reimbursed if medically required.
- Prescribed care: Prescription medicines are covered if issued by a physician, usually up to a 30-day supply per new prescription (refills and ongoing medications are excluded). Diagnostic tests, such as standard blood work or x-rays, are included when ordered by a doctor; more advanced scans (CT, MRI) may require prior approval.
- Specialized care: If hospitalization is required due to a new medical event, all inpatient costs are generally covered. Care from specialists or for specialized tests is also possible, typically when referred by a practitioner.
- Emergency dental care: Relief of acute dental pain or treatment after accidental injury is included. For instance, if a tooth is broken due to an accident, the repair or extraction is covered up to an indicated maximum.
- Medical transport: Ambulance transportation (by ground or taxi) to a clinic or hospital is paid for when it is deemed medically necessary because of an emergency.
- Ancillary expenses (hospitalization or death): Additional costs such as hospital room charges are covered for emergencies, and, in more severe cases, repatriation or coverage for return of remains in the event of death is included, within maximum policy limits.
Coverage is typically available for up to 12 months at a time, with possible renewals if the stay in Canada continues. The maximum age to subscribe to Guard.me is generally 65 years old, but in some cases, those aged 65 to 69 may be eligible—application must be made via the institution. People aged 70 and over are not eligible.
To enroll, applicants generally need to be participating in an eligible education or exchange program, hold valid temporary status (such as study or work permit), and meet any minimum or maximum duration requirements defined by the insurer.
For travel outside Canada, only emergencies occurring during temporary trips (and not in the policyholder’s home country) may be covered, and specific conditions may apply regarding the scope and limits of this coverage.
Exclusions and Policy Details
Some exclusions apply, including chronic disease management, treatment for unstable pre-existing conditions, cosmetic care, routine check-ups, and care related to drug or alcohol misuse. Full benefit maximums and reimbursement terms vary by policy and should be checked directly with Guard.me or with your educational institution.
Does Guard.me health insurance cover seniors?
Guard.me insurance is mainly intended for international students, education sector retirees, or individuals whose group insurance has ended, but coverage is available only up to age 65 (with specific limited options up to age 69 upon request). The program serves those needing individual coverage after group benefits end; applying typically does not require a medical exam, but eligibility and available benefits are age-restricted. Requests for coverage must be made before the age limit and generally as soon as possible after the end of the prior insurance.
- Standard Emergency Medical Plan: Covers emergency doctor or hospital visits due to new accidents or illnesses, ambulance, diagnostic tests, and short-term prescription medications. No coverage for regular maintenance of chronic diseases or long-term prescriptions.
- Emergency Dental Plan: Provides urgent dental care in cases of accidental injury, dental infections, or severe pain resulting from a new dental emergency.
- Virtual Medical Services (mobileDOCTOR): Allows online consultations for urgent medical advice and guidance on next steps for sudden health concerns.
Guard.me Age and Coverage Limitations
Guard.me does not offer specific plans adapted for retirees or those over 70. Coverage ends at age 65 for most applicants, or 69 in some cases via school administration approval. All plans are for urgent or unexpected health events only, not long-term care or routine visits. Individuals should check their eligibility and confirm acceptance before group plan expiry.
How does reimbursement work with Guard.me?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | Enables insureds to submit claims and upload documents directly through the secure My Account portal. |
| Mobile application | ✅ | The app gives access to digital ID cards and supports mobile claim submissions and status tracking. |
| Client portal for reimbursement tracking | ✅ | Users track their claim progress and view important policy documents in the My Account portal. |
| Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | No estimator is available; coverage for each benefit must be checked in the insurance summary. |
| Reimbursement time frame | Not specified | Processing time is not indicated; claim outcomes depend on timely document submission and claim complexity. |
| Add/remove members without fees | ❌ | Changes to insured members may involve extra steps and potential administrative fees or restrictions. |
| Phone advice from a healthcare provider | ✅ | Virtual consultations with licensed doctors are available through the mobileDOCTOR telemedicine service. |
| Second medical opinion | ❌ | No dedicated service is provided for obtaining a formal second medical opinion or specialist review. |
| 24/7 travel emergency assistance | ✅ | Emergency numbers on the Health Access Card offer multilingual support for urgent care worldwide. |
Customer review of Guard.me health insurance
Here is an overview of the main trends observed in Guard.me client feedback:
✅ An emergency coverage is easy to access for international students and is accepted by many Canadian institutions.
✅ A mobile portal and digital Health Access Card allow for quick claim submission and proof of insurance, which students find convenient.
✅ Some clinics and hospitals offer direct billing, so students do not always have to pay up front.
❌ A lack of coverage for routine or ongoing care has been reported as inconvenient for those needing regular check-ups or chronic care.
❌ Some users state that the claims process is unclear and that detailed documentation is sometimes needed for reimbursement.
❌ An age limit and strict exclusion of pre-existing conditions are seen as limitations for older newcomers and those with ongoing medical needs.
Here are some of the reviews left online:
- "My university required Guard.me and I was relieved to get my Health Access Card online and see a doctor quickly for an infection.", N. Patel, March 17, 2024, Trustpilot.
- "I had to pay for my medication and submit a lot of paperwork for reimbursement, and my chronic asthma was not covered at all.", M. Zhang, April 2, 2024, Trustpilot.
How to contact Guard.me health insurance?
| Reason for contact | Contact Guard.me |
|---|---|
| 🧾 For a health insurance quote | Use the online contact form on the Guard.me website. Select “quote request” and complete the requested details. |
| 🧾 For a proof of insurance | Log in to “My Account” to download your Health Access Card. For support, email admin@guard.me. |
| 🩺 For medical assistance | Call the emergency number on your Health Access Card, available 24/7. Choose "emergency medical support". |
| 🔍 To report an incident or check a reimbursement | Submit your claim online in “My Account” or by mail. For help, use the web contact form and select “claims”. |
FAQ
Who can apply for Guard.me health insurance?
If Guard.me is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly through the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, you can apply on the official Guard.me website, but it is best to first compare different health insurance options using our comparison tool to ensure you find the right coverage for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with Guard.me?
Yes, Guard.me sets an upper age limit for applicants. Coverage is generally available for those under 65; applicants aged 65 to 69 may be eligible by special request through their institution. Applicants aged 70 or older are not eligible for coverage.
Can you add or remove insured members with Guard.me?
You can add eligible dependents like a spouse or children to your Guard.me policy. Changes are typically possible at the initial purchase or when your family situation changes, subject to the policy terms and your institution's approval.
What is covered by Guard.me health insurance?
Guard.me mainly covers emergency medical expenses for new sicknesses or injuries, including doctor visits, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, emergency dental care, ambulance fees, and prescription medicines. Routine care, ongoing treatments, and pre-existing conditions are not covered under their standard student insurance plans.
Who can apply for Guard.me health insurance?
If Guard.me is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly through the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, you can apply on the official Guard.me website, but it is best to first compare different health insurance options using our comparison tool to ensure you find the right coverage for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with Guard.me?
Yes, Guard.me sets an upper age limit for applicants. Coverage is generally available for those under 65; applicants aged 65 to 69 may be eligible by special request through their institution. Applicants aged 70 or older are not eligible for coverage.
Can you add or remove insured members with Guard.me?
You can add eligible dependents like a spouse or children to your Guard.me policy. Changes are typically possible at the initial purchase or when your family situation changes, subject to the policy terms and your institution's approval.
What is covered by Guard.me health insurance?
Guard.me mainly covers emergency medical expenses for new sicknesses or injuries, including doctor visits, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, emergency dental care, ambulance fees, and prescription medicines. Routine care, ongoing treatments, and pre-existing conditions are not covered under their standard student insurance plans.
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