When Massiel Rodriguez Ancajima first arrived in Canada as an international student, the excitement of a new journey was matched by the challenges of navigating a new country alone. One of the first hurdles she faced was understanding how the Canadian healthcare system worked — something that could have easily become overwhelming without the right support.
"During my first week of classes, I needed to see a doctor, but I didn’t know where to start," Massiel recalled. "I didn’t have friends or family here to guide me. It was just me, the website, and GuardMe."
That first experience became a turning point. Using GuardMe’s resources, Massiel found a nearby clinic, understood her coverage, and successfully managed her visit — all without confusion or setbacks.
"It was so helpful to have clear guidance for newcomers like me. From finding a clinic to claiming my medicine, everything went smoothly," she said. "It made a huge difference knowing I wasn’t alone."
Building Confidence Through Care
For Massiel, GuardMe’s support didn’t stop at physical healthcare. It also created a foundation of emotional reassurance — the kind that would become even more vital later in her academic journey.
"Whenever I contacted them by phone or email, it was easy," she said. "It helped me feel confident that someone was there to take care of me."
That sense of security helped her focus on what mattered most: building her new life abroad with peace of mind.
A Lifeline When It Mattered Most
The moment that stayed with Massiel the most came late one night, during a period of high stress and anxiety related to her studies. It was 3 a.m., and she needed help — immediately.
"I remembered the TELUS Health app that GuardMe provides," she said. "So, I reached out through the app, and a psychologist called me back right away."
That conversation became a lifeline.
"I felt such relief after that call. I didn't know where else to turn at that hour. Having that kind of immediate support — right at my fingertips — made all the difference."
Later, Massiel would reach out again for mental health support when she needed it — each time finding a response that was quick, caring, and effective.
Reflecting Back
Looking back, Massiel credits these moments of care for shaping her sense of confidence and belonging while studying abroad.
"It was so important to have help close by, especially when I didn’t know anyone here. GuardMe wasn’t just an insurance company — it was real support when I needed it most."
Help When It Matters Most
At GuardMe, we believe that no student should ever feel alone when it matters most.
Our 24/7 mental health support, accessible healthcare, and easy-to-use resources are designed to be there when you need them — just like they were for Massiel.
Learn more about GuardMe Student Support Services here.
