This page provides information about individual health insurance, plans, and coverage. |
Individual Health Insurance is Readily Available to You
The health care system in Canada takes care of basic health care requirements. It is a joint arrangement between the Federal and Provincial Governments. If you are not covered by a group plan by your employer you likely do not have any health insurance beyond the provincial plan. Choosing the best individual health insurance to suit your needs is an important step to get coverage where the provincial plan falls short.
 Most importantly, individual health insurance needs to be purchased to cover the costs that your provincial medical care does not cover. - Individuals who do not have group coverage from their employer can look to an individual health insurance plan which can also cover family members.
- Self-employed individuals wanting comprehensive coverage including entrepreneurs or small business owners can equally choose from the options available with individual health insurance plans.
- For the added security of health and dental insurance, anyone who desires to have the financial protection of additional coverage should consider individual that can be customised to your individual choices.
What are your health insurance needs?
You should discuss with a reputable insurance agent exactly what your requirements are, you might not need certain elements of some policies, however, you might want particular elements appropriate to your circumstances and potential health requirements.
For example, the basic coverage that your province and government supply is not sufficient in many cases for private hospital care, for many medications, for certain emergencies, and for full dental care. The provincial plans supply only the necessary elements required to give minimal health insurance benefits. This is why so many people turn to supplemental health. Supplemental health insurance covers necessities such as:
- Home recovery care
- Private hospital rooms
- Extended benefits for prescriptions
- Eye care
- Dental care
- Accident insurance
Special needs and services, i.e. specialist treatments such as Chiropractor, Osteopath, Naturopath, Podiatrist, Registered Massage Therapist, Acupuncturist, Physiotherapist and Psychologist.
What is available?
Additional Health and Dental Insurance
Health and Dental plans range from basic to enhanced coverage. Some plans also include coverage for prescription drugs that are not covered by your provincial medical care system. Even though you may be quite healthy, Many services that are covered are preventative services such as dental cleanings, eye exams and massage therapy.
Hospital Cash Plan
Some plans can provide funds if you are unexpectedly hospitalized. The requirements for this insurance is usually a simple health questionnaire. There are also variable amounts of benefits ranging from $25 to $100 for daily coverage. This plan can normally be purchased between the ages of 25 to 65.
Critical Illness Insurance
As life is presenting more and more critical illnesses such as cancer, heart conditions, and other life threatening conditions, having the extra protection of supplemental health insurance is most certainly a must, especially as one ages. This can also be purchased without taking a medical exam in some circumstances and should be considered for self-employed workers and those without this coverage form a group plan.
Travel Insurance
Insurance for short trips can be included or added to an individual insurance plan. This avoids purchasing travel insurance especially if you are going on a trip on short notice.
The best way to approach getting individual health insurance is to compare the different plans that are available to you. You can contact a qualified insurance broker, someone that can help with your questions and give you appropriate answers while helping you to decide what is right for you. Speaking with your agent can satisfy your requirements and put your mind at rest regarding your individual health insurance needs. Your premiums will be charged on a monthly basis and will correspond to the coverage of your plan.
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