Canada Health Insurance

Even though all citizens of Canada are provided with access to medical care by the Canadian government’s federal and/or provincial programs, these programs do not provide coverage for every health condition or situation.

Supplemental Family Health Insurance
As you start a family, it becomes important to ensure that you and your loved ones have coverage for the health issues and prescription needs that can arise, many of which will not be covered by the government health care system. It is essential that you determine what your federal/provincial plan covers, what it does not, and what types of coverage would be worth obtaining through supplemental family health insurance. You should take into consideration not only your family’s present needs, but also its future potential needs, such as coverage for prescription eye glasses/contacts, prescription drugs, hearing aids, hospital stays, and services from specialized medical professionals. Costs of a private room in the event of hospitalization, preventative care, some prescription drugs, dental and vision care, cosmetic surgery, and certain diagnostic procedures are typically rendered the individual’s responsibility.

A Guide to Choosing a Family Health Insurance Plan
In selecting supplemental family health insurance, asking the right questions will ensure that you get proper coverage for your family at a price you can afford.

Below are some pertinent questions you should ask a potential insurance provider:

• Will I and the members of my family be required to undergo a medical exam prior to being provided with coverage, and if so, what types of medical exams are required?
• What is the cost of coverage per child?
• Does the plan cover pre-existing conditions, and what is considered to be an existing condition?
• What extra coverage is provided by the plan and what is excluded?
• How does the plan’s coverage differ from the government plan?
• Does the plan cover visits to specialists or special procedures, and what steps do I have to take prior to consulting with a specialist?
• Does the plan cover prescription eye glasses/contacts and comprehensive dental care?
• What type of prescription drug coverage is provided by the plan, and are there any specific instances when prescription drugs are not covered?
  Other general questions pertaining to supplemental health insurance:
• Is coverage effective immediately upon approval of my application? If not, how long is the waiting period?
• How do I file a claim, and how and when do I receive reimbursement for my claims?
• What will be the monthly cost of the plan, and what methods of payment are accepted?
• What happens if I accidentally miss a payment?
• Is there a deductible that applies to the plan, and if so, how much is it?

It is important to be proactive with regard to you and your family’s well-being. Without supplemental family health insurance to fill in the gaps in your government plans, health issues can result in unexpected high expenses that can cause you financial concerns. While the task of shopping for family health insurance may seem tedious, complicated or overwhelming, getting the right coverage for your loved ones is undoubtedly well-worth the effort.