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.

As we age, our bodies and health are not what they used to be, and it becomes even more important to ensure that we have coverage for health issues that might arise. Seniors should be proactive in determining what their government plans cover, what it does not, and what types of coverage would be worth obtaining through supplemental health insurance designed for seniors.

Supplemental Health Insurance for Seniors
The federal and/or provincial plans do not typically provide coverage for a private room in the event of hospitalization, preventative care, certain prescription drugs, private nursing care, at-home recovery, and cosmetic surgery. In some cases, vision and dental care are also not covered. Supplemental health insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for those services that the government plans do not cover. When selecting senior health insurance, asking the right questions will ensure that you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

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

• Will I be required to undergo a medical exam prior to being approved for coverage, and if so, what types of medical exams will be required?
• Will my premiums increase as I get older or if certain health issues arise?
• Does the plan cover preexisting conditions, and what is considered to be an existing condition?
• What extra coverage will I receive under the plan, in comparison to 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 up to what amount?
• Does the plan have comprehensive dental care?
• Does the plan cover medical equipment such as a wheelchair?
• What type of prescription drug coverage is provided by the plan, and are there instances when certain prescription drugs are not covered?

Other general questions pertaining to supplemental health insurance:

• 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?

Although obtaining senior health insurance may seem complicated and overwhelming, it is a necessary consideration. It is important for seniors to prepare themselves against the often high costs associated with unexpected illness by obtaining supplemental health insurance in order to fill in the gaps of your federal/provincial health insurance plans. The earlier you obtain coverage, the greater the chances are that you will pay lower premiums, since health insurance costs are often partially determined by one’s current age and state of health. You owe it to yourself to safeguard your health and peace of mind so that you can enjoy your golden years.