HEALTHCARE INSURANCE 101
1. What is Health Insurance?
Health insurance is a tool designed that is there to protect you from extremely high medical expenses and can help you pay less for medical care. You pay a fee for coverage, usually monthly.
Some health insurance plans have a deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before your health insurance coverage takes effect).
Some health insurance pays 100% of costs after deductible, others pay a percentage (coinsurance).
Health insurance coverage may also come with additional no-cost programs and services, like virtual health care for example.
3. What does healthcare access insurance cover?
Healthcare access insurance is insurance that facilitates and pays for the treatment of an illness or condition outside of Canada. For example, if you are diagnosed with cancer, you can elect to be treated by any of the top-rated hospitals in the United States. The policy pays the medical expenses for you, and travel expenses for you and a travel companion. They will also assist in identifying the appropriate care facility for your specific condition and make all necessary arrangements to ensure a worry-free trip.
2. Does my health insurance cover me in another country?
Yes, it does. However, it will only cover you to the extent of the cost of providing that care in Canada and you will have to apply to your provincial plan for reimbursement once you have paid the full cost. You will never know how much you will get back until they approve or decline your claim.
3. What is Extended Health Insurance?
Extended Health plans give you coverage for everyday health needs and medical emergencies. These plans can supplement or top up your provincial health plan or employer plan. This includes a wide variety of services, such as dental care, prescription medication, vision, chiropractors, and more! Please read the benefits section for a summary of the available coverage.
3. Is healthcare access insurance the same as travel medical insurance?
Healthcare access insurance is different from travel medical insurance. Travel medical insurance only covers you while you are travelling outside of your province. Healthcare access insurance covers you 24/7 wherever you are and allows you to seek treatment outside of the country if you choose to do so. Healthcare access coverage has a deductible and covers all conditions. Travel medical insurance does not have a deductible and covers only those conditions which arise while travelling outside of your home province.
4. Can I get health insurance if I live abroad?
Yes, however it will vary country by country.
5. Does healthcare access insurance cover COVID-19?
Yes, it does cover COVID-19 when travelling abroad. However, it will not provide a benefit if COVID-19 is contracted in your home province as you will not be able to travel to any other jurisdiction for treatment due to travel restrictions related to COVID-19.