Canada Health Insurance

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

The provincial healthcare plans provide some degree of health insurance for nearly all children living in Canada. Children have additional coverage under the government healthcare system that the general public does not benefit from. These additional health benefits often include vision and dental care, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and services provided by specialized medical professionals. The type and amount of coverage for these additional health benefits varies in accordance with the province or territory of residence.

Most large cities in Canada have hospitals that are dedicated to treating children. Although children’s parents or guardians are not responsible for paying fees for their children to receive treatment at such hospitals, health coverage varies widely from province to province. For instance, vision and dental coverage across the provincial plans range from comprehensive coverage to no coverage at all. Prescription drug costs are usually covered up to a specified percentage of the cost, again, depending on the province. Hence, supplemental child health insurance is recommended.

Supplemental Child Health Insurance
It is crucial that you determine what your federal/provincial plan covers, what it does not, and what types of coverage might be worth obtaining through supplemental child health insurance. If your child does not qualify for the coverage of hearing aids, prescription lenses, prescription drugs, dental care, medical equipment, or various other health care services under the governments’ programs, supplemental child health insurance is worth considering as many of these services can result in unexpected, significantly high expenses. You can purchase extra coverage through individual health insurance plans, or company group health insurance programs, which are often offered by employers.

A Guide to Choosing Child Health Insurance
When shopping for supplemental child health insurance, asking the right questions will ensure that you get the coverage your children need, at a cost that meets your budget.

Below are some sample questions you can ask the insurance provider:

• What is the cost of coverage for one child, and for each additional child?
• What type of coverage is provided by the plan for children with special needs?
• Does the plan cover preexisting conditions, and what is considered an existing condition?
• Does the plan provide coverage outside of Canada, and do I need to notify my provider if the child leaves Canada?
• What coverage does the plan offer over and above the government plan with regards to children?
• Does the plan cover visits to specialists or special procedures, and what steps must I take prior to scheduling an appointment with a specialist?
• Does the plan cover prescription eye glasses/contacts, and if so, up to what amount?
• Does the plan cover dental care, and if so, what services are covered?
• What type of prescription drug coverage is provided by the plan, and are there particular instances or exceptions whereby a prescription drug would not be covered?

Other general questions pertaining to supplemental health insurance:

• Is there a waiting period before the plan becomes active?
• What is covered under the plan and what is excluded?
• How do I file a claim, and how and when do I receive reimbursement for claims?
• What will be the monthly cost of the plan, what methods of payment are accepted?
• What happens if I miss a payment?
• Is there a deductible that applies to the plan, and if so, how much is it?

Without supplemental health insurance to offset the costs of a child’s unexpected illness or injury, you and your family could end up experiencing financial concerns. While obtaining supplemental child health insurance may appear tedious, complicated and time-consuming, it is well-worth the effort.

About the Author:
Adriana Stefania is a freelance writer for Canada Health Insurance. For more information on health insurance for Canadians please visit www.canada-health-insurance.com.