When it comes to taking care of your health, its great to know that many emergency and physician services are free for permanent Canadian residents. But not everything in Canada related to healthcare is free. Every province has different coverage, but there are still many routine and emergency medical treatments that you must pay for out of pocket. That’s where health insurance comes in.
Having your own health insurance plan can help you offset the costs of different treatments and items related to keeping you healthy.
If I buy health insurance, does my coverage start immediately?
Most health insurance plan coverage is effective the first day of the month following the approval of your application. (You can request to postpone your coverage effective date for a month or two, if you’re applying earlier than you need your coverage to start.)
How long does it take to approve your application? That depends on the type of health insurance plan you choose and how you apply.
- If you apply for a guaranteed acceptance plan, like Prism Precision® Health Plans, Manulife Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Plan, or a wide range of dental health plans, there are no health questions to answer and there is no medical underwriting. If you apply online, your application is approved as soon as your insurer receives your payment, which could be within a day or two.
- When you apply for a medically underwritten plan like, a Manulife FlexCare Plan with prescription drug coverage, a Prism® Spectra Health Plan or a GMS Health Plan you’re required to complete a health questionnaire. The insurer evaluates your health info. If you apply online, it will take about two weeks to process your application and get back to you.
Only GMS offers health coverage that can begin on any date, not just the 1st of the month. Do you want coverage to start on the 16th of the month? That can happen (but only with GMS)!
What health and dental plan should I buy?
We make that easy for you to figure out. You can fill out your basic information and get an instant online quote to discover the monthly costs of a few of the plans we offer (and you can call us for more options).
All health insurance plans cover healthcare costs for both routine and unexpected health-related expenses.
Some plans offer guaranteed acceptance e. If you currently have a health condition (like diabetes or high blood pressure that requires treatment to manage), you can still qualify for these health insurance plans.
Other plans offer more extensive coverage and ask some health questions when you apply. If you’re not worried about existing medical conditions or are not taking any prescriptions on a regular/maintenance basis these may be the right plans for you and your family. If you have a health condition, your plan may have certain coverage limit maximums or exclude benefits related to your condition.
If you are losing your group benefits, you can apply for specially designed individual health insurance coverage within 90 days, and these plans will cover your current health conditions.
And SBIS not only helps you take care of your family, but you can also provide health coverage as an incentive for your employees – we offer a wide range of small business health insurance options.
If you are thinking about health insurance, you can choose from multiple coverage options in two minutes or less. When you are accepted for coverage, you will receive a copy of your completed and signed application in your welcome package from your insurer.
Check your policy for a Waiting Period for dental coverage
SBIS helps you buy health benefits for both routine and unexpected health-related expenses. Some plans, including all dental health plans, offer guaranteed acceptance with no health questions asked, even if you have an existing health condition.
Depending on the plan you choose you may have a waiting period before your dental coverage is in effect. What does this mean? This is a period of time when you aren’t able to use that benefit – and it may range from 3 months for coverage to begin, or 2 years for major or orthodontic coverage to begin.
If you have a dental waiting period on your health and dental insurance and you go to the dentist before the waiting period has ended, you can’t make a claim for that treatment.
If you make changes to your policy information, when are they effective?
Usually, any policy changes you request will come into effect on the first day of the month following the date the change is approved. Your insurer will notify you of any rate adjustments and of any additional premiums due as a result.
- Change in name – Notify your insurer if any individuals covered under your policy change their name and let them know the reason for the change and the date of the change.
- Change of address – If you change your address, it is very important that you notify your insurer immediately so they can keep you informed of important benefit or premium changes. The good news is that plans provided by SBIS offer national protection – wherever you go in Canada, your plan goes with you.
- Change in status – Notify your insurer within 30 days of a change if your dependent or co-insured has a change in status (for example, a change in marital status).
- Adding a spouse to your plan – A spouse or partner may be added to your coverage provided you have lived together for at least 12 months by submitting a written application and having him or her fill out a medical questionnaire, if applicable.
- Adding a dependent to your plan – Each insurer defines dependents in your policy. You can add a qualified dependent to your coverage at any time by submitting a written application and filling out a medical questionnaire, if applicable. And if your dependent is a newborn, insurers do not require a medical questionnaire if notified in writing within 30 days of the birth (coverage will be effective the first day of the following month).
Ready to get your health insurance in just a few days?
Just go online to discover our full range of options – we provide easy to read plan details for every type of plan you can choose from. If you have any questions about buying or changing your health insurance plan, don’t hesitate to call us as 416.601.0429 or 1.800.667.0429 toll-free. We’ll take care of you like you’re family. After all, when you become a customer that’s how we think of you.
If you prefer to read a bit more about your options or learn more about health and dental insurance features, please do. Search our resources for great information.
It can be reassuring to choose health insurance that suits you, your lifestyle, and your budget — because your health insurance will continue to be with you today, tomorrow and in the years to come.
