A serious illness can make you wish that things were different. You may worry about whether things will be okay or if another health issue could make you sicker quickly. You might also wonder how to prepare.
While provincial and territorial health plans in Canada cover many of your health care needs when you are diagnosed with a serious illness your government plan may not cover health care or paramedical services you need to cope and to recover.
That’s where your health insurance can help.
Health insurance is financial support
When you have your own health and dental insurance plan in place, it provides support to help cover the out-of-pocket costs, ensuring you could get the necessary healthcare you need without the added financial stress — invaluable in managing the overall impact on your lifestyle.
With individual health insurance, you have more options for managing your health than you do with provincial insurance alone. Because supplemental health insurance covers additional treatment options not covered by provincial plans, you have greater freedom to choose the treatment that is best for you. When managing serious health problems like chronic pain or chronic illness, or living with stroke management, heart failure, renal dialysis, you are immunocompromised, or coping with cancer, supplemental treatments afforded by health insurance can improve your quality of life, like
- All dental services, if your household income is over $90,000 and you don’t otherwise qualify for the national plan
- Coverage for prescription drug costs that are not administered in hospital
- Paramedical services, like massage therapy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care to help with muscle weakness or pain
- Specialist consultation with a Dietician if you are dealing with unintentional weight loss
- Vision care, such as glasses or contact lenses
- Hearing care because your government programs may only cover a portion of the cost of hearing aids — and the remaining out-of-pocket costs for hearing aids can be substantial.
- Ambulance transportation
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- The cost of assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and hearing aids
- Part of the cost of home care services, such as personal support workers or health care aides or nursing.
You have access to health insurance tools that can help
Your health insurance can be a source of strength. There are lots of tools to help you stay independent and resources available you can use in planning your care and to help you cope with your health condition like
Virtual health care
You can have video calls or phone consultations with a medical practitioner from the comfort of your own home, from work or wherever you are for a wide variety of health issues like discussing mental health issues or to talk privately about sexual health.
Convenient and quick access to mental health support
Many plans offer counselling services, Internet based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) options and no-cost digital therapy for mental health management and mindfulness tools that help you connect with the moment instead of reliving past regrets or worrying about the future
Motivational programs to help you focus and achieve your health goals
Built-in programs give you the opportunity to earn rewards – all while improving your physical health and having a positive impact on your mental health and wellness.
Everyday activities like walking the dog, going to the gym, and completing online nutrition courses will earn you points.
Access to trusted health information
Go online or use an app for recent articles on finding care, managing your health, and preventing illness. Easy-to-use search tools to help you find a doctor, health facility, or community support group in your area can help you stay healthy and access provincial health resource information, plus trusted information on medical conditions and prescription drugs.
Virtual physiotherapy treatment
For qualifying injuries or conditions using your computer or mobile device.
Convenient and affordable access to the medications and pharmacy services
From the comfort of your home, with free delivery, your medications will come to you – at home, the office, or the cottage — there’s no more waiting in line to drop off your prescriptions or pick them up, and if you have a question about your medication, you can call, send an email, or book a virtual appointment to a team of licensed pharmacists available to answer your questions and provide clinical expertise.
Your next steps with health insurance
What is important to you in your health journey? Do you want to spend more time with family and friends? Continue working? Be able to stay independent? Your health policy is designed to provide the necessary coverage and resources to help you manage your medical conditions and meet your unique needs.
It’s important to understand the specifics of your plan. Review your policy to know what treatments, medications, and services are covered. This will give you a clear picture of the financial support available to you. At SBIS we are here to assist you and ensure you fully understand your coverage and benefits. We offer a wide variety of plans, regardless of any prior health condition you have. Feel free to reach out if you need any guidance or support at 1-800-667-0429 or 416-601-0429. Our business hours are Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. eastern time. Remember, your health insurance is a valuable tool in navigating your medical journey. Lean on it for the support and resources you need to focus on your health and recovery.
