Since the COVID-19 outbreak, medical video consultations are working to connect patients with qualified doctors as an alternative to in-person care. Today, telemedicine is playing a crucial part in healthcare as more people seek medical advice from the safety of their homes.

But having the need for remote healthcare services isn’t new. Studies show that 68% of Canadians have either avoided seeing a doctor or skipped a scheduled doctor’s appointment when they were sick.1 Why? It can take too long to get an appointment in Canada, or an appointment is not available at a time that is convenient for the patient.

The problem with “skipping the doc” is that you may end up not taking care of your health.


Healthcare Online Can Help

Healthcare Online is included with your Manulife health insurance to give you the opportunity to conveniently set up virtual healthcare appointments. You get online access to healthcare professionals through web and mobile applications so you can get the care you need when you need it — at work, at home or wherever you are.

Healthcare Online’s primary care gives you 24/7 online access to doctors and nurses who can

  • give professional advice
  • diagnose and treat health concerns
  • prescribe and renew existing prescriptions
  • write labs and imaging requisitions, and
  • refer to specialists and allied health professionals.

You get preferred pricing for services too.

1 IPSOS (2017), Seven in Ten Canadians (68%) Have Skipped Seeing a Doctor


Is virtual care safe and effective?

If you are like many people, you may have some concerns about trying virtual care. According to the Canadian Medical Association, virtual care can be a great experience resulting in positive patient-doctor relationships. Check out their virtual care patient guide for more details.

You can safely use virtual visits to

  • discuss mental health issues
  • review infections like urinary and skin problems
  • check on sinus pain and sore throats
  • discuss eye redness or change in vision
  • talk privately about sexual health
  • review travel-related healthcare
  • follow up on conditions monitored with home devices and/or lab tests, and
  • review test results and specialist reports.

For healthcare expenses covered by your health insurance, virtual appointments qualify for coverage.

For more information about getting ready for a virtual healthcare visit and making a claim, read our blog Can I claim for Virtual Healthcare Visits?


Flexcare and FollowMe health insurance from Manulife

It’s financially important to bridge the gap for healthcare service costs that fall outside provincial insurance coverage — and Manulife health insurance plans do just that.

Manulife Flexcare and FollowMe health insurance plans cover services like

  • Prescription drugs
  • Routine dental care visits
  • Registered therapists like speech therapists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, foot care specialists, naturopaths, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and more
  • Home support services
  • Medical equipment
  • Ambulance transportation
  • Hearing aids
  • Vision care, including eye exams, glasses and contact lenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Private and semi-private hospital rooms
  • Accidental death and dismemberment

You can apply for coverage as long as

  • You are a Canadian resident
  • You have valid provincial health insurance in place.

You can choose from basic plans to save money if you are in good health right now. On the other hand, if you choose to start with the best plan but find you don’t need that much protection, it’s simple to “step down” to a less comprehensive plan, and you will get the coverage you want.

Some plans offer guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions. Coverage is only dependent upon receipt of your first two month’s premium payment. If you are in good health you always have the option of completing a medical questionnaire for a health insurance plan that may provide even more comprehensive benefits.


Talk to SBIS today for Manulife health insurance with access to Healthcare online

Choosing the perfect health insurance plan takes some thought, but at SBIS, we make applying for coverage easy! Go online and in a few minutes, your application will be on its way to your insurer.

If you have any questions, would like more information or need assistance selecting a plan, please do not hesitate to call us. Our business hours are Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. eastern time at 1-800-667-0429 or 416-601-0429.