Sometimes we lead an active lifestyle because our work demands it. Sometimes we choose that lifestyle because it:
- Makes us feel happier
Getting active releases endorphins that produce positive feelings and reduce pain
- Helps us lose weight
Regular workouts increase your metabolic rate which burns calories and leads to weight loss
- Improves your sleep quality
Exercise increases your body temperature, and as you recuperate afterwards your temperature drops which helps you fall asleep.
Getting active can be great for your health — but it can put you at risk for injury. And that means you may need to seek medical help and face medical expenses. Why? Provincial Health plans don’t cover services like dental check-ups and treatment, massage therapy, chiropractic care, or most physiotherapy, and only some provinces cover a portion of prescription drug costs (and not much, at that).
Let’s suppose you have an injury
Just about any activity can result in injuries and unexpected healthcare costs – even when you are just playing for fun and fitness. Consider these risks:
Dental Injuries
Did you know that up to 39% of all sports injuries are dental related? Mouth guards can slip, and a wayward ball, puck, stick, or elbow puts you at risk of having teeth knocked out or having your jaw broken. A cracked or fractured tooth and root makes drinking and eating painful. Most dental injuries will be visible, but some are not, which is why you should consult a dentist (and have accidental dental insurance in place).
Concussion
Even a small trauma to the head can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, problems balancing, and mood changes that may persist for a couple of days or up to several months. You may require prescription drugs and therapy – which can be covered by health insurance.
Knee Injuries
Overstretching the ligament of your knee can happen with an awkward fall, or with a quick change in direction that stresses your knee. It’s painful – and can also require prescription medication, a knee brace and therapy which can be costly unless health insurance is in place.
Ankle injuries
Its all too common to slip or twist your foot, and a sprain can take weeks to heal. In severe cases you can fracture lower leg bones and may even need durable medical equipment like a cane or wheelchair to help you get around (which may be covered by your health insurance).
Upper extremity injuries
Fingers can be easily fractured. Sprains, strains, dislocations, lacerations, and contusions are common on shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands. Bone or cartilage damage can cause pain – needing medication and therapy – for days, months and even years. Overuse or trauma to the elbow can cause bursitis – swelling and tenderness – that may require antibiotics. Prescription drug coverage is vital.
If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll have to pay for mobility aids, every therapy visit as well as the prescription pain medication.
Those expenses add up over time and can empty your bank account. You know that without health insurance coverage, just one injury could put you in dire financial straits because of unexpected out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
If you are active, make sure you choose Health Insurance with these three features
Beyond providing prescription drug coverage, consider supplemental health insurance with these features
1. Dental coverage
- Accidental Dental helps pay to repair or replace natural teeth which were damaged because of a blow to the mouth
- Basic dental coverage may be needed for examinations, x-rays, fillings, extractions, and root canal therapy
- If you have teeth missing, you may need Major services for full or partial dentures, a crown or onlay restorations
2. Therapy coverage
- Properly treating an injury can ease mobility, relieve pain, and prevent long-term health implications, with therapeutic care provided by a Chiropractor, footcare specialists (Chiropodist/Podiatrist), Naturopath, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Acupuncturist and Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
3. Durable medical equipment coverage
- Prescribed aids for daily living like crutches which can cost between $40 and $200 depending on your need, walking aids, with canes costing $20 to $60 and walkers and rollators ranging from $60 to $700
There are a wide range of health insurance plans available with features to fit an active lifestyle. The money you put into your plan will ensure that you will not be out of pocket for potentially thousands of dollars for much-needed treatment if you are injured. Health insurance gives you a cushion to fall on, should something happen to you. You deserve that.
And the best news is that health insurance is available to protect your family too, whether you are working or not.
Ready to get active? Call us today.
Don’t let any injuries linger because of out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The sooner you have health insurance in place, the sooner you can deal with them and the sooner you can be back to your active lifestyle.
There are different plans to choose from and the prices vary depending on your age, if you have a pre-existing condition, and how much coverage you want. Call one of our representatives to talk about the cost; we’re sure to have a policy that matches your needs and budget, especially considering how expensive the alternative can be.
Nobody plans to have a medical emergency, but if you have insurance you won’t have to worry about getting care if something does happen. Our SBIS toll-free number is 1-800-667-0429.
