There are some things that don’t change in life: the value of the time we spend, the significance of smart financial choices and the importance of good health.

And there are things that change – and it can be difficult to keep up with trends, particularly in services and products like insurance that you don’t hear about every day.

At SBIS, we put in place practical tools and offer insurance solutions that help you manage the aspects of life that don’t change, and consistently adapt to things that do – just so we can make your health insurance work a little better for you.

Take a look at three major health insurance trends shaping our insurance world today.


Trend 1:  Remote Access Technology

In 2007, the smartphone appeared and life has never been the same. In less than 15 years we became married to this technology and it changed how we interact. In fact, Canada is amongst the leaders in regards to the share of mobile phone subscribers who use smartphones.

So what do we use them for? Apart from the basic features such as making phone calls and sending text messages, we use our smartphones to take photos and videos, check the time and weather, check emails, visit social networks, look up directions, to search the web and to share information.

Now more than ever, remote access to what we need is part of our day-to-day lives as we practice physical distancing. Yes, sometimes time spent with technology is all-consuming. But in many ways, we must admit that it can save us time (and that’s precious).

When it comes to your health insurance needs, here are just a few ways new insurance technology trends are working to save you time and keep you connected, wherever you are.

  • Need to buy insurance? Go online.
    At SBIS, we are online with you. Every year, our quote and apply platform becomes smarter, easier and faster to use, saving you time. We deliver tools that work smoothly from your phone, laptop or tablet from wherever you may be – whenever you want to shop for (and even compare) Manulife or Green Shield’s (GSC) health insurance products.
  • Want to make a claim or check your claim status? There’s an app for that.
    At SBIS, we are committed to working with leading insurance carriers that deliver online and app tools at your fingertips when it matters: claim time. You have insurance to work for you so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for eligible expenses (like dental care or prescription drugs) and if you do, you’ll be reimbursed quickly. The tools you can access with your insurance deliver clear details and help you keep your finances in balance.
  • Looking for personal support after hours? Try Chat and Online Inquiry.
    We make it easy to connect and receive personal support from insurance experts you can trust. During the workweek, you can call SBIS and connect live to get answers within minutes. Sometimes the only time you have to deal with your health insurance choices is off-hours, so SBIS chat and online inquiry will let you ask your questions and get your answers, wherever you are, any time of day.

Trend 2:  Focus on Chronic Health Conditions

If you are like almost half of adult Canadians, you already have chronic health issues and are worried you may not qualify for health insurance.

At SBIS, we work with leading insurance providers and have done the legwork to deliver smart health insurance options whether you are healthy today, or have existing health issues.

Information overload – just too much print, online, TV and radio information to explore or understand easily – can be overwhelming. To help you filter and focus, our job as your health insurance broker is to deliver understandable information you can trust and help you select and put in place health insurance coverage that fits your needs.

  • Working? Family? Retired? Consulting? Business owner? Knowing who you are is where we start.
    Age, gender and work status – those are just a few of the first questions you’ll be asked by our quote and apply system. And with just a few minutes over the phone or clicks online, you’ll get information on plans that are a fit for you – from Manulife’s Flexcare and FollowMe plans, to GSC Spectra and Continuum plans.
  • Concerned about answering health questions? Guaranteed options are available.
    We can talk to you about what you need to do if you have a pre-existing health condition. And, if you are leaving a group benefit plan, you can apply for a new individual health plan within 90 days and there will be no medical questions asked.
  • Looking for specific information? Use Search to find the answers.
    When purchasing something as critical as health insurance, it’s good to know the details.  But which ones are important? We’ve identified important plan features and options – from taxation to claim management, dental coverage to homecare – and we’ve created resource articles that will give you the information you need quickly. Just type in what you are looking for in our smart Search function, or check our Resources.

Trend 3:  A Preventative Approach to Mental and Physical Healthcare

Self-management for better health outcomes has become more mainstream, with technologies and programs to promote it. The conversation and focus on good mental health have surged and seeking psychological support is largely destigmatized today.

Health insurance used to serve us primarily when an illness or accident caused us to incur out-of-pocket healthcare costs. But that’s changed.

You can feel secure that health insurance will help to pay for prescription drugs, dental costs after an accident, or medical equipment like crutches. Now the trend is for health insurance to deliver preventative healthcare tools to help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

  • Want rewards for your health routine? Sign up for health insurance.
    From Manulife’s Vitality program to GSC’s Change4Life, discover the features in your health insurance that will reward your healthy lifestyle efforts. Eating right, exercising and learning about healthy choices are all rewarded in a variety of ways, from premium discounts to gift cards.
  • Want to get answers to medical questions without going to the doctor? Connect easily.
    Full Medical Second Opinions are available through Manulife’s Health Service Navigator. Use the online resources available at our insurance benefit portal from your phone, tablet or desktop to access health information that is up to date and accurate.
  • Looking for virtual healthcare? Your insurance can connect you.
    Filling prescriptions online with PocketPills is a snap or using a digital therapy platform like MindBeacon is easy to access with GSC Change4Life platform. Manulife offers Healthcare Online, with preferred pricing and 24/7 access to healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurse practitioners, online, through an app or over the phone.

New trends will emerge. Your SBIS health insurance will change with them.

SBIS is ready to ensure that as trends emerge, the health insurance products and services we offer change and adapt – so you don’t have to worry. And, there are some things that don’t change, like our efficient service that helps you make smart health insurance choices and to take care of your health. We will always work to keep you informed and up to date, like any good insurance broker should.