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Guaranteed Acceptance

Guaranteed acceptance refers to an insurance plan that does not require medical questions, health history, or evidence of insurability for approval. Coverage is automatically granted to anyone who applies and meets basic eligibility criteria such as age or residency. This type of plan is designed for individuals who may not qualify for medically underwritten insurance due to pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, or other health concerns.

Guaranteed acceptance plans are common in health, dental, and life insurance. These plans provide essential protection without medical underwriting, although benefit limits are typically lower and premiums higher than medically underwritten policies. Guaranteed acceptance ensures that individuals can maintain or obtain coverage even when traditional insurance options are unavailable.

Example:

If you can't qualiify for a medically underwritten plan, you can apply for a guaranteed acceptance personal health plan. You will be automatically approved without needing to answer health questions.

What to Watch For:

Guaranteed acceptance plans offer convenience and accessibility, but they usually include lower annual maximums and limited prescription drug coverage. Review the benefits carefully to understand what is covered and whether waiting periods apply. If your health permits, you may want to compare medically underwritten plans for potentially greater coverage at lower cost.

Related Terms

Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP)

A Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) is the publicly funded healthcare program administered by each Canadian province and territory. It provides residents with access to medically necessary hospital and physician services at no direct cost, funded through provincial taxes and federal health transfers. GHIP ensures that all eligible residents receive essential medical care regardless of income or health status, forming the foundation of Canada’s healthcare system.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a type of coverage that helps pay for medical and healthcare expenses not fully covered by Canada’s public health system. It protects individuals and families from the high cost of prescription drugs, medical services, and treatments that fall outside provincial or territorial government health plans. Health insurance can be obtained through an employer’s group benefits plan or purchased individually from a private insurer.

Extended Health Care Insurance

Extended health care insurance (EHC) is supplemental coverage that helps pay for medical expenses not covered by your provincial or territorial health plan. It protects you from out-of-pocket costs associated with services such as prescription drugs, vision care, medical equipment, hospital upgrades, emergency travel medical care, and paramedical services like physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments.

Benefit

A benefit is the specific financial protection or coverage provided under an insurance policy. In health and dental insurance, a benefit refers to the payment or reimbursement made by the insurer for eligible medical, dental, or wellness expenses. Each benefit category - such as prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, or physiotherapy - outlines what is covered, how much the insurer will pay, and any applicable limits or conditions.

Coverage / Benefit

Coverage, sometimes referred to as a benefit, is the range of health or dental services, supplies, or treatments that your insurance plan agrees to pay for under its terms and conditions. Each benefit represents a category of care, such as prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, or paramedical treatments.

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