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.

Typical health insurance plans include coverage for prescription drugs, vision care, medical equipment, hospital accommodations, emergency travel medical care, and paramedical services such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. Some plans also include optional riders for dental, life, or critical illness coverage. Health insurance plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government-provided healthcare and the full cost of maintaining health and wellness.

Example:

If your provincial plan covers only hospital and physician services, and you need a $300 pair of prescription glasses, your private health insurance plan with vision coverage can reimburse you up to your plan’s vision maximum, such as $250 every two years.

What to Watch For:

Review what your plan includes and excludes. Each policy has its own limits, waiting periods, and reimbursement levels. Confirm whether benefits renew annually or every two years, and check for per-visit or per-claim maximums. Coordination of benefits may apply if you have multiple plans through your employer and spouse.