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Zero Deductible Plan (No Annual Deductible)

A zero deductible plan begins reimbursing eligible expenses immediately without requiring members to pay a minimum out-of-pocket amount first. This feature simplifies claims and provides faster access to benefits but usually comes with higher premiums.

Zero deductible plans are appealing for individuals who anticipate frequent claims or prefer predictable healthcare costs. They are most common in higher-tier individual plans or comprehensive group packages.

Example:

If your plan has no deductible and covers 80 percent of eligible costs, a $100 physiotherapy session would immediately trigger a $80 reimbursement without any initial threshold.

What to Watch For:

Even without a deductible, coinsurance, per-visit limits, and annual maximums still apply. Confirm whether each benefit category shares this zero-deductible feature.

Related Terms

Coinsurance

Coinsurance -sometimes called the *reimbursement rate* - is the percentage of eligible health or dental expenses your plan will pay after any deductible. It’s the insurer’s share of the bill, with the remainder paid by you. Typical plans cover 70–100% of eligible costs; the rest is your out-of-pocket portion.

Insurer

An insurer is the insurance company or organization that provides financial protection to individuals or groups in exchange for premium payments. The insurer assumes the risk of potential loss and agrees to pay benefits for covered claims according to the terms of the policy. Insurers evaluate applications, determine premiums, issue policies, and manage claims through underwriting and administration processes.

Benefit Period (Vision)

The benefit period for vision refers to how often your vision care coverage renews and allows you to make new claims for eligible expenses such as glasses, contact lenses, or eye exams. Unlike other benefits that reset each year, vision care often renews every two benefit periods, which can mean every 24 consecutive months rather than every calendar year.

Claim

A claim is a formal request you or your healthcare provider submit to your insurance company to receive reimbursement or direct payment for eligible medical or dental expenses covered under your plan. Submitting a claim provides the insurer with the necessary information - such as receipts, treatment details, and provider information - to verify the service and determine the amount payable according to your policy’s terms.

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.

Relevant Plans

Plans that relate to Zero Deductible Plan (No Annual Deductible)

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Basic

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Basic

Can apply at anytime, at any age.

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Enhanced

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Enhanced

Can apply at anytime, at any age.

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Enhanced+

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Enhanced+

Can apply at anytime, at any age.

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Premium

Alberta Blue Cross - Blue Assured - Premium

Can apply at anytime, at any age.

Have questions about your insurance coverage?

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