What You Need to Know About Health and Dental Insurance

Deciding what coverage your family needs

 Canadians have an enviable national health care system, but there are potential health circumstances that may not be covered under government-funded Medicare.

For example, a 2018 study revealed that over a third of Canadians lacked dental insurance, and that one in five Canadians avoided going to the dentist for purely financial reasons. Those who had dental coverage were more likely to visit their dentist than those who did not.

How do Canadians access better coverage that helps them enjoy the full health and dental care they need?

Defining Health and Dental Insurance

Health Insurance in Canada (Medicare) covers many of the basic needs for you and your family, but do not cover items such as vision and hearing, massage therapy, or even medical equipment such as wheelchairs.

There is a unique plan for each of the ten provinces and three territories across the country. In Ontario, it’s commonly known as OHIP.

How do you wade through the wealth of information to decide what additional coverage is best for your family’s requirements? Let’s begin by understanding what type of plans cover which procedures and services.

OHIP

This is the provincial coverage available to residents of Ontario. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers medically necessary visits to walk-in clinics and emergency rooms for basic medical services and treatments, diagnostic testing and surgeries.

Where OHIP comes up short is for vision, dental, and hearing care, as well as prescription drug coverage.

Group Insurance through your Employer

You may be covered for vision, dental and prescription drugs by a group plan offered by your employer, but these plans usually offer inflexible options, and if you leave the company that coverage does not go with you. A plan like this may be partially or fully funded by your employer, which makes it more affordable. The down side is that they decide what is covered for you.

Individual Plans

This is the most customizable option, and the one that goes with you if you change employers or even move to another province. You can opt for supplemental add-ons to include items that offer the very best care for you and your family.

CAA Protect can offer plans which offer some or all of your requirements including prescription drugs, vision and dental care, massage therapy and even special services like nursing and ambulance services, wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment.

This plan can be extended to your spouse and children. Vision care is also included under their Basic Extended Health Care (EHC). The only mandatory coverage is Health Insurance.

Getting Coverage is Your Choice

While your government health plan provides good coverage, it doesn’t cover everything. With CAA Protect, you will be guided through all the options to curate a flexible policy that fits your needs at the right price. There are no age limits for eligibility, no price increases as you age, and no maximums on dental and drug coverage.

CAA Protect has licensed insurance advisors who can help you create the best coverage plan for you.

Contact a professional insurance specialist at CAA Protect or call 1-888-308-4701 today to get started.

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