Health Insurance

In Canada, "Health Insurance" typically refers to the Extended Health Care Insurance that supplements the universal health care coverage provided by the country's provincial and territorial health plans. While basic medical care is covered for all Canadian residents through these public health plans, Extended Health Care Insurance offers additional coverage for services and expenses not fully covered by the government programs. This type of insurance is designed to provide individuals and families with broader financial protection against the costs associated with various health-related services.

Key aspects of Extended Health Care Insurance in Canada include:

1. Prescription Medications: Coverage for prescription drugs that are not covered by provincial health plans.
2. Dental Care: Benefits for dental services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and sometimes orthodontic treatments.
3. Vision Care: Coverage for eye examinations, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and sometimes laser eye surgery.
4. Paramedical Services: Benefits for services provided by healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists.
5. Medical Equipment and Supplies: Coverage for the cost of medical aids and equipment, such as wheelchairs, orthotics, and prosthetic devices.
6. Hospital Stays: Additional coverage for private or semi-private hospital rooms.
7. Travel Insurance: Emergency medical coverage for when individuals are traveling outside of Canada, offering protection against potentially high costs of medical care abroad.

Extended Health Care Insurance in Canada can be purchased individually or may be offered as part of an employee group benefits package. The specific coverage details, including deductibles, co-payments, and coverage limits, can vary widely between plans and insurers. This supplemental insurance plays a crucial role in comprehensive healthcare planning, offering Canadians additional coverage to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for a wide range of health services and treatments not covered by the public health care system.