Health insurance

There is a variety of health insurance products available that could help you:
• pay for services that your regular health care plan does not cover
• supplement your income if you suffer a major illness or severe injury
• pay for your medical expenses if you become ill while on vacation.
Check your policy to find out if there is a deductible or if the amount payable is limited to a maximum
percentage of the overall claim, or a maximum annual amount.

Supplementary health insurance pays for health services, such as prescription drug and dental

services, not generally covered by provincial and territorial government health plans.

Before buying supplementary health insurance, check your employer’s benefits plan to make sure

that you do not buy coverage you already have. For example, you may already have dental coverage

through your employer’s plan.

Disability insurance provides coverage if you cannot work temporarily or permanently due to a injury

or illness, such as loss of a limb, a heart attack or an operation.

Travel medical insurance pays for medical treatment while you travel outside of Canada.

The policy may not provide coverage for medical conditions you had before applying for coverage,

so read the policy carefully.

Critical illness or trauma insurance pays a one-time lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with a

critical illness that is specified in your policy, such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.

There are often exclusions, so read the policy carefully. Be sure you know what is and is not covered.

Long-term care insurance provides coverage if you enter a long-term care facility such as a nursing home.