Showing posts with label GHIP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GHIP. Show all posts

Thursday, 5 February 2015

What is not covered by GHIP



It is well known that prescribed drugs and dentistry are not covered by Government Health Insurance Plan(GHIP). But there's more exclusion. The following is a summary of an article from CBC website.

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1) Ambulance Fees

- Most provinces charge a user fee of $45 to more than $500.
Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador also charge a user fee for transportation between hospitals.

2) Hospital Parking

- It can be expensive for patients who need regular treatment such as chemotherapy or dialysis.
-Parking fees are a major revenue source for many hospitals, and the rates have been rising across the country.

3) Crutches, wheelchairs

- Crutches, casts,canes can cost you.
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Wheelchairs, walkers and hearing aids are also not covered, though some provinces have programs to help offset the costs.

4) Paperwork

- Getting those from doctors are not covered: Medical files, prescription refills, insurance or disability forms, or medical notes for school or work.

5) Medically Unnecessary procedures

- Wart removal (which can cost you $50 or more) 
- Treatment of varicose veins 
- Infant circumcision (which typically costs between $200 and $500)
- In some provinces, an annual physical exam is not covered
- Cosmetic procedures- Vaccinations needed for travel.
Source:CBC website
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/5-medical-costs-you-may-have-to-pay-for-1.2945539
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The article on CBC website points out downside of this system; " A Marketplace survey found that 42 per cent of Canadians say they might delay calling an ambulance because of the cost."  It is so unfortunate if you have to think of cost when your life is in crisis.  Extended Health Care provided by private insurance companies will ease your mind.
It also should be noted that prices for those medical expenses vary from province to province.For instance, a traveller who has BC MSP will have to pay $240 if he is to call 9-1-1 for a land ambulance service in Ontario. If this happened in his home province, the cost will be $130. This is why Provincial Governments encourage Canadians who travel across Canada to obtain additional private medical insurance.  No worries. Many insurance companies offer travel insurance at a good price for Within Canada Only travelers.

Purchase insurance today for your peace of mind.  Call us and we can help you!

Questions? Contact us info@biis.ca

Wednesday, 17 December 2014

Extension of Provincial/Territorial Health Insurance Plan



Did you know that your provincial or territorial health insurance plan expires if you're away from home province/territory for a few months?

If you apply for extension, upon your return, there will be no interruption to your insured status with your provincial/territorial health insurance plan.

In other words, if expired, you'll need to re-apply and wait for health care plan about 3 months until coverage begins.

Each province and territory set different rules.  In most cases, absence exceeding 90 days is advised to report to provincial and territorial health authorities. Applying for extension should be done before you leave your home province/territory.
More information about how to retain your eligibility is available on website listed below.

And, do not forget about purchasing Travel Insurance. As the government points out, your provincial or territorial health insurance covers very little for medical expenses incurred outside of Canada.  
 http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/travel-insurance


Questions about Travel Insurance?  Contact us: Bridges International Insurance Services. http://www.biis.ca/



Alberta:http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/outside-coverage.html
British Columbia: http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/leavingbc.html
Manitoba:https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/leavingmanitoba.html
Newfoundland and Labrador:http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/mcp/outofprovincecoverage.html
New Brunswick:https://www.gnb.ca/0394/leaving-e.asp
Northwest Territories:http://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/publications/forms/temporary-absence-form-health-care-coverage
Nova Scotia:http://novascotia.ca/DHW/msi/moving_travel.asp
Nunavut:http://gov.nu.ca/health/information/nunavut-health-care-plan
Saskatchewan:http://www.ehealthsask.ca/HealthRegistries/Pages/health-benefits-eligibility.aspx

Ontario: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/ohip/travel.aspx
PEI:http://www.healthpei.ca/index.php3?number=1020795&lang=E
Quebec: http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/temporary-stays-outside-quebec/health-insurance/Pages/eligibility-during-stay.aspx
Yukon:http://www.hss.gov.yk.ca/health_card_temp.php