Immigrating to Canada to be closer to family is a dream for many parents and grandparents around the world. However, once they arrive, finding adequate and affordable health insurance can be a challenge. This article will provide an overview of the health insurance options available to parents and grandparents in Canada, along with tips for choosing the right coverage.
Overview of Public Health Insurance in Canada
Canada has a universal public health insurance system called Medicare that provides basic coverage to all permanent residents. Medicare is administered through provincial and territorial governments and overseen federally by the Canada Health Act.
Medicare covers medically necessary hospital and physician services. This includes visits to your family doctor, specialists, and hospital stays. However, it does not cover prescription medications, dental care, vision care, long-term care, or private hospital rooms.
To qualify for Medicare, parents and grandparents must meet residency requirements. In most provinces, there is a 3 month waiting period after establishing permanent residency.
While Medicare provides essential coverage, many find the gaps in coverage concerning. This is why supplemental private insurance is recommended.
Private Insurance Options for Parents and Grandparents
Private insurance can help fill in the gaps left by Medicare. Here are some of the main options:
- Employer Group Plans – If parents/grandparents are working, they may have access to group insurance plans through their employer. These plans often include prescription drugs, dental, vision care and more.
- Individual Plans – Individual health plans can be purchased from private insurers. However, coverage is not guaranteed and applicants can be denied based on pre-existing medical conditions.
- Travel Insurance – Before obtaining Medicare eligibility, travel insurance can provide emergency medical coverage. Plans are available for visitors to Canada.
- Supplemental Plans – Designed to wrap around Medicare, these plans include prescription drugs, dental, vision and more. Providers include Blue Cross, Sun Life, Green Shield.
- Long-Term Care Insurance – Provides coverage for home care, assisted living, and nursing homes which are not covered by Medicare. Should be purchased when still relatively young/healthy.
When selecting supplemental coverage, look for plans that offer low deductibles, co-pays and premiums. Also consider whether parents’ existing medications and health services will be covered.
Tips for Finding Affordable Coverage
Finding affordable coverage for parents and grandparents on fixed incomes can be difficult. Here are some tips:
- Compare plan costs across multiple providers. Rates can vary widely.
- Consider higher deductible catastrophe plans to lower premiums.
- Look into financial assistance programs offered by provinces and insurers.
- If enrolled in an employer plan, ask about coverage extensions for dependents.
- Inquire about discounts for seniors or group association memberships.
- Work with an insurance broker who can search for options tailored to your needs.
- Purchase prescription drug coverage separately if it’s more economical.
- Maintain good health and preventative care to keep premiums down.
Government Assistance Programs
In addition to Medicare, certain government assistance programs are available to lower-income parents and grandparents:
- Old Age Security (OAS) – Provides a monthly payment to Canadian citizens/permanent residents 65+ based on how long they live in Canada.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – Provides additional money on top of OAS to low-income seniors.
- Allowance/Allowance for Survivor – Benefits paid to 60-64 year old spouses/common-law partners of OAS pensioners.
- Social Assistance – Provincial programs providing financial assistance for housing, food, and other necessities.
Choosing Between Provincial Health Care Plans
Although Medicare is a national program, the specific coverage provided can vary between provinces and territories. For example, some provinces provide coverage for prescription drugs, dental services, eye exams and more, while others provide little to no coverage beyond the basics.
When deciding where to establish residency, research what is covered in each province. For instance, Ontario offers coverage for prescription drugs to individuals over 65 through the Ontario Drug Benefit program. Meanwhile, Alberta does not cover prescriptions at all. If prescription costs are a major concern, make sure to consider the differing provincial health plans when choosing where to live.
Some key resources for comparing provincial health coverage include the Government of Canada website, provincial health ministry websites, and reports from think tanks like the Canadian Institute for Health Information and Fraser Institute. Consulting with an insurance broker can also provide guidance on navigating provincial differences.
Purchasing Additional Travel Insurance
Since Medicare coverage does not begin until after meeting minimum residency requirements, purchasing travel insurance to cover the initial waiting period is crucial. This provides emergency medical coverage in case parents or grandparents get sick or injured during their first few months in Canada.
When selecting travel insurance, look for plans that will cover pre-existing medical conditions, since many seniors have chronic health issues. Also pay close attention to any dollar limits on coverage, as medical costs can add up quickly. Purchasing from a reputable provider like Blue Cross, which offers travel insurance specifically for new immigrants to Canada, is recommended.
Some travel insurance policies allow you to purchase coverage for up to 365 days, which would fully cover the standard 3 month Medicare waiting period. Just be aware that premiums increase substantially for longer-term plans.
Services Covered Through Provincial Social Assistance
In addition to income support, social assistance programs available through provincial governments often include supplemental health benefits for recipients.
For example, Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program provide recipients with coverage for prescription drugs, vision care, dental services, medical transportation costs and other health-related expenses. Manitoba, British Columbia and other provinces offer similar health benefits to social assistance recipients.
So if parents or grandparents are struggling to pay for medications, dental work, new glasses and other health costs not covered by Medicare, applying for social assistance can provide access to these essential services. The income support payments may be relatively small, but the health benefits can make a major difference in affordability. Just be aware that social assistance comes with eligibility criteria that must be met.
Key Takeaways
- All Canadian permanent residents and citizens are eligible for Medicare, which covers hospital and doctor services.
- Private supplemental insurance helps fill gaps like prescriptions, dental, vision and more.
- Individual plans may be expensive or unavailable to seniors with pre-existing conditions. Group plans through work are preferable.
- Travel insurance can provide emergency medical coverage before obtaining provincial Medicare.
- Look for ways to reduce costs through financial assistance programs, maintaining good health, and shopping providers.
- Government pensions and benefits are very helpful to lower income parents/grandparents once they turn 65.
With proper planning, parents and grandparents can obtain the health insurance coverage they need to live happily and healthily in Canada. Consulting an insurance broker or advisor can help navigate the options.
