Like other provinces, British Columbia provides healthcare for its residents and offers many services to keep everyone safe and healthy. As Canadians, we are very fortunate to have free hospital and physician services, but there are still a few things that aren’t free. British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan website outlines what is covered under their plan.
Most provincial plans won’t cover additional medical services like massage therapy, chiropractic care, or the like, so people usually turn to private insurance for coverage. Others are fortunate enough to have coverage through their employers.
Group plans offer a wide range of coverage depending on what the employer chooses. Having extended benefit coverage allows you to receive medical care without worrying about paying for it. City of Vancouver employees enjoy a wide range of coverage through their work policy.
But what happens when you retire? You may no longer receive coverage through the City of Vancouver and will then be without a plan. Retirement should be stress-free and financially secure.
Another thing to consider is if your current group benefits aren’t enough and you wish to increase your coverage…is it possible? It certainly is if you purchase an individual health and insurance plan through SBIS.
When Your Group Benefit Plan Ends
As a full time City of Vancouver employee, you have had health benefits offered through your employer for likely the entirety of your career, unless you are part-time or a contractor. Unfortunately, once you retire, you may no longer have a plan through the city.
This leaves you and your dependents vulnerable. Health benefits are designed to protect you in case you have an illness or injury. If something should happen and you don’t have a policy in place, you might have to pay an exorbitant amount of money out of pocket.
Luckily, we offer many different plans that will meet your needs and budget. Some of our plans will require that you sign up within 60 or 90 days of leaving your group insurance plan if you have a pre-existing condition you would like covered. Others may allow a longer grace period, but you are highly advised to get on a new policy as soon as possible.
Why You Should Continue to Be Insured
Even the healthiest retirees have to admit that as we age, things happen. Health benefits are there just in case something does begin to go wrong, but they’re also great for preventative treatment.
Many people get physiotherapy or chiropractic care to keep their bodies in optimal health. Without insurance, these services can be costly and some may opt not to use them as a result.
Another thing to consider is that if you have a spouse, they should be protected as well. Eliminate the stress of worrying, and have a backup plan in place!
What You Can Get
Upon retirement, you may find that your needs will change. You may need more coverage for certain services. Perhaps you wish for a plan that covers extra services; or alternatively, maybe you won’t use them and don’t want them included.
As we mentioned, at SBIS we have many different plans. You can choose from various levels of benefits, and easily find a plan that fits your budget and covers the services you want to have.
You can continue to have health and dental coverage, even after your work plan ends. With your own policy, you and your family won’t have to suffer the consequences of not having insurance down the line, and you can take advantages of services that promote your well-being, to help keep you in the best shape possible.
We Can Help
Not only are our customer service representatives willing to go the extra mile to help you, they are also experts in the insurance field. We can help you find that perfect plan you’ve been dreaming about. Available services include
- Psychological services to help you keep your mental health in good order
- Massage therapy to alleviate any aches or pains
- Orthotics to treat foot problems
- Vision care services such as eye exams and glasses
- Dental services
- Travel benefits
You can find a plan that has low premiums but covers just what you need, or if you prefer to pay a little extra, you can have even more things covered. Remember, the cost of a monthly premium is nothing compared to what you would have to pay for services in the event of an emergency, without any coverage.
Give Us a Call
If you’ll be retiring soon, contact us today. We can help set something up to keep you covered once you are no longer under your group insurance. If you have already retired, we can assist you in finding something right away. At SBIS, we love helping people live their best lives. We’ll send you brochures and information to help you come to an informed decision.
