While it’s true that our provincial plans cover a lot of healthcare expenses like physician visits and hospital admissions, many important items and services aren’t included in that coverage. The amount that is covered for services can even occasionally decrease, leaving you with even more gaps in their healthcare coverage. And that leaves you facing too many out of pocket medical costs.
Purchasing health insurance helps protect your health and your budget. Costs for health-related services can add up quickly, whether you’re filling a prescription, visiting the dentist, getting new glasses or mapping out a course of treatment for a critical illness. Health insurance helps you manage routine and unexpected costs, protecting your budget and your lifestyle.
Start with choosing your health insurance plan
Choosing the right plan means taking a look at your options and deciding which plan suits your needs. Maybe you only need a plan that covers a few services, or perhaps you need something broader that covers more things you may need. The details of insurance plans can be challenging to understand. At SBIS we offer a gold mine of information in our Resource center.
With just one phone call you can connect with our expert team who will act as your guide and give you a clear breakdown of the options and costs.
Once you have chosen your plan, you will have to complete a health insurance application before you get your coverage.
When filling out your insurance application, be honest and accurate. The information you give is what determines the kind of plan you’re eligible for, so accuracy is key. Incomplete information can delay the process, so be sure to look over everything before you submit it.
Most applications require this specific information.
Biographical Information
Health and dental insurance applications are typically straightforward, and clearly list the information they need from you. You will be required to provide your name, address, phone number, and your marital status. You will also be asked if your partner has a plan of their own.
The information you provide is important, as it helps determine what types of coverage you qualify for, and it also helps determine your rates.
Your health history
Not every health insurance plan guarantees you will be accepted for coverage. Some plans will ask you to provide your medical history as well as your dependents’ in order to determine your eligibility.
If you are unsure of what to include in your medical history, think back over the years. Check with your physician and see your records to be sure. If your information isn’t accurate, it may cause problems for you later.
- What prescriptions you currently take
- Past injuries for which you have received medical care (even if it was a long time ago and you’ve recovered)
- Past hospital stays and whether you expect to be hospitalized in the relatively near future (yes, even pregnancies and dental care should be noted)
- Medical conditions for which you are currently being treated, or were recently treated, such as high blood pressure or cancer or depression.
If you have a health condition, don’t worry. Dependent on the health insurance plan, you may not have access to coverage for medication or treatment related for the condition… but there are other plan options available that may cover your current medical conditions and prescriptions.
It’s never impossible to get coverage if you have a pre-existing condition, but it is significantly easier to get a plan if you’re in generally good health.
Past Insurance Information
If this isn’t your first time purchasing a plan, you may be required to disclose proof of your previous coverage. Insurance companies ultimately need to determine what, if any kind of coverage you’ve had in the past 90 days. They need to know which company you were insured under, your ID number, and the time period for which you were covered and the date your benefits ended.
If you are putting your health insurance in place because you are leaving an employer group health plan, it’s best to apply for your coverage within 90 days. You will be eligible for a guaranteed acceptance plan that will cover your pre-existing health conditions.
If this is your first plan or you haven’t had one in over three months, you will need to fill out a medical questionnaire for health insurance plans that offer higher maximums and broader benefits. This questionnaire helps your insurer determine your eligibility.
Payment Information
Before your plan is set up, you will be required to provide payment for the first two months of coverage. You can set up payments through automatic deductions from your bank account or credit card. To do this, you will need to provide a void cheque or your credit card number.
Once your coverage is active, you can set up how you will be reimbursed for your claims. Instead of old-fashioned cheques you can arrange for direct deposit.
Get started with SBIS today
If you don’t fully understand a certain step in the application process or wish to find out about coverage for particular services, ask questions. That’s what our SBIS professionals are here for – to help you!
Contact us today, and we can answer any questions you may have. A customer service representative can help you complete your application and give you any additional information necessary. It’s worth the time and effort. After all, you deserve access to the best treatment available, and working with SBIS helps make this possible.
looking for dental and physio therapy coverage plan
Thank you for your comment. We have multiple plans from a number of major insurance companies that have the benefits you require in them. I will email you personally to discuss.