You and your family’s mental and behavioural health is so important. But all sorts of problems can and do happen, and result in a wide range of concerns like anxiety, depression, or panic disorders. The cause can be anything from a life changing event, to chronic pain, insomnia or dealing with a chronic health issue.
Our emotional wellbeing can have a strong effect on how we feel physically and interfere with us living our best life.
That’s why, like any other health issue, it is vital to get mental health support to help you or your loved ones cope.
Here are just a few ways health insurance helps cover the costs so you and yours can be on the road to recovery.
Prescription Medication
Whether you are a young mother with anxiety, a new dad ready to address your substance use, your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or you are facing unexpected cognitive impairment, prescription medication may be a part of the solution you need to decrease your suffering and improve your quality of life. Treatment may even need to continue for many years.
Most health insurance plans cover costs for a wide variety of prescription drugs. If you are given a prescription for a certain medication and are uncertain if it is covered under your plan, contact your insurer with the DIN of the drug and they will let you know if it covered). You can also take your benefit plan card to your pharmacist and they will be able to advise you if the medication is covered.
Talk therapy
Expenses for marriage and family therapy, or addiction counselling can really add up if you need them. Psychologists, counsellors and other therapists (occupational, psychotherapy, etc.) can provide talk therapy, and your health insurance can help pay for those costs.
Both in person and virtual appointments are eligible expenses, provided your healthcare practitioner is allowed by their college or governing body to offer virtual care to their patients.
Physical therapy
When it comes to improving your overall well-being in mind, body and spirit, you may consider the advantages of physical therapies. Naturopathic doctors, Swedish and shiatsu massage performed by registered therapists and eastern-based acupuncture are just some of the options individuals choose. These services are not covered by your government health plan and you will be charged a fee, which may be partly covered by your health insurance.
Chiropractic adjustments are often sought to help release muscle tension, and correct the body’s alignment and overall physical function and chiropractors can offer relaxation techniques to help patients manage stress.
Like coverage for other registered therapists, the dollar amount covered per visit and the annual combined maximum benefit will be outlined in your health insurance plan.
On-line Resources
Your health insurance plan delivers many “built in” tools that can help you learn new ways to deal with the expected and unexpected in life:
- Mindfulness tools that help individuals connect with the moment instead of reliving past regrets or worrying about the future
- Medical second opinions from doctors at top hospitals evaluate diagnoses and treatment plans in confidence, without having to travel or wait for an appointment
- Motivational programs to help you focus and achieve your health goals
- Access to recent articles on finding care, managing your health, and preventing illness
- Easy-to-use search tools to help you find a doctor, health facility, or community support group in your area can to help you stay healthy
- Provincial health resource information
- Trusted information on conditions and prescription drugs
Download handy apps available with your plan and managing your mental health can become easier.
SBIS is ready to support you too
Choosing your health insurance or understanding all its features can be stressful. At SBIS, our support is just a call away; we’re ready to answer your questions and help you put the health insurance in place that you need.
