Green Shield Benefits: Extended Healthcare Benefits Explained

Did you know that the average Canadian spends more than $350 on prescription medications each year? The public health care system in Canada doesn't cover all the costs Canadians face.

There's increasing concern about how sustainable the Canadian health care system is. Provincial governments have curbed costs by slashing support for various medical services. This leaves Canadian citizens to pay for these services.

The list includes vision care, dental care, and even devices like hearing aids. Prescription medications are another enormous cost for Canadians. Services, like visiting a psychologist or getting a massage, may not be covered either.

It's clear there are gaps in Canada's health care. That's why it's so important for Canadians to have great private health insurance. One option you might want to consider is Green Shield benefits.

The Increasing Need for Extended Benefits

As we've seen, there are holes in Canada's health care system. The public system pays for around 70 percent of costs. This leaves individual Canadians paying the remaining 30 percent.

These costs include everything from vision care to ambulance fees to physiotherapy. Coverage varies from province to province as well.

It's important for Canadians to have great private insurance. Extended health care plans are helping them get the coverage they need and deserve.

What Does an Extended Plan Cover?

It's easy to see why Canadians need more coverage from a private health care insurance provider. Are extended health benefits the answer though?

For many Canadians, the answer is yes. An extended plan will help them fill in the gaps and cover costs the public system won't pay for.

Extended health care plans often include support for upgraded hospital care. They'll pay for semi-private or private hospital rooms. This kind of plan also includes coverage for medical services like ambulance fees and private nursing.

Other benefits included in extended health care plans may be:

• Vision care coverage for glasses and contact lenses
• Paramedical services, such as podiatry, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services
• Enhanced out-of-province travel assistance
• Prescription medication coverage

Coverage varies by the provider and the plan you choose. Not every plan will include everything you need. Even plans from the same provider vary in their levels of coverage.

Choosing a Health Insurance Provider

When you decide you need more coverage, research Canadian health insurance providers.

Not all providers are created equal. Some will have great reputations for customer service and coverage. Customers may not have the same love for other providers.

Always check reviews and talk to others who have used the services. They may be able to recommend a great health insurance provider.

If you're still not sure, you can always talk to a broker or another health care insurance expert. They can share insights and expertise to help you find the coverage you need.

Exploring Green Shield Benefits

As you research health insurance providers in Canada, you'll likely read about Green Shield Canada. This not-for-profit provider is an all-Canadian company based out of Windsor, Ontario. The company understands what Canadians need in their extended health insurance.

Green Shield coverage is some of the most trusted in Canada. They've been providing plans for individuals and companies since 1957. They offer a wide variety of plans to suit different needs and lifestyles.

Green Shield Extended Health Care Plans

Green Shield benefits in Canada include a wide range of extended health benefits. Emergency transportation and upgraded hospital accommodations are standard for extended health care.

Some of the others Green Shield offers are a little less common. These include coverage for:

• Orthotics and orthopedic shoes
• Custom shoes
• Accidental dental insurance
• Laser vision correction
• Acupuncturists, naturopaths, and osteopaths

Coverage depends upon the plan selected. For example, some plans include laser vision correction as part of vision care. Other plans don't have this coverage.

Which Plan do You Need?

Once you've decided on a health insurance provider, you'll need to select a plan. Chances are you'll pick your provider based partly on the plans they offer.

Many Canadians decided to go with Green Shield Canada for their private insurance. Since there are many different plans and levels of coverage, you can find one that suits your needs.

Trying to determine which plan is right for you can be a challenge. You'll first need to assess your needs. Then you'll need to decide which benefits you need and which ones would be nice to have.

Finding a plan that fits your needs and your budget doesn't have to be difficult. An insurance expert can help here too.

Green Shield Zone Plans

Green Shield Canada divides its plans into different zones, or tiers. These plans offer different levels of coverage. The coverage in a Zone 6 plan is much more extensive than the coverage in a Zone 1 plan.

Many people choose the plan with the lowest price. While this often seems like a smart idea, it isn't always the right choice.

You'll want to compare the coverage offered in any zone plan with the coverage you need. If you have a lot of prescription medications, a Zone 1 plan is not going to be the best fit for you. Zone 1 plans don't offer coverage for prescriptions.

A great way to evaluate any plan is to think about the value it brings you. A Zone 6 plan might be more expensive, but if it offers the coverage you need, the plan will deliver greater value to you.

How Can You Get the Coverage You Need?

Canada's public health care system leaves Canadians paying more out of pocket. If you haven't invested in extended health care benefits, now is the time to do it.

If you're trying to decide if Green Shield benefits are right for you, you can talk to the experts. They can help you assess your needs and find the right plan for you.

It's easy to get the health care coverage you need and deserve. Start by getting a quote today. Better healthcare protection is just a few clicks away.