Considering an Individual Health Insurance Plan?

If you’re looking for a supplemental health insurance plan you’ll find it under group insurance plans. This type of package covers members of a group and their eligible dependents. Some employers provide a group health insurance plan as part of an employee benefits program. Your eligibility would be determined by whether or not you are a full time employee and on how long you’ve worked for the company. In most cases, a worker must have been employed for at least one to three months, and part timers are not usually eligible.

If you don’t have a group insurance plan at work, you can purchase an individual insurance plan.  If you are part of an association such as a university or CAA you may get exclusive rates not available to the public by purchasing the plan sponsored by the association. 

Remember, when you are no longer an employee of the company, or you cease to be a part of the association, you no longer have coverage.

Filing a Health Insurance Claim

Although a health insurance claim is simple enough to file, the procedure varies with each plan.

One type of plan may require that you pay your health care provider up front and then submit your receipt by mail or electronically for a reimbursement.

Another type of plan may provide you with a drug or dental ID card that allows the bill to be submitted directly to the insurer electronically for payment.

Most insurance claims must be filed no later than one year from the date of the medical procedure, health service or appointment.

It usually takes a week or two to process a claim if it’s straightforward enough, and if you have completed the claim form correctly and completely.  However, it will take longer if the insurer has to contact you to clarify any of the details on the claim. A more complicated claim, such as one involving a disability, typically requires a lengthier time period to process.

Your insurance company may deposit payment directly into your bank account, or they may send you a cheque accompanied by a statement with the details of your claim.