Navigating Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide for Canadians
1. Understanding Health Insurance Coverage
The Meyers’ Situation:
- Covered by Nova Scotia’s health care plan for necessary medical services within provincial limits.
- Gigi’s hospital stay in Seattle not covered unless she had travel insurance.
- Marni needs an extended health care plan that suits their family’s needs.
- Meyers considering private health insurance to cover additional costs not covered by the province.
Emergency Travel Health Insurance:
- Marni’s provincial health plan does not cover 100% of emergency medical costs in Nepal.
Travel Insurance Coverage:
- Revolutionary laser eye treatment in Nepal likely not covered.
2. Health Insurance for Travelers
Connie and Marty’s Situation:
- Not required to visit doctors for health insurance or passport renewal.
- Advice from heart specialist over the phone.
- Connie wants to live near grandchildren.
- Marty and Connie automatically covered by new province’s health care plan after three months of residency.
Health Insurance Plans:
- Some people opt out of provincial plans for private health insurance.
- Critical care provision provides a lump-sum cash payment.
- Coverage for anesthesia costs.
Marty’s Concerns:
- Understanding how different health insurance plans work together.
- Bewildered by the array of health insurance plan options.
- Ensuring competent care in case of a heart condition recurrence in Florida.
Ivor’s Medical Expenses:
- Presented itemized receipts for medical expenses in Florida.
- May be eligible for reimbursement of painkiller costs.
3. Health Insurance and Taxes
Marty’s Tax Return:
- Premiums for provincial health care plan not eligible for federal tax credit.
4. Government Health Care
Canada Health Act Principles:
- Accountability is not a principle of the Canada Health Act.
Residency Requirements:
- Clients moving between provinces should register immediately with the new province’s health care plan.
5. Financing Medical Procedures
Jackie’s Facelift:
- Using personal savings is the most suitable financing method.
6. Medical Expense Tax Credit
Misha’s Tax Return:
- Premiums paid to government health insurance plans are not eligible for the federal medical expense tax credit.
7. Travel for Medical Treatment
Jed’s Surgery:
- Can only claim travel costs to the U.S. if the treatment is not available elsewhere in Canada.
8. Long-Term Care Insurance
Bruce’s Eligibility:
- Frequent and serious memory loss qualifies him for benefits.