Whether you have insurance through work or not, individual health insurance in Alberta ( reassured.ca/individual-health-insurance-in-alberta ) is something you definitely need to consider. Not all health plans through your job have sufficient coverage for your needs. Since the products are based on a group, they tend to be generic, not personal.
Another potential problem with health insurance through work is that you can't usually take your medical insurance with you if you leave This is why having individual health insurance is a good idea. Additionally, you can customize your plan to fit you as an individual, rather than try to fit your needs into a group plan.
How Individual Health Insurance Works in Alberta
With individual health insurance you have to apply for health coverage directly with the health insurance company; or you can use an insurance broker. We'll talk about how to work with an insurance broker in the next section.
How much you'll pay for individual health insurance depends on your health history, age, and if you smoke. The best rates are given to individuals who are healthy, young and don't smoke. However, there are health insurance companies who will issue you a health insurance policy even if:
• You have a pre-existing health condition
• You're hard to insure
• You're considered a casual marijuana smoker. Non-smoker rates are available if you fit the criteria.
Your premiums will vary depending on the insurance company and the health insurance products you choose to get in your plan. Basic individual health insurance plans commonly include dental, prescriptions, and vision. However, there are other options such as counselling.
If you own a small business there's a health insurance product called a Health Spending Account (HSA).
You should also make sure you're protected if you're young, healthy and live a healthy lifestyle. Remember you're one illness or accident away from needing health insurance. Studies have also found that millennials are actually at a higher risk for mental health problems.
How to use an Insurance Broker to get Individual Health Insurance in Alberta
Brokers are small business owners who work with several health insurance companies. They don't work for the insurance carriers; they work on behalf of the policyholder. Since they have access to a number of insurance company's policies ( reassured.ca/blog ), brokers can give you professional advice about products and pricing.
Working with an individual health insurance broker saves you time, as well as help you get the best rates. This makes the process much less daunting for you. With the internet age you don't have to set up a meeting with your broker. You can do it all online. There is software so you can sign your application and policy online too. It’s free to use the services of a broker. All you pay for is the price of the policy.
If you're looking for individual health insurance in Alberta, contact a broker today. At Reassured For Life, we are always ready, willing and able to help you get the individual health insurance in Alberta you need.