What You Should Know About Private Health Coverage

While Canadian residents have access to healthcare through the country’s single-payer system, many who wish to have greater control over their medical treatments will choose to purchase private health insurance. With distinct differences from Canada’s universal national health care, individuals should carefully consider the pros and cons of this option before they use it for treatment.

Advantages of Private Coverage

With private health insurance, you won’t have to worry about waiting for a lengthy period of time to see your doctor. Patients with private coverage receive priority care, particularly when they contact a private clinic in Montreal. This allows you to get the diagnosis and treatment you need before a health problem has the chance to get worse.

Private health coverage also gives you access to hospital privatization, which allows you to choose the physician who will provide your treatment while also offering access to a private room that is more comfortable where your family won’t have limited visiting hours. Improved facilities will give you a better overall healthcare experience.

By selecting your own doctor, you will also avoid the possibility of being treated by medical students. More importantly, however, it will ensure that you will be treated by the same doctor each time you return for a followup appointment to address your condition. By continuously working with someone who has experience with your case, you will receive higher quality care.

Private Coverage Cons

Though private health insurance has distinct advantages, it isn’t for everyone. Premiums tend to be more expensive than if you remained on the single payer system, which can make the extra coverage financially unattainable for many.

A lack of understanding of how private health coverage works can further complicate your finances. While private health care covers most routine and emergency services, it does not cover everything. Some hospitals or doctors may be outside the insurance network, which means you would be responsible for payments if you used their services.

For certain procedures, private insurance covers only a portion of the care cost, leaving you responsible for the rest. Understanding how monthly premiums and non-covered medical expenses could affect your budget will be vital for determining if this extra coverage is truly a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not private health coverage is right for you will come down to your unique medical and financial situation. By using the aforementioned factors to make an informed decision, you will have confidence as you take greater control of your physical well-being.