Why should Albertans get private health insurance?

Categories: Insurance, Private Health Insurance 

Alberta, like all provinces in Canada, offers government medicare to people living in the province under a program called the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Despite AHCIP’s excellent reputation and standard of care, there are a few things that it does not cover.

Here are a few examples of what AHCIP does not cover:

  • Immunizations
  • Prescription drugs
  • Routine dental care
  • Routine eye care for people 19-64
  • Private hospital rooms
  • Telephone medical advice
  • Clinical psychology
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • (and others)

To avoid paying for these medical services out of pocket, it is best to think about private health insurance.

Many employers offer group insurance plans. Group insurance plans are designed to cover the cost of services that AHCIP does not. If your employer does not offer a health insurance plan (or your are self-employed), it is possible to purchase personal health insurance for you and your family from a variety of private insurance companies.

If you choose to purchase private health insurance, fees are usually paid monthly. If your employer offers you health insurance, most or all of the fee should be included as part of your compensation package.

Questions to ask

Always ask questions about your health insurance plan before you purchase it! It is a good idea to make sure that your insurance plan covers at least the following areas:

  • Extended care
  • Prescription drugs and medical supplies
  • Private hospital rooms
  • Physiotherapy
  • Dentistry
  • Travel insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Critical illness coverage

Having good private health coverage can help you avoid unexpected medical costs and give you and your family peace of mind!

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