Do I need personal health coverage?

How do I determine whether I need to purchase health coverage?

Determining whether you should purchase supplementary coverage when losing your workplace benefits can be difficult. That’s because everyone’s needs are different. It depends partly on what’s covered under your provincial plan and whether your spouse has coverage through their employer.

Most importantly, you need to consider the individual health needs of you and your family.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself when determining if you need supplementary coverage:

• Does your spouse have coverage through their employer? Are you and your family covered under your spouse’s plan?
• Do you have dependents who were also covered under your workplace health plan? Are they covered under any other group health plan?
• Would you be able to cover the out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications, private hospital rooms, or dental procedures if you or your dependents had an unforeseen medical issue or diagnosis?
• Are you or your dependents currently taking any prescription medications?
• Do you or your dependents have any chronic illnesses, ongoing health concerns or history of disease?
• Have you or your dependents visited the dentist in the last six months? Do you anticipate any major dental work required in the near future, such as braces, dentures, etc.?
• Do you wear eyeglasses? Have you been for an eye exam in the last two years?
• Do you regularly see a paramedical practitioner (e.g. massage therapist, physiotherapist, chiropractor) for ongoing therapy?

Annual Health Cost Estimate Worksheet

Use the worksheet below to estimate the anticipated annual health costs for you and your family. You can also download a copy in our Guide to Personal Health Coverage.