Understanding Supplementary Health Coverage in Canada for Foreign Workers & Their Employers
If you're a foreign worker in Canada, you likely know the challenges of securing suitable healthcare. While Canada's public healthcare system is excellent, it doesn't cover everything. This is where supplementary health coverage becomes essential. In this guide, we'll explore what supplementary health coverage in Canada includes, the types of services it covers, how foreign workers can benefit from these additional health benefits, and the role of an employer in providing supplementary health coverage.
Understanding Supplementary Health Coverage
Supplementary health coverage refers to additional insurance that covers medical services and products not included in the Canadian public healthcare system. While the public system covers essential services like doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care, it often leaves out other critical health services.
Services Typically Covered by Supplementary Health Insurance include:
Prescription Medications: Most Canadian provincial health plans leave out coverage for prescription drugs, especially for working-age adults. A supplementary health plan is needed for this coverage.
Dental Care: Routine dental check-ups, cleanings, and major dental procedures are generally not covered by Canada’s public healthcare, but is covered under supplementary health plans.
Vision Care: Eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses usually fall outside the scope of Canada’s public healthcare, but is covered under supplementary health plans.
Paramedical Services: Services like physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy are often covered under supplementary health plans.
Mental Health Services: Counseling and psychotherapy services may be included in supplementary health plans.
Why Foreign Workers Need Supplementary Health Coverage
For foreign workers, having supplementary health coverage can provide peace of mind and financial security. Here’s why it's crucial:
Comprehensive Care: Supplementary health coverage fills in the gaps left by the public healthcare system, ensuring you have access to a full range of medical services.
Financial Protection: Unexpected medical expenses can be financially draining. Supplementary health insurance helps protect you from high out-of-pocket costs.
Access to Specialists: Some supplementary health plans offer quicker access to specialists, reducing wait times for certain medical procedures.
Types of Supplementary Health Plans Available
There are various health insurance providers in Canada offering different types of supplementary health plans. Here are some typical options:
Individual Plans: Ideal for self-employed foreign workers or those without employer-provided benefits. Individual plans can be customized to suit your specific needs and often include a range of health services.
Group Plans: Many employers offer group health insurance plans to their employees. These plans usually provide extensive coverage and may include additional benefits such as wellness programs and employee assistance programs.
To discuss group plans, feel free to contact the Foreign Workers Canada Health Plan here, or send us an email at info@fwchppc.com
International Plans: Designed specifically for expatriates and foreign workers, international plans offer coverage both in Canada and in the worker's home country. These plans are beneficial for those who travel frequently or have dependents in different countries.
How Employers Can Support Foreign Workers
Employers who hire foreign workers have a significant role to play in ensuring their employees have adequate health coverage. Here are some ways employers can support their foreign workforce:
Provide Comprehensive Group Health Plans: Offering a robust group health insurance plan that includes supplementary health coverage can attract and retain top talent.
Educate Employees: Employers should provide clear information about the health benefits available and how to utilize them.
Assist With Enrolment: Helping foreign workers enroll in supplementary health plans can ease the transition and ensure they are covered from day one.
Employers should also educate themselves on supplementary healthcare, be aware of the coverage their foreign workers need, and understand what the Canadian healthcare system does not provide to their workers.
For more information on Canada’s health care system, click here.
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of supplementary health coverage can provide much-needed peace of mind for both foreign workers and employers. Foreign workers in Canada can significantly benefit from additional health insurance that covers a wide range of services not included in the public healthcare system. Employers play a crucial role in supporting their foreign workforce by providing comprehensive health benefits, assisting with the enrollment process, and being well-informed about their foreign workers' health coverage needs, as well as what is not included under the current Canadian healthcare system.
