CARDRUNNERS

I just got my supplemental health insurance plan package in the mail today for going pro (it starts April 1st and I leave my job March 25th, so good timing!). "Supplemental health" is in addition to the provincial health plan that everyone gets in Canada just for living here. The basic plan covers basic doctors visits and emergency hospital visits, but not prescription drugs, dental, eye care, or anything else. There are no co-pays like the US. Basic free coverage is better than the US free coverage (ie nothing), but generally if you are smart and have the money you get additional coverage. So Canadians within a province all have equal basic coverage, but if you can afford it, you get better coverage:)  Actually, Canadians don't even all have the same basic coverage, since some provinces give better coverage than others.  Michael Moore, eat your heart out.

Anyways, the supplemental insurance I applied for is a "followup" plan which means if you are quitting your job, you can get this plan if you apply within 60 days and they will give it to you no questions asked, no forms, etc. I guess they are taking the calculated risk that if you were already approved for another company plan you couldn't be a huge liability.

I got the best possible supplemental coverage I could find (I take a lot of expensive prescriptions for allergies):

-80% prescription up to $1200 a year

-80% dental up to $800

-$230 vision care, includes subsidizing laser eye surgery

-$600 for stuff like massages/acupuncture

-private room if i need a hospital visit and 100% for first 100 days, 60% afterwards

-something called 'Doctors First' which basically gives me preferential treatment if I get a serious illness (they help with treatment planning, identification of the most appropriate care provider, and care management)

-and a bunch of other random crap

All for $140/month and this is the best possible tier of health coverage. SO CHEAP. Yay Canada.