Health and Dental Plans in Canada
Health insurance in Canada is a form of universal health care in which all citizens are provided health insurance by the provincial government. However, the medical insurance that is provided is a basic coverage that may require a supplemental policy for additional coverage. Dental plans offered in Canada are available from many insurance companies and from the Treasury Board of Canada, which offers a Dental Care Plan to Public Service of Canada employees.
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Extended Heath Coverage
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Because basic health insurance coverage may not cover all of the major heath costs incurred by individuals, many insurance companies provide extended health insurance or supplemental insurance. This insurance provides additional coverage for medical costs not covered by a provincial health plan. Coverage can be purchased individually or for an entire family to provide necessary heath insurance.
Dental Insurance
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Dental insurance that is provided from an insurance company, such as Sun Life Financial, it not typically sold as a stand-alone insurance product. Individuals can receive dental insurance from Sun Life Financial by purchasing extended health insurance. However, there are extended dental plans that can be purchased from online sites or from various insurance brokers, such as the North Shore Credit Union in British Columbia.
Costs
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The costs for an extended health or dental plan can vary on the type of coverage and benefits that are available for a particular type of policy. The monthly cost for extended health insurance is about $12 a month and an extended dental plan can cost about $55 a month. An individual or family can purchase extended health and dental coverage for about $100 a month or nearly $1,200 a year.
Dental Care Plan
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Public service and employees of many companies in Canada receive dental coverage provided by the Public Service Dental Care Plan or DCP. The DCP is available to full-time employees, part-time employees, seasonal employees and other employees who meet plan requirements. Other eligible individuals include spouses of employees, a common law partner and children. Coverage for eligible individuals starts after an employee has completed a continuous employment waiting period that lasts for three months.
Plan Benefits
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Coverage provided by the DCP covers costs for supplies and services not provided by the health and dental plan offered by the provincial government. Coverage is typically only provided for dental treatment that is reasonable and customary. Treatment must also be necessary to correct an oral defect or disease. Benefits include diagnostic testing and preventative care, such as cleaning, polishing and the application of fluoride.
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