Private insurance that covers pediatric care during the 90 day wait period for BC MSP

[dm88]

Hello,
I will be moving to Vancouver in March 2020 with a 2 month old new born. Can you suggest some private insurance plans for the 90 days wait period that specifically cover pediatric care. My newborn will have to visit the pediatrician atleast 6 times over a period of 90 days to get her medical immunizations etc while I wait for my BC MSP. I spoke to an insurance agent and he informed me that these temporary (90 days) private insurance policies only cover emergency medical care and hospitalization and that I would have to pay for specialized care from my pocket. I dont think that is true. I am sure there are many private insurance plans that are ready to cover these expenses if you are willing to pay their premium. Thoughts/suggestions?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hello,
I will be moving to Vancouver in March 2020 with a 2 month old new born. Can you suggest some private insurance plans for the 90 days wait period that specifically cover pediatric care. My newborn will have to visit the pediatrician atleast 6 times over a period of 90 days to get her medical immunizations etc while I wait for my BC MSP. I spoke to an insurance agent and he informed me that these temporary (90 days) private insurance policies only cover emergency medical care and hospitalization and that I would have to pay for specialized care from my pocket. I dont think that is true. I am sure there are many private insurance plans that are ready to cover these expenses if you are willing to pay their premium. Thoughts/suggestions?

It is true. It is a losing situation for an insurance company to cover regular care. You will need to pay for such costs yourself.

 

[dm88]

It is true. It is a losing situation for an insurance company to cover regular care. You will need to pay for such costs yourself.

Thank you so much. Thats really unfortunate. I guess the only way to proceed is to enter the country with a job so that the employer covers this insurance. The cost per pediatric visit is atleast CAD 500 exclusive of pharmaceutical expenses.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thank you so much. Thats really unfortunate. I guess the only way to proceed is to enter the country with a job so that the employer covers this insurance. The cost per pediatric visit is atleast CAD 500 exclusive of pharmaceutical expenses.

Employers won't cover it either. Employee health plans are simply extensions of provincial health coverage. They don't cover things that the province covers, such as doctor visits.

 

[dm88]

Employers won't cover it either. Employee health plans are simply extensions of provincial health coverage. They don't cover things that the province covers, such as doctor visits.

oh wow. so you really have to wait for the MSP to kick in?

 

[scylla]

oh wow. so you really have to wait for the MSP to kick in?

I can't comment on MSP since I live in Ontario. However employer insurance definitely sits on top of provincial health care insurance. In other words, it covers the things provincial insurances does not - it doesn't replace it. So if something is normally covered by provincial insurance (but you're not yet covered) - this won't fall under your employer's policy. Also, most employee insurance policies require you to have provincial coverage before they will provide you with the additional coverage (specifically because the employer insurance sits on top of the provincial).

EDIT: Ultimately you'll need to look at the employer's policy fine print. But safe to assume it won't cover or replace the provincial plan stuff.

 

[canuck78]

Would also add that paediatricians normally don’t see healthy children in Canada. The whole family sees a GP. You will have to try and find one who is accepting new patients. Depending where you are that can be tough especially right away.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

oh wow. so you really have to wait for the MSP to kick in?

For regular visits, yes. Or pay yourself.