Busting the Myth: Paying for Cross Border Health Services Can Be Complicated
With the Canadian healthcare system backlogged, we reported how many patients are looking elsewhere for services, primarily in the US. Finding the right service is just one part of the process, as deciding how to pay for it can be complicated, time-consuming and difficult. In part 2 of our Myth Busting series, we look at 3 ways patients can easily access cross border healthcare services without headaches, and a 4th way that makes it even simpler.
Access through Provincial Health Insurance
In some cases, your provincial health insurance plan might offer some coverage for medically necessary healthcare services you receive in the United States. Each province has its own regulations, but most offer some form of reimbursement for emergency care or services not readily available in Canada. In many cases it will require your physician to recommend and be pre-approved by the province.
Access through personal health insurance
Private US medical insurance coverage is available through a few companies and brokerages. With a monthly fee, this insurance coverage allows Canadians to access care in the US on an elective basis for up to a certain amount of money. There may be restrictions with pre-existing conditions or other restrictions such as an exclusion period. Remember, general medical travel insurance does not cover any planned medical procedures or appointments, or if you need to access medical care due to a pre-existing condition. Regardless, travel insurance is a good safety net if any new issues arise. Carefully review your US insurance policy details before purchasing to ensure it meets your specific needs.
Access through self-payment
In some cases, Canadians may choose to self-pay for specific medical services in the US instead of going the insurance route. This could be for procedures unavailable in Canada, cutting-edge treatments, or consultations with specialists. While upfront costs can be significant, self-payment can be a viable option for those with the financial means and a desire for a particular service. With self-payment, your options to accessing medical care in the US are essentially unlimited. At Health Bridge Care, we help to ensure you are getting the best possible prices through our ability to negotiate the fees as well as through our many partnerships.
Unsure where to start? Health Bridge Care can help
Don't let navigating the US healthcare system become a barrier to receiving the care you deserve. If it still seems complicated, we at Health Bridge Care can help you access medical services in the United States. We understand these complexities and are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Getting the healthcare you need in the US doesn't have to be complicated. With Health Bridge Care as your partner, the journey is smooth and stress-free. Explore the wealth of resources available on our website to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your healthcare goals.
