Private Health Insurance - Experiences

[nissanK]

For those Beyonders who don't have employer-provided health benefits (or are self-employed) what private health insurance have you signed up with? How have your experiences been with the coverage vs. cost, claims process etc....?

Current employer benefits suck but I can't leave/cancel unless I have my own already setup. I've already gotten some quotes from Blue Cross, Group Medical, and Green Shield Canada.

- Family of 4
- Basic prescription plan
- Basic to Mid-level Dental coverage (cleanings, basic comprehensive, major services etc...)

Obviously, every plan has pros and cons but my biggest concern is the claims process and general value from the plans in your experiences. Ex. Green Shield appears to be the most cost-effective option BUT I see a lot of negative reviews regarding the customer service and claims process.

Thoughts?

[suntan]

I have Green Shield and it's been fine so far. No problems at all. My dentist said they are one of the easiest to deal with.

[ExtraSlow]

Green sheild is a little weird with some of the atypical expenses like psychologists, but generally they are fine for all the regular stuff.

[nissanK]

Hmmm good to know.

Maybe all those bad reviews are what ExtraSlow mentioned about atypical claims.

[suntan]

Dunno, my kids and my wife all went to shrinks and they paid out just fine.

What they won't cover (and no one in Alberta will cover) is psychotherapist time, because Alberta hasn't recognized that occupation as covered (only a few provinces have).