Hi all
My wife has a few concerns about our health. She has asthma, takes 2 inhalers. I have epilepsy controlled through drugs, i also have been told to expect 1 maybe 2 hip replacements later in life (15 years maybe) although i am pain free at moment. Will this little lot cost us a fortune in canada, should it put us off coming.

Thanks in advance

Drugs for pre existing conditions wont be cheap, thats for sure. Supplemental insurers have no interest in covering pre existing conditions, and provincial insurance does not cover drugs not given while in Hospital (ie provincial coverage wont cover prescription drugs).

You can check medication costs on some of the US or canadian mailorder sites to get an idea what to expect.

With medical conditions there is always the danger you wont be allowed in as a PR anyway.....

The drugs could cost you a significant amount if you don't have the extra insurance.

Hip replacements although it's likely there'll be a considerable wait should be cost free, covered by your provincial healthcare plan.

Where are you planning on going?

My husband is epileptic, and his drugs cost an absolute FORTUNE! But fortunately his health insurance covers 80% of the costs which brings it down to a more acceptable cost for us.

I can't comment on the asthma however, and the question of the hip replacements has already been answered.

Wether it should put you off coming is up to you tbh.

Thanks for that,
Steve. planning to go to BC, Vancouver

Lotte,

Is your husbands plan through his work and if so is it Blue Cross?

The reason I ask is if it is a private plan administered by a company like Sun Life or such, you can also get additional coverage through the Alberta Government.

A plan called Non-Group Prescription Drug Coverage, which covers drugs, ambulance and hospital room (semi-private).

The nice thing is if you have a lot of drugs or expensive drugs you can submit what this plan doesn't cover to your company plan and they'll cover the rest. At least mine works this way.

The cost for the plan is $41 per month, this plus my premiums for the company plan is all I pay and my drugs are covered 100%.

This might help
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharme/

Thanks for that - I will show him the message.

His plan is through his work, but can't remember who it is with (Sun life comes to mind though).

My wife has insulin controlled type 2 diabetes which has been well supported by NHS here in the UK. I have meds also for elevated BP (ace inhibiters). How much is this likely to cost us when we move to BC next Spring?

BC does have a pharma care plan, based on income.

Then some ailments have separate plans, for me I pay nothing out of pocket.



You can use this calculator to get an estimate on what your coverage and deductible would be.

Very true if you are purchasing supplemental insurance on your own. However, if the insurance is through a group scheme with an employer then drugs for pre-existing conditions will be covered.

In group schemes the insurers are not allowed to discriminate as long as the employee joins within the scheme rules.

So the money we will pay on meds will depend on our income?

I take it we will not be able to get health insurance?

Too early to say that.

Will either you or your wife be working?

There is more than one type of health insurance. You say you are heading to BC so:

1) As long as you are medically admissible to Canada and are hear on a TWP or PR then you enroll in BC's medical services plan. There is a fee ($96.00 per month for a couple) but they will not turn you down for pre-existing conditions. This covers visits to doctors and all medically necessary hospital treatment.

2) You enroll in BC Pharmacare. This is a means tested benefit that covers excessive cost of drugs. It depends upon income but a typical family might expect to pay the first $1,500 to $2,000 of their annual drug use.

3) You purchase extended heath care insurance. This can cover the drug costs left over from 2) above, complimentary health services such as chiropractors, basic dental treatment, vision care and so on. If you employer operates a group extended health scheme you will be covered for pre-existing conditions. Typically the employer pays part of the premiums and you pay the balance, though sometimes an employer will pay all of them. Coverage is typically 80% or 75% so you can expect to pay part of each claim.

If your employer does not operate a group scheme (or you are not employed) you have the choice of buying a private policy or paying these expenses out of your pocket. You may have problems buying a private policy that covers pre-existing conditions. I don't know for sure, but is worth your while to find out before you make the decision to move here. There is a very good wiki article here which is essential reading.

Thanks for the advice. I will be working but I dont know if the company has a health insurance scheme in operation. My wife will probably look at some part time work to suppliment our income.