Have you considered getting supplemental health insurance for you and your family? If it's not something you've already thought about, you might want to consider it.
Provincial health insurance only covers some of the costs associated with healthcare. If you find yourself in a situation where you or a family member has to stay in the hospital for an extended length of time, or if you need a pricey prescription drug, it could be hard to cover the high costs.
As you're doing your research, the first company that you should check out is Manulife Healthcare. Manulife is one of Canada’s leading providers of health insurance, offering a diverse range of products designed to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. With its reputation for innovative solutions and flexible options, Manulife empowers Canadians to take control of their healthcare.
Read on to learn more about Manulife and how to find the right products for you.
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Choosing the right healthcare product begins with assessing your unique circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what you should look for in health insurance in Canada. That is because every family is different, with their own health priorities, financial constraints, and coverage requirements. Here are key considerations:
Your Current Health: If you have pre-existing conditions or require ongoing treatments, you may need coverage that prioritizes prescription drugs and extended health care.
Family Circumstances: Families often require broader coverage that includes dental, vision, and paramedical services. Single individuals may prefer plans focused on specific benefits.
Budget: Determine your comfort level for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and co-pays.
Lifestyle: Are you active or managing chronic health conditions? Do you travel frequently? Your lifestyle plays a significant role in selecting the right plan.
Understanding your needs lays the foundation for selecting the ideal product from Manulife’s extensive offerings.
2. Explore Manulife’s Product Range
Manulife provides a variety of healthcare products catering to diverse needs. Let’s explore their major offerings in detail:
PRODUCT NAME
FEATURES
BEST FOR
Flexcare® Health and Dental Insurance
Customizable modules for health, dental, prescription drugs, and paramedical services. Optional catastrophic coverage.
Families or individuals seeking tailored health and dental coverage.
FollowMe™ Health and Dental Insurance
Continuity of coverage without medical underwriting. Designed for those transitioning from group insurance.
Individuals leaving employer-sponsored plans and retirees wanting uninterrupted coverage.
Synergy® Insurance
Combines life, critical illness, and disability insurance into one product with a single premium.
Self-employed professionals and individuals seeking comprehensive protection.
Critical Illness Insurance
Lump-sum benefit for diagnoses of critical illnesses like cancer or heart disease. Covers over 25 conditions. Optional return-of-premium rider.
Those with a family history of critical illnesses or financial security concerns.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical coverage for international and domestic travel. Options for single-trip or annual multi-trip plans.
Snowbirds and frequent travelers needing reliable coverage for unexpected events.
Manulife Vitality Program
Rewards healthy lifestyle choices with premium discounts, gift cards, and wellness benefits. Tracks activities via an app.
Health-conscious individuals wanting to save on premiums while improving wellness.
Group Benefits
Flexible options for businesses to provide health, dental, vision, and disability coverage. Integrates with wellness programs.
Employers aiming to attract and retain talent with competitive employee benefits.
Flexcare® Health and Dental Insurance
Manulife’s Flexcare® plans are highly customizable, allowing you to mix and match coverage modules to suit your preferences. Whether you need basic health insurance, dental care, or additional coverage for vision and paramedical services, Flexcare provides flexibility and choice.
Features:
Modules for core health coverage, prescription drugs, dental, and extended health benefits.
Options for catastrophic coverage to protect against high-cost health emergencies.
No requirement for medical underwriting for some plans.
Best For:
Families wanting tailored plans for dental and vision care.
Individuals who want flexibility in designing their coverage.
FollowMe™ Health and Dental Insurance
FollowMe™ is specifically designed for individuals transitioning from group insurance plans, ensuring continuity without medical underwriting. This is an excellent option for those leaving an employer-sponsored plan and looking for seamless coverage.
Features:
No medical underwriting required during the transition.
Comprehensive health and dental coverage options.
Available for individuals, couples, and families.
Best For:
Canadians moving from group insurance plans to private coverage.
Retirees seeking uninterrupted health and dental benefits.
Synergy® Insurance
Manulife’s Synergy® plan combines life insurance, critical illness insurance, and disability insurance into one integrated product. This unique approach simplifies the process by bundling three essential coverages into one.
Features:
Single premium for all three types of coverage.
Lump-sum payout for critical illness coverage.
Monthly payments for disability benefits during recovery.
Best For:
Individuals looking for comprehensive protection in one package.
Self-employed professionals needing coverage for income disruptions.
Critical Illness Insurance
Manulife’s critical illness insurance provides a financial safety net for individuals diagnosed with serious health conditions like cancer, stroke, or heart disease. This plan is designed to ease the burden of medical expenses and lost income during recovery.
Features:
Lump-sum benefit upon diagnosis of a covered condition.
Coverage for over 25 critical illnesses.
Optional riders for additional benefits like return-of-premium.
Best For:
Individuals with a family history of critical illnesses.
Those seeking financial security in case of health emergencies.
Travel Insurance
Manulife’s travel insurance is perfect for Canadians who love exploring the world or frequently travel within the country. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more, ensuring peace of mind wherever you go.
Features:
Emergency medical coverage for international and domestic travel.
Protection for trip interruptions or cancellations.
Options for single-trip or multi-trip annual plans.
Best For:
Snowbirds spending extended periods abroad.
Frequent travelers needing reliable coverage for unforeseen events.
Manulife Vitality Program
The Manulife Vitality program is an innovative addition to their healthcare product lineup, rewarding individuals for healthy lifestyle choices. By participating in wellness activities and tracking progress, you can earn points and enjoy premium discounts.
Features:
Points system for completing activities such as exercise and health screenings.
Discounts on insurance premiums for maintaining healthy habits.
Access to an interactive Vitality app for tracking progress.
Best For:
Health-conscious individuals who want to save on premiums.
Anyone looking to stay motivated and improve their overall wellness.
Group Benefits
Manulife also offers group insurance solutions for businesses, covering employees with health, dental, vision, and disability benefits. These plans can be customized to align with the company’s goals and employee needs.
Features:
Flexible options for group coverage.
Integration with wellness programs.
Cost-effective plans for small and large businesses.
Best For:
Employers looking to attract and retain talent with competitive benefits.
Employees transitioning to individual plans after leaving group coverage.
3. Assess Coverage Options
Once you’ve identified the type of healthcare product you need, it’s time to dive deeper into the coverage options. Review the benefits each plan offers, such as:
Prescription Drug Coverage: Check if the plan covers the medications you regularly take.
Dental Services: Look at the scope of dental benefits, including preventive care, restorative services, and orthodontics.
Vision Care: Some plans include coverage for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
Extended Health Benefits: These can include massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and more.
Don’t forget to review optional add-ons. For example, you might add travel insurance or catastrophic coverage to your plan for enhanced protection.
4. Compare Plans
Comparison shopping is an essential part of finding the right Manulife healthcare product. Evaluate multiple plans side by side to determine which one offers the best value. Focus on:
Premiums: How much will you pay monthly or annually?
Deductibles and Co-pays: Understand your out-of-pocket costs for services.
Coverage Limits: Look for maximum reimbursement amounts for specific benefits.
Exclusions: Check for any services or conditions that aren’t covered.
Manulife’s website and online tools make it easy to compare plans and find the one that suits you best.
5. Check Eligibility Requirements
Each Manulife healthcare product has its own set of eligibility criteria. Some plans require medical underwriting, while others, like FollowMe™, do not. Be sure to confirm:
Age Limits: Certain plans are only available within specific age ranges.
Residency Requirements: Most plans require you to be a Canadian resident.
Medical History: Some products may have exclusions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth application process.
Consult an Advisor
Manulife’s licensed insurance advisors are trained to help you navigate the options and find the best fit for your needs. They can:
Provide personalized recommendations based on your circumstances.
Explain complex terms and conditions.
Help you understand how a plan integrates with provincial health coverage.
Consulting an advisor can save you time and help clarify any uncertainties.
8. Read the Fine Print
Before committing to a healthcare product, carefully review the policy details. Pay attention to:
Terms and Conditions: Understand what’s included and excluded.
Renewal Policies: Check if premiums or coverage terms change upon renewal.
Claim Processes: Make sure the claims process is straightforward and accessible.
Being thorough ensures you won’t encounter surprises later.
9. Leverage Online Tools
Manulife provides a range of online tools to simplify your search. These include:
Quote Calculators: Get instant estimates based on your preferences.
Comparison Tools: Evaluate multiple plans side by side.
Resource Centres: Access educational materials to learn more about healthcare products.
Using these tools makes it easy to explore your options from the comfort of your home.
10. Make an Informed Decision
After thorough research and consultation, you’ll be ready to choose the right Manulife healthcare product. Focus on finding a plan that provides the coverage you need, fits your budget, and aligns with your long-term goals.
Manulife offers travel insurance for domestic and international trips.
Find The Plan That's Right for You
Selecting the right healthcare product is a critical decision, and Manulife offers a diverse range of solutions tailored to meet the needs of Canadians. Whether you're looking for customizable health and dental plans, coverage during life transitions, or comprehensive protection through combination insurance, Manulife provides options designed for peace of mind and financial security. By understanding your needs, exploring product features, leveraging online tools, and consulting advisors, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your health priorities and budget.
Ready to get started? Let us help you find the right plan at the lowest cost. Get your free quote today.
Important Notice:
All interest rates, fees, and other numerical figures displayed on our website are subject to change without prior notice. To ensure you have the most current information and/or promotion, please visit the provider's official website.
