Health Insurance New Brunswick | Choosing The Right Plan and Coverage

Health Insurance in New Brunswick: Coverage, Benefits and Eligibility

November 28, 2024

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From coast to coast, most Canadians benefit from universal healthcare coverage. While there are many similarities between provinces and territories, there are some key differences.

And whether you’re a resident or considering moving to New Brunswick, understanding health insurance options is important for getting the healthcare you need. So keep reading as we dive into everything you need to know about health insurance in New Brunswick.

Key Takeaways

New Brunswick, like most provinces, offers both public and private health insurance options.
Understanding the covered benefits and eligibility can help you make smart choices about your health care.
When choosing private health insurance, it’s important to compare plans to find the best fit for your family.

Understanding Health Insurance in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, public health insurance is provided by New Brunswick Medicare. It’s a form of government-funded healthcare that helps residents access medical care at little to no cost. Medicare is paid for by taxes and covers a lot of essential health services.

Medicare covers most medically necessary services such as hospital stays, doctor visits, and necessary surgeries. But what’s important to know is that it doesn’t cover everything. For example, dental care, eye care, paramedical services, and prescription drugs are excluded for many residents.

That’s why many people turn to private health insurance for additional benefits that cover these important services.

The Differences Between Public vs. Private Health Insurance in New Brunswick

In order to understand your healthcare coverage in New Brunswick, you need to understand the differences between public and private options. Each has its own benefits and costs—which is why many people choose to use both for complete coverage.

Public Health Insurance

This is what we consider universal healthcare coverage. Most permanent residents are eligible for this coverage. Here’s what you need to know about public Health Insurance in New Brunswick.

Coverage: The New Brunswick Medicare program covers basic health services like hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency care.
Cost: The cost of this insurance comes from your taxes. Residents don’t have to pay monthly premiums directly and often do not pay anything when it comes to receiving medical care.
Eligibility: Most residents can get this coverage, but you’ll need to register with the New Brunswick Medicare program to get your New Brunswick Medicare card.

Private Health Insurance

In New Brunswick, because most basic medical needs are covered by Medicare, private health insurance is typically considered supplemental coverage—it works alongside your government-provided coverage to give you more comprehensive care. Private health insurance is typically something you purchase yourself or as part of your employer’s benefits package.

Coverage: Private health insurance provides extra benefits like prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and alternative therapies—such as chiropractic services, massage therapy, dietitian services, and more.
Cost: The cost can differ based on the plan, provider, and level of coverage. Many plans have monthly premiums that you pay to keep your coverage.
Eligibility: Anyone can apply for private health insurance. Certain plans may have restrictions related to pre-existing medical conditions.

Health Insurance for Families, Seniors, and Vulnerable Groups

Everyone has different health insurance needs based on their life stage or situation.

Whether you're raising a family, enjoying retirement, or dealing with a chronic condition, different insurance options. New Brunswick Medicare is available to anyone who is eligible—regardless of age and medical needs.

But depending on your healthcare needs, private insurance round out your coverage so you can take care of yourself and meet your healthcare needs. While everyone can benefit from private health insurance, groups that may need a little extra coverage include:

Families

Families often look for private health insurance to help with extra services, like braces for kids or paramedical services. New Brunswick’s Health Smiles, Clear Vision program provides basic dental and vision care for children under the age of 18. But it doesn’t cover more extensive services like contact lenses or orthodontics.

Plus, many private plans allow you to take advantage of family plans and save money when you cover several family members, so the entire family benefits from more coverage.

Seniors

Private health insurance can help seniors in New Brunswick enjoy more comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. Additional insurance helps offset the costs of services like physiotherapy and home care, which can be more important as we age.

In New Brunswick, eligible seniors over the age of 65 can also receive drug coverage under Medicare. But as with most provincial plans, not all drugs are included. Private plans often have a wider range of coverage, including brand-name drugs.

Vulnerable Groups

Individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities may need specialized coverage for additional treatment or assistive devices. Medicare provides coverage for most medically necessary services and there are many social service programs that can help with the cost of equipment. But with most things, not everything is covered.

Private health insurance options typically offer a lot more flexibility for you to pick the coverage that makes the most sense for your needs. It also covers additional therapies, like massage therapy or physiotherapy that can improve your day-to-day.

Comparing Private Health Plans for Additional Benefits

For most New Brunswickers, having a supplementary private health plan can be financially and medically helpful. And there are a ton of great plans to choose from.

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But to find the right fit for you, it’s important to know what to compare and how to make the best decision. Here are some things to consider before choosing a plan:

Coverage Type and Amount: Make sure the plan covers essential services for your family, such as dental, vision, and prescription medications. The last thing you want is to find out that the service you need isn’t covered or covers less than you expected.
Waiting Periods: With insurance, not all treatments or services are covered immediately. Some coverage may be limited or not available at all for a certain period of time. Make sure to understand the waiting period so you know exactly when your coverage will kick in.
Premium Costs vs. Coverage: A lower premium isn’t always the more affordable option. Lower premiums typically come with less coverage, higher out-of-pocket costs, or other types of limitations. So make sure to consider how much you’re willing to pay each month for your insurance compared to the benefits you will receive.

How to Choose the Right Private Health Insurance Plan in New Brunswick

Choosing the right health insurance plan is an important decision that depends on your needs. By considering different factors, you can find the best plan for you and your family.

Here are a few steps to help you find the right private health insurance plan.

Assess Your Needs: Identify what medical services you and your family need. Do you need regular prescriptions? Are dental and vision care important? How much coverage do you need?
Research Providers: Learn about different insurance companies and their offerings. Read reviews to understand their quality of customer service and how easy it is to file claims. Some providers also offer extra benefits that can be valuable as well.
Get Quotes: Get quotes from multiple providers and insurance companies to compare costs. Each provider likely also has different levels of plans that you can choose from.
Compare Plans: Make sure to review everything that’s included and any additional costs that might come up. This way you can avoid any surprise costs in the future.

Emergency Medical Services: What Is Covered in New Brunswick?

In New Brunswick, emergency medical services (EMS)—also known as 911—are important for getting quick care in emergencies. Having the right health insurance can help pay for unexpected costs from EMS and urgent care.

Ambulance Services: If you have a medical emergency, an ambulance will take you to the nearest hospital. For residents, the cost of an ambulance is $130.60. Certain provincial programs will cover the cost of an ambulance, but for the most part, you’re responsible for payment. Private insurance can often help cover some or all of the costs when you need an ambulance.
Emergency Room Visits: For the most part, you’re covered for essential services you receive at the hospital's emergency department through Medicare.
Urgent Care: You can visit an urgent care center for immediate treatment of non-life-threatening issues. The doctor visit is covered through Medicare but some follow-up treatments may not be covered by Medicare.

Health Insurance for Self-Employed in New Brunswick

For many New Brunswickers, private health insurance is provided as part of your employee benefits package. So of course, if you’re self-employed you’re responsible for finding your own coverage.

Coverage Options for the Self-Employed

There are several ways self-employed individuals can get healthcare coverage in New Brunswick.

Public Coverage (New Brunswick Medicare): If you're self-employed, you’re eligible for he New Brunswick Medicare plan, but it might not cover everything you need for your health.
Private Plans: Many self-employed people choose private health insurance to cover extra services, like dental and vision care, that aren’t included with Medicare.
Health Spending Accounts: You can think about setting up a health spending account. This lets you pay for medical expenses using money that isn’t taxed, which can save you money.

It's important for self-employed individuals to look at both New Brunswick's public Medicare plan and private insurance options to make sure they have enough coverage for their health needs.

Summary: New Brunswick Health Coverage Options

While Canadians enjoy the benefits of government healthcare plans, it’s not the only type of insurance available in New Brunswick.

The New Brunswick Medicare plan gives you important coverage but might not cover everything you need.
Private health insurance can provide extra benefits to extend Medicare coverage, especially for families, seniors, and those needing more care.
It's important to compare different plans and think about your own needs so you can make a good choice for your health insurance.

FAQs: Health Insurance in New Brunswick

Are prescription medications covered by New Brunswick health insurance?

Prescription medications are generally not covered by New Brunswick Medicare. But New Brunswick has a Drug Plan that offers drug coverage for residents who do not have drug coverage through private insurance. The premiums and co-pays are adjusted based on income.

Does New Brunswick health insurance cover mental health services?

New Brunswick health insurance covers some mental health services, typically limited to consultations with doctors. But specialized services like therapy or counseling from psychotherapists are generally not included. Private insurance can offer coverage for a wider range of professional mental health support, including therapy sessions and wellness programs.

How do I add my spouse or children to my health insurance plan?

Adding your spouse or children to Medicare is relatively simple, you simply need to contact Medicare to makechanges to your personal information. You may need to provide proof of residency and identification for each family member.

For private health insurance, you need to contact your insurer to find out their process for adding new family members. There’s usually a cost associated with adding a member to your private health insurance plan but you often also get added benefits and discounts for dependents and families.

Are dental and vision services covered under public health insurance?

Dental and vision services aren’t covered by New Brunswick's public health insurance, meaning residents typically look to private insurance for these services. Private health plans can include routine dental and vision care, covering exams, cleanings, and prescription glasses.

New Brunswick’s Health Smiles, Clear Vision program provides basic dental and vision care for children under the age of 18. Seniors and lower-income families also have access to essential dental care through the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

How long does it take to get approved for health insurance coverage?

According to the website, New Brunswick Medicare coverage generally takes 4-6 weeks to process, depending on your documentation and residency status. For private health insurance, approvals can often be completed within a week. Some online private health insurance companies, like PolicyMe, can help you secure coverage in as little as 5 minutes.

Be sure to check with the specific provider for their processing times.

What is covered under emergency and urgent care services?

Emergency and urgent care services covered by New Brunswick Medicare include emergency room visits and critical hospital care. Ambulance services during emergencies aren’t covered through Medicare and patients are responsible for the cost of an ambulance. But many private insurances will cover ambulatory services.

For extended emergency services outside of New Brunswick or the country, private insurance is recommended for additional coverage.

Are vaccinations covered by health insurance in New Brunswick?

Essential vaccinations under New Brunswick Medicare. But private insurance may be required for vaccines not covered, such as travel immunizations. Always check with your healthcare provider or insurance plan for specific coverage.