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Health insurance literacy for Saskatchewan residents

To get the most out of your health insurance in Saskatchewan, it helps to be familiar with the terms and language you’ll encounter. Take your knowledge to the next level by learning about policy documents, coverage limits, and how to choose the right plan.

What is Health Literacy?

Health Literacy is the ability to understand basic health information and services. This includes:

  • Reading and understanding prescription and medicine instructions and using your medications safely
  • Feeling confident in making informed decisions about one’s health
  • Obtaining additional information from trustworthy sources when necessary
  • Communicating one’s health needs and understanding what’s being said by a medical professional
  • Understanding the treatments and tests your healthcare provider recommends 

Why is it so important?

Your level of Health Literacy determines how safely and effectively you can navigate your healthcare. Health Literacy empowers you to make informed decisions and prioritize your well-being or the well-being of your family. Here are some possible scenarios that showcase the importance of Health Literacy:

  • A person has chronic headaches. They don’t know what their options are and assume taking over-the-counter pain medication is sufficient. A serious, hidden problem could be worsening.
  • A parent notices their child has trouble breathing during soccer. They know how to describe the symptoms to a medical professional to find the right treatment.
  • A person has a prescription for a heart condition but isn’t adept at understanding medication instructions. They can either take too little or too much medication, worsening their condition.
  • A person has health insurance coverage but finds their insurance policy documents complicated. They aren’t able to use their insurance coverage to its fullest. 

Understanding your overall health is one element of Health Literacy. Understanding how health insurance in Saskatchewan can support your overall health can be another positive step. To make the most of your insurance coverage, it’s important to understand the terms and language used to describe your plan’s policy. Get started by reading up on common terms found in health insurance policies so that when you sign up for your health insurance in Saskatoon or anywhere else in Saskatchewan, you’ll understand the information. 

Understanding your insurance coverage 

Insurance policies vary depending on the provider. Read up on some of the information you should know about your policy, and cross-reference them with these insurance terms to develop the best understanding of health insurance in Saskatchewan.

Policy benefits

Your policy benefits will overview the specific benefit details for your plan. This is the summary of your policy, outlining the coverage amounts, policy duration, and premium amounts.

Coverage

This section is your next stop for understanding what your benefits are. It will tell you how much coverage you have for different health services. You’ll see your coverage for hospital stays, medications, surgical procedures, hearing aids, vision care, ambulance, and more. If you’ve added to your plan and included dental, hospital cash, prescriptions, and more, you’ll find coverage for those items here as well.

Definitions

Definitions provide context and further understanding of the policy as a whole. If any of the terms in this section are unclear, find their definition here. This section will explain the terms used throughout the policy, such as policyholder, dependent, beneficiary, lifetime maximum, and others.

Exclusions

This part of your policy will outline what isn’t covered by your insurance plan. Read this section so you aren’t surprised by assuming something is covered.

Limitations and restrictions

Since every health insurance policy is different, this section will outline the differences as limitations and restrictions of your specific plan.

This information is essential for your budgeting and finances. It will highlight the monthly or annual amount you will pay to maintain your policy. Get familiar with the cost, what it includes, and when it’s due. Stay on top of this information to ensure you don’t experience lapses in coverage. 

Claims

Your insurance plan allows for claims specific to each benefit. Your policy document will outline how each specific provider intakes and processes claims. Learn how to file a claim, how long the process takes, and what information you need to include.  Your claims will serve as your formal request to the insurance company for payment of a benefit.

Waiting period

Don’t assume that once you’ve started paying your premiums you’re immediately covered and can start filing claims to receive benefits. Check to confirm if any of your benefits are contingent upon a waiting period before your coverage starts.

Choose your plan with Saskatchewan Blue Cross

At Saskatchewan Blue Cross, helping you continue to learn about your health and well-being is one of the core elements of our mission.  Explore our plans today to find the right insurance plan for you, or check out our resources, guides, and helpful documents to continue building your Health Literacy.