What is the main purpose of health insurance?

The main purpose of health insurance is to ensure you have access to the medical care you need and protect you from having to pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket. These expenses can include regular medical care like doctor’s visits, or emergency care to treat an acute injury, illness or infection. The Canadian provincial and territorial governments provide basic health insurance coverage that ensures each person has access to necessary and emergency care when needed. Additional health insurance can be purchased by either an employer or an individual to cover expenses not included in the government-funded plans.

Can you get health insurance if you're self-employed?

Yes. You are not limited to the health insurance coverage provided by the government in the province or territory where you live. People who are self-employed still have many options when it comes to choosing and purchasing additional health insurance to cover expenses not included in government-funded insurance plans. There are many private companies that provide health insurance coverage to individuals. The plans available can vary widely in terms of the cost of premium and depth of coverage, so it’s important to do your research and ask questions before selecting a health insurance plan.

Samantha Kohn - PiggyBank

Samantha Kohn is a marketing and communications professional and freelance writer with expertise in the financial services, financial technologies and automotive spaces.

Sam is an avid dog-lover and former international traveller, and has recently embraced the opportunity to explore more of her home province of Ontario.

Samantha Kohn

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