Most group benefit plans include Health and Dental coverage for employees and their dependent spouses and children.  And in most cases, the coverage is sufficient, though it’s critically important to understand the details of your coverage so you know if there are any gaps.  But when individuals lose their group coverage, or when individuals who don’t have group coverage (or enough of it) decide to purchase it on their own, where can they turn?

For Individuals Who Recently Lost Their Group Health and Dental Coverage

When individuals lose their group benefits coverage due to loss of employment – for whatever reason, including a layoff or a termination – they have a good option for continuing Health and Dental benefits as long as they act quickly.  Provided that an employee and/or dependents converts his or her coverage to an Individual Plan within 60 days of the termination date of the previously held group plan, coverage will be guaranteed with no medical questions asked and no interruption in coverage.

Note that it’s important to check the details of coverage available under the individual Health and Dental plan as it will likely differ from the coverage under the group plan.  Please check with your group insurance carrier to find out the options available to you there or visit Saskatchewan Blue Cross.

For Individuals Who Are Looking to Purchase New Health and Dental Coverage (and Not Convert Group Coverage)

For individuals who are not looking to convert group coverage to an individual plan but simply wish to purchase coverage on their own, great options are also available.  These individuals will, however, have to complete a medical questionnaire and coverage is not guaranteed.  Wiegers Financial & Benefits recommends Saskatchewan Blue Cross.