Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of frequently asked questions about Medical Access Insurance and their answers.
- What is MAI (Medical Access Insurance)?
- How does Medical Access Insurance work?
- Do I have to wait 45 days before treatment begins?
- Are travel expenses covered?
- What is the specialist coverage rider?
- Who can purchase Medical Access Insurance?
- Does my pre-exisiting condition exclude me from coverage?
- Will I need a medical exam?
- How much coverage does Medical Access Insurance Provide?
- What do the premiums cost?
- Will my premiums increase if I make a claim?
- Are there any co-payments or deductibles?
- Does Medical Access Insurance replace my current provincial health plan?
- Will Medical Access Insurance cover me while I’m abroad?
- Is Medical Access Insurance legal?
- Can the healthcare services I require be completed in my province?
- Is this queue jumping?
- Will I be able to choose my physician?
- What does coverage exclude?
- What is MAI (Medical Access Insurance)?
- Medical Access Insurance provides Canadians with expedited access to specialist consultation, diagnostics and surgery for over 135 treatments and conditions. Medical treatment for covered conditions will be provided in weeks – not months or years. Our policyholders are serviced independently, resulting in shorter waiting times.
- How does Medical Access Insurance work?
- If a physician recommends a covered diagnostic procedure or surgery and you are placed on a medical waiting list more than 45 days long, MAI will arrange to expedite your diagnosis and treatment at a clinic in Canada or the United States, wherever services are available. The specialist coverage rider offered by Medical Access Insurance Premium is also triggered by a 45-day waitlist.
- Do I have to wait 45 days before treatment begins?
- No. Call us right away. Once services are approved we will expedite your treatment immediately.
- Are travel expenses covered?
- Approved travel expenses are covered for the basic MAI program, which also covers approved companion travel expenses. Travel expenses are not covered, however, for services attained under the specialist coverage rider.
- What is the specialist coverage rider?
- Medical Access Insurance Premium provides you with insured access to specialist consultation in 10 specialist categories. Recent studies have revealed that seeing a specialist within 21 days of referral by your general practitioner can result in a reduction of the intensity of treatment and reduce recovery time by as much as 75 per cent.
- Who can purchase Medical Access Insurance?
- Enrolment is currently available for anyone up to age 74, with coverage to age 75. Individuals that are members of associations, affinity groups or client groups recognized by Norfolk Mobility Benefits may purchase MAI. Please see our website for a complete list of participating groups or contact us for more information.
- Does my pre-exisiting condition exclude me from coverage?
- No. Any conditions that you have suffered within the two-year period prior to taking out the policy will automatically be waived after your policy has been in effect for 24 consecutive months.
- Will I need a medical exam?
- No medical exam is required. Simply complete the online application form.
- How much coverage does Medical Access Insurance Provide?
- MAI has a lifetime maximum of $1,000,000 USD per individual.
- What do the premiums cost?
- MAI premiums start at $36.85 per month for single coverage and family rates from $84.19 per month. A special group rate is available to Alberta employers: $49 for single coverage, $98 for family. Click here for more information about MAI premiums.
- Will my premiums increase if I make a claim?
- No. MAI premiums are rated according to your age and the type of coverage you choose: single, couple, single with children or family, not claims.
- Are there any co-payments or deductibles?
- No. Payment of your monthly premium is all that is required. We settle all claims on your behalf directly with the service provider.
- Does Medical Access Insurance replace my current provincial health plan?
- No. MAI was designed the assist the public health care system by providing supplementary coverage to the provincial health plan, often at clinics in the United States and at private clinics.
- Will Medical Access Insurance cover me while I’m abroad?
- The policy covers you while you are a resident of Canada and placed on a Canadian medical waitlist. To receive medical coverage while abroad you will need to take out a separate travel insurance policy.
- Is Medical Access Insurance legal?
- Yes, MAI complies with all federal and provincial regulations.
- Can the healthcare services I require be completed in my province?
- Most services can be performed in your home province. In certain circumstances, to comply with provincial regulations or because services are not available in Canada, you may be required to have your services provided in another province or in the United States. In these cases, the policy pays for travel expenses.
- Is this queue jumping?
- No, Medical Access Insurance is exactly the opposite. Under this program people are taken off of the waitlists and out of the long lines; their services are performed independently thus lineups are made shorter for others.
- Will I be able to choose my physician?
- Yes. Unlike the public system, you can select your physician and service facility. You are provided with the information needed to make an informed choice. In addition, prior to any surgery, you will receive a qualified second opinion from a surgeon experienced in the procedure.
- What does coverage exclude?
- As in all insurance policies, Medical Access Insurance does have its exclusions and limitations. For a complete list of these please consult the policy.
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