Between final exams, graduation, and planning for the future, summer can be a busy and stressful time for young adults. With all the life-changing moments, it’s easy to overlook the smaller  – but still important –  changes, like the risk of losing health insurance.

Why would they lose coverage?

Each year, dependents who reach the maximum age or are no longer full-time students lose eligibility under their parents’ group benefits plan. If this applies to your child, an individual health insurance plan can be an affordable and effective way to ensure your child continues to receive the protection they need.

If your child is over the age limit or not enrolled in full-time studies as of September 30, their coverage under your plan will end.

What does MSP cover?

It might be tempting to skip health insurance if your child is young and healthy. While the Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers essential medical services like doctor visits, hospital procedures and diagnostic services like x-rays, it does not cover routine dental care, eye exams, or prescription drugs. These out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly.

Even healthy individuals may face unexpected costs for things like massage therapy or dental work. A health insurance plan can help manage these expenses – and give both you and your child peace of mind.

What are the coverage options?

Navigating health insurance for the first time can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, options like Group Conversion and Personal Health & Dental plans offer straightforward application processes, so your family can focus on the bigger life changes ahead.

Group Conversion

Our Group Conversion plan provides continuous coverage with no medical questionnaire and no waiting period. This is an individual plan, so coverage may differ from what they had under your group plan. However, it offers a flexible design, allowing your child to personalize coverage to fit their budget and needs. Plus, unlike our other individual plans, Group Conversion covers pre-existing conditions.* Waiting periods for dental and vision care benefits are also waived.

Apply within 60 days of coverage expiring to avoid any gap in protection. The previous group plan doesn’t even need to be from Blue Cross; your dependent is eligible as long as they transfer from any recognized Canadian group benefits plan, have had at least 6 months of prior coverage, and apply within the 60-day window.

*A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury or medical issue that existed before their coverage began – this may include asthma, diabetes, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and more.

Personal Health & Dental Plan

If your child has no pre-existing conditions, our Personal Health and Dental Plan may be the most cost-effective option. With Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers, they can customize coverage to match their health and budget needs.

They’ll also have the flexibility to upgrade their health or dental coverage – no medical review required – on the plan anniversary, and the option to downgrade every two years.

What’s next?

Don’t let health insurance be an afterthought. For help choosing the right plan, speak with one of our local health insurance experts at 1 877 722-2583 or 604 419-2200, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.   

Find a health plan in minutes with the Pacific Blue Cross Plan Finder.