How Does Medical Debt Happen?
Some health costs don’t fit into a monthly budget. A major dental procedure or a new health problem can be hard to plan for. It’s common to end up financing the gap, whether that’s a clinic’s own payment plan, a loan through a third-party financing company the clinic partners with, or your existing credit card or line of credit. Ask about the total interest cost before you sign anything, since some of these plans offer 0% financing and others don’t. It’s also worth asking for an itemized bill and checking it for errors, since billing mistakes happen and are easy to miss when you’re already dealing with a health issue.
How to Plan for Unexpected Expenses, Budget & Money Management
What Does Public Health Care Not Cover?
Knowing where the coverage gaps are is the first step to avoiding an unexpected medical bill in the future. Provincial health plans pay for doctor visits and hospital stays. They don’t typically cover most day-to-day health costs. Dental care, vision care, and prescription drugs outside a hospital aren’t included. Neither is physio, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or private counselling, unless it’s part of a specific program. Ambulance fees, hearing aids, and equipment like a CPAP machine are usually paid out of pocket too.
Coverage rules also shift from province to province, so what’s included where you live may not be included somewhere else. Even if your province provides some additional support, it is best to identify your needs and explore additional private insurance or employer plans for extended benefits wherever possible.
Is There Medical Debt Forgiveness In Canada?
There is no medical debt forgiveness in Canada the way there is in some other countries. There’s no government program that wipes out a health-related balance outright. What does exist is debt management: a credit counsellor can help you consolidate your payments, usually lower the interest, and build a repayment plan that actually fits your budget. For most households, that’s a more realistic path than hoping the debt will go away on its own.
Use a Debt Management Program to Get Out of Debt
How to Cope with Money Anxiety Day to Day
Managing financial stress and anxiety isn’t only about getting a handle on the financial situation; it’s also about managing the emotional side. The Canadian Mental Health Foundation lists several approaches to reducing the overall burden of stress in your life including:
- Talking to someone you trust about how you feel, even if they don’t have solutions for your financial situation. It can help to just express your feelings
- Engaging in calming exercises like yoga, meditation, or prayer to help settle your mind and feel more relaxed
- Taking time to enjoy your favourite activities, like hobbies and sports, even when you feel stressed. Pick up a new book or watch a movie you’ve been meaning to see
A credit counsellor can help you deal directly with your financial situation. But it can be just as important to connect with a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist or social worker. They can help address any other issues related to your anxiety and stress, especially if financial anxiety is significantly impacting your sleep, your relationships, or your ability to function. If things ever feel truly unmanageable, the Government of Canada’s mental health support page can connect you with help that’s available 24/7.
Your Health is More Important than Your Credit Rating
Don’t Face Financial Stress and Anxiety Alone If Your Debts are Overwhelming
Financial stress and anxiety thrive in silence and isolation. Speaking with someone about your debt can go a long way towards lifting some of that stress. Most people who reach out to us say they wish they called sooner. They often report that even just making that first phone call and talking to someone about options and getting a grasp of the situation resulted in a noticeable reduction in stress.
At the Credit Counselling Society, we offer free, confidential, non-judgmental appointments with accredited credit counsellors who understand that debt is rarely just a numbers issue. If consumer debt is contributing to your financial stress and anxiety, you can contact us directly. We can help you understand your full picture, explore your options, and provide some next steps that feel manageable, not overwhelming.
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