Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about VikingCares Personal Health Plans, including eligibility, coverage, enrollment, and what to expect.
Getting Started
What is a VikingCares Personal Health Plan?
The VikingCares Personal Health Plan is a product of Viking Benefit Solutions Inc. It offers health, dental, and travel benefits for individuals who have retired, aged out of benefits, lost benefits, or are looking for additional coverage.
Why is VikingCares different from other personal health plans?
VikingCares was designed specifically for Canadians who have retired, lost group benefits, aged out of a family plan, or are looking for additional coverage.
Unlike many personal health plans, VikingCares offers guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions, coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions, included travel coverage, optional dental coverage, and the flexibility to choose from Silver, Gold, or Platinum plans.
Members can also move between plan levels as their needs change while maintaining coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions.
Who can join?
If you currently have health benefits, or if your coverage ended within the last 90 days, you can join VikingCares with guaranteed acceptance, no medical questions, and coverage for all pre-existing conditions. During this time, you may choose any plan level: Silver, Gold, or Platinum, with or without dental.
If it has been more than 90 days since your benefits ended, you may still be able to join during an Open Enrollment period. During Open Enrollment, enrollment is limited to the Silver plan, with or without dental.
Members who join during Open Enrollment must remain in the Silver plan for a minimum of two years. After two full years of continuous coverage, members may choose to upgrade to the Gold or Platinum plan.
Will I lose coverage when I turn 80?
No.
Members may enroll between the ages of 18 and 79 if they meet eligibility requirements.
Once enrolled, members may continue their coverage beyond age 80 and do not age out of the plan.
Can I join if it has been more than 90 days from losing benefits?
Yes. You may still enroll in the VikingCares Personal Health Plan during an Open Enrollment period.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be between ages 18 and 79
- Be covered by a Canadian provincial health plan
- Meet the plan’s standard eligibility requirements
No medical questions are required, and all pre-existing conditions are covered.
Please note: Members who enroll during an Open Enrollment period are limited to the VikingCares Silver Plan, with or without dental coverage. Coverage selected at enrollment must remain in place for a minimum of two years before changes to plan level can be made.
I am retiring and have bridging benefits. When do I need to sign up?
If you are retiring and have temporary or bridging benefits, you should apply for VikingCares within 90 days of your work or bridging coverage ending to maintain access to all plan levels. If you apply later, you may still join during Open Enrollment under the Silver plan.
Can I enroll online, or do I need to speak with someone?
You can choose whichever option works best for you.
Many members complete their enrollment online through our secure digital enrollment portal.
If you would prefer assistance, our licensed benefits specialists are happy to answer questions, explain your options, and help you through the enrollment process.
There is no obligation and no pressure.
Are university-aged and disabled children covered?
Yes. Both university-aged dependents and disabled children can be covered under your VikingCares Family Plan, provided they meet eligibility requirements.
University Students
Dependents who are under age 25 and enrolled in a recognized post-secondary institution can remain on your Family Plan. When they age out, they will have the option to transition into their own VikingCares Personal Health Plan with no medical questions.
Disabled Children
Disabled dependents can remain covered under your family plan beyond the standard dependent age, provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the policy. Contact our office to confirm eligibility for your situation.
Coverage and Benefits
Is coverage individual or combined?
Coverage is always individual, even under a family plan.
This means each person has their own benefits and maximums. Nothing is shared or combined. If you enroll as a family, everyone must choose the same plan tier (Silver, Gold, or Platinum). For example, if your family is on the Platinum Plan, each person receives their own $10,000 at 90% prescription drug coverage.
Is travel coverage included or extra?
Travel coverage is included with every VikingCares Personal Health Plan. It is not an add-on and cannot be removed.
What is included on every plan:
- 90 days of emergency travel coverage per trip
- $5 million in coverage per trip
- Coverage available to age 99
Stability Requirements
Members under age 70 have no pre-existing medical stability requirement. This is a rare and valuable advantage. Members aged 70 to 99 have a 90-day stability requirement, compared to the industry standard of 180 days.
Are there waiting periods or deductibles?
There are no deductibles on any VikingCares plan, for health or dental.
Health benefits: (prescriptions, paramedical, vision, travel) begin immediately on your selected start date. If your coverage begins September 1st, you can use your health benefits on September 1st.
Dental coverage: There are no waiting periods. Your coverage begins on your effective date. Some co-insurance applies depending on the type of dental service.
What is the prescription drug coverage on each plan?
Each VikingCares plan includes its own annual prescription drug maximum. These amounts are the same in every province where the plan is offered.
- Platinum: $10,000 per year at 90% coverage
- Gold: $5,000 per year at 80% coverage
- Silver: $2,500 per year at 80% coverage
Can I use VikingCares as a secondary plan alongside my existing benefits?
Yes. VikingCares can be used as secondary coverage alongside an existing work benefits plan or another health plan.
VikingCares can provide extra protection by topping up areas where your current plan may be limited, such as prescription drugs, paramedical services, dental, or travel coverage. Your primary plan pays first, and VikingCares can help cover the remaining eligible costs.
If I move to another province, can I take my plan with me?
VikingCares Personal Health Plans may continue if you move to another province where Viking Benefit Solutions Inc. is licensed and VikingCares is available. Please contact our office prior to moving to confirm availability in your new province.
Payments and Pricing
How are my premiums collected?
Premiums are collected monthly and processed on the 1st of each month.
You may choose to pay by:
- Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD)
- Credit Card
Do the prices online include tax?
Yes. The prices online include tax and all applicable fees. There are no additional charges.
Can my premiums be deducted on my income tax?
In most cases, yes. Because your VikingCares premiums are individually paid and not employer-paid, they may be claimed as a medical expense on your personal income tax return. Individual situations can vary, so we recommend confirming your eligibility with your accountant or tax professional.
Can I pay with direct pay at the pharmacy or provider?
Yes. With VikingCares, you can use direct pay for most services. At the pharmacy, dental office, or paramedical provider, your provider can bill the plan directly so you only pay what is not covered.
Managing Your Plan
How often can I expect a rate increase, and does VikingCares use age banding?
VikingCares does not use age banding. Rates are the same for all members within the same plan level, regardless of age. Rates do not increase because of birthdays or benefit usage.
Premiums are reviewed on a plan-wide basis and, if required, adjustments occur at the annual January 1 renewal.
Can I change plans if my income or health changes?
Yes. You can change plans and all pre-existing conditions will remain covered. After two years in your current plan tier, you can move up or down one tier based on your needs or budget. You can also add or remove dental at that time.
When you make a change, there are no medical questions and all pre-existing conditions continue to be covered.
What happens if the primary member passes away? Can a spouse remain on the plan?
The surviving spouse section of the policy is currently being reviewed and updated in partnership with Wawanesa Life. Please contact our office directly for the most current information on this topic.
Phone: 1-844-7VIKING (1-844-784-5464)
Email: hello@vikingcares.ca
Can I speak with someone directly about VikingCares plans?
Yes. One of our licensed agents would be happy to walk you through the VikingCares Personal Health Plans and answer any questions you may have.
Phone: 1-844-7VIKING (1-844-784-5464)
Email: hello@vikingcares.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Call us or enroll online and we will reach out to confirm your details.