Extended Health Benefits
What does Extended Health Benefits mean?
Extended health benefits are additional insurance benefits, often provided through an employer, that may help cover services not fully paid for by your provincial or territorial public health plan, such as psychology, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, or medical equipment. For families of autistic children, extended health benefits can be an important source of support for accessing professional services. Coverage limits, eligible providers, and reimbursement rates all depend on your specific plan.
Why this term matters
Many of the services that support autistic children, such as speech-language therapy or psychological assessments, are not fully covered by public health care, making extended health benefits a valuable resource for families. Taking time to understand exactly what your plan covers can help you plan for your child's therapies and assessments more effectively.
Canadian context
Extended health benefit plans in Canada are offered by private insurers and structured by individual employers or associations, so coverage differs from plan to plan and is not standardized across the country. Checking with your plan administrator or benefits booklet is the best way to understand what services and amounts may be available to your family.
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