All posts by Timothy Coleman

22Dec/20

Does Growing Cannabis in Your House Effect Your Insurance in Canada?

On October 17, 2018, cannabis A.K.A, marijuana was made legal in Canada. However, a step as big as the legalization of marijuana isn’t a simple one. Not even after it has been approved and pasted. Now, the rest of the world must be able to accommodate or fall behind. Home insurance companies are no exception.

How much accommodating will a home insurance company be willing to offer is the big question. Home insurance policies may vary from company to company. Some companies may just flat out refuse to provide coverage at all due to the high risk of cannabis cultivation.

Canadian law allows for a household, household being the keyword to grow up to 4 marijuana plants legally. Therefore, home insurance companies will only cover up to 4 plants. Grow-ops or any other form of cultivation that exceeds the 4 plant maximum are typically not covered by most companies.

Growing cannabis affects your home insurance policy even more when insuring grow-ops or outbuildings. Home insurance companies will typically want to have numerous inspections performed before even considering you. Electrical, environmental, and engineering inspections are 3 of the major ones expected from most insurance companies.

Honesty is The Best Policy When Buying Home Insurance

The British Columbia Supreme Court ruled against a homeowner and sided with the insurance company in February of 2019. The homeowner failed to inform the insurance company about the multiple plants of marijuana being grown in his outbuilding. The outbuilding was insured, but once growing cannabis was reported as the cause of damage to the building, the insurance company backed out.

Home insurance companies have adjusted their policies to accommodate personal cannabis growth. These accommodations only stretch out to the 4 plants allowed by law when dealing with most companies. Companies may offer anywhere from $500-$1000 in coverage for your plants. However, some companies may cover the plants in their entirety.

The High Risks of Insuring a Grower

Growing marijuana comes with many risks regardless if you are growing 4 plants or 300. While the cannabis communities’ opinions may differ when speaking of risks accompanied by marijuana cultivation, insurance companies don’t. Cultivating any amount of cannabis plants in your home is considered a high risk of damage for all insurers.

Some of those possible risks include the usage of hazardous chemicals when growing. Electrical fires are caused by alterations made to the electrical system to accommodate cannabis growth. Grow lights blowing up can cause unexpected fires. Personal liability in the case that a guest is injured while under the influence of marijuana.

Not to mention the water damage and possible future mold problems caused by growing marijuana. Burglary also becomes more of a risk now that you have marijuana plants in your home. What is even more important to remember is the fact that home insurance policies do not cover mold. This is a problem that you will most likely have to deal with due to the humid conditions necessary for growth.

Read the Fine Print

Cannabis may have been made legal in Canada, but home insurance policies are still playing cautious with their policies. The terms of your policy may vary from company to company. Make sure to take your time and read through all the fine print before choosing the right home insurance for you.

Some companies may even make an exception for more than 4 plants when used for a medical purpose. This is rare but possible. Home insurance companies have only made minor changes to their policies as of today. Insurers are still trying to decide on the best and safest route to take when dealing with marijuana growing.

As time passes, home insurance companies will surely come up with bigger and better policies. For now, they are still wary of making too big of a commitment since damage risk is considered too high now.

Growing Cannabis Will Affect Your Home Insurance

So, if you were wondering, is growing cannabis at home now that it’s legalized disagreeable for my home insurance? I would have to say it’s still a toss-up. It will affect your home insurance policy, but it may not be all that bad.

The possibility of mold, which is almost unavoidable, is a big issue since insurance companies don’t cover mold. But if you are willing to deal with that issue on your own, then home insurance can still be a lifesaver. Yes, even for homeowners who decide to go into the cultivation of marijuana. Homeowners who are growing 4 plants or less, of course.

While grow-ops can be insured, they are harder to do so and involve an in-depth process. The effect that growing your cannabis at home has on your home insurance in all reality is minimal. Home insurance companies understand that with the legalization of marijuana, a new normal was established. A new norm that they must now adapt to keep their customers happy. While simultaneously ensuring the companies best interest as well.

“You can set up a nice indoor grow system without affecting your house; you just need the right equipment,” according to Karen Miller of Canada Grows Indoors, an online company that sells indoor growing equipment.
“To ensure your insurance company is happy, make sure you have a grow system in place that deals with heat, humidity, moisture, and odor. These all affect your house and, if not dealt with, can lead to long-term and costly damage.” Says Miller

Most policies that cover plants will also cover most tools and items used for the growing of cannabis. The key is to follow the law accordingly when growing marijuana at home. Insurance companies are trying their best to accommodate the new law but nothing more. Again, stressing how possessing anything over four plants at home is illegal but may also void your policy.

In some cases, the insurance company may not cancel your policy but will increase your premium. Home insurance is a principal part of owning a home. Insurers are beginning to adjust, accommodate the homeowner. Meaning, that in due time insurance companies will be able to give better policies to those who choose to grow cannabis at home.

For now, make sure to read the fine print before signing any home insurance papers. Be as honest as possible with the insurance company to avoid voiding the policy when you need it most. Home insurance may not be as easy to get when you decide on growing marijuana at home, but possible.

06Sep/18

New Brunswick Canada Health Insurance tips for travelers.

Health insurance in new brunswick canadaNew Brunswick Canada Health Insurance For Travelers

While residents of Canada have access to nationalized health insurance, Canadian tourists may want to purchase their own insurance. Purchasing insurance will provide you with essential protection if you’re injured or fall while in New Brunswick. These are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re considering travel insurance.

Consider Your Options

You’ll have quite a few options for travel insurance. There are a number of companies that provide this type of insurance. It’s a good idea to look more closely at some of these companies and the policies that they offer.

Of course, you may not want to limit yourself to looking at traditional travel insurance policies. You may also want to consider purchasing some supplemental insurance coverage. If you qualify for supplemental insurance, this could be the most cost-effective option available to you.

Be Aware Of What Is And Isn’t Covered

You shouldn’t make any assumptions about what will be covered if you purchase travel insurance. You should always read over the policy so that you can look at the coverage you have. Make sure you’re familiar with your policy. If you know what is and isn’t covered, you’ll be able to make smart decisions regarding your medical care.

It’s common for travel insurance policies to provide coverage for emergency health care. However, most of these policies don’t cover things like eye doctor appointments or primary dental care.

It’s a wise idea to look at different policies so that you can find one that provides the kind of coverage you need. If you choose the right policy, you’ll be able to get exactly what you need. Make sure you’re comfortable with the level of coverage that you have.

Finding Affordable New Brunswick Health Insurance.

Typically, travel insurance in New Brunswick isn’t prohibitively expensive. With that said, you’ll want to make sure that you can comfortably afford travel insurance. If the policy you purchase is too expensive, it might not be worth purchasing.

You should always look closely at the costs of any insurance policy you’re considering. Make a point of reading the fine print so that you can see what you do and don’t have coverage for. If an insurance policy seems like a bad deal, don’t purchase that.

Look For Insurance That Provides Traveler-Friendly Benefits

Some travel insurance policies don’t just provide you with health insurance. They also provide other types of coverage that are useful for travelers. As an example, a policy might reimburse you if your luggage is lost while you travel.

These kinds of policies can provide a lot of value for the price. Examine a few different policies and see if you can find any options that provide this kind of extra coverage. Travel benefits can be a godsend for travelers.

 

Finding A Reputable Insurance Company

You need to make sure that you can trust the insurance company you buy a policy from them. You need to be able to count on them to provide the kind of coverage you’re paying for.

You should look for a company that’s well established. A company that has several years of history behind them is your best choice. You should also read reviews so that you can see what other people are saying about insurance companies. Try to find a company that is consistently praised.

We have delt with Blue Country Health Insurance For our Health Insurance Needs in New Brunswick and had excellent results.

What To Do If You’re Planning On Becoming A Legal Resident

If you’re spending time in New Brunswick because you plan on becoming a legal resident of Canada, you should still purchase travel insurance. You won’t have insurance while you wait for your residency application to approved. Travel insurance can cover the gap while you wait for your insurance to start.

In New Brunswick, you will receive your Medicare coverage three months after applying for it. If you purchase travel insurance to cover this gap, you won’t ever have to worry about being without health insurance.

Health insurance new brunswickThe Best Options For Frequent Travelers

If you travel to New Brunswick on a regular basis, standard health insurance policies for travelers might not meet your needs. You’ll want to look at some of the other insurance options out there.

There are private companies that offer ongoing insurance coverage in Canada for non-residents. This could be a smart investment if you’re in New Brunswick on a regular basis. Weigh the costs of an insurance purchase against the risks you’re facing and decide what you’d like to do from there.

There are all kinds of health insurance options, even options for people that are in New Brunswick on a monthly basis. Don’t rule out health insurance because one policy is a bad match for you. Keep searching until you find what you need.

Start Looking Into Health Insurance Now

Even if you won’t be traveling to Canada for a while, it’s a good idea to start looking at health insurance options sooner than later. Looking at things ahead of time can make things a lot easier for you.

When you start exploring your options in advance, you’ll have the opportunity to look at your options a little more closely. You’ll be able to evaluate your options carefully and make a decision that you feel comfortable with.

Beyond that, looking at things ahead of time will ensure that you have insurance when you travel. These things can take time. If you wait until the last minute, you might not actually have insurance during your trip. A few extra precautions can go a long way.

Give yourself plenty of time to find the ideal insurance coverage. As soon as you know you’ll be traveling to Canada; you should start looking at health insurance. Make sure you have enough time to make a choice that you’ll be satisfied with.

Take the time to learn more about New Brunswick Canada health insurance. See what kinds of options you have, and take a closer look at the sort of coverage that might work for you. Buying a health insurance policy can give you some peace of mind.…

06Sep/18

The Different Pros And Cons Of Canadian Health Insurance

canadian health insurance pros and cons

 

The Different Pros And Cons Of Canadian Health Insurance

In an ideal world, all countries would have universal health care available to their citizens. However, we do not live in a perfect world, so only some countries have this option for citizens to access medical assistance. Canada is one of these countries, and while the free health care sounds perfect, it is not anywhere close. This does not mean that Canadian health insurance is entirely disadvantageous as it does have several benefits. This article will provide different pros and cons of Canadian health insurance programs.

What Are The Different Benefits To Canadian Health Insurance?

1. Availability For All

The first benefit of using Canadian health insurance is that the policy is implemented on a universal level. This means that it does not matter what type of financial status the citizen has, what the person’s age is, what their health status is, or what their employment status is – all people can use the policy. The universal availability is a good reason to use the program. Regardless of the number of flaws in legislation or the policy, Canadian health insurance will always be popular because of its universal availability.

2. Special Care For Special Needs

Canadian health insurance programs take into account the health of different citizens, particularly the needs of disabled individuals, the elderly, and children. Veterans and senior citizens receive special attention, as well as children and disabled individuals. According to insurance policies, people with specific disabilities will also receive special attention because of their challenges. Universal healthcare programs attempt to help citizens as much as possible, such as implementing a special program for war veterans who can obtain whatever type of care they need.

3. Educational Programs

While provincial and federal governments in Canada promote the universal health care program, there are also educational programs running from time to time. The use of these educational programs is to increase awareness among the average individual so that injuries can be avoided, health conditions can be proactively examined, and people can learn how to behave at specific times dependent on their health condition. This type of program is typically funded by the Canadian government and will go a long way toward educating individuals from different backgrounds.

The educational programs are essential for the country as they can assist people in adopting healthy lifestyle habits, as well as making them aware of the incorrect choices. Without any universal healthcare systems, the programs will not be funded and may be considered irrelevant. While people can become more aware of health conditions, the awareness also reduces the burden on the universal healthcare system.

What Are The Different Disadvantages To Canadian Health Insurance?

1. The Fees Tend To Be Unrealistic

Healthcare practitioners or providers are mandated by law to charge a specific fee for specific treatments and medical assistance. In many cases, this fee is not a realistic one, and many people have problems paying it. The healthcare providers need to run a business, and many use loans to set up the facility with infrastructure. Moreover, doctors often have student loans and will need to attend to these loans as well as their cost of living. Unless their fees are reasonable, and they can ensure providers can continue operating with a suitable lifestyle, the Canadian health insurance program is flawed.

Welfare schemes across the globe tend to be unfair. Doles to a particular section or the majority of people should not be at the cost of other citizens’ basic needs or comfort. The majority of welfare programs burden the taxpayer, and then the healthcare sector is made to bear the brunt of these financial fallouts. This is one of the reasons why providers of universal health care do not offer the best service to their patients.

2. The Long Waiting Times

Reports show that Canada has one of the best healthcare systems across the globe with a mass of medical facilities, practitioners, and medical resources; however, there is another scenario regarding doctors, their patients, and the patients’ needs. Due to the universal accessibility of the health care system, it makes sense that more people will always require attention and this contributes to waiting times.

While emergency situations are ones dealt with immediately, such as treating severe injuries that are life-threatening. Unfortunately, emergency medical assistance will influence the non-emergency healthcare patients and longer wait times can be experienced. It is possible that people will wait for several months to gain the necessary medical attention for their problem. Whenever there are emergency cases, the emergency situation will receive priority and that shifts the other cases one spot lower. The delay is unavoidable, and some people may have the cases continuously delayed for years.

The increased waiting times can be highly frustrating for the non-emergency patient, and it can result in making the non-emergency situation a life-threatening based on negligence. While there is room for improvement in this area, policymakers in the Canadian healthcare system are not reviewing the issue. Moreover, the management of the waiting period is not efficient, and cases can be misplaced.

3. Accessibility Of Service In Rural Areas

Healthcare systems are almost non-existent in rural areas. Funding of Canadian health insurance programs is done primarily on location and the area demographics. This means that more populated areas will receive more funding, while the rural or sparsely populated areas do not gain priority. The scarcity of funds reduces the growth of health care programs in rural regions; therefore, forcing people from rural areas to travel to larger areas of healthcare. This can be detrimental for the individual and can be damaging to their health if the person has a severe health condition.

4. The Quality Of Care

Rural healthcare providers are not only short on funding, but they do not have suitable resources to meet the population’s healthcare needs either. This means that the quality of care in the health care system will be insufficient and ineffective. Urban healthcare facilities are well-financed and scrutinized, so they provide excellent services; however, this is not the case with rural facilities. Preventing the rural population from gaining their share of the funding influences their ability to provide high-quality care.

Final Words

As can be seen, there are various pros and cons to the Canadian healthcare system. To determine if Canadian health insurance programs are suitable for you, you should take the different points about into consideration.…