Telehealth (also known as Telemedicine) refers to technology that allows the remote delivery of healthcare services. If the word telemedicine evoked images of doctors doing patient assessments by webcam – you’re not wrong!
Today, there are many different telehealth services. For instance, consider the existence of virtual physiotherapy or a digital health coach (more on both of those below). A number of these telemedicine resources may be covered through your employee benefits plan. Check your benefits booklet or speak to your Plan Administrator to confirm coverage.
Canadians looking to access telehealth services have many options. We’ve outlined a few of our favourites below.
TiaHealth
Tiahealth allows users to book an appointment and skip the waiting in a walk-in or the weeks to see a family doctor. You’ll speak directly with Doctors in Canada by phone, video, or secure messaging, and will be able to receive referrals, requisitions, and any other documentation. Tiahealth is available nationwide in Canada.
Covered under these provincial health plans:
✔ OHIP ✔ MSP ✔ AHCIP
TELUS Health Virtual Care
TELUS Health Virtual Care provides access to Canadian licensed physicians, nurses, and specialists that are available 24/7 through mobile and web applications. All services are available in both English and French and include services such as Primary Care, Mental Health, Chronic Disease Management, and Urgent Medical advice. TELUS Health Virtual Care is available nationwide in Canada.
Covered under these provincial health plans:
✔ MSP
Appletree Virtual Care
Appletree Virtual Care offers video calls and phone consultations with licensed Canadian doctors that provide care for a wide range of issues, including prescriptions, referrals, requisitions, mental health, chronic conditions, skin issues, travel health, and general medical advice. The services are easy to navigate and offer flexibility and choice for users with choices like male or female doctors, multiple languages, or doctors of different specialties. Appletree Virtual Care is available in Ontario only.
Covered under these provincial health plans:
✔ OHIP
HealthCare Medical Centre
Healthcare Medical Centre provides complete care over the phone or through video conferencing, whether it’s a prescription refill, a work note, lab requisition, or a referral to see a specialist.
Covered under these provincial health plans:
✔ OHIP
Maple Telemedicine*
Maple allows users to instantly connect with a Canadian-licensed doctor for medical care from their phone, tablet, or computer at any time, 24/7. It eliminates the need to visit an in-person clinic, increasing access to care while reducing wait times.
*Preferred pricing is available to Green Shield Canada (GSC) plan members:
https://app.getmaple.ca/register
*Employers can add Maple through BBD for just $3.91 per employee per month, for unlimited consultations. Conditions apply. Find out more here.
Covered under these provincial health plans:
✔ MSP
BEACON Digital Therapy*
BEACON provides therapist-assisted, internet-delivered, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a clinically-proven method that’s all about building stronger resiliency through learning new skills to manage your thoughts and feelings. BEACON has several suggestions to support your mental wellbeing.
*Preferred pricing is available to Green Shield Canada (GSC) plan members:
https://www.mindbeacon.com/gsc-pmember
Phzio: Virtual Physiotherapy
Phzio is an accessible, cost-effective, and easy way to receive physiotherapy treatment online. Users can complete their telerehab treatment program on any digital device, including a phone, tablet, or computer, whenever and wherever it is comfortable for them.
**Phzio is automatically included in plan member’s Extended Health Care (EHC) benefit through GSC, provided their coverage is through Benefits by Design (BBD) Inc.
Provincial Telehealth Resources
Telehealth services and resources are available provincially. Although each province’s telemedicine options vary, it is worth investigating what coverage is available under your provincial health plan. You can learn more about the resources available from our interactive, clickable map of Canada.
Provincial Telehealth Resources: An Interactive Map of Canada
Learn more about the Provincial Telehealth Options in Canada
