Green Shield Canada (GSC) has been Canada’s only nation-wide not-for-profit specialist in providing health and dental benefits since 1957.
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Green Shield Canada
Founded | 1957 |
---|---|
Headquarters | Windsor, Ontario |
Employees | 1,041 (2021) |
Canadian Mkt. Share | 0.86% (2016) |
Products* | Health & Dental Insurance |
Provinces Licensed | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NWT, NS, NU, ON, PEI, QC, SK, YT |
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Company Overview
GSC provides Canadians with supplemental health and dental coverage at affordable rates through a variety of different plans. They focus on friendly, fast service, as well as information and tools to help their clients understand their coverage.
Canadians choose GSC because of their extensive benefits packages and the advantages of trusting a not-for-profit provider for additional medical and dental coverage, such as:
- Medical & Dental coverage options through eleven different packages
- Customer-first product design, service, and business structure
- Easy to access information, tools, and claims filing through an online portal, mobile app, or through live support
GSC has established itself as a provider of client-friendly coverage and rates that reflect its goal to protect Canadians and respect their finances. Its different coverage plans are each designed with your potential needs in mind, and paying GSC premiums may qualify for a tax credit or tax exemption.
Green Shield Canada Advantages
Green Shield’s greatest advantage is also central to its history and a guiding force in its mission as a not-for-profit organization. GSC is built on the belief that Canadians should never have to choose to forgo needed healthcare, medicine, or dental work because they cannot afford the cost. Its various coverage packages allow you as a customer to find the policy that works best for you. GSC aims to provide you with everything you need, to understand your policy as well as to take care of your own health and wellness.
- A wide selection of coverage packages: Green Shield Canada offers a variety of packages, all of which include vision care, emergency medical travel expenses, registered specialists and therapists, and 24/7 toll-free legal advice on your coverage and health options.
- Multichannel support: 24 hr live assistance as well as a mobile app for access to your benefits. The GSC on the Go® mobile app allows you file claims, keep up to date on your coverage, and make full use of your benefits as you see fit.
- An Online health management portal: GSC’s Change4Life™ rewards-based health management program offers web-based health tracking tools and resources that help to track your health choices. Points for healthy living decisions can be redeemed to enter draws and for gift cards.
- Deductible Premiums: If you’re a small business-owner, a contractor, or a freelancer then your premiums may be tax-deductible.
Green Shield Canada Insurance Products
GSC offers two distinct benefit package types, ZONE and LINK, each with a variety of different coverage options, through their SureHealth™ plans. They also offer GSC Health Assist™ plans that are provided through an advisor, and Prism plans offered in partnership with Special Benefits Insurance Services to bridge any gaps in your existing coverage and ensure you are protected for any health or dental expense.
GSC SureHealth™ ZONE – Health & Dental Coverage
GSC offers four unique SureHealth ZONE plans intended for small business owners, contractors, freelancers, seasonal and other independent workers so that your provincial healthcare coverage is supplemented in case of any unexpected, often expensive healthcare or dental costs that are not included.
- Choose from 7 different ZONE plans to find the package of benefits that suits you
- All include vision care, extensive specialist and therapist coverage, emergency travel coverage, and lifetime coverage
- Bundled benefit selection to find the additional coverage options you want like prescription drug coverage or dental care
- Guaranteed acceptance on some bundles available, no medical questionnaires or background needed
- Free access to CChange4Life™
GSC SureHealth™ LINK – For Those Who Have Lost Group Coverage
GSC’s SureHealth LINK plans are intended for clients who are coming off of an existing group benefits plan, such as retirement, loss of employment, or new employment without coverage. LINK has the guaranteed health coverage you need in case of any medical or dental emergency, with all the benefits that make GSC’s plans a good choice.
- All LINK plans include guaranteed acceptance for anyone coming off of group employee benefits
- Coverage for any and all pre-existing conditions
- Semi or fully private accommodations should you need a hospital stay
- All include vision care, extensive specialist and therapist coverage, emergency travel coverage, and lifetime coverage
- Free access to Change4Life™
- Options to include dental coverage with several plans
GSC Health Assist Plans™
The GSC Health Assist program puts customers in contact with a Green Shield advisor who can help you build a plan with the great coverage options you need
- Contact an advisor with your personal needs
- Find specific coverage suitable to you and your situation
- Fast, efficient response from helpful experts
- Perks and benefits of being a GSC customer with a custom-fitted coverage plan
Need an Insurance Quote?
Get a Quote nowMitch Insurance Brokers do the comparison shopping for you – with quotes from over 40 insurance companies in Ontario. Speak with a broker today: 1(403)8000267
Terrible underwriters
Terrible underwriters. They try to max the profits and take 0 risk. Why would anyone buy from them.
Go with a reputable company.
Apply for a policy and get countered with a no coverage plan. Move along people, not worth the time.
Worst insurance provider EVER
Ridiculous long wait times, constantly denying claims and saying not a legible provider but my dad's insurance provider approved it right away. Pathetic service, they claim to cover everything but never do.
Forcing me to suffer
GSC does not cover Humalog insulin. I have been diabetic and this is the first time that an insurance company is forcing me to reduce my standard of living to pad their bottom line. Humalog (fast acting insulin) is not covered, and in order to have coverage, I need to change to Admelog. These are bio-simular but not interchangeable. Side effects include:
– Upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold.
– Skin rash or itching.
– Injection site reactions, such as redness or other discoloration, swelling, or itching.
– Swelling in your ankles or feet
– Mildly low level of blood sugar
– Lipodystrophy
– Weight gain
Stay far away from GSC,
Horrible
Horrible!!!!!!
Green Shield company horrible customer Service
Cannot get hold for any one. Terrible customer service.
Waste of time and money
First they argue a prescription and want a dr letter, first one wasn’t good enough so need a second dr letter at our cost each time, finally they accept the prescription. Then when putting in a claim for hearing aids, for 2 weeks we got all sorts of excuses for delays then after 2 weeks we are told our claim is denied. Don’t waste your time or money dealing with them, they try to get out of paying anything they can!
Horrible
expect to wait 1+ hour to speak to anyone on the phone. Constant claim denials or they deny it until they receive an assessment of need letter, or form from a professional which can take months to get an appointment from a specialist. The plans are expensive and don't cover half. My pharmacist talks all the time about having to call them for patients and how they deny anything they can or restrict how much your able to get. Im a Type 1 Diabetic and there's no coverage for pumps or supplies and if you go off the pump they push you to only take whatever the cheapest brand of insulin they can find.
Dont Waste Your Time
I have hardly even invested much into GSC and I am already pretty p***ed off,displeased, and I feel robbed of my money.
My plan I chose does not cover dental and prescription drugs which I need. I emailed to cancel my insurance and potentially get my money back as I only signed up 2 months ago, and havent used the insurance at all. Surely there is some sort of grace period?
I was told there are no refunds and without confirming if I wanted to cancel after telling me I can switch plans etc, they cancelled my insurance for me. Why give me information that may change my decision and then cancel anyways?
Most of my concerns and questions went unanswered. Horrible customer service. They dont seem to care and it seems like a very greedy company. Did the bare minimum and didnt seem to want to bother with me. Never again will I apply for GS. Angry and Unhappy, and I should of read reviews first before applying. Dont waste your time on them.
Customer service headaches
The worst answering machine service ever! Who wants to talk to a machine that doesn’t listen?
Refuse ever claims every time alway a fight
This company seems to have a policy of refusing every claim unless you pester them nonstop to get it through. I have been taking a medication for 11 years and they demanded a review with my Doctor since they considered a new medication. Every single time I renew this prescription for my chronic condition, it is refused, until the pharmacist phones. My pharmacy says they have the green shield number memorized because several times a day they turn down a person who is actually covered. I have sent them information about my son being student 4 times, and it is still not resolved.
Just the worst
Horrible company
I have been denied for almost everything I submit. Just denied for Orthotics yet they say I am covered. They want more and more info. I have to pay my physiotherapist and extra 100.00 to get her to fill out a document they require. Hardy worth it.
Paying for monthly coverage that I never get
Every time I try and refill a prescription, even if the last refill was OVER ONE MONTH AGO they still say “oh we can’t cover you”. So why in the actual f*** am I paying for health insurance. I will be terminating my policy and telling everyone I know to NEVER use this company and to switch insurers if they already do. Absolutely nothing but sheer greed and disregard for their policyholders. Disgusting company.
Thanks
I was getting false information from shoppers drug mart regarding my drug plan coverage. One phone call to Kelly ext. 5565 and everything was corrected immediately. Thanks to Kelly.
worst company in the world
they spend more time figuring out ways to not have to honor their half of the contract…
Avoid buying their product at all costs…
Don’t buy Greenshield extended health coverage!
I was looking for a way to express my displeasure with Greenshield, and found this site. They have been terrible! I figure we’ve sent them 2,400 per year for some years now, and have received perhaps 800 back over that whole time. They stall, ask for more information, ask for more detailed information, and make you jump through all kinds of hoops. I am still waiting for them to pay for a drug that I needed for photodynamic therapy, but I doubt that it will ever come, even after two sets of forms properly filled out by my doctor were sent to them. A huge hassle. We are going to cancel, and will save lots or money. I have no idea why they are termed a ‘not for profit’ company, because somebody there sure as heck is making a killing.
Other Reviews Are Right
So bad. Will insist on not covering life saving prescriptions. Will do their absolute best to not cover them. However, if they happen to, they will make sure you jump through every hoop to do so. DO NOT USE.
Worst insurance, don’t save a buck here
Worst in compensations.
Worst in administration accuracies.
Worst in communication to customers, just avoid it
Sure, and will change TV channel
As soon as I hear the word Sure, I grab the TV converter and change the channel and give myself a few minutes so that the fool with the smirk can babble on on. Then switch back to the original station. The AD is a sure turn off and maybe it’s reflective of most comments see here, bad service.
Worst Experience Ever
They continue to disappoint. I went for a treatment, showing I have coverage available through their site. The claim is then denied. And when I ask for more information they continue to say “Contact your service provider for more information” or “have your service provider contact us” which I do, and it continues and continues to lead no where. It takes them 3-5 days to respond to an email, they never provide any real information. It has been 6 weeks, and my claim is still spinning in circles. I am fed up.
Trash
Another eligible claim denied by them with no reason given. They’re trash.
DEFAULT ANSWER IS NO
HORRIBLE COMPANY…. I KEEP SENDING THEM SAME VISA SLIP, SAME RECEIPT, SLOW TO PROCESS…
HORRENDOUS. Monkeys probably would do a better job. I am not sure how they’re Canadian?!? DEFAULT ANSWER IS NO to my claims. THEN I HAVE TO CALL THEM AND SPEAK WITH THEM TO CORRECT THEIR MISTAKES.
STUPID, LAZY, INCOMPETENT. NEGATIVE 5 stars.
ABOMINABLE.
Terrible
Manulife is way better. Everything about GSC is terrible. Slow to process claims, the ap is brutal.
They call themselves “non-profit organizations”
More like parasites than commercial insurance
Worst benefits I’ve ever had
Extremely inconvenient. My dentist cannot get a denial from thier system to submit claim to my wife’s benefits for coordination. It’s a pain every time. Their rep showed us a rosy picture during presentation. The reality is that you have to do all paperwork manually yourself instead of your health providers quickly and easy resolving all the claims on the spot. As if I have nothing better to do in my life then struggle with this stupidity. Feels like they made it that inconvenient on purpose to make you give up and don’t submit claims.
Worst insurance company
I want to give 0 star for green shield. They are eager to deny your claims always based on their interpretation . Or delay them as others already mentioned by making the process hard to go through . Stay away from if or ask your company stay away from it if possible
They’re cheap my husband spend money but they do not pay.
Worst insurance nightmare
Find any excuse to deny and or delay your claim. Not friendly website
Don’t get Green Shield Insurance.
They refused to reimburse me for my asthma puffer and a very urgent clinic visit I had to make. Also, I don’t know if it was a communication issue or something else, but they told me they covered counselling services a month ago and I called today to make sure and they said they didn’t. Literally the worst insurance you could get and the services they promote aren’t even helpful.
Benefits denied
Last November Todd A[Last name redacted] did a wonderful job supporting me with my claim. This time, I’m sorry, but the Company was not supportive at all. My phone calls to Todd were not returned. Simply put, my dental problem was supposed to have been dealt with prior to my 65th birthday. Because of Covid 19, I could not have my dental problem resolved until after my 65th birthday. My claim was denied by Greenshield. Do you not think that an exception should have been made in this case?
Terrible for travellers
I am retired and travel a lot. GSC does not let me access my benefits, ie. dental hygiene or prescriptions abroad unless it’s an emergency. I have also found them so difficult in regards to medication and they seem to look for reasons to disqualify me. My employer used to be with Manulife and I will never understand why they moved away because I found their service to be much better.
Website access stinks
Ive had health benefits, for quite a few years. In that time have not been able to sign in without major issues once. even changing password doesn’t work as Capcha doesn’t work. totally fed up
Disgusting company
Customer service reps make up excuses as they are talking, regarding why a particular brand of lancet is not covered. Apparently one lancet is not avail to public, can only be used by nursing homes etc. lol I said its online for regular consumer purchase…her answer?…. we still wont cover it under your policy. They make excuses that have zero basis. PLUS one rep says (another named) lancet is covered under my insurance, the next rep says no its not. lol, (yes it is covered). BS company! Not enough space to continue my experiences! Watch them very carefully.
Greenshield Canada hides behind the pretence to protect you. The reality is they will seize any possible opportunity to question your claims to the extent of fabricating evidence against you. Do not expect them to honour your prescriptions. Instead, they will deny your claim and unilaterally decide how much they’d like to cover. Unfortunately, GSC is just another one of those greedy profit-based corporations making sure they gain out of peoples miseries. A disgrace
Do Not use Green Sheild if you don’t have too!
Star rating is a BIG ZERO but they won’t let me submit a review with out clicking a star!
Green Shield has the absolute worst customer service I have ever come across in the Health benefits world! Their employees are rude, ignorant and unknowledgeable. I am thankful that they are not my health benefit provider but the fact that I have to use them for the coordination of benefits makes my head hurt. If you have a choice, DO NOT choose Green Shield Canada!!!
Nothing but problems
Greenshield will go so far out of their way to deny your claim that you may as well not have coverage at all. You will have to jump through dozens of hoops to even have a snowball’s chance of processing a claim under your benefits, and the customer service is atrocious. The handbooks and disclaimers are often incomplete or vaguely worded, enough so to leave everything up to the interpretation of GS employees (translation: CLAIM DENIED).
Absolute garbage. Avoid at all costs.
I thought blue cross was bad, but this company makes them look good.
Very poor coverage, high deductible,so it really isn’t worth buying the
extended medical.Communication isn’t with a person.
They spend lots on false advertising.
Greenshield claims denied due to “computer error”
If you are a Greenshield customer, a warning that they don’t have people that review your claims, rather this function is done by computer. This means that you may not get refunded for claims submitted, even if they are valid. And they take no responsibility for the error. This has happened to me with no apologies from the company, only excuses.
Very good service.
I was denied coverage and frustrated but Melissa was able to graciously inform me of the guidelines while being very knowledgeable and compassionate. She could genuinely sympathize. It was very kind of her. I wasn’t just another number. Ty Melissa! I’ll give Melissa 5* but as far as what GS didn’t cover…I’m highly disappointed. How can I do preventative measures to save a tooth if the filling isn’t covered? Ridiculous.
I have had a long history with this company and have found them to be reasonable, quick to respond to claims, more generous in compensation than any other similar company and willing to consider exceptional circumstances. I commend them for their competence.
If I could leave this provider 0 stars, I would. Doesn’t matter, though. It is the one chosen by my workplace. I go to the dentist once a year for a cleaning, and still have to pay out of pocket.
A Job Well done.
I’m going to keep this simple. I had a disagreement with Greenshield about my coverage. Todd Atkinson solved my problem with the Company and The City of Toronto Benefits Section. Thank You Todd for a very professional and well done job.
Do not juin their plan
THIS COMPANY IS VERY BAD AND CHEAP. THEY ARE TRYING TO DO THE BEST “DO NOT PAY”.
I HAVE TAKEN HYDROCHLOROQUINE FOR 2 YEARS.ONLY THE FIRST YEAR THEY PAID ME. AFTER THE SECOND YEAR I HAVE TO CHECK MY ACCOUNT EVERY TIMES BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WANT TO PAY. I HAVE TO E-MAIL/DEAL WITH THEM EVERY TIMES.
Let’s charge premiums and not start coverage
Easy application process or so I thought. I received the welcome kit and related benefit cards, “Present to your healthcare provider” they say. I had already paid for first monthly premium beginning of November and being self employed decided to catch up on some needed vision and dental care out of pocket. Signed up online to file claim, sorry your benefits don’t start until the first of December. Went back through my welcome kit and on the last page of numerous pages, one with many different sentences in bold is a fine print sentence listing the above. Way to be completely underhanded and more, in this environment. I’ve tried to call three times to come to an arrangement and left voicemails, no response the first two times. Incredible.
Rip off
What a waste of money, I’ve paid $1500 this year and got nothing from it.
Poor Coverage
I submitted a claim for tensor wraps. GSC requested a prescription. I provided a prescription from my doctor (who charged me for that). Then GSC said the wraps were not covered. If they weren’t going to be covered, they shouldn’t have asked me to provide a prescription. I wore them before they told me they weren’t going to pay for them. I also had issues with some dental coverage and hearing aid coverage. We had better coverage and no problems with Great West Life. They offer counselling for stress (the main stress in my life was from dealing with GreenShield!!!) and they probably don’t reimburse people for the cost of counselling.
My partner and I took out health insurance. We cancelled the insurance within the 1st month due to economic reasons. We had to pay 1st and last month of the premium which means August 2020 and July 2021. Unfortunately all cancelations have to be a written request. Since an email address and fax number are not provided that means via mail which in the techno day and age snail mail should be the last option given the letter mailed on August 17 was not received in their off until August 24th. This means it took 6 days for a letter mailed in Halifax Nova Scotia to reach their offices in Ontario. As they did not want to recognize the postmarked letter of August 24th they will not issue a refund no exceptions. This matter was brought to the BBB and was closed without resolution. What they did was allow coverage to extend to September 2020 to cover all funds paid which did not benefit either my partner or myself but they cancelled the policy on August 24th. So why would they do an extra month on a cancelled policy. The only reasonable response to this is that they did not want to return the last month premium which was for July 2021 not September 2020. So I would not recommend GreenShield Canada. Also there are quite a few health professionals that will not direct bill with GreenShield as well. We will be going to either Blue Cross or Manulife for our health insurance needs.
Change The Bleeding TV Ad
The only thing I know about SureHealth is that the TV ad almost has me ready to throw a shoe at the TV screen! It’s seemingly on EVERYWHERE and umpteen times a day. All I do now now when I see that face pop up is change the channel.
Horrible Insurance Company!
They denied my claim the reason is the service not eligible during Covid-19 pandemic. I reviewed my policy and I’m eligible for my foot orthotics, custom-made, I paid 430 for my insole (foot orthotic) last March 20, 2020. The clinic didn’t give me the receipt because I need to pay it first, then they said I will get all the receipt and documents when the insole is ready. After 2 weeks the clinic called me and they told me to send all the documents to greenshield by mail after a week I called the greenshield to verify if they got my documents but they said they haven’t receive it yet, after a week I checked if they already process my claim but still not receive. What I did is I submitted through online, after a week they told me my claim is denied because the service is not eligible during Covid-19 pandemic. I don’t know what to do right now If I’m still gonna submit those documents again after pandemic or maybe they’re not gonna approve it anymore. So sad and disappointed.
AWFUL one way payment towards the premium to them only
I am diabetics for 15 years through 5 jobs and 8 insurance companies, never had issues strips and medications. till my company moved to GSC and the first time in my life a pharmacist says me it is denied to have my strips and insulin issued !!! i spoke to them who asked for physician letter to them saying i REALLY need it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so the prescription photo was not enough for them !!!!!!!!!!!!!! toke me 3 months to get my specialist appointment and 50$ to have the letter from him then guess what WTF ! after 3 weeks the mailed me saying their drugs specialist disapproved the request !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i believe the HR in my company had money under table to hire them !
Worst company terminates coverage because of Covid 19
Company cancelled group coverage because we were laid off due to Covid 19. This pandemic is not the fault of employees yet Green Shield terminates coverage with no notice and no communications provided to plan holders to inform them of situation or other solutions to help plan members remain covered. Worst customer service ever.The Federal Govt. should fine them for doing this to individuals just so they can retain profits. I would have left no stars if it was possible.
Better than nothing
Some of us who pay premiums to Greenshield are wondering if the coverage is poorer because of the amount this company is paying for the constant advertising. We had no say in having our coverage moved; apparently Greenshield made a presentation promising rates would be lower (they were, for one year, with less coverage), and now they go up every year.
The worst
I have to deal with Greenshield as the provider of
My group benefits through work. I have literally every claim denied or ‘ adjusted’ in their favour despite what my benefits package outlines. When I asked what would be my next recourse
Complaint I was advised that would be to question my dentist about the quality of his work. I will
Be following through with the insurance industry ombudsman. Terrible attitude , do not follow the policy coverage and overall unpleasant. I will give them high marks as to processing a claim as they take literally lightening speed to deny claims. I too find their website bizarre with pictures of employees dressed like boxers or a fairy I think one time. Clearly insurance is a joke. There tag line is ‘ a different kind of company’ can’t argue
With that either as this is the worst I have ever
Experienced.
Absolute garbage for diabetics.
Out of the 600 dollars every couple months I have to pay they cover 200…so wow, one third of the supplies I require to live everyday with and they refuse to cover the rest….b.s not for profit yet what I need would save them money in the long run sensors over strips but they refuse to cover sensors which are more cost effective for everyone than test strips, makes no sense at all.
I wish I can give zero star or negative stars.
Green Shield will always, in their own words, “play by the rule”. In reality, you will need to jump through hops after hops to overcome bureaucratic road blocks, and at the end you may still not get the claim. They make things so difficult to discourage claims. I made five drug claims in 2019 so far; 4 got declined by Green Shield. Luckily my spouse benefit plan covers me for 80%.
If you don’t believe me, ask your service provider (like your pharmacist about Green Shield. Everyone knows that they are difficult to work with. You will need to fill in forms and follow procedures to the dot in order to get something back. Good luck if you are using them for co-pay.
Green Shield is horrible. Period.
Stay away from this company please
This is the WORST possible insurance company I have ever had. They treat customers with absolutely no respect. Unfortunately, I have no choice — it is a group plan. I would never buy their services and I hope this company will go bankrupt one day. I see half star reviews here. I would I open their website today and there was a picture of their Staff member Karen. “Meet our Karen” the site said. Karen was wearing suit and boxer gloves and was in the position of attacking who ever looked at this picture. It is ridiculous and very thoughtful but this is exactly how GreenShield treats their customers. With the FISTS! I wish I could attach that screenshot here.
CANADIEN OR IMMIGRANTS RUN DONT EVEN WAST YOUR TIME WITH THAT MONEY GRABER
YOU HAVE TO BEG FOR A DOCTOR TO GIVE YOU A PRESCRIPTION FOR A MASSAGE THEN YOU WILL BE ABLE. TO GET REFUN AS IF THE DOCTOR KNOW YOUR BETTER THAN YOU .(WHAT A JOKE ) DENTAL, GLASS EVERY COVERAGE SUK NOT RECOMENDED COMPANY
The worst website for claims.
The worst website for claims. I have to enter all of the details, print and mail….. How ridiculous! The website says it can be done electronically. Doesn’t work. I fill out the form, save it and when I open it, the form is empty. Only 4 items per form. An incredible waste of time.
I would rate it a .5, not even a 1.
DO NOT USE GREENSHIELD
We have Greenshield through work, and they are the worst company to deal with!
If I could give them a negative star, I would.
From health to dental they are garbage.
Not as promised
Didn’t send my enrolment documents then tried to blame me. Promised lower premiums, which lasted for the first year only, provides less coverage than Blue Cross for more money. I don’t see why we were switched, considering all the hassle.
Garbage
Penny pinching b*st*rds. Would not use if I got to pick my own health insurance.
– Limits coverage for massage therapy to $50/visit (good luck finding a therapist for that price).
– Requires a prescription for massage or physiotherapy – but not chiropractic? That’s some nice lobbying from the chiropractic association.
– Does not cover GST.
– Low annual limits. Sucks to be you if you have chronic back pain, you’ll get just enough treatments to not need time off work.
– Marginal dental coverage.
– Reduces drug claim payout for buying “too much” (more than a few weeks’ supply) at a time.
– Reduces drug claim payout for buying “branded” drugs even when the pharmacist told me the ones I bought are the generic version.
– Submitting too many claims at once, like catching up on a few months worth, triggers an audit. All subsequent claims subject to audit. Audits can take weeks to process.
– Generic “Claims processed in accordance with plan terms” messages, and you have to go digging through an unintuitive website to find the details of what they did and didn’t pay.
– No clear description of what is and isn’t covered for many expenses, you pretty much have to either submit a mock claim or have the provider try your insurance card.
Greenshield Canada absolutely terrible
I had active coverage, not only did they totally screw me and my partner out of my prescription glasses benefits, they screwed us out of orthotics coverage, and now today, I got screwed out of massages as well. Zero stars. Next time I work CLAC I’m not filling out any benefits forms, better off with none.
Worst insurance company i have ever had the displeasure of being “covered” by
They are simply terrible. They audit every submission, question the decisions you make with your doctor in terms of treatment for every medical condition – including debilitating ones, and do their best to not honour what you are supposed to be covered. Insulting and greedy with no accountability.
Worst Customer Service!!
Disabled my account stating that I did not submit a receipt to prove a claim. When I told them that I never received any notification that I needed to submit a receipt they blamed me for the error and insisted that I would have gotten several notifications. When I sent a screen shot of my account that clearly stated “Good News. You have no claims requiring additional information” they reactivated my account and threatened me that if this were to happen again my account would be permanently disabled. There was zero apology or responsibility taken on their part for their error and they continued to behave as if I was at fault for their error. Very poor customer service and no follow up on their part I had to call twice before anyone could help me. Zero accountability on their part for their error.
Denied a life-saving drug for a baby
I am in the middle of adopting a baby. She supposedly has drug coverage through Greenshield as paid by the Children’s Aid Society. They have denied her coverage for her heart medication required for her to live. I guess I will invite Greenshield to her funeral? My old work insurance had no issue covering this medication. My new work insurance is Greenshield. I’m bringing this issue to their attention. Hopefully we can switch providers.
Worst Insurer to deal with
This has been a nightmare since the get go. Every submission made is contested and audited to the point where you don’t want to make a claim as it will take 2-3 hours to jump through all their hoops and whistles. Their website is a nightmare. Worst experience I have ever had. Their site says responses in 7 days – it took over 3 weeks.
Worst Insurance in Canada
This is by far the worst insurance I have had comparing with Sun Life and Great West Life. Support claim online for drugs very poorly design. It takes a lot of time consuming to claim meds if this insurance is not your primary insurance or for your partner using it. They ignore what you marked on claims (e.g: if you marked NO on other insurance. They still ignore it and not pay and request to claim with other insurance). The process for claims takes a while to pay or not pay (mostly not pay with ridiculous excuses). You need doctor prescription to claim massages. If this is the second insurance, the company more likely ignore and not pay leftover unpaid amount or pay very low. Not recommend.
Don’t buy this insurance.
When I signed up for this insurance I was promised that my payments would stay the way they are.
This is not the case. However benefits do! Figure that one out. When I asked them why my rate is increasing and my benefits stay the same, they could not answer the question.The only thing they said I could pick another plan.
They require PRESCRIPTION for a massage!!! …and cover only $25 per visit. What’s the point???
I have been with them for about 5 years and run the numbers for the last year. I wasted about 45 percent. You are better off to put the $ in the savings account and use when you need it. Cover all 100 percent, not 40 to 80 and you don’t have to provide prescriptions. Finally it’s your money and your insurance doesn’t have to tell you whether it needs to be covered or not.
Don’t waste your money on Green Shield.
GSC Cant be trusted
I am consumed with anger and frustration with GSC. I submitted a claim Dec. 13/18 for chiropractic services on Nov. 7/18. On Jan. 7 I received my statement for but saw there was an error as I was not paid. I called and was curtly told that I have to pay the $250 deductible. I said I paid the deductible mid 2018. Also, I received payment for services on Nov. 13 so I should have been paid for Nov. 7. They admitted there was an error and was put on hold but got disconnected. Called back and a guy said they would make the correction and I would be paid in a few days. After a week no payment so I called and another woman bluntly said we are working on the problem and you will be paid shortly. No further explanation. After that I sent an email to GSC about the problem but never got a reply. I called back again after a week and was told the same thing. About 10 days ago I called again and this time a woman told me there is a glitch in their software and it is affecting people in the public sector; I am not the only one affected. I asked is the claim for Nov. 7 the only claim that is affected by the software glitch? She said yes but that I would receive payment in a few days. After 10 days no payment. Yesterday I sent an email to the complaint officer giving some suggestions so I get paid. No response. I said if I do not at least get a reply to my email I would file a complaint with the BBB and contact the GSC ombudsman.
I read a number of very negative reviews and I can identify with all of them. Now I am beginning to think they are lying to me and have no intention of paying me what I am entitled to. This is not the first time I have had problems with GSC. One claim was not processed because they needed more information. I emailed them asking what information do you need. They gave me the same vague answer. I sent them an angry email demanding what is the problem. They said the needed to verify the service provider (chiropractor). I explained I have used this chiropractor for years and you have processed a number of claims where he was the service provider and no problem. After several months of them telling me this I practically went ballistic and sent them the most scathing email. They finally admitted that they needed to set him up in the system with a new address because the chiropractor has several offices. The idiots at GSC held up my claim for almost 5 months just to set up another address for my chiropractor in their system. It seems others are correct about GSC and you cant believe what they tell you. They do make you jump through hoops and frustrate the hell out of you. I am fed up with GSC but there is nothing I can do. They know I am at their mercy and they just dont care.
Worst insurance ever!
Makes vague and ambiguously worded coverage statements. I had a drug that was previously covered and all of a sudden, out of nowhere they decided to change their minds and revoke coverage over the last year and a half, claiming that it was an oversight and should not have been covered. The medication is a bit expensive, so Greenshield has decided to change the rules in their favour. Very shady!
worst coverage provider
They suck and are a pain in the a** to deal with, no human element with this company, be set for frustration and upset. They care nothing about mental component of life!!! Can u jump thru hoops??
Awful!!!!!
They find any excuse to not pay claims. Make you jump through hoops before they approve claims only to decline again and ask for more and more paper work. Totally screwed me over several times leaving me stranded without important medication when I went for a refill. Never had a single issue with any other insurance company I’ve delt with in regards to these medications. I can’t believe they can treat people this way and sleep at night.
Shady Fly-By-Night Outfit
I am beginning to think the Russians own this company. I dealt with Blue Cross for over 20 years and NEVER had a problem. GS on the other hand has been the polar opposite! A molar that was 90% filling that lasted 5 years but was recommended for a crown was refused coverage for a much needed crown is only one example.
Don’t waste your money!
Beware!! Don’t buy insurance with this company. They’re cheap and will do everything not to pay out.
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