It is no secret, healthcare in BC is in a challenging state. We have all read about it and are likely of a similar mind…will someone please fix it and fast!?
I would like to offer some hope in a roundabout way through my own experience with paid, private healthcare.
June 17th, 2022 is a day I will never forget. I woke and almost passed out from pain when I stood up. I felt an electric, burning, pulsating shock tear through my left glute, and I thought it was about to explode. The source of the pain, a herniated disc in my back at L5S1.
From initial injury, I worked my way through the medical system for the next year and a half. First step, pushing my doctor for an MRI which I ended up paying $1300 for to avoid a two month wait. Second step, waiting months to visit a “pain specialist” at the Royal Jubilee Pain Clinic (could not pay and speed my way through this step). Third step, getting sufficiently irritated with the medical system’s approach on symptom management rather than underlying cause treatment. Fourth step, asking my doctor for a referral to a surgeon (whose wait list exceeded one year).
At this point, the pain had dramatically affected my quality of life and I could not take it anymore. I could not play hockey, golf, or run around with my kids. I had to be picky about the chairs I sat in! I started looking at private surgical options. From the initial conversation with the surgeon in Alberta, who I paid $1300 to get a consultation with, I was on the operating table one month later.
A one month wait to have life-giving surgery instead of a one year plus wait just to see a surgeon in BC…how much would you be willing to pay for this difference? I felt the $18,000 bill was worth it and I have incorporated that and future medical expenses into my own Financial Plan.
I cannot begin to tell you the amount of relief I have had from the surgery, relief I would not have if I did not push my doctor and seek outside help. My story with this injury is hopefully over but I have another trick up my sleeve if I continue to have issues. We need to be our own advocates in this medical system. The Relay Wealth Advisor team can help you by ensuring plans to pay for future medical care are incorporated into your Financial Plan.
Financial Wealth without reasonable health, is a wasted resource. It is important to know when to spend money on yourself and we will actively look to support you when the time comes to prioritize your health. Written by Liam Abbott.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this information is based on my personal experience and intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.