Monday morning this and that January 11, 2010
Posted by gmbmfb in : health care, saving money , trackbackWell I’ve done my research on different cell phone plans and companies. I’m going to go with either Fido or Telus. But I’m leaning towards Telus because they seem to get better reception in general here on the Lower Mainland, than Fido. And, for the price plan I want, they are offering unlimited nationwide calling to 5 numbers – good for calling to my family. Most other companies only offer local calling to 5 numbers in the price point I’m looking at, so nationwide is a huge bonus and will save me money. I will try to get to a Telus store in the next few weeks to check out phones and see if anything else can be added to my plan for free as an incentive to switch over. :)
In health care related news, BF is going to look into adding me to his health care plan at work – since I don’t have health care benefits at my job. Hopefully we’ve lived together long enough to qualify, because even though his health care plan is a little skimpy, it still beats paying full price.
Today is my 15th straight day of working out. I won’t be able to workout like this while we’re on vacation this week, but hopefully we can get a lot of walking in. BF is thinking of borrowing his brother’s car and driving out to Canmore for a day of snow shoeing (in the Rocky Mtns). That would be fun, as I’ve never actually explored Canmore before, aside from quick stops to fill up on gas & get food in the town.
Related posts:
- Medical coverage and my looming surgery
- A Monday Morning Rant
- Going to the dentist
- Health Spending Account
- Dear Rogers Wireless: I’m leaving you!
Comments»
Fido is Rogers, just thought I would let you know. Also if you plan on traveling overseas Fido and Rogers phones will work. If you are with Telus you have to make sure you have one of their newest phones aka the iPhone.
Yeah I know Fido is owned by Rogers … but their pricing plans are a lot better.
I would only go to Telus for the iPhone. If I decide just to get a simple plan, I'd go with Koodo or Virgin I think …
Can you explain a bit further regarding health care? I was under the impression that Canada had universal coverage.
Anonymous: So in Canada, basic health care is covered. This includes visits to doctors, emergency room trips, ambulance services, hospital stays (emegency visits & non-emergency, including maternity care), tests ordered by a doctor (blood tests, xrays, diagnostic procedures, etc) … there are no deductibles, it's 100% free, aside from the premium we pay every month of $57 (called MSP). And in my experience, most employers who offer extended health benefits also pay for your MSP (or at least some of it). Extended health covers dentist visits, massage therapy, chiropractor, prescription drugs, etc.
B signed me up on his health care plan right away, even though we had only lived together for a couple months at that point. While we're not legally common-law, we define ourselves that way to the outside world generally. He was just honest with the person in charge of it at work – told them we're not actually common-law but were hoping I could get his benefits – and the person said no problem. Maybe try the same approach?
Oh, that makes sense. Thanks! I hope the US can take a cue from you guys and fix our shoddy system :-)
I would ask Telus for a sweetheart of a deal now that Wind Mobile is coming.
My high-speed price is now $10 /month.
I've been with Fido for 12 years and I love them. Reception is great and I'd rather stick with either Fido/Rogers because I buy phones overseas and in other stores so I can just stick my sim card in to use… you can't do that with Telus or Bell. If you don't buy phones from other places other than the provider then I guess you should be fine otherwise it's a huge hassle!
I'm switching over to Rogers though just because I can get like $15 off my current data plan with Fido from a friend who works there.
There may not be any snow left for snowshoeing by the time you arrive in Alberta … it's currently + 10 degrees in Calgary!
Don't go with Telus. They will charge you system access fee for no reason every month. If you like Telus, go with Koodo which is also Telus but without system access fee. (Same is the case with Fido/Rogers and Solo/Bell).
Whichever you like, go with the no system access fee one.
Scorpion: I really like Koodo (so affordable), but they don't have the iPhone available to them. So I will be going with a company that offers the iPhone…
But good to know about the SAF. I thought they had gotten rid of it…
Regarding reception, I could have gotten better reception with 2 tin cans on a string than with Fido. The continuous dropped calls were beyond frustrating. And this was everywhere in Vancouver. I learned that if I got a decent signal I had to stand still and not move more than a couple of inches in any direction until I finished the call.
I have unlimited nationwide calling to 5 names with Bell, but perhaps it's at a higher price point than you're looking at?
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