Timely template letter: Get your self-employed clients thinking about their health coverage (or lack of it!)

(April 2003) With the recent outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the news recently, it’s only natural that your self-employed or small business-owning clients may be concerned about what would happen should they or their families ever require expensive medication or treatment that isn’t covered by their provincial plans. The cost of private health insurance may be a lot lower than they think — ease their fears and open the door to further discussion with this customizable template letter.

Dear [Client’s name],

The recent outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has received a lot of news coverage, and many of us have decided to take precautions to remain in good health.

In times like these, self-employed people may be especially concerned. Without the sort of comprehensive health and dental coverage that many employees receive from their employers, small business owners are right to worry about what would happen should they, or their families, ever require expensive medication or treatment that isn’t covered by their provincial plans.

Private health insurance isn’t nearly as expensive as you might imagine. Depending on your age, health, the level of coverage and the insurance company, you may be able to obtain both drug and dental insurance for yourself, your spouse, as well as a child, for as little $105 a month (based on two non-smoking 40-year-old adults, with a 15-year-old child).

The best part is that you may be able to write off the entire amount as a business expense. In 1998, the federal government made these premiums tax deductible for self-employed individuals!

If you’d like to discuss the various health and dental plans available in the Canadian marketplace, I hope you won’t hesitate to contact me at the number above. I’d be happy to shop around and find a plan that’s right for you.

Warmest regards,

[Your signature]

[Your name]

• • •

To view Advisor.ca’s collection of other customizable template letters on a host of different topics, please click here.

04/11/03

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.