Private Health Insurance in Canada: Plans, Costs & How to Choose (2026)

What Is Private Health Insurance in Canada?

Private health insurance in Canada — also called supplemental or extended health insurance — covers services that provincial and territorial health plans do not. While provincial plans like OHIP, MSP, and AHCIP cover medically necessary physician and hospital services, they leave significant gaps in dental care, prescription drugs, vision care, physiotherapy, and more.

What Does Provincial Health Insurance NOT Cover?

Across Canada, the following services are typically not covered by your provincial plan:

• Prescription medications (outside hospital)
• Dental care (routine cleanings, fillings, crowns)
• Vision care (glasses, contact lenses, eye exams in some provinces)
• Physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy
• Psychological counseling and psychotherapy
• Semi-private or private hospital rooms
• Medical devices (hearing aids, orthotics, CPAP machines)
• Travel health insurance

Types of Private Health Insurance Plans in Canada

Employer Group Benefits

The most common form of extended health coverage in Canada is through an employer’s group benefits plan. These plans are typically cost-shared between employer and employee and cover drug, dental, vision, and paramedical services. Coverage levels vary widely — from basic to comprehensive — depending on your employer and union agreements.

Individual Health Insurance Plans

If you are self-employed, recently retired, or your employer doesn’t offer benefits, you can purchase individual private health insurance directly from an insurer. Major providers offering individual plans in Canada include:

• Manulife Flexcare — Modular plans starting around $60–$120/month
• Sun Life My Health — Comprehensive coverage with dental add-ons
• Blue Cross — Available in all provinces, provincial Blue Cross associations offer individual plans
• Green Shield Canada — Standalone drug, dental, and health plans
• Desjardins — Strong coverage in Quebec and Eastern Canada

Association and Professional Group Plans

Many professional associations (accountants, engineers, freelancers) offer group health plans at competitive rates. The Canadian Medical Association, Freelancers Union-equivalent bodies, and chambers of commerce often negotiate group rates for members.

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in Canada?

Costs vary based on age, province, coverage level, and whether you include dependents. Approximate monthly premiums for individual plans:

• Basic drug + dental plan: $60–$120/month (single)
• Comprehensive plan (drug, dental, vision, paramedical): $150–$350/month (single)
• Family plan (2 adults + 2 children): $300–$600/month

Premiums increase with age, and pre-existing conditions may affect eligibility or add exclusions. Most insurers require you to apply within 90 days of losing employer benefits to avoid medical underwriting.

What to Look for When Comparing Plans

• Drug formulary — Does the plan cover your current prescriptions?
• Dental coverage — Does it include only basic (cleanings, fillings) or also major (crowns, bridges, orthodontics)?
• Annual maximums — What is the maximum payout per category per year?
• Paramedical coverage — Are physiotherapy, massage therapy, and psychotherapy included?
• Waiting periods — Some plans have 3–12 month waiting periods for dental or major services.
• Out-of-pocket costs — What percentage do you pay after coverage (e.g., 80/20 co-pay)?

Is Private Health Insurance Worth It in Canada?

For most Canadians without employer benefits, private health insurance is worth the cost if you regularly use dental, prescription, or paramedical services. A single root canal can cost $900–$1,500 in Canada; a year of prescription medications can easily exceed $1,000. If your out-of-pocket costs exceed your premium, insurance pays off.

However, healthy Canadians who rarely use healthcare services beyond what provinces cover may find that a high-deductible catastrophic plan or a health spending account (HSA) is a more cost-effective choice.

Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — Federal Program in 2026

As of 2025–2026, the federal Canada Dental Care Plan is fully rolled out for eligible Canadians who do not have access to private dental insurance and whose household income is below $90,000/year. This plan covers preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental services. Check the federal government’s eligibility tool at canada.ca/dental to see if you qualify before purchasing private dental insurance.

How to Get Private Health Insurance in Canada

• Compare plans using a licensed broker or comparison site (e.g., Ratehub, PolicyMe, or LSM Insurance)
• Apply directly through an insurer’s website or through a licensed insurance advisor
• Review the policy document carefully before signing — pay attention to exclusions and waiting periods
• Review your coverage annually and adjust as your health needs change