The Cheapest Health Insurance Plans Available in Canada for 2026
Finding affordable health insurance in Canada can feel like a full-time job. There’s so many options and just as many coverage caveats to be careful of. Luckily, there are plenty of strategies and tools available to compare plans, save money, and still get the coverage you actually need.
Keep reading to learn how to find cheap health insurance in Canada, what affects your costs, and which plans are offering the lowest premiums for 2026.
How to Find Cheap Health Insurance Plans
One of the easiest ways to find cheap and affordable health coverage is by using HealthQuotes’ free online quoting tool. It’ll provide a price quote instantly — quick, easy, and completely free.
How to Use Our Free Quoting Tool
Fill out some basic information about yourself (province, age, marital status) and what you’re looking for in a health plan (yes or no to dental coverage, prescription drug coverage, basic vs. extended coverage).
The tool uses the information provided to instantly find plans that meet your criteria from reputable providers across Canada.
You can compare plans based on price, coverage limits, and optional benefits like dental, vision, or travel insurance.
What Affects Your Health Insurance Costs
The cost of health insurance in Canada is determined by a variety of factors, including:
Age
Insurance providers use your age to estimate how likely you are to use your coverage.
Younger people generally pay less since they’re considered lower risk.
Older individuals tend to pay higher premiums because health issues become more common with age.
Number of People on the Plan
The more people you add, the higher the cost.
Single individuals usually get the cheapest rates.
Couples pay more than individuals and less than families.
Families pay the most, since more people on the plan means higher coverage needs.
Location
Health insurance costs vary by province and territory, depending on regional healthcare funding, available providers, and the average cost of medical services in your area.
Ontario, on average, has the highest insurance costs of any province. It can be even higher if you live in high-cost cities like Toronto or Hamilton.
Health Status and Medical History
Standard health plans ask medical questions to assess your current health status and medical history. This is another way the insurance provider assesses your risk before quoting your monthly premium. Those with chronic health conditions or ongoing medication needs often pay higher premiums.
There are also guaranteed acceptance insurance options that will provide coverage without having to answer medical questions.
The Cheapest Health Insurance Plans in Canada for 2026
Below are some of the cheapest health insurance plans available in Canada right now.
Keep in mind: costs vary depending on age, location, and many other factors. The pricing listed below is for a single male between the ages of 18-25. We can’t guarantee the monthly premium you are quoted will match the information here.
Manulife FlexCare Combo Plus Basic
Premiums as low as $115
Includes coverage for prescription drug, dental, vision, travel, and specialist/therapist services
Covers 85–100% of eligible costs (depending on the plan)
Optional add-on: Manulife Vitality
Manulife Vitality is an optional add-on available with all standard health plans which can help make your insurance more affordable. Here’s how it works:
Earn rewards and discounts on your premiums (up to 15% per year) for healthy habits like doctor visits, exercise, quitting smoking.etc
Rewards vary but have included a smart watch, gift cards, and discounts from popular brands like HelloFresh, GoodLife Fitness, and Amazon.
Helps incentivize healthier lifestyle choices while saving money on your insurance costs.
Blue Cross Complete Health
Premium as low as $29-$37 without drug or dental coverage
Premium as low as $65 for a plan with prescription drug coverage but no dental.
Premium as low as $95 for a plan with prescription drugs and dental coverage.
Covers up to 70-90% of eligible costs.
Blue Cross is one of the most flexible options for Canadians who want to customize coverage.
Group Medical Services (GMS)
Premiums as low as $60-70 for basic plans, and up to $150 for plans that include dental, prescription drug, and travel insurance.
Covers up to 80% of eligible costs
GMS is a good mid-range option that’s especially popular for self-employed Canadians.
Sun Life
Premiums range from $75–$175, depending on the plan and if choosing optional add-ons.
Typically covers up to 60–80% of costs.
What to Keep in Mind Before Choosing a Plan
Cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Insurance providers offer cheap plans that are more accessible upfront but can sacrifice coverage in the process.
Watch out for:
Coverage Gaps: Cheaper plans often limit the amount available for coverage (60% of costs rather than covering in full) and can exclude dental, vision, or prescription drugs.
Smaller provider networks: There may be strict rules about who you receive care from in order to be eligible for coverage. Insurance policies will often state they have to be from an approved provider. They may also have fewer doctors or clinics to choose from.
Strict reimbursement rules: Some plans require pre-approval for certain services or limit how much they’ll pay per visit.
It’s best to consider not just the premiums, but the full picture. Other than your plan’s monthly premium, your deductible (what you pay before insurance kicks in), copayments and coinsurance (your share of each service), and out-of-pocket maximums (the most you’ll pay in a year), all impact the cost of having insurance.
Tips for a Cheaper Health Insurance Premium
Skip Dental or Prescription Drug Coverage
Many insurance providers offer dental and prescription drug coverage as an optional add-on — and for good reason — they’re two of the biggest cost drivers in a health insurance plan.
If you rarely visit the dentist or don’t take regular medication, you will be able to save more without this extra, more costly coverage. That being said, don’t feel the need to sacrifice your health for a cheaper premium.
Choose a Higher Deductible
A deductible is what you pay before insurance kicks in. Plans with higher deductibles typically have lower monthly costs. This strategy works best for people who are getting insurance for a safety net, rather than a lifeline, and don’t expect to use it often.
Use a Health Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA allows you to put aside pre-tax money for medical expenses, only available with High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). All contributions made to an HSA are tax-deductible, and these deductions will reduce your overall healthcare costs.