How Much Does Guaranteed Acceptance Insurance Cost in Canada? (2026 Guide)
Guaranteed acceptance health insurance in Canada costs between $55 and $300 per month, depending on the provider, plan tier, and benefits included. Most mid-range plans fall between $75–$150/month and cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, and paramedical services — with no medical exam and no health questions required.
If you've been turned down for a traditional health plan, or if a pre-existing condition has made extended health coverage feel inaccessible, guaranteed acceptance health insurance is the most practical option for you.
Unlike employer group benefits or medically underwritten individual plans, guaranteed issue health plans accept all applicants without a health questionnaire or medical exam. In other words, there’s no risk of being declined. In Canada, several major insurers offer these plans, and the pricing varies more than most people expect.
This guide breaks down the real cost of guaranteed acceptance health insurance in Canada, plan by plan, using current 2026 pricing from Manulife, Blue Cross, Sun Life, and Canada Life. You'll also find a comparison of what each plan actually covers, what drives the cost differences, and how to find the right plan for your situation.
Want to skip ahead? Compare guaranteed acceptance health insurance quotes from top Canadian providers at HealthQuotes.ca — free, no medical exam, no obligation.
What Is Guaranteed Acceptance Health Insurance?
Guaranteed acceptance (or guaranteed issue) health insurance is a supplemental health plan that covers costs not paid by your provincial health plan (i.e. prescription drugs, dental care, vision, massage therapy, physiotherapy, and mental health counselling).
What makes it different from standard individual health insurance is simple:
There are no health questions
There is no medical exam
You can't be turned down based on a pre-existing condition, your age, or your medical history
Your application is approved automatically.
This is distinct from simplified issue plans, which ask a short set of health questions and may still decline some applicants. Guaranteed issue plans take everyone, which is why they cost a little more per dollar of coverage, and why they matter so much to Canadians who have been shut out of the traditional health insurance market.
How Much Does Guaranteed Acceptance Health Insurance Cost in Canada?
Here is current pricing from the major Canadian insurers offering guaranteed issue or no-underwriting health plans, as of March 2026. These are real plan names with real monthly premium ranges — not estimates.
Manulife Guaranteed Issue Plans
Manulife offers the widest range of guaranteed acceptance health plans in Canada, spanning drug-focused, dental-focused, and all-in-one combo options. Several tiers require no medical underwriting at all.
Manulife ComboPlus — All-in-One Health Plans
| Plan | Cost | Drugs | Dental | Vision | Paramedical | Travel | Underwriting? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ComboPlus Starter | $75–$125 | 70% up to $500/year (generic only) | 70% up to $500/year | $150 every 2 years | $300 per practitioner, $25 per visit | None | No |
| ComboPlus Basic | $82–$150 | 70% up to $1,000/year (generic + OTC) | 80% up to $750/year | $150 every 2 years | $300 per practitioner, $25 per visit | None | No |
| ComboPlus Enhanced | $122–$200 | 90% up to $2,400/year (brand or generic) | 100% up to $1,500/year | $250 every 2 years | $400 per practitioner, $25 per visit | 9-day emergency coverage | Yes |
ComboPlus Starter and Basic are guaranteed issue — no medical questions. Enhanced requires underwriting. Lifetime maximum: $250K (Starter), $260K seniors (Basic), $500K (Enhanced).
Manulife DrugPlus — Prescription Drug-Focused Plans
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Drug Coverage | Other Benefits | Underwriting? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DrugPlus Basic | $55–$100 |
70% of first $750; 90% up to $5,000/year total |
Vision and paramedical coverage aligned with ComboPlus Basic levels | No |
| DrugPlus Enhanced | $80–$150 |
90% of first $2,222; 100% up to $10,000/year total |
Vision and paramedical coverage aligned with ComboPlus Enhanced levels | Yes |
DrugPlus Basic is a strong no-underwriting option for anyone whose main concern is prescription drug costs.
Manulife DentalPlus — Dental-Focused Plans
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Year 1 Dental | Year 2+ Dental | Recall Visits | Underwriting? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DentalPlus Basic | $76–$115 | 50% of first $1,150 (max $575) |
80% of first $400; 50% of next $860 (max $750) |
Every 9 months | No |
| DentalPlus Enhanced | $115–$175 | 70% of first $1,200 (max $840) |
100% of first $500; 60% of next $700 (max $920) |
Every 6 months | Yes |
Both DentalPlus plans include drug, vision, and extended health at ComboPlus Basic or Enhanced levels respectively.
Manulife FollowMe — Conversion Plans
FollowMe plans are for Canadians transitioning off employer group benefits. All tiers are guaranteed issue — no medical questions — making them one of the most accessible options on the market.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Drugs | Hospital | Paramedical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FollowMe Basic | $85–$100 | 80% up to $500/year (generic only) | 50% semi-private up to $87.50/day |
80% up to $400 combined; $65/visit for psychology (max 10 visits) |
| FollowMe Enhanced | $115–$140 | Higher limits; broader formulary | Semi-private room included | Expanded coverage limits |
| FollowMe Enhanced Plus | $150–$180 | Higher limits | Semi-private room included | Expanded coverage limits |
| FollowMe Premiere | $210–$250 | Comprehensive drug coverage | Semi-private room included | Top-tier coverage limits |
FollowMe Basic also includes: accidental dental up to $2,000; unlimited ambulance; custom orthotics $250; hearing aids $300/5 years; CPAP/home oxygen; mobility aids. All tiers are guaranteed issue.
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced is a comprehensive guaranteed issue plan; no medical questions; top-tier drug and health coverage.
| Feature | Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Plan |
|---|---|
| Who It’s For | Canadians aged 18+ with provincial health coverage, especially those with pre-existing conditions or higher prescription drug needs. |
| Underwriting | No medical questions required |
| Prescription Drugs |
80% coverage up to $3,125 annually (max $2,500 paid) Includes $500 for lifestyle drugs (within overall limit) |
| Dental Care | 80% coverage up to $562 annually (max $450 paid) |
| Extended Health |
80% coverage up to $625 (max $500/year combined) Includes mental health services, therapy, medical equipment, prosthetics, and supplies |
| Vision Care |
$200 every 2 years for glasses/contacts (3-month waiting period) $60 every 2 years for eye exams |
| Hospital & In-Canada Care |
Coverage for in-hospital expenses and in-Canada medical travel 3-month waiting period $200 deductible per claim |
| Emergency Travel Medical |
$5 million coverage per person Up to 10 days per trip, unlimited trips $200 deductible per claim |
Blue Cross Complete Health Plans (Guaranteed Acceptance)
Blue Cross offers three tiers of Complete Health coverage, each with optional dental and drug add-ons. The Entry plan with Entry Dental is their most accessible guaranteed-issue-style option.
Blue Cross Complete Health — Core Plans
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Psychologist | Physio / Chiro | Massage | Vision | Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Health Entry + Entry Dental | $65–$75 | $55/visit; max $250/year | $40/visit; max $250/year | Not covered | $100 every 2 years | None |
| Complete Health Essential | Get quote | $80/visit; max $400/year | $55/visit; max $400/year | $55/visit; max $400/year | $150 every 2 years | None |
| Complete Health Enhanced | Get quote | $95/visit; max $500/year | $70/visit; max $500/year | $70/visit; max $500/year | $300 every 2 years | Up to 30 days emergency coverage |
Complete Health Entry does not cover massage therapy, acupuncture, or naturopathy. Essential and Enhanced add these. Enhanced also includes accidental death & dismemberment up to $25,000.
Blue Cross Dental Add-Ons
| Dental Tier | Fillings / Cleanings | Extractions & Root Canals | Periodontal | Major Dental | Orthodontics (under 18) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Dental |
60% up to $500 combined/year 3-month waiting period |
Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Essential Dental | No overall maximum | No overall maximum | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Enhanced Dental | Combined max $1,000/year with extractions | Combined max $1,000/year with fillings | 60%; max $1,200/year | 60%; max $500/year | 60%; max $1,500 lifetime |
Blue Cross Drug Add-Ons
| Drug Tier | Coverage | Birth Control | Smoking Cessation | Erectile Dysfunction | Fertility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Drug | 70% coverage; no annual maximum | Covered | Up to $800 every 5 years | Not covered | Not covered |
| Enhanced Drug | 80% coverage; no annual maximum | Covered | Up to $800 every 5 years | Up to $250 per year | Up to $1,500 per year; $3,000 lifetime maximum |
Sun Life & Canada Life Guaranteed Acceptance Plans
| Provider & Plan | Monthly Cost | Drugs | Dental | Paramedical | Travel | Underwriting? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Life Basic | $62–$80 | 60% up to $750/year (excludes oral contraceptives) |
60% up to $500/year 3-month waiting period |
$25/visit (most practitioners) up to $250/year Psychology: $35/visit up to $500/year |
None | No |
| Sun Life Enhanced + Dental | $240–$255 |
80% up to $5,000/year; 100% for next $245,000 |
Preventive: 80% up to $750/year Restorative: 50% up to $500/year Orthodontics: 60% up to $1,500 lifetime |
100% up to $400 per practitioner/year Psychology: 100% up to $1,500/year |
60-day emergency medical coverage | Yes |
| Canada Life Select | $90–$100 | 70% up to $500/year |
Routine: 70% up to $350/year Accidents: 100% |
100% up to $30/visit $300 per practitioner/year |
None | Yes |
Sun Life Basic and Canada Life Select both require medical underwriting despite lower price points. Only guaranteed issue plans like Manulife's no-underwriting tiers and Blue Cross Entry accept all applicants automatically.
Guaranteed Acceptance Health Plans at a Glance — Quick Comparison
If you want a fast side-by-side of the true guaranteed issue plans (no medical questions, no underwriting):
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Best For | Weakest Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manulife ComboPlus Starter | $75–$125 | Budget-friendly all-in-one coverage | Generic drug coverage only; no travel benefits |
| Manulife ComboPlus Basic | $82–$150 | Balanced drug and dental coverage | Limited oral surgery; no travel coverage |
| Manulife DrugPlus Basic | $55–$100 | Focused prescription drug coverage | Minimal dental benefits |
| Manulife DentalPlus Basic | $76–$115 | Dental-first coverage needs | Lower reimbursement in the first year |
| Manulife FollowMe Basic | $85–$100 | Transitioning from employer group benefits | Drug coverage capped at $500/year |
| Manulife FollowMe Premiere | $210–$250 | Comprehensive post-group coverage | Higher premium cost |
| Manulife CoverMe GI Enhanced | $225–$300 | No-medical-exam comprehensive coverage | Highest cost tier |
| Blue Cross Entry + Entry Dental | $65–$75 | Entry-level, low-cost coverage | No massage/acupuncture; no drug coverage |
| Sun Life Basic | $62–$80 | Lowest-cost starting option | Requires underwriting; limited overall benefits |
Cost ranges are as of March 2026. Your exact premium depends on age, province, and plan configuration. Get a personalized quote at HealthQuotes.ca.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Guaranteed Acceptance Health Insurance?
Even without medical underwriting, insurers price these plans based on several variables. Understanding them helps you find the best rate for your situation.
Age: The older you are, the higher your premium. Most guaranteed issue health plans are open to applicants up to 70 or 75. Applying while you're younger locks in a lower rate.
Plan tier: There's a significant cost difference between entry-level plans ($62–$80/month) and comprehensive plans ($225–$300/month). The right tier depends on what you actually need covered.
Drug formulary: Plans covering brand-name drugs (like Manulife ComboPlus Enhanced) cost more than those restricted to generics (Starter, Basic). If you take brand-name medications, this matters.
Dental waiting periods: Plans with better Year 1 dental reimbursement tend to cost more. If you need dental work soon, a plan with a shorter wait or higher Year 1 payout is worth the extra premium.
Paramedical coverage depth: FollowMe and Enhanced-tier plans cover more practitioners at higher per-visit limits. If you rely on physiotherapy, chiropractic, or massage, this affects which tier makes sense.
Travel coverage inclusion: Plans that include emergency travel medical (Manulife ComboPlus Enhanced, Sun Life Enhanced) cost more but eliminate the need for a separate travel policy.
Province of residence: Regulatory differences mean the same plan can carry a different premium in Ontario, BC, Alberta, or Quebec.
What Do These Plans Actually Cover?
Guaranteed acceptance health insurance in Canada is supplemental coverage — it sits on top of your provincial plan and covers the gaps. Here's what the major benefit categories look like across these plans:
Prescription Drugs
Entry-level plans (Sun Life Basic, Manulife ComboPlus Starter): 60–70% coverage, generic drugs only, annual maximums of $500–$750
Mid-range plans (Manulife DrugPlus Basic, ComboPlus Basic): 70% coverage up to $5,000/year; some OTC drugs and smoking cessation included
Top-tier plans (Manulife DrugPlus Enhanced, Sun Life Enhanced): 80–100% coverage up to $10,000/year; brand-name drugs covered
Blue Cross drug add-ons: 70–80% coverage with no annual maximum, plus birth control, smoking cessation, and (at Enhanced tier) fertility drugs
Dental Care
Entry plans: Basic preventive only (cleanings, exams, fillings). Blue Cross Entry Dental covers 60% up to $500/year with a 3-month wait. No extractions or root canals.
Mid-range plans (Manulife ComboPlus Basic): 80% up to $750/year after Year 1 ramp-up. Recalls every 9 months.
Enhanced plans (Manulife ComboPlus Enhanced): 100% up to $1,500/year; major restorative services covered from Year 2; recalls every 6 months.
Blue Cross Enhanced Dental: periodontal (60% up to $1,200/yr) and major dental (60% up to $500/yr) included; orthodontics for under-18 at 60% up to $1,500 lifetime.
Paramedical Services
Basic plans: typically $25–$40/visit, $250–$300/year per practitioner (physiotherapy, chiropractic, dietitian)
Mid-range plans: $55/visit, $400/year per practitioner across a full range of practitioners
Enhanced plans: $70–$95/visit, $400–$500/year; broader practitioner list including naturopaths and acupuncturists
Mental health (psychologists/therapists): ranges from 10 visits at $65/visit (Manulife FollowMe Basic) to $1,500/year (Sun Life Enhanced)
Vision Care
Entry plans: $100 every 2 years (Blue Cross Entry)
Basic plans: $150 every 2 years for lenses/frames plus $60–$70 for eye exams
Enhanced plans: $250–$300 every 2 years, covering prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery
What's Typically NOT Covered
Cosmetic procedures or elective treatments
Fertility drugs and devices at most entry/basic tiers
Continuous glucose monitors excluded from some plans (e.g., Manulife FollowMe Basic)
Medical cannabis — excluded across most plans
Brand-name drugs at generic-only plan tiers
Major dental restorative work in Year 1 on most plans
Guaranteed Issue vs. Standard Health Insurance — Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Guaranteed Issue | Simplified Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Health questions | None | Short questionnaire |
| Can be declined? | No | Possibly |
| Who qualifies | Open to all applicants | Individuals in reasonably good health |
| Cost | Higher premiums (insurer assumes more risk) | Lower premiums for healthier applicants |
| Best for | Those with pre-existing conditions or prior declines | Applicants with moderate health seeking better value |
| Examples |
Manulife ComboPlus Starter / Basic, FollowMe, Blue Cross Entry |
Manulife ComboPlus Enhanced, Canada Life Select |
If you're in good health, a standard, non-guaranteed issue plan will usually give you more coverage for less money. But if you have diabetes, heart disease, a history of cancer, or any condition that's previously caused a decline — guaranteed issue is where you should start.
7 Things to Check Before You Buy a Guaranteed Acceptance Health Plan
Know what you actually use. Make a list of your current prescriptions, how often you see a dentist, and which paramedical practitioners you visit. Match that list against plan coverage before paying for benefits you won't use.
Watch the dental waiting period. Most plans have a 3-month wait for basic dental and a 12–24 month wait for major restorative work. If you need dental work soon, factor this into your decision.
Check the drug formulary. If you take brand-name medications, confirm they're covered. Generic-only plans won't reimburse brand-name drugs even if your doctor prescribes them.
Understand Year 1 vs. Year 2+ dental reimbursement. Plans like Manulife DentalPlus Basic pay only 50% in Year 1, then improve to 80% in Year 2. If you're planning dental work, timing matters.
Is your premium locked in? Ask whether your rate is guaranteed for life or subject to increase. Guaranteed acceptance plans should ideally lock your rate at the time of issue.
Confirm the insurer is provincially licensed. All legitimate Canadian insurers must hold a valid licence in your province. This is a basic but important check.
Compare multiple providers before committing. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive plan for similar coverage can be $50–$100/month or more. A broker platform gives you access to all of them at once.
The easiest way to compare guaranteed acceptance health plans across providers is through HealthQuotes.ca, which shows you options from multiple Canadian insurers in one place — without having to contact each one separately.
How to Get a Guaranteed Acceptance Health Insurance Quote in Canada
The process takes about five minutes and requires no medical information:
Visit HealthQuotes.ca and select Health Insurance or Guaranteed Acceptance quotes.
Enter your age, province of residence, and the types of coverage you're most interested in (drugs, dental, vision, paramedical).
Compare quotes from multiple Canadian insurers side by side, with benefit details clearly laid out.
Speak with a licensed advisor if you have questions — no obligation to purchase.
Apply online. Most guaranteed acceptance plans approve instantly with no waiting for a decision.
Ready to see your real rates? Compare guaranteed acceptance health insurance quotes from top Canadian providers — free, fast, no medical exam required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does guaranteed acceptance health insurance cost in Canada?
Between $55 and $300/month depending on the plan, provider, and your age. Entry-level plans like Sun Life Basic start at $62–$80/month. Mid-range all-in-one plans like Manulife ComboPlus Basic run $82–$150/month. Comprehensive guaranteed issue plans like Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced reach $225–$300/month. Most Canadians will find a suitable plan in the $75–$150/month range.
What does guaranteed acceptance health insurance cover?
Most plans cover some combination of prescription drugs, dental care, vision, and paramedical services (physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, etc.). Higher-tier plans also include emergency travel medical coverage, mental health counselling, hospital accommodation, and medical equipment. The exact coverage depends on the plan and the provider tier you choose.
Is there a waiting period for guaranteed acceptance health insurance?
Some benefits have waiting periods. Dental commonly has a 3-month wait before basic services are reimbursed (Blue Cross Entry Dental, Sun Life Basic). Manulife DentalPlus Basic pays at 50% in Year 1 and improves in Year 2. Drug and paramedical coverage on most plans begins immediately. Always check the plan documents for specific waiting periods before applying.
Which is the best guaranteed acceptance health plan in Canada?
It depends on your priorities. For prescription drugs, Manulife DrugPlus Basic ($55–$100/month) offers strong coverage with no underwriting. For dental focus, Manulife DentalPlus Basic ($76–$115/month) is a solid no-questions option. For all-in-one coverage, Manulife ComboPlus Basic ($82–$150/month) or FollowMe plans cover the widest range of needs. Compare plans at HealthQuotes.ca to match coverage to your specific situation.
Can I get health insurance in Canada with a pre-existing condition?
Yes. Guaranteed acceptance health plans require no medical exam and no health questions, so pre-existing conditions — diabetes, heart disease, COPD, cancer history — have no effect on your eligibility or your premium. Manulife ComboPlus Starter and Basic, DrugPlus Basic, DentalPlus Basic, all FollowMe tiers, and Blue Cross Complete Health Entry are all available without any medical underwriting.
What is the difference between guaranteed issue and simplified issue health insurance?
Guaranteed issue plans accept everyone, no health questions asked. Simplified issue plans require a short health questionnaire and may decline some applicants. For healthy Canadians, simplified issue plans often offer better value per dollar. For anyone with a pre-existing condition or a history of being declined, guaranteed issue is the more reliable path to coverage.
Does guaranteed acceptance health insurance cover dental?
Yes, many guaranteed acceptance plans include dental or offer it as an add-on. Manulife ComboPlus plans include dental at 70–100% depending on tier. DentalPlus Basic is a dedicated dental-focused guaranteed issue plan. Blue Cross offers Entry, Essential, and Enhanced dental add-ons. Basic services like cleanings and fillings are typically covered from the start (or after a 3-month wait); major restorative work usually requires a longer waiting period.