Where Can You Find Private Health Insurance Quotes Online? The Short Answer
You can find private health insurance quotes online through a licensed broker like HealthQuotes.ca, directly on insurer websites, or on comparison platforms. A broker lets you compare multiple insurers at once at no direct cost, which makes it the most efficient starting point for most people.
A licensed brokerage such as HealthQuotes.ca shows plans from several insurers (for example Manulife, Sun Life and Blue Cross) in one quote request, so you don't have to contact each company separately.
What is private health insurance? Private health insurance is coverage bought from an insurer, individually or through a group, that pays for costs provincial plans like OHIP or MSP generally don't cover. That includes prescription drugs, dental care, vision, paramedical services (such as physiotherapy and massage therapy) and travel emergencies.
Provincial plans cover medically necessary hospital and physician services. Private plans fill the gaps. The two main categories are individual or family plans, and group plans offered through an employer or small business. You can read more about the types of private health insurance in Canada, or start with our Canadian health insurance guide if you're new to the topic.
Instant online quotes are generally available for individual health and dental plans, travel insurance and some other plan types. Group benefits and disability coverage may need a short follow-up before you see final pricing.
Comparing Your Options for Online Quotes, Costs and the Quote Process
Three Places to Get a Quote
| Option | Compares insurers? | Application support | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed broker | Yes | Guided | Shows partner insurers only |
| Insurer website | No, one insurer | Insurer's own | Repeat forms on each site |
| Comparison platform | Yes | Varies | Quality and advice vary |
Brokers compare several insurers in one place and guide you through the application. They're paid by insurer commissions, so there's no direct fee to you. The trade-off is that a broker only shows the insurers it partners with.
Direct insurer sites give quotes for that one company's plans. Comparing means filling out a new form on each site, though it's useful if you already know which insurer you want.
Comparison platforms offer fast side-by-side pricing, but quality varies and some don't provide licensed advice or application support. Our overview of health insurance comparison websites in Canada explains what to look for, and our guide to free online health insurance quotes covers the no-cost tools available.
What Quotes Typically Cost
Premiums depend on your age, province, coverage level, family size, and health history. These are sample Manulife monthly price ranges:
- DrugPlus Basic: $55-$100
- DentalPlus Basic: $76-$115
- ComboPlus Starter: $75-$125
- ComboPlus Basic: $82-$150
- ComboPlus Enhanced: $122-$200
If you're leaving employer benefits, Manulife's FollowMe plans are designed for you, with no medical questions if you apply shortly after coverage ends. Monthly ranges are Basic $85-$100, Enhanced $115-$140, Enhanced Plus $150-$180 and Premiere $210-$250. Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced costs $225-$300 per month with guaranteed acceptance. For a wider breakdown, see how much health insurance costs.
How to Get a Quote Online, Step by Step
To get a quote online: choose your coverage type, enter basic details, compare plans from multiple insurers, then apply online. In more detail:
- Decide what you need: drugs, dental, travel, or a combined plan.
- Enter your age, postal code, family members and coverage preferences.
- Compare quotes on price, annual maximums and exclusions. Our tips for comparing health insurance quotes can help.
- Apply online.
- Answer health questions if the plan requires them.
- Receive approval and your start date.
Have your date of birth, province, household members, current coverage status, and health details (for medically underwritten plans) ready. Guaranteed-acceptance plans can start quickly, while underwritten plans may take longer for review. Timelines vary by insurer. For more on the process, read the best way to get health insurance quotes.
When you're ready to see plans side by side, you can compare individual plans.
Who Uses Online Quotes
- Self-employed people don't have employer benefits and often buy individual plans.
- Snowbirds need travel and out-of-province emergency coverage.
- People between jobs can use FollowMe-type conversion plans.
- Small business owners can request group benefits quotes.
Can You Trust an Online Quote?
Brokers are licensed by provincial insurance regulators, and your personal information should be handled under Canadian privacy requirements. Check for licensing and a clear privacy policy before you submit details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Private Health Insurance Quotes
Where can I find private health insurance quotes online?
You can get quotes from a licensed broker such as HealthQuotes.ca, directly from insurer websites, or on comparison platforms. A broker is usually the most efficient option because one request shows plans from several insurers, such as Manulife, Sun Life and Blue Cross, with guidance through the application. See where to get instant insurance quotes.
Is it free to use a broker?
Yes. Brokers like HealthQuotes.ca charge customers no direct fee. They are paid commissions by the insurers, and your premium is the same as it would be going to the insurer directly.
Are online quotes binding?
No. A quote is an estimate of price and coverage. Coverage begins only after you submit an application, the insurer approves it, and any required first payment is made. Final premiums can differ if health answers or details change.
Can I buy private health insurance without a medical exam?
Yes. Most individual plans don't require an exam, though some ask health questions. Guaranteed-acceptance options such as Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced ($225-$300 per month) ask no medical questions, and FollowMe plans are available without medical questions if you apply shortly after leaving group benefits. Learn more about guaranteed issue health insurance.
What is the waiting period for private health insurance?
It depends on the plan and benefit. Some drug and basic benefits start quickly, while major dental or certain services may have waiting periods or phased limits. Check each plan's details before applying.
Is a broker different from an insurer?
Yes. An insurer, such as Manulife, designs the plan, sets premiums and pays claims. A licensed broker compares plans from multiple insurers, explains options and helps you apply, but doesn't pay your claims.
Is it safe to get insurance quotes online?
It can be, if you use a licensed brokerage or insurer that explains how it handles personal information. Look for provincial licensing, a clear privacy policy, and only share the details needed for a quote. Our article on whether it's safe to compare insurance online goes deeper.
Can I get an instant quote if I have pre-existing conditions?
Yes. Guaranteed-issue and conversion plans accept applicants without medical questions, so pre-existing conditions don't block approval, though premiums are typically higher than underwritten plans. Our guide to guaranteed issue plans with prescription drug coverage explains the options, and you can see how insurers differ in our Manulife vs Sun Life comparison.
If you'd like to see real options for your situation, you can request your private health insurance quotes and compare plans in a few minutes. Start Your Free Quote whenever you're ready.