What are the Best Health Insurance Quotes in Canada?
Jan 2026 - Written by Krista DeKuyper
In Canada, there are endless providers of health insurance. When there’s so many options, it’s almost impossible to compare each health insurance policy available to find the best — that’s why we’ve made this guide to compile some of Canada’s best health insurance quotes and options. As a brokerage in Canada, we have access to a full library of health insurance quotes*, and today, we’ll be sharing our expert recommendations with you.
*Please note that all quotes mentioned in this article are estimates and may not reflect your exact pricing. Actual costs can vary based on several factors, and we cannot guarantee that your quote will match the amounts listed.
Table of Contents
How to Find the Best Health Insurance Quotes in Canada
If you want to stop and search for the best health insurance quotes right now, here’s how to get started:
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Speak to a Broker
Get in contact with one of our expert brokers for personalized guidance and advice. Great for first-timers who don’t know how health insurance works and want to learn the basics.
Why Speak to a Broker?
Get advice tailored to your situation
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The Best Health Insurance Quotes in Canada
To make things simple, we’ve compiled some of our top 3 best health insurance quotes based on…
Level of Coverage
Value for Money
Customer Service
| Provider | Level of Coverage | Value for Money | Customer Service & Claims | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manulife | Broad coverage with flexible plan tiers and add-ons | Strong balance between premiums and benefit limits | Well-reviewed digital claims experience and mobile app |
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| Blue Cross | Solid core health coverage with strong travel benefits | Competitive pricing for travel-focused needs | Known for fast claims processing and responsive support |
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| Sun Life | Highly customizable plans with higher annual maximums | Higher premiums, but strong long-term benefit value | Reliable claims process backed by strong brand trust |
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| Desjardins | Moderate coverage focused on paramedical care and travel | Reasonable pricing with flexible optional add-ons | Strong customer support with dependable claims handling |
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| Canada Life | Comprehensive coverage across health, dental, and vision | Excellent value with high reimbursement percentages | More traditional claims experience with average support |
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With each plan listed, we’ll also add some of the closest alternatives from the same carrier, so you can fully explore your options. Let’s get started.
Manulife Flexcare ComboPlus Enhanced
| Plan Name | Manulife Flexcare ComboPlus™ Enhanced |
|---|---|
| Ratings | Coverage: 5/5 | Value for Money: 5/5 | Customer Service: 3/5 |
| Premium | $194-$270 (prices vary by province) |
| Prescription Drugs |
90% coverage up to $2,400/year (brand-name or generic). Maximum dispensing fee: No maximum. Reimbursement: 90% of the first $2,222, 100% of the next $8,000. Annual max: $10,000. |
| Dental |
100% coverage up to $1,500/year. Maintenance services: 100% of the first $500, 60% of the next $700. Anniversary max: $920. Major restorative services covered after Year 2, including surgical extractions and orthodontics. |
| Vision |
$250 every 2 years for prescription lenses and frames. Optometrist visits: Up to $70 every 2 years. |
| Paramedical Services |
$400 per practitioner/year. $25 per visit, max 20 visits per specialist. Registered psychologist: Max 15 visits (first visit $80, subsequent visits $65). |
| Travel Insurance |
9-day emergency medical coverage. Lifetime maximum: $500,000 per person. |
| Other Plans from This Provider | ComboPlus™ Starter, ComboPlus™ Basic |
We recommend Manulife Flexcare ComboPlus™ Enhanced because it offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable cost. For the coverage you’re paying for, it is the best value out of any ComboPlus™ plan. However, ComboPlus™ Starter and ComboPlus™ Basic are also great options if your health needs are low and your priority is to have a cheaper premium.
Manulife Flexcare ComboPlus Enhanced Works Best for:
Families needing strong dental + drug coverage
Individuals on expensive medications
People who regularly use paramedical or therapy services
Anyone needing comprehensive coverage without going to top-tier pricing
Those who travel occasionally but not for long durations
Blue Cross Complete Health Enhanced Plan
| Plan Name | Blue Cross Complete Health Plan Enhanced |
|---|---|
| Ratings | Coverage: 4/5 | Value for Money: 5/5 | Customer Service: 3/5 |
| Premium | $71-$190 (prices vary by province) |
| Psychologist | $95 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Massage Therapist | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Physiotherapist | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Chiropractor | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Acupuncturist | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Dietitian | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Naturopath | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Audiologist | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Occupational Therapist | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Osteopath | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Podiatrist/Chiropodist | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Speech Therapist | $70 per visit, maximum $500 per calendar year. |
| Additional Coverage (Enhanced Only) |
Ambulance Services: Coverage up to $420 per calendar year. Hearing Aids: Coverage up to $500 every 5 years. Orthotics: Coverage up to $225 per calendar year. Vision Care: Coverage up to $300 every 2 calendar years. Diabetic Supplies: No overall maximum (combined max $2,500/year with medical equipment, nursing, prosthetics). Medical Equipment: Combined max $2,500/year. Nursing: Coverage up to $5,600 every 2 years. Prosthetics: Coverage up to $10,000 lifetime. Accidental Dental: Coverage up to $7,000 lifetime. |
| Dental Benefits (Enhanced Only) |
Fillings: No overall max (combined $1,000/year with extractions + root canals). Extractions & Root Canals: Included in combined $1,000 annual max. Periodontal Services: 60% coverage, max $1,200/year. Major Dental Work: 60% coverage, max $500/year. Orthodontics (age 18 and under): 60% coverage. Lifetime max $1,500. Monthly reimbursement limit $125. |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment (Enhanced Only) | $25,000 for member or spouse; $5,000 for each dependent child. |
| Drug Coverage (Enhanced Only) |
80% coverage, no overall max. $625 per calendar quarter for certain services. Birth Control: Covered. Smoking Cessation: Up to $800 every 5 years. Allergy Serums: Up to $500/year. Vaccines: Up to $250/year. Erectile Dysfunction: Up to $250/year. Fertility: Up to $1,500/year. Lifetime max $3,000. |
| Trip Duration (Enhanced Only) |
Coverage for trips up to 30 days. Optional version: coverage for trips up to 17 days. |
| Other Plans from This Provider | Blue Cross Complete Health Essential Plan, Blue Cross Complete Health Entry Plan |
If you’re simply looking for peace of mind, the Complete Health Enhanced plan is an affordable option that covers the basics. For that amount of coverage, a $71-$80 minimum premium (for single adults under 30) is a great deal. The plan works to make out-of-pocket medical costs more predictable, with clear amount limits that make shopping for providers in your budget easy. Moreover, it covers many services that other traditional plans will leave out, such as travel coverage.
Blue Cross Complete Health Enhanced Plan Works Best for:
People who want predictable, low out-of-pocket healthcare expenses
Individuals or families who regularly use health practitioners (e.g., massage, physio, mental health support)
Those who want strong drug, dental, and vision support in one plan
Frequent travelers who want built-in trip coverage
People getting health insurance for the first time
SunLife Basic Plan
| Plan Name | Sun Life Basic Health Insurance Plan |
|---|---|
| Ratings | Coverage: 4/5 | Value for Money: 5/5 | Customer Service: 4/5 |
| Premium | $90–$150 (varies by province and age) |
| Prescription Drugs |
Pay-direct drug card (except Quebec). 60% reimbursement with no deductible. $750 annual maximum on eligible expenses. Up to $5 per prescription for dispensing fees. Smoking cessation drugs included ($250 lifetime max). |
| Dental |
60% reimbursement up to $500 per year. Recall exams every 9 months. 3-month waiting period. No restorative or orthodontic coverage. |
| Vision | Not covered. |
| Paramedical Services |
60% reimbursement. $25 max per visit, up to $250 per practitioner per year. Psychology & social workers: shared $500 annual max, $35 per visit. Includes massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, and more. |
| Medical Equipment & Nursing |
60% reimbursement. $2,500 annual max (shared between equipment, home care, and private nursing). $20,000 lifetime maximum combined. |
| Emergency Travel Medical | Not covered. |
| Other Plans from This Provider | Sun Life Standard Health Insurance, Sun Life Enhanced Health Insurance |
The Sunlife Basic Plan is a low-cost starter option that offers essential health without the extra “fluff” (unnecessary extras like emergency travel and vision). For many people who don’t wear eyeglasses or travel often, these extra add-ons are an unnecessary expense. But with this plan, you can get standard protection for core health needs, including prescription drugs, paramedical services (such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy), and basic dental care
SunLife Basic Plan Works Best for:
People who don’t have major health needs but want to basic protection
People who want a low-cost option
People looking for higher coverage limits
People getting health insurance for the first time
People mainly looking for dental coverage
People looking for basic mental health coverage
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Blue Cross Guaranteed Acceptance
| Plan Name | Blue Cross Guaranteed Acceptance Plan |
|---|---|
| Ratings | Coverage: 4/5 | Value for Money: 4.5/5 | Customer Service: 3/5 |
| Premium | $96-$775 (prices vary by province) |
| Accidental Dental | 70% coverage up to $7,000 per lifetime. |
| Ambulance & Attendant |
Ambulance: 70% up to $420 per calendar year. Ambulance Attendant: 70% up to $280 per calendar year. |
| Health Practitioners |
Chiropractor: 70% up to $300/year Massage Therapist (referral required): 70% up to $300/year Osteopath: 70% up to $300/year Physiotherapist: 70% up to $300/year Podiatrist/Chiropodist: 70% up to $300/year Psychologist / Psychotherapist / Social Worker / Clinical Counsellor / iCBT: 70% up to $300/year Speech Therapist: 70% up to $300/year |
| Hearing Aids | 70% up to $350 every 5 years (6-month waiting period). |
| Health Coaching & Chronic Disease Management | 70% up to $300 per year. |
| Orthotics & Orthopedic Shoes | 70% up to $105 per year. |
| Semi-Private Hospital Room | 100% coverage for up to 90 days per year (8-month pregnancy waiting period). |
| Vision Care | 70% up to $105 every 2 years (6-month waiting period). |
| Medical Supplies & Nursing |
Diabetic supplies, medical equipment, medical services, nursing care, and prosthetics: 70% up to a combined max of $2,500 per calendar year. |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment |
Loss of life: 100% of $25,000 / $5,000 Loss of both hands or both feet: 100% of $25,000 / $5,000 Loss of one hand + one foot: 100% of $25,000 / $5,000 Loss of sight in both eyes: 100% of $25,000 / $5,000 Loss of one hand or one foot: 50% of $25,000 / $5,000 Terminates at age 65. Last Expense Benefit: $5,000 in the event of accidental death. |
| Dental |
70% up to $1,000/year (6-month waiting period). Includes: recall exam (1/yr), X-rays, polishing (1 unit/yr), fillings, root canals, extractions, scaling (1 unit/yr), denture repair, relining, rebasing. |
| Optional Drug Coverage (65+) | 80% coverage up to $625 per calendar quarter. |
| Who This Plan Is Best For |
People who regularly use paramedical services (physio, chiro, massage, counselling, osteopathy). Individuals without employer benefits who need broad, affordable coverage. Adults wanting routine dental care. Older adults (65+) who want optional drug coverage to complement ODB. |
| Other Plans from This Provider | Blue Cross Complete Health Plan Enhanced, Blue Cross Complete Health Plan Essential |
Starting at $96-$100, The Blue Cross Guaranteed Acceptance plan is a great choice for anyone who wants broad, reliable health coverage at a fair price. It offers a standard 70% coverage across services like dental, vision, mental-health counselling, physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, osteopathy, and other paramedical care. If you choose to add prescription drug coverage, the premium will go up to a minimum $293-$300, but with 80% drug coverage, it’s better than what’s offered by most competitors and can be worth the extra cost.
Blue Cross Guaranteed Acceptance Works Best for:
People who need guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions
People with pre-existing conditions or past health issues
People who have been denied health insurance in the past
People who had a non-guaranteed health plan previously and were unsatisfied with the coverage
People who regularly use paramedical services like physio, chiro, massage, counselling, or osteopathy
Older adults (65+) who want optional drug coverage to top up medications not fully covered by ODB
Canada Life Basic Plan
| Plan Name | Canada Life Basic Health Insurance Plan |
|---|---|
| Ratings | Coverage: 5/5 | Value for Money: 5/5 | Customer Service: 3/5 |
| Premium | $90–$190 (varies by age and province) |
| Prescription Drugs |
70% reimbursement for generic and brand-name drugs. $500 annual maximum per person. Up to $5 per prescription for dispensing fees. Includes diabetic testing supplies and glucose monitoring equipment (limits apply). |
| Dental Care |
3-month no-claims waiting period. $25 per person deductible ($50 per family max). 70% reimbursement for routine services up to $350 per person per year. 100% coverage for accidental injury to natural teeth. |
| Paramedical Services |
100% reimbursement up to $300 per practitioner per year. $30 maximum per visit. Includes massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology, naturopathy, acupuncture, and more. |
| Vision Care |
100% reimbursement up to $150 every 2 years for lenses, contacts, or laser surgery. Eye exams covered up to $75 every 2 years. |
| In-Home Nursing & Home Care | 100% reimbursement up to $2,500 per person per year for in-home nursing and health aide services. |
| Medical Equipment & Supplies |
100% reimbursement for eligible medical supplies. Orthopedic equipment: $100 annual max. Diabetic equipment: up to $500 per year. |
| Hearing Aids | 100% reimbursement up to $400 every 5 years. |
| Other Plans from This Provider | Canada Life Standard and Enhanced Health Insurance Plans |
The Canada Life Basic Plan offers comprehensive, high-value coverage with high reimbursements. Its a strong option for individuals who want broad health benefits without the high price point. With solid prescription drug coverage, routine dental care, generous paramedical benefits, and 100% reimbursement across many core services—including ambulance, vision, home care, and medical supplies—the plan is designed to cover both everyday health needs and unexpected expenses.
Canada Life Basic Plan Works Best for:
Individuals or families who want strong all-around health coverage at a reasonable monthly cost
People who regularly use paramedical services like physiotherapy, massage therapy, or mental health support
Those who want prescription drug coverage for both generic and brand-name medications
Individuals looking for basic but reliable dental and vision care
People managing chronic conditions who need coverage for diabetic supplies or medical equipment
Anyone who values predictable, high-percentage reimbursements over higher annual maximums
Desjardins Basic Plan
| Plan Name | Desjardins Basic Health Insurance Plan |
|---|---|
| Ratings | Coverage: 3/5 | Value for Money: 3/5 | Customer Service: 4/5 |
| Premium | $100–$200 (varies by age and province) |
| Paramedical & Health Professionals |
Most practitioners covered up to $400 per year (combined limits apply). Includes massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy, counselling, podiatry, and more. Physiotherapy covered up to $250 per year. |
| Vision Care |
Prescription glasses, contact lenses, or vision surgery: up to $150 every 24 months. Vision exams: up to $50 every 24 months. |
| Travel Insurance |
Emergency medical coverage for the first 30 days of a trip. Lifetime maximum: $5,000,000. |
| Medical & Hospital-Related Coverage |
Ambulance services. Convalescent care (private nursing and occupational therapy). Medical equipment, orthopaedic devices, hearing aids, prostheses, and orthopaedic footwear. Dental treatment required due to an accident. |
| Hospitalization | Not included. |
| Optional Add-Ons |
Prescription drug coverage: up to $5,000 per person per year. Dental coverage: preventive and basic services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, and X-rays. |
| Other Plans from This Provider | Desjardins Enhanced Health Insurance Plans |
The Desjardins Basic Plan offers practical, everyday health coverage at a moderate cost. It’s a great choice for people who want coverage for routine and preventative care, but also want to avoid paying for hospital benefits typically covered by OHIP. without paying for comprehensive hospital benefits already covered by OHIP. The cover is broad, all-encompassing, and can meet most diverse health needs.
Desjardins Basic Plan Works Best for:
People looking for comprehensive coverage
People who want a plan that includes travel coverage
People who want a plan with high prescription drug coverage limits
People who are getting health insurance for a large household
People who regularly use paramedical and alternative health services such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, counselling, physiotherapy, or acupuncture
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Different Scenarios Where a Health Insurance Quote Makes Sense
With provincial health coverage, many people in Canada don’t think they’d need a comprehensive health insurance plan —but provincial health plans don’t cover everything. It really depends on your health needs. Here are a few scenarios where looking for private health insurance quotes would make sense in Canada:
You regularly pay out-of-pocket for prescriptions, dental, or therapy
You’ve delayed care and treatments not covered provincially
Your doctor has recommended treatments not covered by public health plans
You’re self-employed or have lost employer-sponsored health benefits
You’re approaching retirement and want predictable health costs
You have a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment
Best Health Insurance Quotes by Province
Ontario
Looking for the best individual health insurance in Ontario? In this article, we research Ontario’s top individual health insurance carriers.
Saskatchewan
Full guide coming soon…Contact a HealthQuotes broker or get an instant quote to find the best plans in your province.
New Brunswick
Full guide coming soon…Contact a HealthQuotes broker or get an instant quote to find the best plans in your province.
Alberta
Full guide coming soon…Contact a HealthQuotes broker or get an instant quote to find the best plans in your province.
Nova Scotia
Full guide coming soon…Contact a HealthQuotes broker or get an instant quote to find the best plans in your province.
Newfoundland
Full guide coming soon…Contact a HealthQuotes broker or get an instant quote to find the best plans in your province.
Manitoba
Full guide coming soon…Contact a HealthQuotes broker or get an instant quote to find the best plans in your province.
British Columbia
Full guide coming soon…Contact a HealthQuotes broker or get an instant quote to find the best plans in your province.
Other Provinces…
Full guides for PEI, Quebec, Nunavut, NWT, and Yukon coming soon…
Depending on the province you’re in, each health insurance plan has different costs and coverage. Below are some helpful province-specific guides. More provincial health insurance guides to come soon…
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What’s the Cheapest Health Insurance Quote in Canada?
The cheapest health insurance quote you can get from providers like Manulife and Blue Cross are:
Blue Cross Complete Health Basic Plan
$29 to $100
Manulife Flexcare Drugplus Basic
$85 to $165
Before diving into the coverage details of both of these plans, let’s quickly review some factors that can make your rates higher than the minimum.
Your health insurance quote may be higher depending on…
Amount of people covered under the plan
(single, couple, family)
Age of the oldest insured person
(18-45 generally gets the lowest rates)
Amount of add-ons
(Rates increase when adding dental, drug.etc)
Additionally, because no medical questions are required, guaranteed acceptance plans have set rates that tend to be higher than standard plans.
Blue Cross Complete Health Basic Plan for $29-$100
The cheapest plan from Blue Cross is the most basic version of the Complete Health plan, which includes only health benefits for around $29-$52 depending on the amount of people in your plan. However, on the higher range ($100), you can include basic dental and drug coverage with your plan.
Alternatively, you can exclude either dental or drug coverage to lower the premium slightly (around $61-$75). Blue Cross Complete Health plans are very flexible with the amount of coverage, and you can easily adjust your plan to fit your budget. You can experiment with coverage and pricing through our free quoting tool.
Please review the coverage details below:
Complete Health Basic - No Drug or Dental
60% coverage
Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Dietitian, Audiologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist: $40 per visit – max $250 per year
Psychologist: $55 per visit – max $250 per year
Orthotics: $150 per year
Vision Care: $100 every 2 years
Accidental Dental: $7,000 Lifetime
Complete Health Basic + Basic Dental
Everything from Complete Health Basic (see: “Complete Health Basic - No Drug or Dental” section)
60% coverage for dental
Fillings: Combined maximum of $500 per year with dental exams, cleaning and x-rays
*Essential drug coverage available (see: “Complete Health Basic + Essential Drug” section for coverage details)
Complete Health Basic + Essential Drug
Everything from Complete Health Basic (see: “Complete Health Basic - No Drug or Dental” section)
70% coverage for prescription drugs
No overall maximum
Birth control is covered
Smoking Cessation: $800 every 5 years
*Basic dental coverage available (see: “Complete Health Basic + Basic Dental” section for coverage details)
Manulife Flexcare Drugplus Basic for $85-$165
This is the lowest cost plan from Manulife and includes basic medical, drug, and vision coverage. It does not come with dental (except for accidental), so it’s a good low-cost option if dental isn’t needed in your plan. Review the coverage details below:
Prescription Drugs
70% of first $750
90% of next $4,972
Annual max: $5,000
Dispensing fee: No maximum
Travel Coverage
$5 million emergency medical for first 9 days per trip
$100 deductible per claim
Vision Care
$250 every 2 years
Optometrist fees: Up to $70 every 2 years
Extended Health Benefits
Custom orthotics: $225
Hearing aids: $400 every 4 years
Homecare & nursing: $4,000
Prosthetic appliances: $4,000
Durable medical equipment: $4,000
Ambulance (air or ground): Unlimited
Accidental dental: $2,000 per person per year
Registered Specialists & Therapists
60% coverage, up to $500 per category for Acupuncturist, Chiropodist, Chiropractor, Dietitian, Naturopath, Osteopath, Podiatrist, Registered Massage Therapist.
Physiotherapist: 100% coverage, up to $250
Psychology / Psychotherapy / Clinical Counselling: $80 first visit, $65 subsequent visits (15 visits)
Speech Pathology / Therapy: $65 first visit, $45 subsequent visits (10 visits)
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Browse Canada’s cheapest health insurance quotes for free!
What’s the best Conversion Health Insurance in Canada?
Conversion health insurance (sometimes referred to as “replacement health insurance”) is a type of health insurance plan that allows you to convert a group health plan (such as employer coverage) into a personal policy without medical underwriting. Conversion health insurance plans allow you to reinstate your benefits whenever you leave a job or lose group coverage without needing to find a brand new plan.
Manulife FollowMe Health Insurance
If you want to keep your health and dental coverage after leaving an employer plan…Manulife FollowMe Insurance is specifically designed to “follow you” wherever life takes you.
FollowMe plans replace group benefits while offering guaranteed acceptance, customizable coverage levels, and access to prescription drugs, dental care, vision, and extended health services. The plan is available as a basic plan, enhanced plan, enhanced plus plan, and premiere plan, offering additional coverage per tier. Review coverage details below:
Hospital Benefits
Preferred hospital accommodation in excess of the standard ward room rate.
A cash benefit in lieu of the room cost for each day you are not able to obtain preferred accommodation.
Semi-private room for all plans, and private room available via the premiere plan.
Covered by all FollowMe plans, difference is amount of coverage.
Dental
Basic services such as exams, fillings, extractions, denture services, etc.
Extensive services such as crowns, bridges, dentures, endodontics, periodontics, and orthodontics (note that coverage depends on the plan type selected).
Not covered by FollowMe Basic and Enhanced plans.
Only Basic services covered by EnhancedPlus plan.
Prescription Drugs & Vision
Prescription Drugs
Coverage for generic drugs.
Shared dispensing fee.
Covered by all FollowMe plans, difference is amount of coverage.
Vision
Covers the cost towards prescription lenses and frames, contact lenses and laser eye surgery.
Covered by all FollowMe plans, difference is amount of coverage.
Extended Health Care
Survivor Benefit
Coverage for one year upon death of an adult policy holder.
Covered by all plans.
Fracture Benefit
Benefit payable for a fractured bone.
Not covered by Basic plan.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Benefit payable for accidental death or dismemberment resulting from an accident.
Covered by all plans, difference is in amount of coverage.
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How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Quote in Canada
Step 1: Start with what you actually need
Finding the best health insurance quote in Canada starts by understanding what you need most. Do you go to the dentist? Are you interested in private talk therapy? These services are covered privately, usually with varied coverage limits depending on the plan and carrier.
Step 2: Consider your prescription needs
Prescription drugs are one of the biggest reasons Canadians buy private health insurance. If you’re already taking regular prescription medication, you can compare your routine out-of-pocket expenses to what a full health insurance plan would cost. Oftentimes, you save more money with a private plan while also benefiting from other areas of coverage, such as dental or travel.
Step 3: Decide between guaranteed acceptance vs. underwritten plans
If you have pre-existing conditions or have been denied coverage in the past, guaranteed plans can offer peace of mind. If you’re healthy, underwritten plans often provide better value. It’s important to understand the difference between both when shopping for quotes.
Step 4: Look at annual maximums
An 80% reimbursement rate sounds great until you read the fine print.
For example:
80% coverage with a $500 annual cap means the most you’ll ever get back is $400.
A plan with 60% coverage and a $1,200 cap may actually reimburse more over the year.
Step 5: Think long-term, not just the cheapest rate
Often, we are asked to find the cheapest health insurance quote available. Focusing only on the monthly price is a common mistake Canadians make, which can cost them more in the long run.
Your needs can change, and switching plans later isn’t always simple.
Ask yourself questions like:
Do I go to the dentist every year?
Do I use therapy, physio, or massage?
Do I wear glasses or contacts?
When comparing quotes, check:
Annual or quarterly drug limits
Whether brand-name and generic drugs are covered
Dispensing fee limits
Compare the pros and cons:
Guaranteed Acceptance
No medical questions, no risk of being declined, higher premiums, lower coverage limits
Underwritten plans
Require medical questions, lower monthly cost, higher coverage limits, you can be declined or have exclusions
Always check:
Annual and lifetime maximums
Per-visit limits
Combined category caps
When switching plans, you may face:
New waiting periods: Services often reset waiting periods when you switch plans
Coverage exclusions: If your health changes, a new insurer may exclude certain conditions or services
Higher premiums: Health insurance rates increase with age.
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Answer a few questions and get matched with health insurance quotes that meet your specific health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The best Canadian health insurance companies include:
Manulife
Sun Life
Blue Cross
GreenShield Canada
Canada Life
Desjardins
These insurers are some of the most popular and commonly used in Canada, offering strong extended health and dental plans, prescription drug coverage, travel medical benefits, and flexible options that suit different needs and budgets. Here’s why each are considered the best health insurance companies in Canada:
Manulife and Sun Life are top picks for comprehensive individual health plans and conversion/replacement coverage.
Blue Cross plans offer the most flexibility around coverage. The insured chooses how they’re covered — not just if they’re covered.
GreenShield is known for having extensive dental and paramedical coverage.
Canada Life and Desjardins offer well-rounded coverage with customizable features.
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Health insurance premiums are calculated based on your age, location, coverage level, and whether you add benefits such as dental or prescription drugs. The more coverage you choose and the higher the risk factors, the higher the cost.
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Even though provincial health care covers many basic services, it doesn’t pay for everything.
Provincial health plans will rarely cover expenses that aren’t emergencies. That means preventative care is not usually an option without private health insurance.
Health insurance helps cover costs like prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and some medical services that aren’t included.
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Ontario has great individual health plans offered by a number of carriers, including Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, Desjardins, Canada life, and BMO. We have a blog that covers each one in detail and helps you decide whether a health insurance plan is worth it over relying on OHIP.
Read it here: Best Individual Health Insurance Plans in Ontario in 2026
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Health insurance is important because it helps cover the cost of medical care you’d otherwise pay out of pocket.
Healthcare is very expensive. Many people without health insurance hold back from getting essential care due to costs.
Health insurance covers large, unexpected expenses, which makes it easier to access the care you need when you need it.
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On average, most private health insurance quotes fall between $75-$200 depending on the type of plan and amount of coverage needed.
The cost of a private health insurance plan depends on the age of the insured and the amount of people covered.