Top 3 Manulife Health Insurance Plans For Retirees in 2026
Updated Mar 2026 - Written by Krista DeKuyper
Key Takeaways
Losing employer benefits is the main trigger for switching to a retiree health plan
Your health status (pre-existing conditions vs. none) determines which plans you qualify for
FollowMe plans are best if you’re within 90 days of losing workplace coverage
Guaranteed Issue plans are ideal if you missed that window or need no medical questions
FlexCare plans offer higher limits and customization but may require medical underwriting
Dental coverage is not included in most basic plans—you’ll need Enhanced Plus or higher
Prescription drug coverage varies widely—from $500 to $2,800+ annually
Premiums increase with coverage level, but so do maximums and flexibility
Some plans include travel insurance, hospital upgrades, and paramedical services
Comparing multiple plans is key—there’s no one-size-fits-all option for retirees
If you’re retired or retiring soon then that also means you’ll be losing your employee benefits. So you might be asking yourself ‘how can I still have health insurance?’. We’ve created a list of the top 3 Manulife health insurance plans for retirees.
Before going into the full list of retiree health insurance plans, there is one thing you need to consider.
Do You Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
Yes, I Have A Pre-Existing Condition.
If you have a pre-existing condition, consider a Manulife health insurance plan with:
No medical questions.
Guaranteed acceptance.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Tax-deductible premiums.
Our instant quoting tool let’s you easily browse guaranteed acceptance plans across Canada. Use the button below to get started.
No, I Don’t Have A Pre-Existing Condition
If you don’t have a pre-existing condition, you don’t need guaranteed acceptance. Instead:
Consider a plan that has medical questions.
Maximums are higher than no medical plans.
Pre-existing conditions will be excluded.
Premiums are tax-deductible.
Browse affordable and comprehensive individual health insurance plans across Canada with our quoting tool.
It’s important that you consider these factors as it will affect the type of plan that you are able to apply to. You don’t want to be applying for a health plan that doesn’t cover you existing medical condition. So make sure that you’ve considered these factors and then decide which plan is right for you.
The Best Manulife Health Insurance Plan for Retirees (2026 Update)
TLDR; Choosing the Right Plan
If you only remember one thing:
Pre-existing condition? → Go with Guaranteed Issue or no-medical plans
Recently lost benefits? → FollowMe plans are your best option (within 90 days)
Healthy and want better coverage? → FlexCare plans give you more value long-term
Need dental? → Skip Basic plans and look at Enhanced Plus or higher
TLDR; Plan Breakdown
Best budget option: FollowMe Basic
Best mid-range coverage: FollowMe Enhanced
Best all-in-one (health + dental): FollowMe Enhanced Plus
Best overall coverage: FollowMe Premiere
Missed the deadline? Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
Best customizable plan: FlexCare (ComboPlus / DentalPlus / DrugPlus)
Manulife FollowMe Plans
Manulife FollowMe Basic
Average Rating: 4/5
Average Premium: $85-$110/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Designed for Canadians losing employer benefits
Affordable entry-level coverage
Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Basic prescription drug coverage included. The plan covers 80% of eligible prescription drugs up to $500 per year
Vision care allowance every two years. Members receive $150 every two years for glasses or contact lenses
Includes up to $400 per year for registered therapists and specialists, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists.
No dental coverage included. The Basic FollowMe plan focuses primarily on prescription drugs, vision care, and extended health benefits rather than dental services.
Manulife FollowMe Enhanced
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Average Premium: $115-$140/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Designed for Canadians losing employer benefits
Higher drug coverage limits
Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Covers 80% of eligible prescription drugs up to $1,500 per year, including both generic and brand-name medications.
Vision benefits increased compared to Basic. Members receive $200 every two years for glasses or contact lenses.
The plan includes $600 per year for registered therapists and specialists
Can cover semi-private hospital rooms, reimbursement based on daily limits and length of stay.
No dental coverage included. Despite higher medical coverage, the Enhanced plan still does not include dental benefits.
Manulife FollowMe Enhanced Plus
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Average Premium: $150-$180/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Designed for Canadians losing employer benefits
Includes dental coverage
Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Includes both health and dental coverage.
Prescription drug coverage up to $1,500 annually. Eligible medications are reimbursed at 80% for both generic and brand-name drugs.
Dental coverage included with increasing annual limits. Dental services are reimbursed at 80% up to $700 in Year 1, $850 in Year 2, and $1,000 in Year 3 and beyond.
The plan provides $600 per year for registered therapists and specialists.
Can include reimbursement for semi-private hospital rooms and related hospital costs.
Manulife FollowMe Premiere
Average Rating: 5/5
Average Premium: $210-$250/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Designed for Canadians losing employer benefits
Increasing dental benefits over time
Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Highest coverage level among FollowMe plans.
Higher prescription drug maximum. 80% of eligible prescription drugs up to $2,800 per year
Dental services are reimbursed at 80% up to $800 in Year 1, $1,000 in Year 2, and $1,500 in Year 3 and beyond.
Higher vision care allowance. Members receive $300 every two years for glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.
Higher paramedical practitioner coverage. The plan includes $650 per year for registered therapists and specialists, supporting a wide range of therapy services.
Hospital accommodation benefits included.
Read About Conversion Health Insurance Plans from Providers Across Canada
The Best Manulife Health Insurance Plan for Retirees
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
Unlike Manulife FollowMe, where you have to apply within 90 days of losing your employee benefits, Manulife Guaranteed Issue Enhanced allows you to apply for coverage at any time. Still, with no medical questions this health insurance plan for retirees is great for those who forgot to apply for additional coverage within the 90 days. You’ll be able to get the coverage you want at any time. Additionally, it offers enhanced prescription drug coverage!
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
Average Rating: 4/5
Average Premium: $225-$300/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Emergency travel medical coverage included
No medical underwriting
$250,000 lifetime benefit limit
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Guaranteed acceptance. Designed for people who may not qualify for traditional health insurance
Strong prescription drug coverage for a guaranteed issue plan. The plan covers 80% of eligible prescription drugs up to $3,125 in expenses, with a maximum payout of $2,500 per year.
Additional coverage for lifestyle medications. Up to $500 per year within the drug maximum can be used for certain medications such as birth control drugs, medical marijuana, smoking cessation.etc
Accidental dental and travel assistance benefits available.
Some major dental procedures covered (oral surgery, endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics, and denture services).
Browse Providers Across Canada for a Guaranteed Acceptance Plan
Manulife FlexCare (ComboPlus, DentalPlus, and DrugPlus Plans)
The next plan that is great for retirees is Manulife Flexcare. Manulife Flexcare is different from FollowMe and Bronze by being an individual health and insurance plan rather than a group conversion plan. This plan is great for those who do not have a pre-existing condition. You’ll be able to get higher deductibles and higher maximums. Additionally, what’s great about this plan is that there are senior adjustments on the drug coverage.
Manulife ComboPlus Starter
Average Rating: 4/5
Average Premium: $75-$125/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Affordable entry-level coverage
No medical underwriting
$250,000 lifetime benefit limit
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Entry-level coverage designed for basic protection. Focuses on essential health and dental benefits at a lower premium
70% prescription drug coverage for generic medications. The plan reimburses 70% of eligible generic prescriptions up to $500 per year.
70% coverage for basic dental services. Routine services such as exams, cleanings, and preventive treatments are covered at 70% up to $500 per year.
Paramedical includes $300 per practitioner per year, helping cover services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or massage therapy.
Manulife ComboPlus Basic
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Average Premium: $82-$150/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Better coverage for routine dental
Better drug reimbursement
Higher prescription drug limit
Coverage Overview & Highlights
ComboPlus Basic plan covers 70% of eligible generic prescriptions up to $1,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the Starter plan.
Reimburses 100% of the first $750 in eligible drug costs and 70% of the next $4,972, with a maximum annual payout of $5,000.
Dental maintenance services are reimbursed at 80% of the first $400 and 50% of the next $860
Mental health coverage included. The plan allows 15 psychologist visits per year, with $80 for the first visit and $65 for subsequent visits
The lifetime coverage limit reaches $260,000 for individuals aged 65 and older
Manulife ComboPlus Enhanced
Average Rating: 5/5
Average Premium: $122-$200/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
No maximum dispensing fee
Excellent preventive dental coverage
Short-term travel medical coverage included
Coverage Overview & Highlights
90% prescription drug coverage with support for brand-name medications.
The plan covers 90% of the first $2,222 in prescription costs and 100% of the next $8,000
The plan provides 100% coverage for eligible basic dental services up to $1,500 per year
Dental treatments such as surgical extractions and orthodontics may become eligible for reimbursement after two years of continuous coverage
Services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture are covered up to $400 per practitioner annually
Manulife DentalPlus Basic
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Average Premium: $76-$115/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
No medical underwriting
Better drug reimbursement
Dental benefits increase after the first year
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Extended health benefits included at ComboPlus Basic levels.
Significantly more dental coverage than ComboPlus Basic. Eligible services include fillings, cleanings, scaling, examinations, polishing, and select extractions
Higher dental reimbursement after the first year. Starting in year two, coverage increases to 80% of the first $400 and 50% of the next $860
up to $250 every two years for prescription lenses, frames, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery, plus $70 toward optometrist visits every two years.
Extended health benefits under the plan include a $250,000 lifetime coverage limit.
Manulife DrugPlus Enhanced
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Average Premium: $115-$175/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
Coverage increases to 100% after first year
Covers more frequent preventive dental visits
Major restorative dental available after waiting period
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Extended health benefits match the ComboPlus Enhanced plan.
Medical underwriting required for approval. Unlike DentalPlus Basic, this plan requires applicants to complete a health questionnaire.
In the first year, the plan reimburses 70% of the first $1,200 in eligible dental services, providing up to $840 in annual dental benefits.
Coverage for both preventive and major dental services. The plan covers fillings, cleanings, scaling, examinations, polishing, and select extractions
Extended health benefits under the plan include a $250,000 lifetime coverage limit.
Manulife DrugPlus Basic
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Average Premium: $55-$100/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
No medical underwriting
No maximum dispensing fee
Drug coverage focused on generic medications
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Accessible for people with pre-existing conditions.
No dental coverage included. Unlike ComboPlus or DentalPlus plans, DrugPlus Basic focuses primarily on prescription drug and extended health benefits rather than dental services.
The plan reimburses 70% of the first $750 in eligible prescription costs, followed by 90% of the next $4,972.
Up to $250 every two years for glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery, along with $70 toward optometrist visits every two years.
Mental health support included.
Manulife DrugPlus Enhanced
Average Rating: 5/5
Average Premium: $80-$150/month
Disclaimer: Actual premiums and coverage limits may vary depending on age, province, medical history, and selected policy options. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance advice.
No medical underwriting
No maximum dispensing fee
$5,000 in annual prescription drug benefits
Coverage Overview & Highlights
Accessible for people with pre-existing conditions.
No dental coverage included. Unlike ComboPlus or DentalPlus plans, DrugPlus Basic focuses primarily on prescription drug and extended health benefits rather than dental services.
The plan reimburses 70% of the first $750 in eligible prescription costs, followed by 90% of the next $4,972.
Up to $250 every two years for glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery, along with $70 toward optometrist visits every two years.
Mental health support included.
Compare Manulife FlexCare Plans With This Comparison Chart!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most plans range from:
$75–$125/month (basic coverage)
$115–$180/month (mid-level plans)
$200–$300/month (premium or guaranteed issue plans)
Costs vary based on age, province, and coverage level.
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Some plans—like Guaranteed Issue Enhanced and higher-tier FlexCare options—include emergency travel medical coverage, but not all plans offer this benefit.
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If you rely on prescription drugs, dental care, or paramedical services (like physio or massage), having coverage can save you thousands annually. For many retirees, it’s more about predictable costs than full coverage.
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Yes—but only certain plans.
Guaranteed Issue and FollowMe plans typically include coverage with no medical questions, while FlexCare plans may exclude pre-existing conditions or require approval.