Best health insurance in Canada for 2025

Did you know that over 30% of medical costs in Canada are not covered by your provincial healthcare? Most families end up paying this out of their pocket leaving them with a huge financial burden. That's why it's essential to have good private health insurance.

Private health insurance also helps you cover essential yet expensive services like dental care, vision care, and prescription medications, many of which are not covered or offered very limited protection by Canadian Medicare.

But how do you know which is the best plan for you? In this guide, we take you through the best health insurance plans in Canada, their coverage, pros and cons, and prices. We also share tips to find the cheapest health insurance. You can compare the plans and get quotes using our free comparator at the top of this page.

What is private health insurance in Canada?

Private health insurance in Canada—sometimes called personal health insurance, individual health insurance, or supplemental health insurance—refers to health insurance plans offered by private companies to help cover medical expenses not included in your province or territory’s public health plan like OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, etc.

Depending on your needs and the plan you choose, private health insurance can help cover:

• Prescription drugs not fully covered by your provincial drug plan (including co-pays and deductibles).
• Dental care, including checkups, cleanings, crowns, and orthodontics.
• Vision care—eye exams, prescription glasses or contact lenses.
• Paramedical services—like physiotherapy, psychotherapy, osteopathy, naturopathy, massage therapy, and more.
• Medical equipment and devices—such as crutches, CPAP machines, diabetic supplies, or orthotics.
• Ambulance services, which can be costly and aren’t always covered.
• Semi-private or private hospital rooms, if you want more comfort during a hospital stay.
• Diagnostic tests done in private clinics (e.g., MRIs, CT scans).
• Home nursing care.

Why do Canadians need private health insurance?

Yes, Canada has a strong public health system—Medicare—which is administered at the provincial and territorial levels. While it covers a lot, such as doctor visits and hospital stays, it doesn’t cover everything.

Here’s what public healthcare typically does not cover:

• Dental care (unless you're in a hospital setting)
• Eye exams and vision correction (glasses, contacts)
• Mental health care with psychologists (outside of hospitals)
• Prescription drugs (unless you're a senior, child, or on government assistance—or unless you’re in Quebec where drug coverage is mandatory)
• Ambulance transportation
• Alternative or complementary therapies
• Hospital room upgrades (private or semi-private)

Without private insurance, Canadians often have to pay out-of-pocket, and those costs add up fast.

How much does healthcare cost without private health insurance in Canada?

Here’s a nationwide average of what some typical out-of-pocket medical expenses might cost without private or supplemental health insurance coverage:

Medical Service	National Avg. Cost
Dental crown	$1,600 – $2,500
Psychologist (depression treatment)	$1,000 – $1,500
Psychiatrist session (private)	$150 – $250 per session
Vision exam	$100 – $140
Osteopath session	$80 – $120
3-day stay in a private hospital room	$300 – $600

Costs vary across the country, but the one consistent thing is: without supplemental health insurance coverage, healthcare outside the public plan isn’t cheap.

How much does private health insurance cost in Canada in 2025?

In 2025, private health insurance in Canada typically costs between $25 and $100+ per month. The cost of private health insurance in Canada varies widely, as it depends on several key factors:

• Your personal profile: Are you a smoker? Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?
• Your occupation: Do you work in a high-risk job that could increase your premiums?
• Where you live: Your province (e.g., Quebec vs. Ontario) and even your city (like Toronto or Montreal) can affect pricing. Some regions have higher healthcare costs than others.
• The coverage you choose: The more comprehensive your plan (e.g., higher reimbursement limits, no deductibles or waiting periods), the higher your monthly premiums will be.

Here’s a snapshot of real health insurance quotes from insurers offering private coverage in Canada, based on rates available in Ontario (similar ranges can apply across the country with slight variations). These quotes were obtained on March 25, 2025.

Provider	Profile	Coverage Highlights	Monthly Cost for 2025
Blue Cross Health Insurance	40-year-old	60% coverage for basic health, vision, and practitioners. Entry health insurance plan No dental/drug coverage	$30.61
Blue Cross Health Insurance	40-year-old	80% coverage for health and vision with the most benefits and highest maximums available. Includes annual travel insurance. Enhanced health insurance plan Includes enhanced drug and dental coverage	$217.87
Manulife Health Insurance	30-year-old	80% coverage for prescription drugs, paramedical services Basic health insurance plan No dental coverage	$94.10
Manulife Health Insurance	30-year-old	80% coverage for drugs and dental care Premiere health insurance plan Extensive extended health benefits including registered specialists and therapists, ambulance, etc	$244.10

You'll need to get a personalized quote to be sure of the exact price. You can get free health insurance quotes in just seconds with our tool at the top of this page. You can compare the best health insurance in Canada offered by top companies right here. Know that the cost also varies from one medical insurance agency to another.

Does private health insurance cover students in Canada?

Yes, private health insurance does cover students in Canada—both Canadian and international—but how and when it applies depends on your status and where you're studying.

For Canadian students, most are covered under their provincial or territorial public health plan (like OHIP in Ontario or RAMQ in Quebec) while studying in their home province. But public insurance doesn’t cover everything. Services like dental care, vision, prescription drugs, and mental health counselling are typically excluded.

That’s why most universities automatically enroll students in a student health plan that fills those gaps. If the coverage doesn't suit your needs, you can often opt-out and replace it with private health insurance for more flexibility or better benefits.

What does private health insurance cover for international students?

If you're an international student, your access to public healthcare depends on the province you’re in. Some provinces (like British Columbia, Alberta, and Newfoundland & Labrador) allow international students to enroll in the public plan. In others (like Ontario and Quebec), you're required to have private health insurance, either through your school or from a private provider.

These school-provided plans are often mandatory and included in your tuition, but they’re designed to be affordable and practical. They generally cover:

• Emergency medical care and doctor visits
• Prescription drugs
• Mental health support
• Hospitalization
• Some dental and vision care
• Repatriation (return to home country in case of emergency)

If the school allows, you may be able to opt-out and buy a private plan that better suits your needs, especially if you're bringing a spouse or children or want more flexible coverage.

Who should get international student health insurance?

Private health insurance can be a smart choice for students who:

• Aren’t eligible for provincial coverage
• Want to opt out of a university plan for something more comprehensive
• Need additional coverage for things like dental, therapy, or family members
• Are new immigrants waiting for public insurance to begin
• Are visiting researchers, postgrads, or part-time students not fully covered by school plans

Insurers like Blue Cross, Manulife, and Guard.me offer plans designed specifically for students. They allow you to choose the length of coverage and sometimes customize your benefits.

Can you get international health insurance?

Yes, Canadians can get international health insurance—and in most cases, it’s a smart, low-cost way to protect yourself when travelling. While your provincial health insurance (like OHIP in Ontario or MSP in BC) covers most basic care within your home province, coverage outside Canada is extremely limited. That's why adding travel medical insurance is essential, even for short trips.

Why your provincial health insurance isn’t enough abroad

Most Canadians assume their provincial plan will help them overseas—but in reality, it covers very little outside the country. For example:

• OHIP (Ontario) reimburses only a small fixed amount (e.g., $50/day for inpatient care), which is far less than the actual cost.
• A single hospital visit in the U.S. can easily cost thousands of dollars.
• Provincial plans do not cover ambulance services, medical evacuation, or most diagnostics abroad.

This means you could be stuck with huge out-of-pocket bills, even if you're only travelling for a few days.

What happens if you leave your home province?

Even if you're travelling within Canada, your private health insurance may have restrictions when you’re outside your home province. However, your provincial health care will still generally cover medically necessary care across provinces, thanks to interprovincial agreements.

Still, private travel insurance may fill in gaps, such as:

• Coverage for prescriptions and follow-up care
• Air ambulance services back to your province
• Expenses not covered by the local health system

If you're travelling outside Canada, though, relying on your provincial or private plan alone is not enough.

Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage vs. Private Health Insurance

If you already have private health insurance in Canada, you might wonder if it’s enough when you travel abroad. While private plans are great for covering services not included in your provincial healthcare (like dental or vision), they typically don’t offer full protection when you leave the country.

That’s where travel insurance with medical coverage (also referred to as global health insurance) comes in. It’s specifically designed to protect you against unexpected medical emergencies while abroad, including hospital stays, emergency transport, and repatriation.

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how these two types of insurance differ:

Feature	Travel Medical Insurance (Global health insurance)	Local Private Health Insurance
Purpose	Covers emergencies abroad	Supplements provincial health coverage
Coverage Area	Outside your province or outside Canada	Within Canada mostly
Medical Emergencies Abroad		Often excluded or limited
Routine & Preventive Care
Repatriation/Evacuation		Not usually included
Prescription Drugs	Emergencies only	Often includes regular prescriptions
Typical Use	Vacations, trips, long stays abroad	Daily health needs within Canada

Even if you're just taking a weekend trip across the border, travel medical insurance is strongly recommended—your provincial plan only covers a fraction of costs outside Canada. If you have a trip coming up and need coverage, explore our guide on the best travel insurance plans and get instant quotes. You can get multiple quotes from the biggest companies in no time.

Can visitors get health insurance in Canada?

Yes, visitors to Canada can buy private health insurance and multiple providers offer tailor-made plans. If you're planning to visit Canada—whether for a vacation, to see family, or for a longer stay—you won't be covered by the public healthcare system (like OHIP in Ontario or RAMQ in Quebec). While Canada offers excellent healthcare, it can be very expensive for non-residents without insurance.

That’s why private visitor health insurance is highly recommended. It’s specifically designed for temporary visitors who want financial protection in case of medical emergencies.

What does visitor health insurance cover?

Most visitors to Canada insurance policies offer comprehensive protection in case of unexpected illness or accidents during your stay. Typical coverage includes:

• Emergency medical care
• Doctor visits and hospital stays
• Surgery and diagnostic tests
• Prescription medications (in emergencies)
• Ambulance services
• Emergency dental treatment
• Medical evacuation or repatriation to your home country

The exact benefits can vary from one policy to another, so it’s important to compare plans carefully based on your needs.

Who should buy visitors to Canada health insurance?

Visitor health insurance is ideal for:

• Tourists traveling in Canada
• Parents or grandparents visiting family (including Super Visa holders)
• Temporary foreign workers
• People waiting for public health coverage to start (e.g., new immigrants in their first 3 months)
• International volunteers or short-term residents

What does visitor health insurance cost in Canada?

The cost of visitor health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, the length of your stay, and your health status. As a general guide:

• For a short stay (1–3 months), a healthy visitor under 60 might pay $250–$600 CAD
• Super Visa plans for one year usually cost between $1,000 and $2,500 CAD
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions typically increases the premium

Be sure to shop around and ask whether your plan includes coverage for any existing health issues, as not all do. Or simply use our free comparator to compare the best visitor health insurance plans in Canada and get instant quotes.

10 tips for choosing the best health insurance in Canada

1. Understand Your Needs: Start by identifying what health services are essential for you—such as prescription drugs, dental care, mental health services, or paramedical treatments. There's no point paying for coverage you won’t use.
2. Shop Around: Compare quotes and coverage from multiple insurers. Prices and benefits vary widely, so take the time to find the right balance of cost and coverage. Online comparison tools can save you time and effort.
3. Think Supplemental Coverage: If you already have provincial health insurance (like OHIP or RAMQ), choose a private plan that fills in the gaps—such as dental, vision, or prescription drug coverage where not fully included.
4. Check for Exclusions: Read the fine print carefully to see what’s not covered. Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions, certain treatments, or alternative therapies.
5. Understand the Waiting Period: Some policies have a waiting period before your coverage kicks in. If you have an upcoming medical need, make sure it won’t fall during that gap.
6. Review Prescription Drug Coverage: Make sure your plan includes coverage for the medications you need. In some provinces, like Quebec, this may be covered by the public plan—but not everywhere.
7. Consider More Than Just Price: Lower premiums may mean less coverage. Focus on value—not just cost—when comparing plans.
8. Look Into the Claims Process: Choose an insurer with a quick and simple claims system. Many providers now offer online claims and reimbursement within 48 hours.
9. Check for Out-of-Province or Travel Coverage: If you travel across provinces or outside Canada, ensure your plan covers you wherever you go.
10. Read Customer Reviews: Look up other people’s experiences with the insurer. Good reviews can give you peace of mind about service quality and reliability.

How to get health insurance quotes in Canada?

There are several ways to get private healthcare policy quotes in Canada. A private broker can help you find the best policy for you. This option can be more expensive, since you may be charged a commission- typically around 10% of the premium. Because the broker represents specific insurers and plans, shop around for quotes from several sources before making a decision.

You can also request quotes through each company to find a plan that's suitable for you, but this is time-consuming and a laborious process.

That's why we've created a simple and easy-to-use tool for you. You can use our 100% free comparison tool to quickly and conveniently compare quotes and find the best individual health insurance Ontario plans or BC or Quebec. All you need to do is enter your basic details of what you're looking for, while retaining anonymity, and voila get quotes that are personalized to suit your unique needs also from the top 10 insurance companies in Canada.

How does private health insurance work in Canada?

As we mentioned before, private health insurance in Canada offers additional coverage beyond public healthcare, including services like prescription drugs, dental care, and specialist treatments. It included the following factors.

1. Monthly Premiums: Subscribers pay regular premiums for their private plan, which vary based on coverage level and provider.
2. Deductibles and Copays: Some plans involve deductibles – a set amount paid by the subscriber before coverage starts. There might be copays based on your plan.
3. Claims Process: Individuals provide insurance details during appointments. They then submit claims for reimbursement, accounting for deductibles and copays.
4. Supplementary Support: Private insurance complements public coverage, reducing wait times for specialists and elective procedures, enhancing access to care, and providing financial security for unforeseen medical expenses.

What is a deductible in health insurance?

A deductible is the amount you must pay before your coverage kicks in. Essentially, it's the initial portion of the expenses that the policyholder must cover themselves before the insurance company begins to reimburse or cover additional expenses.

For instance, if you have a plan with a $500 deductible and you incur medical expenses totalling $1,000, you would need to pay the first $500 (deductible) yourself, and then the company would cover the remaining $500 or a portion of it, depending on the terms of your plan.

Plans with higher health insurance deductibles usually have lower premiums. It's a way to share costs between you and the insurer. Selecting a deductible when you buy a plan depends on your financial situation and how much risk you're comfortable with.

What is copay in health insurance?

"Copay," short for "copayment," is the specific amount of money that an insured individual must pay for a covered healthcare service or prescription medication. It is a fixed, predetermined cost that the individual must contribute towards the total cost of the service, while the insurance plan covers the remaining portion.

For example, if you have a plan with a $20 copay for doctor visits, it means that every time you visit a doctor, you'll need to pay $20 out of your pocket at the time of the visit. The insurance company then covers the rest of the cost associated with the visit.

In Canada's public healthcare system, there aren't traditional copays for most basic medical services. However, it often does not cover expenses for services like prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and paramedical treatments.

This is where private plans become essential. Private health insurance companies in Canada help cover costs not included in the public system, ensuring access to comprehensive care without facing substantial financial burdens.

What is a health insurance premium?

While we mentioned the term premium multiple times in this context, for those who aren't aware or are new to this area, a health insurance premium is a regular payment made by an individual or their employer to a private insurer or a government program (such as Medicare in the United States or a provincial healthcare plan) in exchange for coverage and benefits under a policy.

This payment is typically made on a monthly or annual basis. The premium amount can vary based on factors such as the type of coverage, the insurer, the individual's age, health status, and other factors. The premium is essential for maintaining coverage and helps fund the cost of medical services and treatments when needed.

Are health insurance premiums tax-deductible?

Can I claim health insurance premiums on my Canada taxes? Yes. In Canada, premiums that you pay yourself are often eligible for a tax deduction under the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

Premiums paid into a private insurance plan count as qualifying medical expenses assuming that 90% go towards medical expenses that are themselves eligible for the tax credit. There are tax benefits for care like hospitalization, medical, dental, vision, and even medical devices. Plans paid by employers or provinces are not eligible for tax deductions.

Looking for a list of tax-deduction qualifying medical expenses? This PDF from the Canada Revenue Agency details them.

How to cancel a health insurance plan in Canada?

In Canada, cancelling your private medical coverage plan is not usually difficult. Generally, you will do it in writing. Check your specific contract and contact your service provider for details on more specific cancellation procedures as it may vary from one insurer to another. Obtain written confirmation of the cancellation from your insurer.

Be aware that you may owe a penalty if your policy has not yet expired. Policies often run for a one-year term, even if payments are monthly.

Can one accumulate 2 health insurance plans in Canada?

Yes, it's possible to have two plans in Canada. You can have both a provincial healthcare plan and a private supplementary plan simultaneously. This is common for those who want to enhance their coverage, such as through an employer-sponsored plan.

However, having dual coverage might not always result in double benefits, as most plans have coordination of benefits rules. It's essential to understand these rules to prevent unnecessary costs and ensure smooth claims processing.

It is also possible to have two private plans. This is often referred to as "dual coverage." You may have two private plans due to various reasons. You can be covered under your plan and also as a dependent on your spouse's policy.

When making a claim, these rules determine which plan pays first and how much the second plan might contribute. It's crucial to understand these rules and communicate with both insurance providers to ensure smooth claims processing and avoid overpayment.

What is group health insurance in Canada?

Group health insurance in Canada is a coverage arrangement provided by employers to their employees and, in some cases, their dependents. This offers a collective policy that covers a group of individuals, typically within a workplace setting. Employers negotiate with medical insurance companies to secure coverage for medical services, which can include doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, dental care, and more.

Employees covered under group plans often share the premium costs with their employer, making the coverage more affordable. Group plans offer advantages for both employers and employees, such as improved employee satisfaction, better healthcare access, and a competitive benefits package.

The coverage benefits and plan details can vary based on the employer's negotiations with medical insurance companies and the specific needs of the organization.

Can you combine health and dental insurance?

Yes, it's possible to combine health and dental coverage plans in Canada. Insurers often offer comprehensive packages that integrate both health and dental insurance under a single policy.

This combined coverage includes services such as doctor visits, prescription medications, and hospital stays, as well as dental procedures like cleanings, fillings, and more. These plans offer cost savings, customization options, and the convenience of managing medical and dental needs through a single policy.

Many employers also provide extended health and dental coverage as part of their benefits package, ensuring comprehensive care for their employees and their families.

Can seniors get private health insurance in Canada?

Yes, seniors in Canada can get private health insurance, and for many, it’s an excellent way to fill the gaps left by the public healthcare system. While provincial plans like OHIP in Ontario or RAMQ in Quebec cover hospital stays, doctor visits, and basic medical care, they don’t pay for several important services—especially those seniors tend to use more often.

This includes things like:

• Prescription drugs (unless covered by a provincial senior drug plan)
• Dental care (cleanings, dentures, crowns)
• Vision care (eye exams, glasses)
• Hearing aids and related services
• Paramedical services (physio, massage, acupuncture, etc.)
• Private hospital rooms
• Home care or medical equipment

Private health insurance is designed to help with exactly these kinds of costs.

Who offers senior health insurance plans in Canada?

Many major insurance providers in Canada offer health plans tailored for seniors, including Manulife, Blue Cross, Sun Life, Desjardins, and GMS. These plans are available to individuals over 65 and often include tiered options—so you can choose how much coverage you want and what you can afford.

Some key points to know:

• Age limits for new enrollment usually range between 70 and 80, depending on the insurer. If you're already insured before that, you can often keep renewing it.
• Some plans don’t require a medical exam, especially if you apply early in retirement.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies. Some policies include them automatically, others may exclude them or charge a higher premium.

What you should know about the latest public health insurance update in Canada

If you’ve been putting off dental care because of the cost, there’s good news: the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is expanding in 2025 to include all eligible adults aged 18 to 64. Starting in May 2025, you may be able to apply—and coverage could begin as soon as June 1, 2025.

In the program’s first year, over 3.4 million Canadians were approved, and 1.7 million have already received care. Now, it’s your turn to benefit.

When and How You Can Apply

Applications open in stages based on age:

• May 1 – Ages 55 to 64
• May 15 – Ages 18 to 34
• May 29 – Ages 35 to 54

To qualify, you must:

• Not have access to dental insurance
• Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000
• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Have filed your 2024 tax return (and your spouse’s, if applicable)

You’ll be able to apply online at Canada.ca/dental, by phone, or at a Service Canada Centre.

Already Enrolled? Don’t Forget to Renew

If you’re already covered under the CDCP, you’ll need to renew your coverage by June 1, 2025, to avoid a gap. This means filing your 2024 tax return and completing a quick renewal application. If you don’t renew, your coverage will end on June 30, and you’ll be on the hook for any care after that.

This expanded access is a big step toward making oral health care more affordable for Canadians like you. Don’t miss out—check your eligibility and mark your calendar.

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