How to get affordable health insurance in Canada in 2025?
- A perfect option for people group benefits in the last 60 days
- Helps cover eligible health expenses that are relatively low
- Access to MySunLife Mobile App to manage your Health Coverage Choice plan online
- A perfect option for people group benefits in the last 60 days
- Helps cover eligible health expenses that are relatively low
- Access to MySunLife Mobile App to manage your Health Coverage Choice plan online
The Health and Dental Choice A plan from Sun Life is a cost-effective health insurance option designed for individuals and families seeking basic medical, dental, and vision coverage. This plan provides financial support for prescription drugs, extended health services, vision care, dental care, and semi-private hospital accommodations, making it a solid choice for those looking for affordable coverage for routine healthcare needs.
Prescription drug coverage under this Sun Life health insurance plan reimburses 80% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per year, which is suitable for those with minimal medication needs. Extended health benefits cover 80% of eligible expenses, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and psychological services, with set annual limits for each practitioner. Additionally, vision care is covered at 100%, up to $150 every two years, helping reduce costs for prescription eyewear and eye exams.
For dental care, this plan offers 80% coverage for preventive procedures, such as routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays, with a combined annual limit of $700. Hospital coverage includes 50% reimbursement for semi-private room stays, up to $5,000 per year, providing financial relief in case of hospitalization. However, this plan does not include emergency travel medical insurance, which may be a drawback for frequent travellers.
Ideal profile:The Health and Dental Choice A plan is best suited for individuals and families looking for budget-friendly coverage for routine medical, dental, and vision care. It’s an ideal option for those with minimal prescription drug needs and occasional visits to healthcare professionals. However, those requiring higher drug coverage, emergency travel insurance, or extensive dental work may need to explore more comprehensive plans.
- Affordable plan with essential health, dental, and vision coverage
- 80% reimbursement for prescription drugs and extended healthcare services
- $700 annual dental coverage for preventive care
- $150 vision care coverage every two years
- Semi-private hospital coverage of up to $5,000 per year
- Prescription drug coverage is limited to $500 per year, which may not be sufficient for regular medication users
- No emergency travel medical insurance, making it less suitable for frequent travellers
- No coverage for restorative dental work, limiting support for major procedures
- Obtain special rates for couples and families
- Fast and easy electronic claims
- Earn rewards and save on premiums with Manulife vitality
- 24/7 access to virtual healthcare anywhere in the world
- Obtain special rates for couples and families
- Fast and easy electronic claims
- Earn rewards and save on premiums with Manulife vitality
- 24/7 access to virtual healthcare anywhere in the world
If you’re transitioning from workplace benefits and need affordable, essential health coverage, the Manulife FollowMe™ Basic Plan is a practical option. With guaranteed acceptance (no medical questions) when you apply within 90 days of losing your employee benefits, this plan ensures continued financial protection for prescription drugs, vision, hospital stays, and extended health services.
Prescription drug coverage includes 80% reimbursement for generic drugs, up to $500 annually, making it suitable for occasional medication users. Vision care benefits provide $150 every two years for eyewear and $60 for routine eye exams, helping offset out-of-pocket expenses for glasses or contacts. Hospital benefits cover semi-private rooms, reimbursing 50% of costs for the first 150 days (up to $87.50 per day), ensuring financial relief during extended stays.
Extended health benefits include 80% reimbursement, up to $400 combined, for physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and more, while mental health support covers up to 10 visits per year at $65 per session. The plan also offers unlimited ambulance services, $2,000 in accidental dental coverage, and custom orthotics ($250). Additionally, hearing aids are covered up to $300 every five years, and homecare and nursing benefits provide $500 for personal support workers and $1,000 for registered nurses.
For those who travel, an optional add-on provides $5 million in emergency medical coverage for 15- or 30-day trips, ensuring peace of mind during vacations or business travel.
Ideal profile: Ideal for those transitioning from workplace benefits, the FollowMe™ Basic Plan provides continued support for essential health services. With guaranteed acceptance at any age and no medical questions (when you apply and pay your first premium within 90 days of your employee benefits ending), it’s a cost-effective choice for occasional medication users who don’t need dental coverage. This plan ensures affordable protection for prescriptions, hospital stays, and extended health services.
- 80% drug coverage for generic medications, up to $500 annually, helping manage occasional prescriptions.
- Extended health benefits covering physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, and more.
- Mental health support with 10 covered therapy sessions per year.
- Optional travel insurance add-on with $5 million in emergency medical coverage for up to 30 days.
- Annual drug coverage is capped at $500, which may not be sufficient for individuals with high medication needs.
- No dental coverage, requiring a separate plan for routine and major dental work.
- Ideal coverage for unexpected emergencies and health needs
- Additional coverage options
- Access to TELUS Health, for your mental and physical health
- Ideal coverage for unexpected emergencies and health needs
- Additional coverage options
- Access to TELUS Health, for your mental and physical health
The GMS BasicPlan® is an affordable entry-level health insurance plan designed for individuals and families looking for essential coverage without high premiums. This plan provides core protection for paramedical services, ambulance transportation, and hospital stays, ensuring you have a safety net for unexpected medical costs. While it does not include prescription drug or dental coverage by default, you can add these as optional benefits.
Under this GMS health insurance plan, health practitioner services are covered at 70% up to $250 per year, including acupuncture, podiatry, naturopathy, dietitian services, and osteopathy. If you need emergency transportation, the plan provides $2,000 per year for ground ambulance services and unlimited air ambulance coverage, giving you peace of mind in critical situations.
Additionally, BasicPlan® covers $500 per year for a preferred hospital room, reducing out-of-pocket costs if hospitalization is required. However, it does not offer vision care, hearing aids, medical equipment, counselling services, or diabetic supplies, which may limit its usefulness for those with ongoing health needs.
Ideal profile: The BasicPlan® is best suited for healthy individuals or those who only need occasional healthcare services and want an affordable safety net for emergencies. If you are looking for a plan that includes vision care, mental health services, or travel insurance, you may want to explore more comprehensive options like ExtendaPlan® or OmniPlan®.
- Affordable and budget-friendly coverage for essential services
- 70% coverage for select health practitioners, up to $250 per year
- Flexibility to add prescription drug and dental coverage
- No coverage for vision care, hearing aids, medical equipment, or diabetic supplies
- No coverage for mental health counselling or therapy services
- Additional drug and dental benefits
- Access to text, audio, or video chat with a doctor on your computer
- Access to MyGoodHealth.ca
- Additional drug and dental benefits
- Access to text, audio, or video chat with a doctor on your computer
- Access to MyGoodHealth.ca
The Blue Cross Complete Health Entry Plan is an affordable and flexible health insurance option, ideal for individuals and families looking for basic extended health, dental, and vision benefits. Designed to grow with you, this plan allows you to adjust your coverage as your needs change and even pass coverage on to your children when they leave your plan.
With 60% coverage for health, dental, and vision services, this Blue Cross health insurance plan provides essential protection at a lower cost. Paramedical services, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, dietitian consultations, and mental health therapy, are covered up to a combined annual maximum of $250.
The plan also offers $100 for vision care every two years, $150 for orthotics annually, and $7,000 in lifetime accidental dental coverage. While it does not include drug benefits, ambulance services, or hearing aid coverage, it does offer full coverage for diagnostic services, including CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
For dental care, the Entry Plan covers 60% of costs, with a combined maximum of $500 per year for fillings, exams, cleanings, and X-rays. However, extractions, root canals, and major dental work are not included.
Ideal profile: The Complete Health Entry Plan is best suited for individuals or families who want basic extended health and dental coverage without high premiums. If you don’t require prescription drug benefits or major dental procedures, this plan provides affordable protection with the flexibility to upgrade as your needs evolve.
- Affordable entry-level coverage with 60% reimbursement for health, dental, and vision services.
- Comprehensive diagnostic services, including MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds.
- Coverage for physiotherapy, chiropractic, and mental health therapy.
- Ability to adjust coverage as your needs change, with options to upgrade over time.
- No prescription drug coverage, which may be a drawback for those needing regular medications.
- Limited dental benefits, with a $500 annual cap and no coverage for extractions or root canals.
- 24/7 Accessibility
- Trip Break and Side trips included
- Transportation and repatriation costs included
- 24/7 Accessibility
- Trip Break and Side trips included
- Transportation and repatriation costs included
Blue Cross Visitors to Canada Insurance is a comprehensive travel health insurance plan designed for individuals who are not covered by a provincial health insurance plan. It is ideal for tourists, foreign workers, students, super visa holders, and returning Canadian expats who need emergency medical coverage.
This plan Blue Cross health insurance plan offers flexible coverage amounts ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, ensuring protection against unexpected healthcare expenses. Unlike many competitors, Blue Cross allows insured individuals to take short side trips outside Canada (up to 30 days per trip) without canceling their coverage, making it a great option for long-term visitors. It also offers a Trip Break feature, allowing policyholders to return to their home country and then re-enter Canada without terminating their contract.
Coverage includes hospitalization in a semi-private room, physician fees, paramedical services, diagnostic tests, and emergency dental care (up to $2,000 for accidental injuries and $300 for other urgent treatments). Additionally, transportation expenses such as ambulance services, medical repatriation, and return of remains are covered, providing peace of mind in serious medical situations. However, the plan does not cover routine healthcare, pre-existing unstable conditions, or pregnancy-related expenses.
Ideal profile: This plan is best suited for those who need temporary emergency medical coverage while in Canada, including super visa applicants, foreign workers, students, and new immigrants awaiting eligibility for provincial healthcare. It is also a good choice for returning Canadian expats who lack immediate access to public health insurance.
- Flexible coverage options: $50,000, $100,000, or $150,000
- Covers hospitalization, repatriation, and emergency dental care
- Allows short trips outside Canada without canceling coverage
- Trip Break option provides flexibility for temporary returns home
- No coverage for routine medical care or pre-existing unstable conditions
- Does not cover pregnancy-related expenses or mental health services
- Private hospital rooms are not covered
- What types of health insurance are available in Canada?
- Why you may need private insurance in Canada
- Affordable health insurance by province
- The Best affordable health insurance plans in Canada
- How to Choose a Cheaper Yet Reliable Health Insurance Plan?
- What are some cheap or free health services without insurance?
- On the same topic
Health care in Canada is publicly funded, but it is not entirely free, nor is it fully comprehensive. While provincial health insurance covers doctor visits and hospital care, it typically does not include dental, vision, prescription drugs, or paramedical services like physiotherapy or mental health support.
That is where private health insurance comes in. But with plans varying widely by province, age, and personal health needs, navigating the landscape and premiums can be overwhelming.
This guide will help you understand the types of health insurance available, compare affordable plans across Canada, and find the best coverage for your budget, whether you're a student, parent, retiree, newcomer, or simply someone looking to save on health care costs.
Affordable Health Insurance: Key Takeways
- Despite public health coverage, Canadians still have to pay 30% of their medical expenses out of pocket.
- This amounts to $1,000 to $3,000 a year, depending on your health needs.
- This is why many Canadians choose to get private health insurance.
- The most expensive insurance premiums are in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.
- The most affordable are found in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba.
- On average, private health insurance costs between $75 and $150 a month.
What types of health insurance are available in Canada?
Canada’s health insurance system is a mix of public and private coverage, with different types of insurance available depending on your health needs, age, income, and province of residence. Here's an overview of the different types of health coverage available:
Public Health Insurance
Every Canadian citizen and permanent resident has access to public health insurance through their province or territory. This is commonly referred to as "Medicare". It covers necessary hospital and doctor visits and is funded by taxes. Anybody who has acquired residency in Canada is entitled to Medicare; it might just take up to 3 months for the coverage to begin.
Common examples of public health insurance are:
- The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
- Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia
- Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Group Health Insurance
Many Canadians receive additional insurance through their employer or union in the form of group health plans. These policies often provide more comprehensive coverage than public insurance alone, including benefits such as prescription drugs, dental and vision care, mental health services, and paramedical treatments like physiotherapy or chiropractic care.
Group insurance plans are typically more cost-effective, as premiums are partially or fully paid by the employer, and pooled risk allows for better rates and broader coverage than most individual plans.
Private Health Insurance
Individuals who do not have access to employer-sponsored coverage can purchase private health insurance directly from insurers. These plans are customizable based on your needs and budget, with options ranging from basic to enhanced packages. Depending on the level of coverage selected, they can include dental care, prescription drugs, vision services, therapy, and travel health insurance.
Major providers offer individual health plans in Canada, including Canada Life, Blue Cross, Green Shield, and Manulife.
Travel and Visitor Health Insurance
Travel and visitor health insurance is designed for Canadians travelling abroad as well as for visitors, immigrants, and international students in Canada who are not eligible for provincial health coverage. These plans typically cover emergency medical services, hospital stays, and repatriation costs.
For Super Visa applicants and many international students, having this type of insurance is not only recommended but often mandatory.
Student Health Insurance
Most universities in Canada include health insurance plans for full-time students, including international students. These plans generally cover doctor visits, prescription medications, and basic dental and vision care. The cost is typically bundled into tuition fees, ensuring students have access to essential health services during their studies.
Government-Supported Drug or Dental Programs
Finally, certain provinces provide partial drug or dental coverage for children, seniors, or low-income individuals through targeted public programs, such as the Ontario Drug Benefit, BC Fair PharmaCare, or the Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12.
Why you may need private insurance in Canada
Canada's publicly funded health care covers about 70% of total health expenditures. The remaining 30% is an out-of-pocket expense, or can be covered through private insurance.
Provincial health plans do not cover:
❌ Prescription medications outside a hospital
❌ Routine dental and vision care
❌ Services by paramedical professionals (physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors)
❌ Medical equipment (wheelchairs, prostheses, orthotics)
❌ Psychological services or psychotherapy outside hospital settings
❌ Ambulance and emergency services in some provinces.
These exclusions come at a cost. In a recent national survey, 29% of Canadians paid over $1,000 in out‑of‑pocket expenses for health or dental services in the past year, with 9% spending over $3,000...
Here is the typical cost of certain medical procedures in Canada when not covered:
| Service | Typical Uninsured Cost |
|---|---|
| Dental exam & cleaning | $100–$300 per visit |
| Prescription drugs | $50–$400/month |
| Eye exam + glasses | $150–$250/year |
| Physiotherapy session | $80–$120/session |
| Private psychotherapy session | $120–$200/session |
| Mobility aids / devices | Up to $5,000 for braces, orthotics, etc. |
Bridging the Gap
While provincial plans provide an essential safety net, their coverage is not fully comprehensive. Private insurance helps fill critical health gaps, offering financial security, broader access to care, and peace of mind.
Affordable health insurance by province
Private health insurance premiums in Canada vary by province, based on local coverage gaps, healthcare costs, and insurance market dynamics. The graph below shows average monthly premiums (for policyholders aged 21 to 44) for major provinces:
Average Monthly Private Health Insurance Premiums by Province.
As shown in the graph above, health insurance premiums tend to be more affordable in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba, largely due to smaller markets and less demand for private coverage driven by narrower medical service gaps.
On the other hand, premiums in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta are the most expensive due to high demand for supplemental services and dense population.
Cost Drivers per Province
- Population density: The more people, the more demand for private insurance, the higher the prices.
- Public coverage gaps: Provinces with minimal drug, dental, or vision coverage push more people toward supplemental plans, therefore driving premiums up.
- Competitive insurance market: Provinces with many insurers offering similar standard plans often show slightly lower rates.
The Best affordable health insurance plans in Canada
Affordable health insurance for families
Families usually need plans that cover more than just the basics, especially for dental, vision, and prescription drugs for children. The following offers are catered to these needs:
- Select or Guaranteed Plan by Canada Life: It offers strong family bundles with flexible drug and dental coverage. Their plans can include dependents and allow for add-ons like orthodontics or enhanced paramedical care.
- Flexcare Combo Plans by Manulife: Ideal for families needing broader coverage. Includes preventive dental, vision, and generous limits for prescriptions. Can be upgraded to include children’s dental or physio.
- Personal Health Plans by Blue Cross: Family-friendly pricing, especially for couples with children. Known for strong dental and vision coverage tiers, plus add-ons like travel and hospital cash.
- GreenShield’s Economic/Basic Tier plan: At around $142 per month, it offers some of the strongest dental coverage on the market, an advantage for families with growing children or frequent dental care needs. While the premium is higher than entry-level options, the enhanced benefits make it a worthwhile and comprehensive choice.
Affordable health care for students
Students typically need low-cost coverage with access to mental health services, walk-in visits, and basic prescriptions. Many are already covered under university group plans, but those without it (especially part-time or international students) need personal policies:
- GMS’s Basic Plan: Offers some of the most affordable health insurance in Canada, with monthly premiums starting around $60 to $90. Recognized by PolicyAdvisor as the lowest-priced option, it includes coverage for essential prescription drugs, vision care, and general practitioner visits, with versions tailored specifically to the needs of post-secondary students.
- GreenShield’s Build-Your-Own model: Well-suited for students who need coverage for specific services like prescription drugs or mental health support without paying for a full health package. It is very useful for part-time students or those no longer eligible under a parent’s plan. For those seeking good dental coverage, the basic tier offers solid benefits at slightly higher monthly premiums.
- Student Health Plans (varies by province) by Blue Cross: Some provincial Blue Cross organizations (e.g., Québec, Ontario) offer dedicated student products with good international student options.
Good to Know
If you are under 25 and a full-time student, check if your school’s plan already covers you, or if you are still eligible under your parents’ group insurance.
Affordable health insurance for working adults
If you are not covered by an employer plan and do not fall into a specific category like family, student, or visitor, you will most likely need a personal plan that balances cost with decent coverage for everyday needs like prescriptions, dental, and physio. In this case, we recommend the following plans:
- Blue Cross' Entry Plan (Ontario): For approximately $90 per month, this basic personal health plan includes coverage for prescription drugs and paramedical services, making it a solid and accessible option for Ontario residents.
- Sun Life’s Health Coverage Choice plan: Starting at around $60 per month, it provides entry-level private health insurance with flexible options. It includes coverage for prescription drugs and offers the possibility to add basic vision and dental care, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking for affordable and customizable protection.
- GMS' Basic Plan: Priced at approximately $90 per month and recognized, it provides essential coverage at a competitive rate, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking straightforward, budget-conscious protection.
Good To Know
If you are self-employed, private health premiums may be tax-deductible as a business expense.
Affordable health insurance for international visitors
International visitors, whether on tourist visas, work permits, or waiting for provincial coverage, need short-term plans that focus on emergency medical care, hospitalization, and sometimes repatriation. Here are well-suited offers:
- Manulife's Travel Insurance & Super Visa Plans: Offers comprehensive emergency health insurance for visitors to Canada, including policies that meet Super Visa requirements (minimum $100,000 coverage).
- Blue Cross' Emergency Medical Plans for Visitors: A Reputable provider for travel insurance. Includes multilingual support and coverage for emergency hospital care and doctor visits. Can be extended up to a year.
- GMS' Immigrant & Visitor Health Plans: Tailored for new arrivals who are not yet eligible for provincial coverage. Covers emergency services, diagnostics, and hospital stays.
To sum it up:
| Profile | Provider & Plan Name | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Canada Life – Select or Guaranteed Plan | $110–$175 |
| Manulife – Flexcare Combo Plans | $115–$170 | |
| Blue Cross – Personal Health Plans | $100–$160 | |
| GreenShield – Economic/Basic Tier | ~$142 | |
| Students | GMS – Basic Student Plan | $60–$90 |
| GreenShield – Build-Your-Own Model | $75–$120 | |
| Blue Cross – Student Health Plans (varies) | $70–$110 | |
| Working Adults | Blue Cross (Ontario) – Entry Plan | ~$90 |
| Sun Life – Health Coverage Choice | ~$60 | |
| GMS – Basic Plan | ~$90 | |
| International Visitors | Manulife – Super Visa & Travel Plans | $70–$150 |
| Blue Cross – Emergency Medical for Visitors | $80–$140 | |
| GMS – Immigrant & Visitor Health Plans | $75–$130 |
How to Choose a Cheaper Yet Reliable Health Insurance Plan?
Here are our main tips to get the cheapest private health insurance without sacrificing the quality of its coverage:
- Check if you are already covered
Whether it is your province's public coverage, a group plan through your employer, union, or university, chances are some of your medical expenses are already covered one way or another. Identifying what is already free can help you avoid overpaying for redundant private coverage.
- Compare multiple providers and plans
Prices for similar coverage can vary significantly between insurers. Instead of browsing dozens of sites, use a comparison platform (like the one at the top of this page) that filters based on your location, age, and needs. This will save you time and money.
- Assess the insurer's reputation
Are your eyes set on a specific insurer? Before you sign anything, look for customer reviews, complaint records, and clarity in their claims process. Cheap coverage is not worth it if claims are rejected or if you are struggling to get a hold of your provider.
- Opt for core coverage only
Avoid add-ons (like travel or semi-private hospital rooms) unless you truly need them. Focus on plans that include only the coverage you will realistically use, so you do not end up paying for services you never need.
- Choose a higher deductible
If you are healthy and you do not expect to need frequent and expensive medical attention, you might want to pick a higher deductible. The higher the deductible, the cheaper the premium.
- Beware of limits and exclusions
Some cheap plans have strict reimbursement caps (e.g., $200/year for dental) or long waiting periods. We recommend reading the policy carefully to ensure it is actually useful when needed.
- Bundle health and dental plans
Providers such as Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Blue Cross, and Sun Life all offer bundled policies that combine prescription drug coverage, dental care, vision services, and paramedical treatments under one policy. Premiums are generally lower than purchasing two separate plans, and clients benefit from unified deductibles, simplified claims processes, and sometimes higher annual reimbursement limits.
- Pay annually instead of monthly
If this is something you can afford to do, we recommend paying your premium yearly instead of monthly. Indeed, some providers offer a small discount for lump-sum payments.
One Final Tip
Even once you have chosen your ideal health insurance plan, we recommend keeping an eye out for better offers. Your insurer's competitors might come up with better coverage, or your very own health needs might evolve and require a different protection.
What are some cheap or free health services without insurance?
Even without private insurance, many health services in Canada remain accessible through public programs, clinics, and community-based initiatives. Below is an overview of the most common free or low-cost services for people without health insurance:
| Cheap / Free Medical Services | What They Offer |
|---|---|
| Community Health Centres (CHCs) | Located across the country, CHCs offer free or income-based healthcare services for uninsured people, newcomers to Canada, or those facing financial hardship. They provide access to general practitioners, mental health professionals, and chronic disease management. |
| Walk-in clinics | If you are not covered by a provincial health plan, some clinics may still see you on a private-pay basis, typically charging between $60 and $120 per visit. While the services are limited, these clinics remain one of the most affordable ways to access a physician. |
| Public health units | They provide free preventive care and education services, often including vaccinations (i.e., flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines), STI testing, pregnancy testing, and sexual health counseling. These services are typically funded by provincial governments and available to all residents, regardless of their insurance status. |
| Provincial mental health support | Free helplines and virtual counseling services are available in most provinces. National programs, like Wellness Together Canada, provide free online therapy and mental health coaching. Provinces also offer their own resources, such as ConnexOntario or local 811 lines. |
| University teaching clinics | Vision and dental care can be accessible for little money through university teaching clinics. Dental and optometry schools in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver operate supervised student-run clinics that offer care at significantly reduced prices (often 30 to 70% less than standard clinics). |
| Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) | Refugees and asylum seekers may qualify for free health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program, which covers physician visits, emergency hospital services, and many prescription medications. |
| Provincial drug programs | Ontario’s Trillium Drug Program or British Columbia’s Fair PharmaCare offer subsidized drug costs for individuals or families whose prescription expenses represent a significant portion of their income. |
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