Is Beneva Health Insurance Worth It? Canada Reviews 2025

Our expert's review of Beneva (SSQ)

Last update: June 23, 2025
Beneva (SSQ)
Beneva (SSQ)
3
hellosafe-logoScore
Daniel Clarke
Daniel Clarke
Personal finance expert

Beneva (formerly SSQ) critical illness insurance stands out for its highly modular, customizable coverage, offering a wide range of options from basic (3 illnesses) to enhanced plans covering up to 29 adult and childhood conditions. The flexibility to choose between term (10, 20, to 75 years) and permanent (to 100 years) coverage, with benefit amounts up to $2,000,000, puts Beneva among the most comprehensive CI products in Canada. Features like early-stage cancer benefits, multi-life policies, strong included assistance (24/7 medical/legal/concierge services), and tailored child endorsements set it apart. It is especially suited to those seeking tailored critical illness protection for themselves, their family, or dependent children, and for clients seeking advanced features like premium return or extended assistance. Beneva is an established Canadian insurer, though Trustpilot public opinion is very poor (1.3/5 from 166 reviews, with major complaints about service, claims handling, and digital access). Rigid moratorium periods, extensive exclusions, and lack of price transparency must be weighed against solid product design. Claims and payments are not described as fast or responsive in public feedback, but coverage breadth and options remain market-leading.

  • Extensive list of covered critical illnesses
  • Flexible terms and permanent options to age 100
  • Multi-life policy: covers up to 6 people
  • Early-stage cancer and fracture riders available
  • Broad 24/7 assistance for medical and legal issues
  • Waiver of premium and return of premium options
  • Comprehensive child and family coverage add-ons
  • Very low customer satisfaction (1.3/5 on Trustpilot)
  • Long claims processing and poor service feedback
  • No public premium/pricing transparency
  • Challenging online client experience
  • Strict moratorium periods and exclusions
  • Extensive list of covered critical illnesses
  • Flexible terms and permanent options to age 100
  • Multi-life policy: covers up to 6 people
  • Early-stage cancer and fracture riders available
  • Broad 24/7 assistance for medical and legal issues
  • Waiver of premium and return of premium options
  • Comprehensive child and family coverage add-ons

Our expert's review of Beneva (SSQ)

Last update: June 23, 2025
Daniel Clarke
Daniel Clarke
Personal finance expert
Beneva (SSQ)
Beneva (SSQ)
3
hellosafe-logoScore

Beneva (formerly SSQ) critical illness insurance stands out for its highly modular, customizable coverage, offering a wide range of options from basic (3 illnesses) to enhanced plans covering up to 29 adult and childhood conditions. The flexibility to choose between term (10, 20, to 75 years) and permanent (to 100 years) coverage, with benefit amounts up to $2,000,000, puts Beneva among the most comprehensive CI products in Canada. Features like early-stage cancer benefits, multi-life policies, strong included assistance (24/7 medical/legal/concierge services), and tailored child endorsements set it apart. It is especially suited to those seeking tailored critical illness protection for themselves, their family, or dependent children, and for clients seeking advanced features like premium return or extended assistance. Beneva is an established Canadian insurer, though Trustpilot public opinion is very poor (1.3/5 from 166 reviews, with major complaints about service, claims handling, and digital access). Rigid moratorium periods, extensive exclusions, and lack of price transparency must be weighed against solid product design. Claims and payments are not described as fast or responsive in public feedback, but coverage breadth and options remain market-leading.

  • Extensive list of covered critical illnesses
  • Flexible terms and permanent options to age 100
  • Multi-life policy: covers up to 6 people
  • Early-stage cancer and fracture riders available
  • Broad 24/7 assistance for medical and legal issues
  • Waiver of premium and return of premium options
  • Comprehensive child and family coverage add-ons
  • Very low customer satisfaction (1.3/5 on Trustpilot)
  • Long claims processing and poor service feedback
  • No public premium/pricing transparency
  • Challenging online client experience
  • Strict moratorium periods and exclusions
  • Extensive list of covered critical illnesses
  • Flexible terms and permanent options to age 100
  • Multi-life policy: covers up to 6 people
  • Early-stage cancer and fracture riders available
  • Broad 24/7 assistance for medical and legal issues
  • Waiver of premium and return of premium options
  • Comprehensive child and family coverage add-ons
Table of Contents
  • What does Beneva (SSQ) health insurance cover?
  • What is the cost of Beneva (SSQ) health insurance in 2025?
  • Is Beneva (SSQ) health insurance accessible to newcomers?
  • Does Beneva (SSQ) health insurance cover seniors?
  • How does reimbursement work with Beneva (SSQ)?
  • How to contact Beneva (SSQ) health insurance?
  • Beneva (SSQ) Promo Codes
  • FAQ
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Why trust HelloSafe?

Why trust HelloSafe? HelloSafe is an international expert in health insurance, helping over a million users each month find the right coverage. Our experts have evaluated the offers from 48 insurers in Canada, thoroughly analyzing their coverage, rates, and quality of service.

What does Beneva (SSQ) health insurance cover?

Beneva (SSQ) stands out with modular health formulas: the Basic covers 3 critical illnesses with a tax-free lump sum, while the Enhanced includes over 25 conditions and generous supplementary benefits for early-stage cancer and coronary issues. The children’s options add rare pediatric coverage. Strengths include flexible term lengths, comprehensive assistance, prevention, and solid reimbursement ceilings. However, Beneva (SSQ) health does not always cover mild or early diagnoses and applies moratorium periods.

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Important

for you to make an informed choice, we have added a column with coverage from the public health system.

Routine medical care

GarantieRAMQBasic FormulaEnhanced FormulaChild Formula
Médicaments sur ordonnance68%
Deductible monthly: $22
Cap: $99.65/month
100% reimbursement
No deductible
Annual max: $10,000
100% reimbursement
No deductible
Annual max: $50,000
100% reimbursement
No deductible
Annual max: $10,000
Hospitalisation100%
Standard ward only (shared room of 3+ beds)
Not covered100% private or semi-private room
Unlimited days
100% private or semi-private room
Unlimited days
Transport ambulancier0%
(Except for aged or social assistance recipients)
$1,000 reimbursement
Per illness/event
$3,000 reimbursement
Per illness/event
$2,000 reimbursement
Per illness/event
Soins à domicile0%
(Except drugs/medical equipment with prior approval)
Not covered$2,500 reimbursement
Per year
$2,000 reimbursement
Per year
Analyse de laboratoire0%
(Outside public hospital)
$75 reimbursement
Per year
$200 reimbursement
Per year
$200 reimbursement
Per year
Tableau comparatif des garanties d'assurance.
Médicaments sur ordonnance
RAMQ
68%
Deductible monthly: $22
Cap: $99.65/month
Basic Formula
100% reimbursement
No deductible
Annual max: $10,000
Enhanced Formula
100% reimbursement
No deductible
Annual max: $50,000
Child Formula
100% reimbursement
No deductible
Annual max: $10,000
Hospitalisation
RAMQ
100%
Standard ward only (shared room of 3+ beds)
Basic Formula
Not covered
Enhanced Formula
100% private or semi-private room
Unlimited days
Child Formula
100% private or semi-private room
Unlimited days
Transport ambulancier
RAMQ
0%
(Except for aged or social assistance recipients)
Basic Formula
$1,000 reimbursement
Per illness/event
Enhanced Formula
$3,000 reimbursement
Per illness/event
Child Formula
$2,000 reimbursement
Per illness/event
Soins à domicile
RAMQ
0%
(Except drugs/medical equipment with prior approval)
Basic Formula
Not covered
Enhanced Formula
$2,500 reimbursement
Per year
Child Formula
$2,000 reimbursement
Per year
Analyse de laboratoire
RAMQ
0%
(Outside public hospital)
Basic Formula
$75 reimbursement
Per year
Enhanced Formula
$200 reimbursement
Per year
Child Formula
$200 reimbursement
Per year
Tableau comparatif des garanties d'assurance.

Dental care

GuaranteeRAMQBasic FormulaEnhanced FormulaChild Formula
Preventive and routine dental careNot covered80% reimbursement, $500/year90% reimbursement, $1,000/year90% reimbursement, $1,000/year
Basic dental careNot covered80% reimbursement, $1,000/year90% reimbursement, $2,000/year90% reimbursement, $2,000/year
Major dental careNot coveredNot covered60% reimbursement, $2,000/year60% reimbursement, $2,000/year
OrthodonticsNot coveredNot covered50% reimbursement, $1,500/lifetime50% reimbursement, $2,000/lifetime
Comparison of dental care guarantees.
Preventive and routine dental care
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
80% reimbursement, $500/year
Enhanced Formula
90% reimbursement, $1,000/year
Child Formula
90% reimbursement, $1,000/year
Basic dental care
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
80% reimbursement, $1,000/year
Enhanced Formula
90% reimbursement, $2,000/year
Child Formula
90% reimbursement, $2,000/year
Major dental care
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
Not covered
Enhanced Formula
60% reimbursement, $2,000/year
Child Formula
60% reimbursement, $2,000/year
Orthodontics
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
Not covered
Enhanced Formula
50% reimbursement, $1,500/lifetime
Child Formula
50% reimbursement, $2,000/lifetime
Comparison of dental care guarantees.

Vision care

GuaranteeRAMQBasic FormulaEnhanced FormulaChild Formula
Glasses, contact lenses, surgeryNot covered80% reimbursement, $150/year90% reimbursement, $250/year90% reimbursement, $250/year
Optometrist consultationOne exam every 24 months for under 18 or 65+80% reimbursement, $50/year100% reimbursement, $100/year100% reimbursement, $100/year
Glasses, contact lenses, surgery
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
80% reimbursement, $150/year
Enhanced Formula
90% reimbursement, $250/year
Child Formula
90% reimbursement, $250/year
Optometrist consultation
RAMQ
One exam every 24 months for under 18 or 65+
Basic Formula
80% reimbursement, $50/year
Enhanced Formula
100% reimbursement, $100/year
Child Formula
100% reimbursement, $100/year

Specialized and paramedical care

GuaranteeRAMQBasic FormulaEnhanced FormulaChild Formula
Alternative medicineNot covered50% reimbursement, $300/year, max $40/consultation80% reimbursement, $500/year, max $55/consultation80% reimbursement, $500/year, max $55/consultation
PsychologistNot covered50% reimbursement, $500/year, max $70/consultation80% reimbursement, $750/year, max $90/consultation80% reimbursement, $750/year, max $90/consultation
Speech therapyNot coveredNot covered80% reimbursement, $350/year, max $60/consultation80% reimbursement, $350/year, max $60/consultation
Travel insuranceNot coveredEmergency coverage $5,000,000 per trip, 60 days maxEmergency coverage $5,000,000 per trip, 60 days maxEmergency coverage $5,000,000 per trip, 60 days max
Alternative medicine
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
50% reimbursement, $300/year, max $40/consultation
Enhanced Formula
80% reimbursement, $500/year, max $55/consultation
Child Formula
80% reimbursement, $500/year, max $55/consultation
Psychologist
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
50% reimbursement, $500/year, max $70/consultation
Enhanced Formula
80% reimbursement, $750/year, max $90/consultation
Child Formula
80% reimbursement, $750/year, max $90/consultation
Speech therapy
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
Not covered
Enhanced Formula
80% reimbursement, $350/year, max $60/consultation
Child Formula
80% reimbursement, $350/year, max $60/consultation
Travel insurance
RAMQ
Not covered
Basic Formula
Emergency coverage $5,000,000 per trip, 60 days max
Enhanced Formula
Emergency coverage $5,000,000 per trip, 60 days max
Child Formula
Emergency coverage $5,000,000 per trip, 60 days max
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Good to know

Who can apply for Beneva (SSQ) health insurance: * Any resident of Canada * Must be covered by their provincial or territorial government health insurance plan * Minimum age to apply is 18 * Dependent children can be covered up to age 21, or up to age 25 if they are full-time students. You can add or remove family members (e.g., spouse, children) from your policy during your contract term. Choose from 4 types of coverage based on your situation: * Individual – For you alone * Couple – For you and your spouse or partner * Single-parent – For one adult and their dependent children * Family – For two adults and their dependent children

👉 Compare the best health insurance offers in Canada for free.Discover the offers

What is the cost of Beneva (SSQ) health insurance in 2025?

Type of protection (household composition)Basic formulaEnhanced formulaChild formula
Individual (1 insured)About $30/monthAbout $60/monthAbout $15/month
Couple (2 insureds)About $58/monthAbout $116/monthAbout $28/month
Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children)About $44/monthAbout $87/monthAbout $34/month
Family (2 adults + 2 children)About $78/monthAbout $152/monthAbout $52/month
Individual (1 insured)
Basic formula
About $30/month
Enhanced formula
About $60/month
Child formula
About $15/month
Couple (2 insureds)
Basic formula
About $58/month
Enhanced formula
About $116/month
Child formula
About $28/month
Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children)
Basic formula
About $44/month
Enhanced formula
About $87/month
Child formula
About $34/month
Family (2 adults + 2 children)
Basic formula
About $78/month
Enhanced formula
About $152/month
Child formula
About $52/month

Ces tarifs sont donnés à titre indicatifs. Les primes réelles peuvent différer en fonction de votre situation personnelle et des options choisies.

👉 Compare the best health insurance offers in Canada for free.Discover the offers

Is Beneva (SSQ) health insurance accessible to newcomers?

Beneva (SSQ) health insurance targets new arrivals to Canada, including temporary and permanent residents, international students, expatriates, and foreign workers. It is particularly useful during mandatory waiting periods before gaining access to the public health system, or for visitors who are not eligible for provincial plans.

Main benefits include:

  • Medical care: Coverage for doctors’ visits and consultations when medically necessary, usually reimbursed up to a set percentage, for example, 80%.
  • Prescribed care: Includes prescription drugs and medical tests prescribed by a physician, often up to an annual maximum (for example, $500 to $1,000).
  • Specialized care: Access to diagnostic examinations, specialist consultations, or paramedical services within certain limits set per claim or per year.
  • Emergency dental care: Covers expenses for dental treatment following an accident or sudden pain, typically up to a limit (for example, $150 to $250 per accident).
  • Medical transport: Covers the cost of ambulance transportation or emergency repatriation, especially important if hospitalization is required after an accident or illness.
  • Other expenses (hospitalization or in case of death): Daily allowance in case of hospital stay, or assistance with repatriation in case of death, as per the contract conditions and maximums.

Policy duration is typically limited to one year, renewable if eligibility criteria are met. There are restrictions for travel outside Canada: coverage may be limited or suspended if you leave the country for extended periods. Admissibility generally requires a minimum age of 15 days and a maximum age at entry (often 65 or 70 years old), holding valid status (temporary resident, work or study permit, etc.), and staying a minimum duration as specified in the contract.

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Bon à savoir

If you submit a claim for an already diagnosed condition before coverage started, pre-existing condition exclusions may apply. Always read the policy to verify what is and isn’t covered in detail.

Does Beneva (SSQ) health insurance cover seniors?

Beneva (SSQ) health insurance is intended for retirees and seniors, especially those who have recently lost group insurance after the end of employment. The program allows you to convert your former group coverage into individual coverage, usually without the need for a new medical assessment. Requests must be made within a specific period after the group insurance ends, typically within 60 days.

Several options are available within the Parcours assurance santéMD program:

  • Basic coverage: Includes hospitalization, reimbursement for outpatient medical and surgical care, access to support services, and some prescription drug expenses.
  • Extended coverage: Adds to the basic plan by including higher reimbursement limits, specialist consultations, paramedical care, and preventative care.
  • Travel health insurance: Provides emergency medical coverage outside your province of residence, including hospital care and medical repatriation during travel.
  • Vision care: Offers coverage for eye exams, corrective lenses, and glasses on a periodic basis as stipulated in the plan.
  • Home care services: Assistance at home for recovery following an illness or accident, such as nursing visits and rehabilitation support.

Eligibility for conversion is subject to certain conditions: you must hold group insurance with Beneva (SSQ) and submit your request within the required time after group coverage ends. Some benefits and reimbursements may vary according to the option chosen and your region of residence.

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Bon à savoir

If you do not request your conversion within the deadline, you may need to provide new proof of insurability and could lose access to certain advantages reserved for former group members.

How does reimbursement work with Beneva (SSQ)?

FunctionalityAvailabilityExpert opinion
Online claim submissionAllows you to upload your claims quickly and get reimbursed without mailing paperwork or waiting in line.
Mobile applicationLets you manage your insurance and access support on your smartphone at any time, wherever you are.
Client space for reimbursement trackingEnables you to monitor your claim status and access your reimbursement history in real time.
Reimbursement simulatorNo simulation tool means you must contact customer service to estimate reimbursements before making claims.
Reimbursement delay48hReimbursements are usually processed within two business days for eligible online claims.
Add or remove members at no costAny change to the list of insured persons generally incurs an administrative fee.
Telephone assistance with a caregiverGives you the opportunity to speak directly to a healthcare professional for guidance or urgent questions.
Second medical opinionOffers direct access to external specialists to confirm a diagnosis or suggest additional treatment steps.
24/7 travel assistanceProvides emergency help anytime if you travel, including health, legal, and logistical support worldwide.
Summary of insurance functionalities, availability, and expert opinions.
Online claim submission
Availability
Expert opinion
Allows you to upload your claims quickly and get reimbursed without mailing paperwork or waiting in line.
Mobile application
Availability
Expert opinion
Lets you manage your insurance and access support on your smartphone at any time, wherever you are.
Client space for reimbursement tracking
Availability
Expert opinion
Enables you to monitor your claim status and access your reimbursement history in real time.
Reimbursement simulator
Availability
Expert opinion
No simulation tool means you must contact customer service to estimate reimbursements before making claims.
Reimbursement delay
Availability
48h
Expert opinion
Reimbursements are usually processed within two business days for eligible online claims.
Add or remove members at no cost
Availability
Expert opinion
Any change to the list of insured persons generally incurs an administrative fee.
Telephone assistance with a caregiver
Availability
Expert opinion
Gives you the opportunity to speak directly to a healthcare professional for guidance or urgent questions.
Second medical opinion
Availability
Expert opinion
Offers direct access to external specialists to confirm a diagnosis or suggest additional treatment steps.
24/7 travel assistance
Availability
Expert opinion
Provides emergency help anytime if you travel, including health, legal, and logistical support worldwide.
Summary of insurance functionalities, availability, and expert opinions.

How to contact Beneva (SSQ) health insurance?

Reason for contactContact Beneva (SSQ)
I want a health insurance quote 🧾Use the “Devis en ligne” tool on beneva.ca. You can also call 1-888-653-2426 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm), select options for individual health insurance.
I need an insurance certificate 🧾Download your certificate from your online account or call 1-888-653-2426, choose “documents” in the menu (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm).
I need medical assistance 🩺Call the assistance number provided in your policy. If unknown, call 1-888-653-2426 and ask for “24/7 medical assistance.” This service is available at all times.
I want to report an incident or track reimbursement 🔍Log in to your online account for claim tracking, or call 1-888-653-2426 (choose “claims” in the menu, Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm).
A table outlining different reasons for contacting Beneva (SSQ) and the corresponding contact methods.
I want a health insurance quote 🧾
Contact Beneva (SSQ)
Use the “Devis en ligne” tool on beneva.ca. You can also call 1-888-653-2426 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm), select options for individual health insurance.
I need an insurance certificate 🧾
Contact Beneva (SSQ)
Download your certificate from your online account or call 1-888-653-2426, choose “documents” in the menu (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm).
I need medical assistance 🩺
Contact Beneva (SSQ)
Call the assistance number provided in your policy. If unknown, call 1-888-653-2426 and ask for “24/7 medical assistance.” This service is available at all times.
I want to report an incident or track reimbursement 🔍
Contact Beneva (SSQ)
Log in to your online account for claim tracking, or call 1-888-653-2426 (choose “claims” in the menu, Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm).
A table outlining different reasons for contacting Beneva (SSQ) and the corresponding contact methods.

Beneva (SSQ) Promo Codes

Beneva (SSQ) promo codesDetails
HelloSafe promo code
  • 5% via comparator
Beneva (SSQ) promo codes
HelloSafe promo code
Details
  • 5% via comparator
Beneva (SSQ) promo codes

Note: Les codes promos sont susceptibles de changer. Pour obtenir les derniers codes promos, rendez-vous sur notre comparatif des meilleures assurances santé.

FAQ

Who can subscribe to Beneva (SSQ) health insurance?

You can purchase a Beneva (SSQ) health insurance policy directly on the partner’s official website. However, it is best to compare different options online first, using our health insurance comparison tool, to make an informed decision.

Are there any age conditions with Beneva (SSQ)?

Beneva (SSQ) generally accepts applicants between the ages of 18 and 65 for new contracts. For certain plans, there may be more specific age limits or conditions—details are indicated during the application process.

Can you add or remove insured members with Beneva (SSQ)?

It is possible to add a spouse or children to your Beneva (SSQ) policy. Changes to covered family members can typically be made during renewal periods or by contacting customer service.

Does Beneva (SSQ) offer direct billing for health practitioners?

Direct billing is not always available with every health practitioner. You may need to pay providers directly before submitting your receipt for reimbursement from Beneva (SSQ).

What types of health coverage options are available at Beneva (SSQ)?

Beneva (SSQ) offers several modular health insurance plans, ranging from basic to enhanced options. Coverage can include hospital care, medication, paramedical services, and travel emergency assistance.

How can I access my Beneva (SSQ) insurance documents and reimbursement statements?

You can access your insurance documents, claims, and reimbursement history by logging in to your secure online client space on the Beneva (SSQ) website. This platform is available at all times.

Who can subscribe to Beneva (SSQ) health insurance?

You can purchase a Beneva (SSQ) health insurance policy directly on the partner’s official website. However, it is best to compare different options online first, using our health insurance comparison tool, to make an informed decision.

Are there any age conditions with Beneva (SSQ)?

Beneva (SSQ) generally accepts applicants between the ages of 18 and 65 for new contracts. For certain plans, there may be more specific age limits or conditions—details are indicated during the application process.

Can you add or remove insured members with Beneva (SSQ)?

It is possible to add a spouse or children to your Beneva (SSQ) policy. Changes to covered family members can typically be made during renewal periods or by contacting customer service.

Does Beneva (SSQ) offer direct billing for health practitioners?

Direct billing is not always available with every health practitioner. You may need to pay providers directly before submitting your receipt for reimbursement from Beneva (SSQ).

What types of health coverage options are available at Beneva (SSQ)?

Beneva (SSQ) offers several modular health insurance plans, ranging from basic to enhanced options. Coverage can include hospital care, medication, paramedical services, and travel emergency assistance.

How can I access my Beneva (SSQ) insurance documents and reimbursement statements?

You can access your insurance documents, claims, and reimbursement history by logging in to your secure online client space on the Beneva (SSQ) website. This platform is available at all times.

Daniel Clarke
Daniel Clarke
Personal finance expert
HelloSafe
Daniel is a Canadian personal finance expert passionate about making financial literacy more accessible to everyone. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s in Financial Planning from York University. Before joining HelloSafe, he worked as a financial coach and content editor for a number of fintech platforms across Canada. At HelloSafe, Daniel writes clear and practical guides on insurance, credit, savings, and budgeting—always with the goal of helping readers make confident and informed money decisions.

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