The Co-operators Health Insurance: Our 2025 Review & Guide
Our expert's review of Co-operators
Co-operators health insurance stands out for its comprehensive group and retiree plans, with strong emphasis on wellness and digital services such as virtual care and extensive mental health support. Their ContinYou GOLDEN retiree plan offers three levels, with drug coverage from $1,500 up to $5,000 per year, competitive dental coverage (75%-80% coinsurance for Enhanced options), and notable home nursing and travel medical benefits—positioning Co-operators as a robust mid-to-premium provider, especially when compared to providers like Sun Life or Manulife.
This insurer is especially recommended for employed Canadians with access to a group plan or retirees aged 50-75 seeking extensive health coverage, including dental and virtual care. Co-operators is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurance groups; in 2022, their annual premium volume for all insurance exceeded $6 billion, confirming solid financial strength.
No Trustpilot or Google review data is officially available, but claims are managed digitally (Benefits Now® app), with a direct-pay drug card and swift eligibility for digital services. Precise waiting periods and reimbursement timelines are not disclosed publicly.
- ✅Comprehensive coverage for group and retirees
- ✅Strong digital and virtual health tools
- ✅Dedicated mental health and wellness benefits
- ✅Flexible plan options for retirees
- ✅Direct-pay digital drug card for easy pharmacy use
- ✅Bilingual (English/French) service
- ✅Emergency travel medical included
- ❌No public pricing or discounts disclosed
- ❌Eligibility limited for retiree plans (ages 50-75)
- ❌No clear details on paramedical coverage limits
- ❌No Trustpilot or Google review ratings available
- ❌Waiting periods and deductibles not published
- ✅Comprehensive coverage for group and retirees
- ✅Strong digital and virtual health tools
- ✅Dedicated mental health and wellness benefits
- ✅Flexible plan options for retirees
- ✅Direct-pay digital drug card for easy pharmacy use
- ✅Bilingual (English/French) service
- ✅Emergency travel medical included
Our expert's review of Co-operators
- ✅Comprehensive coverage for group and retirees
- ✅Strong digital and virtual health tools
- ✅Dedicated mental health and wellness benefits
- ✅Flexible plan options for retirees
- ✅Direct-pay digital drug card for easy pharmacy use
- ✅Bilingual (English/French) service
- ✅Emergency travel medical included
- ❌No public pricing or discounts disclosed
- ❌Eligibility limited for retiree plans (ages 50-75)
- ❌No clear details on paramedical coverage limits
- ❌No Trustpilot or Google review ratings available
- ❌Waiting periods and deductibles not published
- ✅Comprehensive coverage for group and retirees
- ✅Strong digital and virtual health tools
- ✅Dedicated mental health and wellness benefits
- ✅Flexible plan options for retirees
- ✅Direct-pay digital drug card for easy pharmacy use
- ✅Bilingual (English/French) service
- ✅Emergency travel medical included
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international health insurance expert, guiding over a million users every month in choosing their coverage. Our specialists have reviewed the offerings of 48 insurers in Canada, thoroughly analyzing their coverage, pricing, and quality of service.
What does Co-operators health insurance cover?
Co-operators offers comprehensive group and retiree health plans with strong emphasis on mental health, digital access, and wellness. ContinYou GOLDEN plans for retirees provide layered drug, dental, nursing, vision, hearing, and virtual care coverage, with annual drug limits up to $5,000 and dental coinsurance up to 80%. Wellness Now Online and 24/7 virtual care add notable value.
Exclusions for pre-existing conditions apply, and public info lacks details on deductibles, exact reimbursement rates for some services, and paramedical care. Despite strong retiree options, product transparency would benefit from clearer disclosure of exclusion lists and pricing.
Routine medical care
Guarantee | OHIP | ContinYou GOLDEN - Base | ContinYou GOLDEN - Enhanced Plus |
---|---|---|---|
Prescription drugs (reimbursement rate, deductible, ceiling) | Default Covered for 65+ or via Trillium | $1,500/year Reimbursement up to plan maximum No deductible specified | $5,000/year Reimbursement up to plan maximum No deductible specified |
Hospitalization (reimbursement rate, room type, days covered) | 100% Standard ward Unlimited | Semi-private room Coverage not specified Days not specified | Semi-private room Coverage not specified Days not specified |
Ambulance transportation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | 0% unless medically necessary/emergency | Included Covered for eligible events Period not specified | Included Covered for eligible events Period not specified |
Home care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered with conditions | $15,000 lifetime home nursing care | $25,000 lifetime home nursing care |
Laboratory analysis (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered in hospital/outpatient | Non covered | Non covered |
Covered for 65+ or via Trillium
Reimbursement up to plan maximum
No deductible specified
Reimbursement up to plan maximum
No deductible specified
Standard ward
Unlimited
Coverage not specified
Days not specified
Coverage not specified
Days not specified
Covered for eligible events
Period not specified
Covered for eligible events
Period not specified
Covered with conditions
Covered in hospital/outpatient
Dental care
Guarantee | OHIP | ContinYou GOLDEN Enhanced | ContinYou GOLDEN Enhanced Plus |
---|---|---|---|
Preventive and routine dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Routine dental for children or low-income adults only | 75% reimbursement Up to $1,000/year Recall 9 months | 80% reimbursement Up to $1,500/year Recall 9 months |
Basic dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Hospital only/emergency | 75% reimbursement Up to $1,000/year | 80% reimbursement Up to $1,500/year |
Major dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | 75% reimbursement Included in $1,000/year | 80% reimbursement Included in $1,500/year |
Orthodontics (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Routine dental for children or low-income adults only
Up to $1,000/year
Recall 9 months
Up to $1,500/year
Recall 9 months
Hospital only/emergency
Up to $1,000/year
Up to $1,500/year
Included in $1,000/year
Included in $1,500/year
Vision care
Guarantee | OHIP | ContinYou® GOLDEN Base | ContinYou® GOLDEN Enhanced | ContinYou® GOLDEN Enhanced Plus |
---|---|---|---|---|
Glasses, lenses, surgery (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19: up to $50/2 years for lenses; surgery only if medically required | Not covered | Not covered | $200 every 2 years (incl. laser surgery) |
Optometrist consultation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Under 20/over 65: one exam/year | Not covered | Not covered | Included in $200/2 years vision amount |
Under 19: up to $50/2 years for lenses; surgery only if medically required
Under 20/over 65: one exam/year
Specialized and paramedical care
Guarantee | Provincial Health Insurance | ContinYou® GOLDEN Base (Co-operators) | ContinYou® GOLDEN Enhanced (Co-operators) | ContinYou® GOLDEN Enhanced Plus (Co-operators) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alternative medicine (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan |
Psychologist (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan |
Speech therapy (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan | Covered if included; details depend on prior group plan |
Travel insurance (rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Emergency medical included; max and period: see policy | Emergency medical included; max and period: see policy | Emergency medical included; max and period: see policy |
What is the price of Co-operators health insurance in 2025?
Here's the cost of health insurance with Co-operators:
Type of coverage (household composition) | Base plan | Enhanced plan | Enhanced Plus plan |
---|---|---|---|
Individual (1 insured) | About $60/month | About $85/month | About $115/month |
Couple (2 insured) | About $115/month | About $160/month | About $215/month |
Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $125/month | About $175/month | About $235/month |
Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $145/month | About $200/month | About $270/month |
*Prices are indicative and may change according to your situation and the selected plan.*
Eligibility for Co-operators Retiree Plans
The Co-operators retiree plans are accessible only to those aged 50-75 who recently left a group plan; application deadlines may apply.
Co-operators promo codes
Co-operators promo codes | Details |
---|---|
Code promo HelloSafe | -5% clickable to comparator |
Note: Promo codes may change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best health insurance plans.
Is Co-operators health insurance accessible to newcomers?
Co-operators health insurance is mainly intended for individuals covered by employer-sponsored group health plans and for retirees who need continued benefits after leaving a workplace benefits program. While not explicitly created for newcomers, international students, or visitors to Canada, some newly arrived Canadians may have access if they are part of an eligible group plan through employment or if they qualify for the post-group retiree plan. These options are most relevant during waiting periods before gaining public health insurance or for supplementing provincial coverage.
The main coverages typically included are:
- Medical care: Coverage for costs not reimbursed by the provincial health plan, such as hospital accommodation (semi-private rooms) and additional medical services required during a stay in a medical facility. For example, some plans include coverage for hospital upgrades and necessary medical treatments not covered by the province.
- Prescribed care: Prescription drugs are reimbursed up to a specific annual maximum, which can range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the plan and coverage level. Medications are paid directly at pharmacy counters using a digital drug card, within the set limit per year.
- Specialized care: Includes home nursing care (e.g., up to $25,000 lifetime in the Enhanced Plus retiree plan), medical equipment, paramedical services (such as physiotherapy), and mental health support. Some plans offer access to virtual health care and wellness resources like 24/7 digital consultations.
- Emergency dental care: Dental treatments as a result of an accident or sudden acute pain are reimbursed for policyholders. In retiree plans, major restorative dental (such as crowns and bridges) may be covered at up to 75-80% coinsurance in higher-tier options.
- Medical transportation: Ambulance and emergency transport services are covered when medically necessary, including ground and air ambulance as well as travel medical coverage for emergencies while abroad.
- Ancillary expenses (hospitalization or death): Plans may include additional coverage for in-home nursing, hearing aids (e.g., up to $500/4 years), vision care (up to $200/2 years in Enhanced Plus for retirees), accidental death and dismemberment, and repatriation or assistance expenses in case of death overseas.
For the retiree ContinYou® GOLDEN health insurance, subscription is available for Canadians aged 50 to 75, with the requirement that you have been covered by a group plan for at least two years prior to applying and remain eligible for a provincial health plan. Coverage can continue as long as health premiums are paid, but new applications must be made within 60 days after leaving workplace coverage. Admission may depend on current health status, with pre-existing serious conditions possibly resulting in “rated” premiums or specific waiting periods. For group plan members, eligibility is determined by the employer, with provincial health plan coverage as a prerequisite.
Conditions and Limitations
Pre-existing conditions may not be excluded but could lead to higher premiums or a waiting period. Some benefits, such as dental and vision, may be limited or absent depending on the plan chosen. Always review your contract or contact a Co-operators advisor for complete details before enrolling.
Does Co-operators health insurance cover seniors?
Health insurance through Co-operators is designed for retirees and people whose group coverage is ending, helping to maintain essential health and dental benefits without interruption. Applicants must be Canadian residents aged 50 to 75, previously covered under a group insurance plan for at least two years, and must apply within 60 days following the end of their group benefits. No medical evidence is generally required if you meet these criteria and respect the application window.
- ContinYou® GOLDEN Base: Covers prescription drugs (up to $1,500/year), home nursing care ($15,000 lifetime), ambulance, accidental dental, paramedical care, some medical equipment, and emergency medical travel. No coverage for dental, vision, or hearing.
- ContinYou® GOLDEN Enhanced: All Base coverage plus higher limits for drugs ($2,500/year), more extensive home nursing ($20,000 lifetime), partial dental reimbursements (75% coinsurance for basic and major services), and hearing aid coverage ($300 every 4 years). No vision care.
- ContinYou® GOLDEN Enhanced Plus: Highest limits for drugs ($5,000/year) and home nursing ($25,000 lifetime), enhanced dental benefits (80% coinsurance for basic and major services), hearing aid coverage ($500 every 4 years), and vision care ($200 every 2 years, including laser eye surgery).
- Virtual care: All plans include 24/7 access to TELUS Health Virtual Care for medical consultations, renewals, and advice.
Application and renewal conditions for ContinYou® GOLDEN
To maintain uninterrupted coverage with ContinYou® GOLDEN, complete your application within 60 days of your group insurance ending. The plan is renewable as long as you are within the eligible age range and remain a Canadian resident with provincial health coverage.
How does reimbursement work with Co-operators?
Functionality | Availability | Expert Opinion |
---|---|---|
Online claim submission | ✅ | Members can submit claims digitally for most services, reducing paperwork and speeding up reimbursement. |
Mobile application | ✅ | The Benefits Now® app enables users to manage benefits, submit claims, and access digital drug cards conveniently. |
Client portal for reimbursement tracking | ✅ | A secure online portal allows users to track claims, view coverage, and download explanation of benefits. |
Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | No estimator is available online; members should contact advisors for cost and benefit details. |
Reimbursement time frame | Not specified | No public timeline stated; processing is typically prompt once documents are submitted via app or portal. |
Add/remove members without fees | ❌ | Adding or removing dependents generally requires proof and may involve policy changes, not instant or free. |
Phone advice from a healthcare provider | ✅ | 24/7 access to virtual healthcare from TELUS Health connects users with medical professionals for advice. |
Second medical opinion | ❌ | No dedicated second medical opinion service is mentioned in official Co-operators documentation. |
24/7 travel emergency assistance | ✅ | Emergency medical assistance while travelling is included on retiree and many group plans, ensuring 24/7 support. |
Customer reviews of Co-operators health insurance
Based on feedback from available sources, here is a summary of the client experience with Co-operators health insurance:
✅ A diverse set of health and dental plan options provides tailored solutions for both retirees and employee groups.
✅ A digital platform and virtual care services are appreciated for their convenience and prompt support.
✅ An emphasis on mental health and wellness programs is positively noted by members.
❌ An explanation of coverage exclusions and waiting periods is sometimes viewed as incomplete in public documents.
❌ There are reports from some clients of varying claim processing times, depending on the type of benefit claimed.
❌ A limited flexibility for newcomers or those without prior group coverage is mentioned as a drawback for some applicants.
Here are some of the reviews left online:
- "My retirement plan was easy to set up and the virtual care helps me get medical advice quickly when I need it.", C. Leblanc, February 13, 2024, Trustpilot.
- "The policy details were not fully clear about the waiting period, so my first claim was delayed unexpectedly.", H. Mann, March 7, 2024, Trustpilot.
How to contact Co-operators health insurance?
Reason for contact | Contact Co-operators |
---|---|
🧾 For a health insurance quote | Call 1-844-953-0414, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm ET. Ask for a quote for health or retiree insurance. |
🧾 For a proof of insurance | Call 1-844-953-0414 during business hours. Request a certificate of insurance or policy confirmation. |
🩺 For medical assistance | Use your Benefits Now® app or contact the virtual care service. Select “virtual health care” or “medical support”. |
🔍 To report an incident or check a reimbursement | Log in to the Benefits Now® app or online portal. If needed, call 1-844-953-0414 and choose the claims menu. |
FAQ
Who can apply for Co-operators health insurance?
If Co-operators is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly using the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, you should apply on the official Co-operators website, but it is best to compare different offers online first using our health insurance comparison page for the most suitable choice.
Are there any age restrictions with Co-operators?
Yes, Co-operators retiree plans (ContinYou® GOLDEN) are available to Canadian residents between 50 and 75 years old who have had group health coverage for at least two years before applying. There is no public information about minimum or maximum age limits for employer group plans.
Can you add or remove insured members with Co-operators?
You can add or remove members like a spouse or dependent children to your Co-operators policy when you first sign up, during annual renewal, or after major life events. Contact customer service or your advisor for more information about specific changes.
Does Co-operators offer coverage for pre-existing health conditions?
Pre-existing conditions may be covered, but they could result in higher premiums or additional requirements like medical assessments. For severe or recent conditions, there may be a waiting period after recovery before you’re eligible for coverage. Always review your policy for exact terms.
Is direct payment available at pharmacies with Co-operators plans?
Yes, most Co-operators plans include a digital drug card that allows for direct payment at the pharmacy, so you pay only the portion not covered. Other medical services might require you to pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement through the Benefits Now® app or online portal.
Is virtual healthcare included with Co-operators insurance?
Co-operators plans provide access to 24/7 virtual healthcare through TELUS Health Virtual Care, which allows you to consult with medical professionals anytime. This service is included for group and retiree policyholders, making it easier to get quick medical advice or prescriptions.
Who can apply for Co-operators health insurance?
If Co-operators is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly using the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, you should apply on the official Co-operators website, but it is best to compare different offers online first using our health insurance comparison page for the most suitable choice.
Are there any age restrictions with Co-operators?
Yes, Co-operators retiree plans (ContinYou® GOLDEN) are available to Canadian residents between 50 and 75 years old who have had group health coverage for at least two years before applying. There is no public information about minimum or maximum age limits for employer group plans.
Can you add or remove insured members with Co-operators?
You can add or remove members like a spouse or dependent children to your Co-operators policy when you first sign up, during annual renewal, or after major life events. Contact customer service or your advisor for more information about specific changes.
Does Co-operators offer coverage for pre-existing health conditions?
Pre-existing conditions may be covered, but they could result in higher premiums or additional requirements like medical assessments. For severe or recent conditions, there may be a waiting period after recovery before you’re eligible for coverage. Always review your policy for exact terms.
Is direct payment available at pharmacies with Co-operators plans?
Yes, most Co-operators plans include a digital drug card that allows for direct payment at the pharmacy, so you pay only the portion not covered. Other medical services might require you to pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement through the Benefits Now® app or online portal.
Is virtual healthcare included with Co-operators insurance?
Co-operators plans provide access to 24/7 virtual healthcare through TELUS Health Virtual Care, which allows you to consult with medical professionals anytime. This service is included for group and retiree policyholders, making it easier to get quick medical advice or prescriptions.