Is Equitable Life Health Insurance Right for You? Expert Review 2025
Our expert's review of Equitable Life
ScoreEquitable Life offers a strong suite of health-related insurance options in Canada, primarily focusing on critical illness, whole life, and universal life plans. The EquiLiving Critical Illness plan is notable for covering 26 significant conditions with lump sum payments up to $2 million, as well as early detection benefits up to 15% of the main benefit. Flexible premium structures, paid-up options after 10 or 20 years, and industry-standard riders demonstrate adaptability, especially for families or individuals seeking layered protection. Unique features like compassionate advance and bereavement counselling stand out versus main Canadian competitors, though lack of public pricing transparency makes comparison challenging. Equitable Life is a well-established mutual insurer headquartered in Waterloo, ON, managing a multibillion-dollar premium volume and strong product reputation; however, with only one Trustpilot review (3.7/5), consumer feedback is limited. Claims and benefit advances are processed efficiently, with online account management available. Equitable Life best suits Canadians seeking robust protection for themselves or dependents, including estate or business planning needs, and those valuing policy flexibility and living benefits.
- ✅Comprehensive coverage of 26 critical illnesses
- ✅Early detection benefit paid as lump sum
- ✅Flexible premium structure and paid-up options
- ✅Wide array of riders for customization
- ✅Access to policy loans and living benefits
- ✅Compassionate advance and bereavement counselling
- ✅Stable, well-established Canadian mutual insurer
- ❌No public sample pricing available
- ❌Only one verified Trustpilot review
- ❌Limited consumer feedback for comparison
- ❌Excludes illnesses not specifically listed
- ❌Surrender/loan charges may apply early
- ✅Comprehensive coverage of 26 critical illnesses
- ✅Early detection benefit paid as lump sum
- ✅Flexible premium structure and paid-up options
- ✅Wide array of riders for customization
- ✅Access to policy loans and living benefits
- ✅Compassionate advance and bereavement counselling
- ✅Stable, well-established Canadian mutual insurer
Our expert's review of Equitable Life
ScoreEquitable Life offers a strong suite of health-related insurance options in Canada, primarily focusing on critical illness, whole life, and universal life plans. The EquiLiving Critical Illness plan is notable for covering 26 significant conditions with lump sum payments up to $2 million, as well as early detection benefits up to 15% of the main benefit. Flexible premium structures, paid-up options after 10 or 20 years, and industry-standard riders demonstrate adaptability, especially for families or individuals seeking layered protection. Unique features like compassionate advance and bereavement counselling stand out versus main Canadian competitors, though lack of public pricing transparency makes comparison challenging. Equitable Life is a well-established mutual insurer headquartered in Waterloo, ON, managing a multibillion-dollar premium volume and strong product reputation; however, with only one Trustpilot review (3.7/5), consumer feedback is limited. Claims and benefit advances are processed efficiently, with online account management available. Equitable Life best suits Canadians seeking robust protection for themselves or dependents, including estate or business planning needs, and those valuing policy flexibility and living benefits.
- ✅Comprehensive coverage of 26 critical illnesses
- ✅Early detection benefit paid as lump sum
- ✅Flexible premium structure and paid-up options
- ✅Wide array of riders for customization
- ✅Access to policy loans and living benefits
- ✅Compassionate advance and bereavement counselling
- ✅Stable, well-established Canadian mutual insurer
- ❌No public sample pricing available
- ❌Only one verified Trustpilot review
- ❌Limited consumer feedback for comparison
- ❌Excludes illnesses not specifically listed
- ❌Surrender/loan charges may apply early
- ✅Comprehensive coverage of 26 critical illnesses
- ✅Early detection benefit paid as lump sum
- ✅Flexible premium structure and paid-up options
- ✅Wide array of riders for customization
- ✅Access to policy loans and living benefits
- ✅Compassionate advance and bereavement counselling
- ✅Stable, well-established Canadian mutual insurer
- What does Equitable Life health insurance cover?
- What is the cost of Equitable Life health insurance in 2025?
- Is Equitable Life Health Insurance Accessible to Newcomers?
- Does Equitable Life health insurance cover seniors?
- How does reimbursement work with Equitable Life?
- How to Contact Equitable Life Health Insurance?
- Equitable Life Promo Codes
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
Why trust HelloSafe? HelloSafe is an international health insurance expert, helping over a million users each month with their coverage choices. Our specialists have evaluated the offers from 48 insurers in Canada, conducting an in-depth analysis of their coverage, rates, and quality of service.
What does Equitable Life health insurance cover?
Equitable Life’s main products—whole life, universal life, and critical illness—cover a broad range of needs, with modular options and comprehensive serious illness triggers. Critical illness plans offer clear early detection benefits and “return of premium” riders, positioning Equitable Life strongly in flexibility and living benefit advances. Whole and universal life excel in estate planning and access to cash value, with diversified investment choices. However, the product suite is complex, lacks full preventive health coverage, and specific reimbursement ceilings are not transparent. Notably, routine outpatient and basic prescription benefits are not their focus.
Important
pour vous aider à bien comparer et faire votre choix, nous avons added a column with what the public health system reimburses.
Routine medical care
| Guarantee | RAMQ | Whole Life Formula | Universal Life Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription medication | 68% Monthly deductible: $22 Monthly max: $99.65 | Not covered (core product only) | Not covered (core product only) |
| Hospitalization | 100% Standard ward room only (3 beds or more per room) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Ambulance transport | 0% (Except for seniors or welfare recipients) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Home care | 0% (Excludes medication and medical equipment at home) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Laboratory analysis | 0% (Outside public hospital or government facility) | Not covered | Not covered |
Monthly deductible: $22
Monthly max: $99.65
Standard ward room only (3 beds or more per room)
(Except for seniors or welfare recipients)
(Excludes medication and medical equipment at home)
(Outside public hospital or government facility)
Dental care
| Guarantee | RAMQ | Whole Life Formula | Universal Life Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive and basic dental care | Not covered (routine scaling, exams, fillings not included) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Basic dental care | Not covered (eligible only in hospital after trauma, strict cases) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Major dental care | Not covered (crowns, bridges, surgery not reimbursed) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Orthodontics | Not covered (children and adults, except rare medical approval) | Not covered | Not covered |
Vision care
| Guarantee | RAMQ | Whole Life Formula | Universal Life Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses, contacts, surgery | Not covered except children under 18; $200/2 years max for them only | Not covered | Not covered |
| Optometrist consultation | One exam per year under 18 or over 65 covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Specialist and paramedical care
| Guarantee | RAMQ | Whole Life Formula | Universal Life Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative medicine | Not covered (naturopath, chiro, osteopath, homeopathy, etc.) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Psychologist | Not covered except specific cases with medical referral, max $70/session | Not covered | Not covered |
| Speech-language therapy | Covered only for children under 18 with doctor referral | Not covered | Not covered |
| Travel insurance | Not covered except limited emergencies outside province | Not covered | Not covered |
Good to know
Who can apply for Equitable Life health insurance: Any resident of Canada Must be covered by a provincial or territorial government health insurance plan Minimum application age: 18 years old Dependent children can be covered up to age 21, or up to age 25 if they are a full-time student. You can add or remove family members (spouse, children) from your plan as your needs change. Choose the coverage that fits your situation: Individual – For you alone Couple – For you and your spouse or common-law partner Single Parent – For one adult and their dependent children Family – For two adults and their dependent children
What is the cost of Equitable Life health insurance in 2025?
| Type of protection (household composition) | Formula 1 | Formula 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | Around $50/month | Around $80/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | Around $90/month | Around $150/month |
| Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | Around $95/month | Around $170/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | Around $130/month | Around $220/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 offersIs Equitable Life Health Insurance Accessible to Newcomers?
This insurance is designed for newcomers, temporary workers, international students, and visitors to Canada who may not have immediate access to the public health system. It is particularly relevant during the waiting period before provincial coverage starts, for those with a temporary status, or for people ineligible for government plans. Coverage applies in situations like arrival in the country, changing immigration status, or when health insurance proof is required for studies or work permits.
Main contract benefits include:
- Medical care
- Covers doctor consultations, emergency care, and hospital visits. For example, in case of illness or accident, fees for medical examinations and treatments provided by a licensed practitioner are reimbursed within contract limits.
- Prescribed treatments
- Includes prescription drugs, laboratory tests, and imaging if medically required. Medications prescribed by a doctor are reimbursed, typically up to a specified maximum per period (such as $500–$2,000 per year).
- Specialized care
- Covers required visits to specialists such as cardiologists, pediatricians, or other referrals. Expenses for diagnostic tests, therapy sessions, and special consultations are included for eligible conditions, respecting coverage ceilings.
- Emergency dental care
- Provides coverage for dental treatment needed due to accidental injury (e.g., a broken tooth in an accident), often up to $500–$1,000 per event.
- Medical transportation
- Includes local ambulance transportation fees to hospital after an accident or for urgent care. May also reimburse air evacuation or repatriation if the policy includes it, within contractual limits.
- Ancillary hospital or death expenses
- Reimburses for additional costs during hospitalization, medical devices used in hospital, and provides benefits in the event of accidental death (example: repatriation to the country of origin, up to a set maximum).
The policy can generally be purchased for a maximum period ranging from a few months to one year, with potential renewal if eligibility criteria are met. Stay duration, age, and visa or residency status may be required; minimum age is usually 30 days, maximum commonly 64–69 years depending on the product. Some policies include restrictions or exclusion of care during travel outside Canada, or require prior authorization for high-cost or non-urgent procedures. Be sure to check the exact terms concerning waiting periods, renewal, and conditions for families versus individuals.
Important: Exclusions and supporting documents
It is important to carefully check exclusions (pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, or certain non-urgent treatments are frequently not covered), and to keep all receipts and medical documents for any future claim.
Does Equitable Life health insurance cover seniors?
This coverage is designed for retirees or anyone losing access to a group health insurance plan, particularly at retirement age. It allows you to continue with individual health insurance, such as through the Parcours assurance santéMD program, usually without having to provide new evidence of insurability. Requests must generally be made within 60 days after your group insurance coverage ends to guarantee acceptance.
Several options are available, each designed to adapt to different needs and health situations after retirement:
- Essential Plan: Covers core medical expenses, such as doctor and hospital visits, and prescribed medication. Designed to secure basic healthcare needs after employment ends.
- Extended Benefit Plan: Adds more comprehensive reimbursement for prescription drugs, paramedical care (physiotherapist, psychologist), and may include some vision care and preventive services.
- Travel Insurance Option: Offers coverage for medical emergencies while travelling outside your home province or abroad, often with higher maximums per trip and coverage for trip cancellation or interruption.
- Vision and Dental Option: Supplements other plans with reimbursement for routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and some dental care, subject to annual limits.
- Home Care and Support Services: Provides financial support for nursing care or equipment needed during recovery after illness or surgery, or for maintaining autonomy at home.
Each formula differs in terms of reimbursement rates, covered services, and annual or lifetime maximums. The right choice depends on your health, travel habits, and budget preferences.
Guaranteed acceptance
If you transition from group to individual insurance through Parcours assurance santéMD, acceptance is usually guaranteed without a new medical questionnaire as long as the application is made within the prescribed time frame.
How does reimbursement work with Equitable Life?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert view |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | Save time by submitting your reimbursement claims digitally and tracking the process online. |
| Mobile application | ✅ | The dedicated app allows easy policy access and helps manage claims directly from your smartphone. |
| Client area for reimbursement tracking | ✅ | Policyholders can check the status of past and pending claims at any time in their secure space. |
| Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | No simulator available, which means you cannot preview your reimbursement before submitting a claim. |
| Reimbursement time | 48h | Most claims are processed within 48 hours when submitted online, helping you get reimbursed quickly. |
| Add/remove members without fees | ❌ | Any change to coverage (members) generally requires approval and may involve costs or paperwork. |
| Phone assistance with a healthcare pro | ❌ | Direct medical advice by phone is not provided; support line is for administrative questions only. |
| Second medical opinion | ✅ | Access to a network of experts for a second medical opinion is included, valuable for major diagnoses. |
| 24/7 travel assistance | ✅ | You benefit from round-the-clock support services in the event of a medical problem while travelling. |
How to Contact Equitable Life Health Insurance?
| Reason for contact | How to contact Equitable Life |
|---|---|
| 🧾 I want to get a health insurance quote | Online request at this link or call 1-800-722-6615, Monday to Friday 8:30am-7:30pm EST, choose “individual insurance” |
| 🧾 I need a proof of insurance | Log into your online account/Equitable Client Access or call 1-800-722-6615, Mon-Fri 8:30am-7:30pm EST, select “plan member services” |
| 🩺 I need medical assistance | Call 1-800-722-6615, 24/7 in case of emergency, then follow menu for “emergency assistance” |
| 🔍 I want to report an incident or check a claim | Sign in to your online account or call 1-800-722-6615, M-F 8:30am-7:30pm EST, select “claims and reimbursements” option |
Equitable Life Promo Codes
| Equitable Life promo codes | Details |
|---|---|
| Code promo HelloSafe |
|
- 5% via comparator
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 Equitable Life health insurance?
You may subscribe directly through the official Equitable Life website. However, it is advisable to first compare different health insurance options to ensure you choose the most suitable contract. For a quick comparison, visit our health insurance comparison tool.
Are there any age restrictions with Equitable Life?
Equitable Life usually sets a minimum entry age of 18 for adult coverage and as low as 30 days for children on certain plans. There can also be maximum age limits, often depending on the specific insurance policy. It is important to check each plan’s age requirements before applying.
Can you add or remove insured members with Equitable Life?
It is possible to add dependents such as spouses or children to your Equitable Life contract, typically at specific times like policy renewal or after certain life events. Requests must be made through an agent or your online account.
Is there direct billing with healthcare providers?
Equitable Life supports both direct reimbursement and direct billing with selected healthcare providers. However, the availability of direct billing depends on your plan and the provider's arrangements.
How long does it take to process a claim with Equitable Life?
Most online claims are processed within 48 hours, allowing for relatively quick reimbursement if all necessary receipts and information are provided in the claim.
What conditions are generally excluded from coverage?
Equitable Life excludes some specific conditions such as illnesses not listed in the contract, pre-existing conditions for certain coverages, and situations such as fraud, suicide (in the first two years), or criminal acts.
Who can subscribe to Equitable Life health insurance?
You may subscribe directly through the official Equitable Life website. However, it is advisable to first compare different health insurance options to ensure you choose the most suitable contract. For a quick comparison, visit our health insurance comparison tool.
Are there any age restrictions with Equitable Life?
Equitable Life usually sets a minimum entry age of 18 for adult coverage and as low as 30 days for children on certain plans. There can also be maximum age limits, often depending on the specific insurance policy. It is important to check each plan’s age requirements before applying.
Can you add or remove insured members with Equitable Life?
It is possible to add dependents such as spouses or children to your Equitable Life contract, typically at specific times like policy renewal or after certain life events. Requests must be made through an agent or your online account.
Is there direct billing with healthcare providers?
Equitable Life supports both direct reimbursement and direct billing with selected healthcare providers. However, the availability of direct billing depends on your plan and the provider's arrangements.
How long does it take to process a claim with Equitable Life?
Most online claims are processed within 48 hours, allowing for relatively quick reimbursement if all necessary receipts and information are provided in the claim.
What conditions are generally excluded from coverage?
Equitable Life excludes some specific conditions such as illnesses not listed in the contract, pre-existing conditions for certain coverages, and situations such as fraud, suicide (in the first two years), or criminal acts.
