Equitable Life Health Insurance: A Complete 2025 Review
Our expert's review of Equitable Life
ScoreEquitable Life’s Coverage2go health insurance stands out as a reliable conversion product for Canadians leaving group coverage, offering two plan levels—Standard and Enhanced—with lifetime maximums of $200,000 to $300,000. Reimbursement rates are competitive, notably 80% on most drugs (up to $2,000/year with Coverage2go+), strong vision and paramedical benefits, and hospital care at 85% (up to $6,000/year).
Optional dental is available but only for those with prior group dental coverage, and major dental is accessible after 1 year. Franchise is implicit in fixed maximums and no deductible, and there’s access to digital wellness resources.
Compared to other Canadian conversion plans (Manulife FollowMe, Sun Life Health Assist), Equitable Life’s pricing is in the affordable range for comprehensive essential coverage but less generous on prescription drugs and major dental. Ideal for individuals and families transitioning from group plans who want streamlined access without medical underwriting if they apply promptly.
Equitable Life is a long-standing, stable mutual insurer with over $2.5 billion in annual premium revenue. While no public Trustpilot score is available, the insurer’s claim turnaround is excellent, with most reimbursements processed within 3 business days via online platforms.
- ✅No medical questions if applied within 60 days
- ✅Fast claim reimbursement, usually within 3 business days
- ✅High lifetime plan maximums up to $300,000
- ✅Strong vision and paramedical practitioner coverage
- ✅Pay-direct drug card for pharmacy convenience
- ✅Accessible online and mobile claims management
- ✅Options for dental and travel emergency coverage
- ❌Prescription drug maximum below some competitors
- ❌Dental only for prior group plan members
- ❌Not available to Quebec residents
- ❌No coverage for new immigrants or students
- ❌No public customer review ratings available
Score- ✅No medical questions if applied within 60 days
- ✅Fast claim reimbursement, usually within 3 business days
- ✅High lifetime plan maximums up to $300,000
- ✅Strong vision and paramedical practitioner coverage
- ✅Pay-direct drug card for pharmacy convenience
- ✅Accessible online and mobile claims management
- ✅Options for dental and travel emergency coverage
Our expert's review of Equitable Life
- ✅No medical questions if applied within 60 days
- ✅Fast claim reimbursement, usually within 3 business days
- ✅High lifetime plan maximums up to $300,000
- ✅Strong vision and paramedical practitioner coverage
- ✅Pay-direct drug card for pharmacy convenience
- ✅Accessible online and mobile claims management
- ✅Options for dental and travel emergency coverage
- ❌Prescription drug maximum below some competitors
- ❌Dental only for prior group plan members
- ❌Not available to Quebec residents
- ❌No coverage for new immigrants or students
- ❌No public customer review ratings available
Score- ✅No medical questions if applied within 60 days
- ✅Fast claim reimbursement, usually within 3 business days
- ✅High lifetime plan maximums up to $300,000
- ✅Strong vision and paramedical practitioner coverage
- ✅Pay-direct drug card for pharmacy convenience
- ✅Accessible online and mobile claims management
- ✅Options for dental and travel emergency coverage
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international health insurance expert, guiding over a million users each month in choosing their coverage. Our specialists have evaluated the offers of 48 insurers in Canada, thoroughly analyzing their coverage, rates, and quality of service.
What does Equitable Life health insurance cover?
Equitable Life offers two levels—Coverage2go (standard) and Coverage2go+ (enhanced)—targeted towards Canadians leaving employer health plans. Both provide core coverage for drugs (up to $2,000/year), vision, paramedical, semi-private hospital, emergency travel, and optional dental, with 80–90% reimbursement on most expenses.
Strengths include automatic eligibility when applying within 60 days, quick claims, and broad practitioner coverage. Lifetime and drug maximums are modest versus competitors, dental is limited, and pre-existing conditions may be excluded depending on prior coverage. Not available in Quebec. No wellness perks or major preventive care extras included.
Routine medical care
| Benefits | RAMQ | Standard Plan | Enhanced Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugs | 68% Monthly deductible: $22 Monthly max.: $99.65 | 80% generic Annual max.: $1,100 | 80% generic Annual max.: $2,000 |
| Hospitalization | 100% Standard ward only (3+ beds) | 85% Semi-private room $175/day, $6,000/year Max 180 days/stay | 85% Semi-private room $200/day, $6,000/year Max 180 days/stay |
| Ambulance transport | 0% Except social assistance/elderly | 100% ground Plan lifetime max. | 100% ground Plan lifetime max. Air: up to $5,000 |
| Homecare | 0% Excludes drugs and equipment | 85% Medical equipment: $3,000/year | 90% Medical equipment: $3,500/year |
| Laboratory analysis | 0% Not in public hospital | If prescribed, included in drug/paramedical limits | If prescribed, included in drug/paramedical limits |
Monthly deductible: $22
Monthly max.: $99.65
Annual max.: $1,100
Annual max.: $2,000
Standard ward only (3+ beds)
Semi-private room
$175/day, $6,000/year
Max 180 days/stay
Semi-private room
$200/day, $6,000/year
Max 180 days/stay
Except social assistance/elderly
Plan lifetime max.
Plan lifetime max.
Air: up to $5,000
Excludes drugs and equipment
Medical equipment: $3,000/year
Medical equipment: $3,500/year
Not in public hospital
Dental care
| Guarantee | RAMQ | Standard Plan | Enhanced Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive and routine dental care | Not covered except severe for children | 80% reimbursement, $750/year, 9-month recall | 80% reimbursement, $800/year, 9-month recall |
| Basic dental care | Not covered except severe for children | 80% reimbursement, included in $750/year | 80% reimbursement, included in $800/year |
| Major dental care | Not covered except severe for children | 50% reimbursement, after 1 year, in $750/year max | 50% reimbursement, after 1 year, in $800/year max |
| Orthodontics | Not covered except severe for children | Not covered | Not covered |
Vision care
| Guarantee | RAMQ | Coverage2go Standard Plan | Coverage2go Enhanced Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses, lenses, surgery | Not covered except for specific diagnoses | 100% up to $150/2 years for glasses/lenses Laser surgery not covered | 100% up to $200/2 years for glasses/lenses Laser surgery not covered |
| Optometrist consultation | Covered <18 years, not covered for adults | Included in vision max, reimbursed 100% | Included in vision max, reimbursed 100% |
Laser surgery not covered
Laser surgery not covered
Specialized and paramedical care
| Guarantee | RAMQ | Coverage2go Standard Plan | Coverage2go Enhanced Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative medicine | Not covered except rare physician prescription | 80% reimbursed, $500/year combined paramedical, max per consult set | 80% reimbursed, $650/year combined paramedical, max per consult set |
| Psychologist | Not covered except where court ordered | 80% reimbursed, part of $500/year combined paramedical | 80% reimbursed, part of $650/year combined paramedical |
| Speech therapy | Not covered except with medical referral, for kids | 80% reimbursed, part of $500/year combined paramedical | 80% reimbursed, part of $650/year combined paramedical |
| Travel insurance | Only emergency coverage in Canada in limited cases | $1 million lifetime, 60 days/trip, up to age 80 | $1 million lifetime, 60 days/trip, up to age 80 |
What is the cost of Equitable Life health insurance in 2025?
Here's an overview of Equitable's health insurance cost:
| Type of coverage (household composition) | Coverage2go Standard | Coverage2go Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $85/month | About $140/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $160/month | About $265/month |
| Single-parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $145/month | About $240/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $210/month | About $355/month |
*These rates are indicative only. Actual premiums may differ depending on your situation and the options you choose*.
Compare the best health insurance offers for freeDiscover offersIs Equitable Life health insurance accessible to newcomers?
Equitable Life health insurance targets new arrivals, workers changing status, expatriates, and visitors to Canada who temporarily lack provincial health coverage. It is mainly useful in situations where you lose group benefits or face a waiting period before being eligible for the provincial health system.
The main benefits include:
- Medical care: Reimbursement of hospital services, consultations, and surgeries. Coverage up to $200,000 or $300,000 lifetime depending on the plan, for both in-patient and out-patient care.
- Prescribed care: Reimbursement (up to 80%) for prescription drugs, with annual limits ($1,100 or $2,000 per year). Also covers required laboratory tests, X-rays, and some diagnostic imaging as ordered by a doctor.
- Specialized care: Coverage for specialists like physiotherapists, chiropractor, psychologist, and other paramedical practitioners. Annual combined maximums ($500 or $650 depending on the formula).
- Emergency dental care: Accidents causing dental injury are covered up to $5,000 lifetime. No routine dental unless you had previous group dental benefits and select the optional dental benefit.
- Medical transportation: Ambulance fees reimbursed in full for ground transport, air ambulance up to a set amount in the enhanced plan. Emergency medical evacuation and return to your home province or country in case of serious illness.
- Additional expenses (hospitalization or death): Daily hospital room fees (up to $200/day), private nursing care up to plan limits, medical equipment, and a lump-sum accidental dental injury benefit. Emergency travel assistance offers 24/7 help during out-of-province stays.
The contract can be maintained as long as you stay eligible (typically while residing in Canada with provincial coverage and remaining under age 75 upon enrolment). Emergency travel is covered for up to 60 days per trip until age 80, but routine care outside Canada is excluded. You must apply within 60 days after losing group coverage, be under age 75, and have valid provincial health coverage (not available to Quebec residents or those who never held group insurance in Canada).
Coverage Limitations and Requirements
Coverage for pre-existing conditions may be limited if not previously covered.
Physician referral is usually required for most paramedical services and medical supplies.
Always review your certificate for precise exclusions and any waiting periods.
Does Equitable Life health insurance cover seniors?
Equitable Life offers health insurance options for retirees and individuals coming to the end of their group insurance, helping to maintain continuous health protection without a break. The Coverage2go program is specifically designed for those leaving a workplace group benefits plan. Eligible applicants can transition to individual coverage without medical questionnaires if they apply within 60 days after group insurance ends.
This approach ensures that retirees and older adults have continued access to personalized health benefits suited to their evolving needs.
Coverage2go provides the following main options:
- Coverage2go (Standard plan): Core health coverage including reimbursement for hospitalization (semi-private room), consultations, and prescription drugs (up to $1,100/year). Includes paramedical care (such as physiotherapists and psychologists), vision (up to $150 every 2 years), medical equipment, ground ambulance, and emergency medical travel coverage.
- Coverage2go+ (Enhanced plan): Broader protection with higher maximums: prescription drugs up to $2,000/year, paramedical services up to $650/year, vision coverage increased to $200 every 2 years, additional coverage for air ambulance, and optional major dental benefits after one year. Lifetime overall limits are also higher ($300,000).
- Optional dental benefit: Available only if you had dental coverage in your group plan, covers routine and major dental expenses after one year (up to $750–$800/year depending on the plan).
- Emergency medical travel: Included in both plans for trips up to 60 days, with up to $1 million lifetime coverage for unexpected medical issues when travelling, available until age 80.
Each option includes access to digital tools for claim submission, tracking reimbursements, and managing your contract online or via a dedicated app.
Application and Eligibility Requirements
You must apply for Coverage2go within 60 days of losing your workplace group plan to qualify for simplified enrolment without medical questions. Eligibility requires provincial health coverage (not available in Quebec) and being under age 75 at application. Benefits and maximums may vary by province of residence.
How does the reimbursement work with Equitable Life?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | You can submit claims digitally on the portal or via the app, greatly speeding up reimbursement access. |
| Application | ✅ | EZClaim mobile application makes it easy to manage your claims and benefits wherever you are. |
| Client space for claim tracking | ✅ | Allows you to follow the progress and results of reimbursements, so you always know where you stand. |
| Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | There is no online estimator, so you will have to manually check your policy limits before spending. |
| Reimbursement time | 24h–72h | Most claims are processed within 1 to 3 business days, ensuring you get reimbursed quickly. |
| Add/remove members with no fee | ❌ | Changes to insured family members may involve waiting periods or fees, and require notification. |
| Telephone assistance with a nurse | ✅ | Telephone support gives you direct health guidance from a nurse for questions about symptoms or care decisions. |
| Second medical opinion | ❌ | There is no structured process for a second opinion, so you must seek external specialists on your own. |
| 24/7 travel assistance | ✅ | Emergency assistance is accessible worldwide at any hour, an important reassurance for frequent travelers. |
Customer Review of Equitable Life Health Insurance
Here are the main pros and cons highlighted by Equitable Life's clients:
✅ A wide range of health expenses is covered, including drugs, dental (optional), and paramedical care, which provides flexibility for different needs.
✅ Users benefit from an online portal and mobile application for submitting claims and tracking their file, which saves time.
✅ Claims are usually processed quickly, with direct deposit reimbursement in most cases.
❌ There is no coverage available for new clients residing in Quebec, which limits access for some.
❌ There is no published aggregate customer rating on major review sites, so it is difficult to independently assess overall satisfaction.
❌ Some waiting periods and requirements (such as prior group coverage) may cause complications or ineligibility for certain applicants.
❌ No explicit loyalty or online discounts are mentioned, and major dental is only available after one year with dental coverage.
Here are some of the reviews left online:
- "I found the Coverage2go plan covered all my needs after leaving my group insurance, and the online claims process was easy and efficient," S. Doucette, January 6, 2024.
- "I was surprised to learn there was no coverage for my new Quebec address, and some options require too much prior paperwork," A. Barnett, February 10, 2024.
How to contact Equitable Life health insurance?
| Reason for contact | Contact Equitable Life |
|---|---|
| 🧾 For a health insurance quote | Call 1-866-963-2246 (option for Coverage2go), Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. State “health insurance quote.” |
| 🧾 For an insurance certificate | Contact customer service at 1-800-722-6615, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Request “insurance certificate.” |
| 🩺 For medical assistance | Call 1-800-321-9998 (Travel Emergency Medical Assistance), available 24/7. Follow prompts for “travel or medical emergency.” |
| 🔍 To report an incident or track a reimbursement | Log in at equitablehealth.ca or call 1-800-722-6615, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Select “claims and reimbursements.” |
Equitable Life Promo Codes
| Equitable Life promo codes | Details |
|---|---|
| Code promo HelloSafe | -5% via comparator |
Note: Promotional codes may change. For the latest codes, visit our comparison of the best health insurances.
FAQ
Who can subscribe to Equitable Life health insurance?
You can subscribe to Equitable Life health insurance coverage directly on the official Equitable Life website. However, it is always recommended to compare various plans online before enrolling, so you can find the best option for your needs. Use our comparison tool to explore your choices.
Are there any age restrictions with Equitable Life?
Yes, to be eligible for Equitable Life’s individual health insurance, you must generally be under 75 years of age at the time of application. There is no explicit minimum age as long as you were covered by a group plan previously, but maximum age limits and other criteria can apply based on the product.
Can you add or remove insured members with Equitable Life?
Yes, you can add or remove members such as a spouse or dependents from your Equitable Life policy. This can typically be done after a major life event or at renewal by contacting customer service and providing the necessary documentation.
Is Equitable Life health insurance available for newcomers or expats in Canada?
Equitable Life health insurance is designed for individuals who have recently lost group coverage and have valid provincial health insurance. It is not available to new immigrants, international students, or people without prior group health coverage in Canada.
How long does the claim process take with Equitable Life?
Most claims submitted online or through the mobile EZClaim app are processed within 3 business days, with some processed as quickly as 24 hours. Approved reimbursements are paid out by direct deposit for fast access to funds.
Is coverage from Equitable Life available in Quebec?
No, Equitable Life health insurance coverage is not available to residents of Quebec. The plans are offered to residents in other Canadian provinces who meet the eligibility criteria and have the required health coverage.
Who can subscribe to Equitable Life health insurance?
You can subscribe to Equitable Life health insurance coverage directly on the official Equitable Life website. However, it is always recommended to compare various plans online before enrolling, so you can find the best option for your needs. Use our comparison tool to explore your choices.
Are there any age restrictions with Equitable Life?
Yes, to be eligible for Equitable Life’s individual health insurance, you must generally be under 75 years of age at the time of application. There is no explicit minimum age as long as you were covered by a group plan previously, but maximum age limits and other criteria can apply based on the product.
Can you add or remove insured members with Equitable Life?
Yes, you can add or remove members such as a spouse or dependents from your Equitable Life policy. This can typically be done after a major life event or at renewal by contacting customer service and providing the necessary documentation.
Is Equitable Life health insurance available for newcomers or expats in Canada?
Equitable Life health insurance is designed for individuals who have recently lost group coverage and have valid provincial health insurance. It is not available to new immigrants, international students, or people without prior group health coverage in Canada.
How long does the claim process take with Equitable Life?
Most claims submitted online or through the mobile EZClaim app are processed within 3 business days, with some processed as quickly as 24 hours. Approved reimbursements are paid out by direct deposit for fast access to funds.
Is coverage from Equitable Life available in Quebec?
No, Equitable Life health insurance coverage is not available to residents of Quebec. The plans are offered to residents in other Canadian provinces who meet the eligibility criteria and have the required health coverage.
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