Canada’s universal care, while excellent, is not comprehensive. Emergency and preventive care are largely covered, but knowing what is not covered is critical to planning for the worst.
Around 30% of health expenditures in Canada are privately financed by supplemental insurance (group or individual) or by patients themselves out-of-pocket. This includes dental and vision care and access to prescription medications.
Are you considering a personal health insurance plan with GMS?
You are in the right spot. This guide details the offerings from GMS including price, coverage, reviews and more.
Summary
Who is GMS?
Group Medical Services (GMS) is a non-profit health and travel insurance provider, covering a vast range of medical costs that government and other private benefit plans do not. GMS was born in Saskatchewan in 1949 and they have been extending products and services across Canada since 2003.
Our review of GMS health insurance:
GMS offers plans ranging from basic coverage to comprehensive, all of which have the option to add dental benefits and/or drug benefits. With GMS, you will be able to tailor a plan to fit your health needs.
They have a comprehensive online portal, My GMS, which allows for easy access to your benefit information and the ability to submit a claim online. Their travel insurance for certain plans automatically adds COVID treatment coverage.
GMS health insurance is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, starting your own business, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s health and drug coverage.
Why GMS may be right for you:
- My GMS portal access
- Submit claim online or via app
- Counselling and speech therapy covered in some plans
Why GMS may not be right for you:
- Dental plan is limited
- Hospital benefits are not automatically included
- Vision and travellers insurance not included in Basic plan
Before signing up for a health insurance plan with GMS, compare rates and coverage offerings from the best health and dental plans using our comparison tool. Shop the best plans in seconds without giving up personal details.
What does GMS cover?
GMA offers three plans:
- BasicPlan
- ExtendaPlan
- OmniPlan
Drug, dental and hospital cash can be added to all plans including additional travellers insurance. All plans have various reimbursements for health practitioners such as acupuncturists, chiropractors, podiatrists, massage therapists, naturopaths, dietitians, osteopaths and physiotherapists.
| Treatment | BasicPlan | ExtendaPlan | OmniPlan |
| Vision | 80% to $200 per 2 years combined | 90% to $250/2 years for frames/lenses $90/eye exam/2 years | |
| Health Practitioners | 70% to $250 combined maximum | 80% to $350 combined maximum | 90% to $300 per health practitioner |
| Counselling Services | Combined maximum of $65 per visit for 10 visits per person, per policy year. | Combined maximum of $65 per visit for 15 visits per person, per policy year. | |
| Annual Travel |
|
| |
| Preferred Hospital Room | $500 per person per year | $1,000 per person per year | 45 days up to $3,500 per person per year |
To learn more, consult GMS’s brochures below:
What does GMS dental insurance cover?
While Canada’s public system covers lots of healthcare needs, access to dental care is not included. Dental care is important to one’s overall health. Since it can be a major expense, too many people skip preventive treatment. That is a mistake, as regular preventive care helps prevent gum disease, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, it can help you to detect other medical complications early.
A supplemental insurance plan can help, here is what GMS offers:
| Year | Basic Services | Major Services | Up to combined reimbursement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $500 | |
| Year 2 | 80% | 50% | $750 |
| Year 3 | 80% | 50% | $1,000 |
Basic services:
- Exams
- Fillings
- Polishing
Major services:
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
Note that a three-month waiting period applies.
How much do GMS’s plans cost?
A 24-year old living in Ontario opting for a BasicPlan with Basic drug coverage and dental could expect to pay $83.25 per month.
Your premium will be based on your individual circumstances. GMS will weigh a number of factors to determine your premium such as:
- age
- gender
- addition of optional benefits
- the number of lives on your plan (individual, family, etc.)
- smoker status
To make sure you are getting the best plan for the best price, you must first establish what you want from your health insurance policy. The price of health insurance varies greatly between insurers. Your health history, age, the coverage options offered, your province, and more affect pricing. Use our comparison tool to get personalized health insurance quotes, all anonymously.
Compare coverage and rates of
Canada's best health insurance plans
How can I get a GMS health insurance quote?
You can request a GMS personal health insurance quote by working with an insurance broker, requesting a quote through GMS's website or calling 1-800-667-3763. Before you do compare quotes using our insurance comparison tool.
How can I connect to my client space?
You can register to create an account with My GMS which will give you access to your personal portal where you can submit or track a claim, find more information about your coverage and eligibility, and also check balances.
How can I make a claim with GMS?
You can skip the claims process by using your GMS Pay-Direct card directly at your pharmacy, dentist, health or vision practitioner. If you do need to file a claim, you can do so by accessing their online portal or by submitting a paper claim.
You may also do so by completing and sending the claims form:
To the following address:
Claims at Group Medical Services
2055 Albert Street
PO Box 1949
Regina, SK S4P 0E3
How can I cancel my GMS health insurance plan?
Contact GMS at 1-800-268-3763 to inquire about cancelling your plan. Note that there is a 24-month waiting period to get new coverage again with GMS.
How can I contact GMS?
You can contact GMS at 1-800-667-3699. They are available Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm CST.
You can also email them at: [email protected]
Can I get travel medical insurance with Sun Life?
You will have to check your specific plan to know if travel insurance is included. Travel insurance is particularly important in Canada because provincial health insurance plans cover less once you are out of your home province. This can mean unpleasant surprises when you see your bill. Travel abroad and you may not have any access to health care services at all without a plan or paying up-front.
Travelling without proper health coverage can be an expensive mistake. Read HelloSafe's complete guide to travel insurance to learn more.
My husband was in hospital from March 27th to May 3rd. We are both insured through GMS. I visited him every day and paid $5/day for parking. Is this covered?
Hi Audrey,
You can start by reading your insurance policy contract to find information about this specific coverage. If you don't find the answers you need, don't hesitate to directly contact GMS.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
Does GMS cover neurologist services
Hi Shannon,
Unfortunately no, GMS does not cover neurologist services.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe Team
Good evening Does GMS cover Nautropathic services.
Hi Elaine,
Yes, GMS covers naturopathic services.
The amount covered differs depending on the plan : 70% up to 250 $ for the Basic Plan, 80% up to 350 $ for the ExtendaPlan, and 90% up to 300 $ for the OmniPlan.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
If I enrolled in a dental plan could I pay six months instead of a year all at once?
Hi Delmer,
Please contact GMS directly to discuss your payment options.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team