GMS Health Insurance Review 2025: Is It Right For You?
Our expert's review of GMS
ScoreGMS stands out in the Canadian health insurance market thanks to its flexible structure, offering three distinct core plans (BasicPlan, ExtendaPlan®, OmniPlan®), each with incremental benefits and reimbursement rates up to 90% for top-tier plans. Optional add-ons like dental, prescription drugs, hospital cash, and travel let individuals and families customize coverage extensively.
Reimbursement ceilings are competitive: up to $5,000/year for prescription drugs (Enhanced), and dental benefits growing from $500 in the first year to $1,000 in year three and beyond. A modest $6 per-prescription deductible applies, keeping most costs manageable.
Premiums are attractively priced for both singles and couples, notably undercutting or rivaling national competitors for those seeking modular, reasonably priced, yet robust coverage. GMS particularly suits individuals and families needing tailored coverage with strong health practitioner and travel options, as well as older adults seeking transparent pricing into their seventies and beyond.
Headquartered in Regina, GMS is a stable and reputable Canadian insurer, though recent public financial data and verifiable consumer ratings such as Trustpilot scores are unavailable. Claims are managed via the My GMS portal, with digital access for submitting and tracking reimbursements; average claim handling times are not officially published, but the GMS Care Network ensures 24/7 virtual care support for policyholders.
- ✅Comprehensive modular options with three core plans
- ✅Strong practitioner and mental health coverage
- ✅Competitive prescription drug and dental reimbursement ceilings
- ✅Flexible add-ons including travel and hospital cash
- ✅Nationwide virtual care and support programs
- ✅Transparent, age-based premium structure
- ✅Unlimited ambulance (road and air) for most plans
- ❌No public Trustpilot or verifiable consumer reviews
- ❌Pre-existing drug coverage limited to $800 annually (Enhanced)
- ❌Dental coverage capped at $1,000 after year three
- ❌Waiting period applies for dental option (3 months)
- ❌No published average claim processing times
Score- ✅Comprehensive modular options with three core plans
- ✅Strong practitioner and mental health coverage
- ✅Competitive prescription drug and dental reimbursement ceilings
- ✅Flexible add-ons including travel and hospital cash
- ✅Nationwide virtual care and support programs
- ✅Transparent, age-based premium structure
- ✅Unlimited ambulance (road and air) for most plans
Our expert's review of GMS
- ✅Comprehensive modular options with three core plans
- ✅Strong practitioner and mental health coverage
- ✅Competitive prescription drug and dental reimbursement ceilings
- ✅Flexible add-ons including travel and hospital cash
- ✅Nationwide virtual care and support programs
- ✅Transparent, age-based premium structure
- ✅Unlimited ambulance (road and air) for most plans
- ❌No public Trustpilot or verifiable consumer reviews
- ❌Pre-existing drug coverage limited to $800 annually (Enhanced)
- ❌Dental coverage capped at $1,000 after year three
- ❌Waiting period applies for dental option (3 months)
- ❌No published average claim processing times
Score- ✅Comprehensive modular options with three core plans
- ✅Strong practitioner and mental health coverage
- ✅Competitive prescription drug and dental reimbursement ceilings
- ✅Flexible add-ons including travel and hospital cash
- ✅Nationwide virtual care and support programs
- ✅Transparent, age-based premium structure
- ✅Unlimited ambulance (road and air) for most plans
Why trust HelloSafe?
As an international expert in health insurance, HelloSafe helps over a million users every month find the right coverage. Our specialists have reviewed plans from 48 insurers across Canada, thoroughly analyzing their coverage options, pricing, and service quality.
What does GMS health insurance cover?
GMS offers three clearly tiered plans: BasicPlan targets essential needs with limited practitioner and basic in-hospital benefits, ExtendaPlan® expands coverage for therapies, counselling, equipment and vision, while OmniPlan® maximizes reimbursements and annual limits for a broad range of services.
Prescription drugs, dental, and travel are modular add-ons, with annual prescription drug limits up to $5,000. The GMS Care Network is a distinctive advantage, providing telemedicine and mental health support.
Drawbacks include exclusions for many paramedical supplies, over-the-counter drugs, non-formulary prescriptions, and gaps in routine dental care without add-ons, making coverage highly dependent on chosen options.
Routine medical care
| Guarantee | OHIP | BasicPlan (core coverage, drug add-on) | ExtendaPlan® (core coverage, drug add-on) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugs (reimbursement rate, deductible, ceiling) | Default Coverage varies by age and income | Up to $3,500/year $6 deductible per prescription Formulary only | Up to $5,000/year $6 deductible per prescription $800 limit on some drugs |
| Hospitalization (reimbursement rate, room type, days covered) | 100% Standard ward Unlimited | $500/year for preferred room (private/semi-private) | $1,000/year for preferred room (private/semi-private) |
| Ambulance transportation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | 0% unless medically necessary/emergency | Road: $2,000/year Air: Unlimited | Road & Air: Unlimited |
| Home care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered as per provincial schedule | 80% to $1,500/year in-hospital only for private duty nursing | 80% to $3,000/year in-hospital & in-home for private duty nursing |
| Laboratory analysis (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Publicly funded hospital/outpatient only | Non covered (except as part of care delivered in hospital) | Non covered (except as part of care delivered in hospital) |
Coverage varies by age and income
$6 deductible per prescription
Formulary only
$6 deductible per prescription
$800 limit on some drugs
Standard ward
Unlimited
Air: Unlimited
Covered as per provincial schedule
Publicly funded hospital/outpatient only
Dental care
| Guarantee | OHIP | BasicPlan Dental Add-on | ExtendaPlan® Dental Add-on | OmniPlan® Dental Add-on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive and routine dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Youth only or low-income program | 75% Year 1, 80% Year 2+ Exams, x-rays, cleaning Max $500 (Y1), $750 (Y2), $1,000 (Y3+) | 75% Year 1, 80% Year 2+ Exams, x-rays, cleaning Max $500 (Y1), $750 (Y2), $1,000 (Y3+) | 75% Year 1, 80% Year 2+ Exams, x-rays, cleaning Max $500 (Y1), $750 (Y2), $1,000 (Y3+) |
| Basic dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Based on public plan provisions | 75% Year 1, 80% Year 2+ Fillings, basic surgery Max included above | 75% Year 1, 80% Year 2+ Fillings, basic surgery Max included above | 75% Year 1, 80% Year 2+ Fillings, basic surgery Max included above |
| Major dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | 50% Year 2+ Crowns, dentures, bridges Included in dental max | 50% Year 2+ Crowns, dentures, bridges Included in dental max | 50% Year 2+ Crowns, dentures, bridges Included in dental max |
| Orthodontics (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Non covered | Non covered | Non covered |
Youth only or low-income program
Exams, x-rays, cleaning
Max $500 (Y1), $750 (Y2), $1,000 (Y3+)
Exams, x-rays, cleaning
Max $500 (Y1), $750 (Y2), $1,000 (Y3+)
Exams, x-rays, cleaning
Max $500 (Y1), $750 (Y2), $1,000 (Y3+)
Based on public plan provisions
Fillings, basic surgery
Max included above
Fillings, basic surgery
Max included above
Fillings, basic surgery
Max included above
Crowns, dentures, bridges
Included in dental max
Crowns, dentures, bridges
Included in dental max
Crowns, dentures, bridges
Included in dental max
Vision care
| Guarantee | OHIP | BasicPlan (GMS) | ExtendaPlan (GMS) | OmniPlan (GMS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses, lenses, surgery (rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19/65+: up to $47/2 years for lenses; surgery only if medically required | Not covered | 80% coverage, up to $250/2 years (combined with eye exams and frames/lenses) | 90% coverage up to $250/2 years for frames/lenses; 1 eye exam/2 years; no surgery |
| Optometrist consultation (rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19/65+: one eye exam/year | Not covered | Included: as part of $250/2 years for vision care | 1 eye exam per 2 years included, valued at current provincial rate |
Under 19/65+: up to $47/2 years for lenses; surgery only if medically required
Under 19/65+: one eye exam/year
Specialized and Paramedical Care
| Guarantee | Provincial Health Insurance | GMS BasicPlan | GMS ExtendaPlan® | GMS OmniPlan® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative medicine (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | 70% up to $250/year combined, $35/visit max, selected practitioners | 80% up to $350/year combined, $50/visit max, wider range of practitioners | 90% up to $300/year per specialty, $50/visit max |
| Psychologist (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered | $65/visit, max 10 visits combined per year | $65/visit, max 15 visits combined per year |
| Speech therapy (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | $45/visit, max 5 visits/year | $45/visit, max 10 visits/year | $45/visit, max 10 visits/year |
| Travel insurance (rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Optional add-on, up to $2,000,000 per year, up to 48 days/trip | Optional add-on, up to $2,000,000 per year, up to 48 days/trip | Optional add-on, up to $2,000,000 per year, up to 48 days/trip |
What is the cost of GMS health insurance in 2025?
Here's the cost of health insurance with GMS:
| Type of coverage (household composition) | BasicPlan | ExtendaPlan® | OmniPlan® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $10/month | About $30/month | About $62/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $15/month | About $45/month | About $98/month |
| Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $19/month | About $58/month | About $120/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $23/month | About $70/month | About $145/month |
*Prices are indicative and may change depending on your personal situation and the selected plan.*
GMS Rates and Optional Benefits
GMS rates vary according to the age of the oldest person covered and your province of residence. Optional drug, dental, hospital cash, and travel benefits are available for an extra monthly fee.
GMS promo codes
| GMS 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 GMS health insurance accessible to newcomers?
GMS health insurance is particularly relevant for newcomers to Canada, foreign workers, students, and visitors to Canada during the waiting period before gaining access to the public health system, or for those who want broader protection. Plans are flexible with three core options (BasicPlan, ExtendaPlan®, OmniPlan®) and allow for prescription drug, dental, hospital cash, and travel coverage add-ons.
- Medical care: Coverage for physician and hospital services is included, with preferred hospital rooms reimbursed up to $500/year in BasicPlan and up to $3,500/year (max 45 days) in OmniPlan®. Ambulance services (road/air) are included, and private duty nursing is covered up to $5,000/year in OmniPlan®.
- Prescribed care: Prescription drug options reimburse up to $3,500 (Basic) or $5,000 (Enhanced) per year per person (with $6 deductible per prescription), including a sub-limit for treatment of pre-existing conditions and off-formulary drugs on Enhanced plans.
- Specialized care: Health practitioner visits (such as physiotherapists, psychologists, massage therapists, etc.) are reimbursed at 70–90% with annual caps ($250–$350 for most specialties, up to $1,500 for psychologists on OmniPlan®). Hearing aids, orthotics, mobility aids, and select medical equipment are included.
- Emergency dental care: Accidental dental injury is covered up to $500 per incident (BasicPlan), $2,000 (ExtendaPlan®), or $5,000 (OmniPlan®). Optional dental coverage kicks in after three months, reimbursing up to $1,000 per year (Major/Basic combined in year 3+), with 75–80% for routine care and 50% for major services.
- Medical transport: Ambulance is included (air and road, unlimited in higher plans), plus coverage for select medical travel under the optional annual travel add-on (up to $2 million per year, with trip length restrictions).
- Ancillary expenses (hospitalization or death): Daily hospital cash ($100/day, up to $3,000/year) is available as an option for unexpected hospitalizations.
Policies can be held for life as long as health insurance premiums are paid (no automatic termination by age), with eligibility varying by product. Age minimums and maximums apply, with coverage possible into advanced age. Travel coverage has trip limits (15–48 days/trip) and medical stability requirements. Applicants must be Canadian residents. Certain waiting periods apply for dental, and stability clauses exist for travel health. Pre-existing condition coverage is partly available on Enhanced drug plans but is excluded elsewhere.
General Exclusions and Policy Review
General exclusions apply for experimental treatments, extreme sports, non-essential/cosmetic care, and services already covered by government health plans. Always review your policy for detailed exclusion lists and any waiting period before benefits begin.
Does GMS health insurance cover seniors?
GMS health insurance is available to retirees and those whose group insurance coverage has ended. Applications can often be made without a medical questionnaire, provided you switch within 60 days after your group plan ends. This process enables continuous coverage during the transition to retirement or loss of employer benefits.
- BasicPlan: Includes coverage for essential health practitioner services, speech therapy, private duty nursing (in-hospital), ambulance, mobility aids, hospital room, accidental dental, and more. Does not include vision or hearing aid coverage.
- ExtendaPlan®: Expands on BasicPlan with vision care (eye exams and glasses), hearing aid coverage, access to more types of practitioners, in-home nursing, counselling services, health supplies and equipment, orthopedic shoes, orthotics, and other enhanced benefits.
- OmniPlan®: Offers the widest coverage, adding higher annual limits for health practitioner and counselling services, vision care, hospital stays, accidental dental, and hearing aids. Additional features include support for advanced medical equipment and increased out-of-hospital nursing care.
- Optional Prescription Drug Add-on: Provides reimbursement for prescription medications, with two levels of annual maximums to suit different needs, including enhanced options for certain non-standard drugs.
- Optional Dental Add-on: Covers preventive dental care, major dental services, and orthodontics (after waiting periods), with reimbursement percentages increasing after the first year.
- Optional Hospital Cash Add-on: Pays a daily benefit if you are hospitalized, up to a yearly maximum, to help with extra expenses.
- Optional Annual Travel Add-on: Protects against emergency medical costs when travelling, with options for trip length and generous per-incident coverage for out-of-province or out-of-country emergencies.
Transfer from group to individual coverage
To transfer from group to individual coverage without a health check, apply for your new GMS policy within 60 days after your previous plan ends. Read each plan’s details to ensure it matches your health needs during retirement.
How does reimbursement work with GMS?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | Claims can be filed online via My GMS Account, allowing faster processing and easy tracking from any device. |
| Mobile application | ✅ | The GMS mobile app lets users submit claims, monitor coverage, and download digital insurance cards efficiently. |
| Client portal for reimbursement tracking | ✅ | An online portal enables policyholders to check claim status, manage policies, and access documents at any time. |
| Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | There is no tool to estimate future reimbursements; members need to consult their policy or contact customer service. |
| Reimbursement time frame | Not specified | Average claim processing time is not publicly disclosed; many claims are processed promptly when documents are complete. |
| Add/remove members without fees | ❌ | Changes to insured members require administrative approval and may incur costs depending on the policy type. |
| Phone advice from a healthcare provider | ✅ | The GMS Care Network offers 24/7 telemedicine for general practitioner access, mental health, and coaching needs. |
| Second medical opinion | ❌ | GMS does not include a second medical opinion feature in standard personal health plans. |
| 24/7 travel emergency assistance | ✅ | Emergency medical and travel assistance is accessible 24/7 for travel insurance holders, providing crucial support abroad. |
GMS Health Insurance Customer Reviews
While customer feedback specifically for GMS health insurance in Canada is very limited, some recurring themes can be highlighted based on what is typically reported for health insurers:
✅ A range of plan options allows customers to choose coverage suited to their needs and budget.
✅ There is access to digital support services like telemedicine and counselling, which clients appreciate for convenience.
✅ Claims can be submitted online, which makes the reimbursement process simpler for many users.
❌ The specific coverage details and limits can be complex or unclear for new clients, leading to confusion.
❌ Accessibility and limits for certain add-on coverages, like prescription drugs or dental, are sometimes found restrictive.
❌ Some users may encounter delays in claim processing or require follow-up communication for resolution.
Here are some of the reviews left online:
- "I appreciate that I could complete everything online and got confirmation of my new policy quickly. The service team answered all my questions by email and I was able to upload my claims easily through the portal.", L. Peters, November 8, 2024, Trustpilot.
- "My experience was frustrating because the exclusions in my plan were only clear after I tried to make a claim. Their communication was slow and I had to follow up multiple times before getting my reimbursement.", D. Nguyen, January 25, 2025, Trustpilot.
How to contact GMS health insurance?
| Reason for contact | Contact GMS |
|---|---|
| 🧾 For a health insurance quote | Call 1-800-667-3699 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm CST). Select the option for "health insurance quote" from the menu. |
| 🧾 For proof of insurance | Call 1-800-667-3699 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm CST). Request "proof of insurance" or log in to your My GMS Account. |
| 🩺 For medical assistance | For travel emergencies, call 1-800-459-6604 (24/7, Canada/US) or 905-762-5196 (collect, international). |
| 🔍 To declare an incident or track a reimbursement | Log in to your My GMS Account or call 1-800-667-3699 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm CST). Choose "claims" for assistance. |
FAQ
Who can apply for GMS health insurance?
If GMS is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly via the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, you can apply through the official GMS website, but it is recommended to first compare different health insurance offers online using our comparison tool to ensure you choose the best plan for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with GMS?
GMS health insurance is available to Canadian residents, with most plans starting at age 18. Maximum age limits apply to some plan types and add-ons, with eligibility often decreasing for those over 80 for certain coverages such as travel. Review the specific policy for exact age restrictions.
Can you add or remove insured members with GMS?
You can add dependents such as a spouse or children to your GMS policy during initial enrollment or at renewal. Any changes are subject to plan terms and may require documentation or proof of eligibility for new members.
What types of exclusions should I be aware of with GMS health insurance?
GMS excludes coverage for participation in extreme sports, experimental or non-medically necessary treatments, services by family members, and cosmetic procedures not deemed medically necessary. Certain prescription drugs and dental services are also excluded, so be sure to review your policy’s complete list of exclusions.
Who can apply for GMS health insurance?
If GMS is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly via the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, you can apply through the official GMS website, but it is recommended to first compare different health insurance offers online using our comparison tool to ensure you choose the best plan for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with GMS?
GMS health insurance is available to Canadian residents, with most plans starting at age 18. Maximum age limits apply to some plan types and add-ons, with eligibility often decreasing for those over 80 for certain coverages such as travel. Review the specific policy for exact age restrictions.
Can you add or remove insured members with GMS?
You can add dependents such as a spouse or children to your GMS policy during initial enrollment or at renewal. Any changes are subject to plan terms and may require documentation or proof of eligibility for new members.
What types of exclusions should I be aware of with GMS health insurance?
GMS excludes coverage for participation in extreme sports, experimental or non-medically necessary treatments, services by family members, and cosmetic procedures not deemed medically necessary. Certain prescription drugs and dental services are also excluded, so be sure to review your policy’s complete list of exclusions.
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