Green Shield Health Insurance Review 2025: Is It Right For You?
Our expert's review of Green Shield
ScoreGreen Shield Canada offers a wide range of health insurance options for individuals and families, notably through its LINK and ZONE plans. These cover tiers from basic to comprehensive, with prescription drug reimbursement rates from 70% to 90% and annual drug caps up to $20,000 depending on the plan.
Dental, vision, and paramedical benefits scale generously with higher-range packages, including orthodontics in top tiers. No medical underwriting is needed for many entry-level plans, making Green Shield especially suitable for recent group plan leavers, retirees, and those needing guaranteed acceptance. Virtual medical consultations and mental health support are robust add-ons.
However, Green Shield's Trustpilot rating is notably low at 1.3/5 (83 reviews), with recurring concerns regarding claim denials and customer service. Despite its position as a long-established non-profit insurer, with national reach, Green Shield lags behind major Canadian competitors in client satisfaction.
Most claims are processed electronically within several days, but users report inconsistent reimbursement clarity. In short, Green Shield suits those who value choice, virtual care and no-medical-entry, but less those prioritizing support experience or ultra-high annual maximums.
- ✅Very broad range of plan options for all needs
- ✅No medical underwriting on many plans
- ✅Virtual medical care and telecounselling included
- ✅High prescription drug limits in premium plans
- ✅Dental and vision care covered in several options
- ✅Transition products for people leaving group insurance
- ✅National coverage, non-profit structure
- ❌Very low customer Trustpilot rating
- ❌Many complaints about claim denials
- ❌Long customer service phone waits reported
- ❌Lack of transparency in benefit summaries
- ❌Lower drug and dental caps in basic tiers
Score- ✅Very broad range of plan options for all needs
- ✅No medical underwriting on many plans
- ✅Virtual medical care and telecounselling included
- ✅High prescription drug limits in premium plans
- ✅Dental and vision care covered in several options
- ✅Transition products for people leaving group insurance
- ✅National coverage, non-profit structure
Our expert's review of Green Shield
- ✅Very broad range of plan options for all needs
- ✅No medical underwriting on many plans
- ✅Virtual medical care and telecounselling included
- ✅High prescription drug limits in premium plans
- ✅Dental and vision care covered in several options
- ✅Transition products for people leaving group insurance
- ✅National coverage, non-profit structure
- ❌Very low customer Trustpilot rating
- ❌Many complaints about claim denials
- ❌Long customer service phone waits reported
- ❌Lack of transparency in benefit summaries
- ❌Lower drug and dental caps in basic tiers
Score- ✅Very broad range of plan options for all needs
- ✅No medical underwriting on many plans
- ✅Virtual medical care and telecounselling included
- ✅High prescription drug limits in premium plans
- ✅Dental and vision care covered in several options
- ✅Transition products for people leaving group insurance
- ✅National coverage, non-profit structure
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international health insurance expert, guiding more than one million users every month in their coverage choices. Our specialists have evaluated the offers of 48 insurers in Canada, thoroughly analyzing their coverage, rates and quality of service.
What does Green Shield health insurance cover?
Green Shield stands out in Canada for flexible coverage, offering LINK and ZONE product lines tailored to different needs, with guaranteed acceptance in entry-level plans and no medical underwriting for many options. High reimbursement rates (up to 90% for drugs, dental, and extended health services in top-tier ZONE plans) and increasing annual maximums provide strong value for ongoing healthcare needs.
Telemedicine and mental health support are included across all but the most basic plans, enhancing access to care.
However, limitations exist: standard exclusions (e.g., lifestyle drugs), some lower-tier plans lack essential drug or dental coverage, and customer service reviews signal potential for administrative frustration.
Routine medical care
| Guarantee | RAMQ | LINK 2 (Classic) | ZONE 5 Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugs (reimbursement rate, deductible, ceiling) | 68% Monthly deductible: $22 Monthly ceiling: $99.65 | 80% Yearly ceiling: $1,150 (year 2) No deductible indicated | 90% Yearly ceiling: $5,000 No deductible indicated |
| Hospitalization (reimbursement rate, room type, days covered) | 100% Standard ward only Unlimited | $200/day Semi-private room 30 days/year | Optional add-on Up to 30 days/year |
| Ambulance transportation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | 0% (Except for eligible groups) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Home care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | 0% (Outside of public institutions) | $2,500/year Eligible categories | $4,000/year |
| Laboratory analysis (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | 0% (Outside public hospital facilities) | $2,000/year (includes tests, x-rays) | $4,000/year (medical items and home support) |
Monthly deductible: $22
Monthly ceiling: $99.65
Yearly ceiling: $1,150 (year 2)
No deductible indicated
Yearly ceiling: $5,000
No deductible indicated
Standard ward only
Unlimited
Semi-private room
30 days/year
Up to 30 days/year
(Except for eligible groups)
(Outside of public institutions)
Eligible categories
(Outside public hospital facilities)
Dental care
| Guarantee | OHIP | LINK 2 Classic | LINK 4 Elite | ZONE 3 Basic | ZONE 7 Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive and routine dental care (coverage rate, amount, period) | Default Children 17- & eligible adults (conditions apply) | 80% Up to $800/year (Year 2) Recall 9 months | 80% Up to $1,500/year (Year 3+) Recall 6 months | 80% Up to $1,000/year (Year 3+) Recall 9 months | 80-90% Up to $2,000/year (Year 3+) Recall 6 months |
| Basic dental care (coverage rate, amount, period) | Default As per public dental program | 80% Included in above maximum | 80% Included in above maximum | 80% Included in above maximum | 80-90% Included in above maximum |
| Major dental care (coverage rate, amount, period) | Non covered | Not covered | 60% Year 3+ Included in above maximum | 50% Year 3+ Included in above maximum | 50% Year 3+ Included in above maximum |
| Orthodontics (coverage rate, amount, period) | Non covered | Not covered | 60% Year 3+ Lifetime max $2,000 | Not covered | 50% Year 3+ Lifetime max $2,000 |
Children 17- & eligible adults (conditions apply)
Up to $800/year (Year 2)
Recall 9 months
Up to $1,500/year (Year 3+)
Recall 6 months
Up to $1,000/year (Year 3+)
Recall 9 months
Up to $2,000/year (Year 3+)
Recall 6 months
As per public dental program
Included in above maximum
Included in above maximum
Included in above maximum
Included in above maximum
Year 3+
Included in above maximum
Year 3+
Included in above maximum
Year 3+
Included in above maximum
Year 3+
Lifetime max $2,000
Year 3+
Lifetime max $2,000
Vision care
| Guarantee | OHIP | ZONE 2 Primary | ZONE 5 Choice | ZONE 7 Ultimate | LINK 2 Classic | LINK 4 Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses, lenses, surgery (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Under 18: up to $50/2 years for lenses Surgery only if medically necessary | $150 per 2 years | $250 per 2 years | $300 per 2 years | $200 per 2 years | $300 per 2 years |
| Optometrist consultation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Under 20/over 65: one routine exam/year | $65 per 2 years | $100 per 2 years | $120 per 2 years | $60 per 2 years | $80 per 2 years |
Under 18: up to $50/2 years for lenses
Surgery only if medically necessary
Under 20/over 65: one routine exam/year
Specialized and paramedical care
| Guarantee | OHIP | LINK 1 (Standard) | LINK 4 (Elite) | ZONE 2 Primary | ZONE 7 Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative medicine (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Default Not covered | $20/visit, max 15 visits/year per practitioner | $50/visit, max $600/year per practitioner; $1,200 combined | $20/visit, max $300/year per practitioner | $50/visit, max $750/year per practitioner; $2,000 combined per year |
| Psychologist (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Default Not covered | 80% reimbursement, up to $600/year (combined with social worker) | 80% reimbursement, up to $600/year (combined with social worker) | 80% reimbursement, up to $300/year (combined with social worker) | 80% reimbursement, up to $750/year (combined with social worker) |
| Speech therapy (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Default Not covered | 80% reimbursement, up to $300/year | 80% reimbursement, up to $600/year | 80% reimbursement, up to $300/year | 80% reimbursement, up to $750/year |
| Travel insurance (rate, amount, period) | Not covered | 10 days/trip, up to $5 million/year per person | 15 days/trip, up to $5 million/year per person | 15 days/trip, up to $5 million/year per person | 30 days/trip, up to $5 million/year per person |
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
What is the cost of Green Shield health insurance in 2025?
Here's the cost of health insurance with Green Shield:
| Type of coverage (household composition) | ZONE 1 | ZONE 4 | LINK 1 | LINK 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $58/month | About $134/month | About $78/month | About $175/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $115/month | About $255/month | About $153/month | About $335/month |
| Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $142/month | About $312/month | About $181/month | About $390/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $167/month | About $369/month | About $223/month | About $464/month |
*Prices are indicative and may vary depending on your personal situation and the selected plan.*
Application Acceptance and Rates
Application acceptance and rates may differ based on age, region, and pre-existing conditions; quotes available online.
Green Shield Promo Codes
| Green Shield 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 Green Shield health insurance accessible to newcomers?
Green Shield health insurance is designed for newcomers to Canada, foreign workers, expatriates, students, and visitors who need private health coverage during their first months in Canada or when transitioning from an employer group benefits plan. It is particularly useful during the waiting period for public health insurance enrolment or for individuals without access to provincial health coverage.
- Medical care: Access to doctor visits, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, and emergency services, including coverage for inpatient and outpatient care as per plan limits. For example, hospital accommodation is covered up to $200–$250 per day for up to 30 days per year, depending on the chosen plan.
- Prescribed care: Reimbursement for prescription drugs varies by plan; for instance, LINK plans typically cover 80% of drug costs up to $800–$2,000 per year, while ZONE plans offer up to 90% coverage and higher annual maximums with advanced plans.
- Specialist care: Expenses for specialists such as physiotherapists, psychologists, massage therapists, and more are covered, with some plans reimbursing up to $600 or more per practitioner per year. Virtual therapy and telemedicine are also included, allowing for online consultations.
- Emergency dental care: Urgent dental treatment after an accident is covered, with accidental dental coverage up to $2,500–$15,000 annually based on the plan level selected.
- Medical transportation: Coverage for ambulance transport in emergencies and travel insurance for urgent medical care during short trips outside your home province or Canada, with coverage typically up to $5 million for 10–30 days per trip.
- Incidental expenses (hospitalization or death): Reimbursement for medical equipment, home support, or hearing aids—e.g., $300–$600 for hearing aids every 4 years. In the case of hospitalization or death, travel repatriation and other necessary costs may also be included according to the plan.
Green Shield LINK and ZONE plans are available by application to residents aged 18 to 79 with valid provincial health coverage or those applying within 90 days after losing a group benefits plan. Some ZONE plans do not require a health questionnaire, allowing guaranteed acceptance, while higher-level ZONE and LINK plans may require limited medical information.
The maximum purchase duration is lifetime as long as health premiums are maintained. Travel insurance is limited by plan (10, 15, or 30 consecutive days per trip), and some benefits increase after the first year. Quebec residents must coordinate drug claims with the RAMQ system. Applications may be made for individuals, couples, or families, provided all members meet age and residency criteria.
Plan Exclusions
Green Shield plans exclude coverage for drugs related to obesity, infertility, smoking cessation, and erectile dysfunction. Services eligible for reimbursement under provincial health insurance are not covered. For full details, consult your benefit summary or contract.
Does Green Shield health insurance cover seniors?
Green Shield health insurance is designed for retirees and individuals whose group insurance coverage is ending, helping them maintain valuable health benefits in retirement without medical underwriting. The transition from group to individual coverage is smooth through the LINK program, provided you apply within 90 days of your group benefits ending.
The main coverage options available under the Green Shield program are:
- LINK 1 (Standard): Offers essential health benefits, with prescription drug coverage (80%, up to $1,000 annually after three years), basic medical services, extended health (paramedical visits, hearing aids, medical supplies), hospital coverage (up to $200/day, 30 days/year), vision ($150/2 years), and emergency travel insurance for trips up to 10 days.
- LINK 2 (Classic): Builds on LINK 1 by adding dental coverage (basic care, yearly limits rising from $600 to $1,000 over three years), higher vision and paramedical maximums, and increased home support and hearing aid benefits.
- LINK 3 (Supreme): Expands further with higher limits for drugs, dental (major services added at 50% in year 3+), paramedical ($400/practitioner), vision ($250/2 years), and accidental dental, plus longer travel insurance (15 days per trip).
- LINK 4 (Elite): The most comprehensive choice, offering the highest limits for drugs (up to $2,000 by year 3+), dental (including orthodontics), paramedical, home care, vision ($300/2 years), and hospital coverage (up to $250/day).
All LINK plans include virtual healthcare access (4 medical consults/year) and mental health support (4 hours of virtual counselling/year).
Green Shield also provides ZONE plans, which are open to all ages and offer varying levels of acceptance and coverage, from basic health and dental to comprehensive drug coverage and extended benefits. Applications made immediately after group plan expiry (within 60-90 days) guarantee coverage without medical questions for most plans.
How does reimbursement work with Green Shield?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | Enables insured persons to submit claims anytime, saving time compared to paper-based or in-person processes. |
| Mobile application | ✅ | Provides on-the-go access to plan details, claim submission, and digital insurance cards for added flexibility. |
| Client portal for claim tracking | ✅ | Allows users to monitor reimbursement status and access claim history, making follow-up and budgeting easier. |
| Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | No tool available to estimate reimbursements in advance; users may need to contact customer service for details. |
| Reimbursement timeframe | 48h–72h | Digital claims are typically processed and reimbursed within 2 to 3 business days, ensuring prompt fund access. |
| Add/remove members without fees | ❌ | Changes to coverage or dependents may involve administrative fees or restrictions, depending on plan rules. |
| Phone advice from a healthcare provider | ✅ | 24/7 access to a nurse or general practitioner by phone offers guidance for urgent health questions anytime. |
| Second medical opinion | ✅ | Access to a virtual or in-person second medical opinion supports informed decisions for complex health issues. |
| 24/7 travel emergency assistance | ✅ | Provides policyholders with round-the-clock help for health emergencies when travelling outside their province or country. |
Green Shield Health Insurance Customer Review
| Review Site | Rating and Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 1.3 out of 5 (83 reviews) |
Feedback from users of Green Shield reveals several notable positive and negative experiences:
- ✅ An online platform and app allow for convenient digital management of claims and access to telemedicine services.
- ✅ Some clients find coverage for certain mental health and therapy services useful, as well as the flexibility of virtual visits.
- ❌ A large number of users report excessively long wait times to reach customer support and inconsistent or unhelpful answers when they do connect.
- ❌ Many members complain of frequent denial of claims and reimbursements that cover only a small percentage of the actual expense.
- ❌ There is significant frustration regarding the lack of benefit clarity, difficulty accessing detailed plan information, and technical issues with forms and the website.
Here are some of the reviews left online:
- "I appreciate that I can submit my claims on the app and schedule virtual doctor appointments, which is a real time saver for me.", Victoria H., March 24, 2024, Trustpilot.
- "Green Shield rejected my dental and prescription claims with no explanation and customer service made it impossible to get clear answers.", Amir F., May 2, 2024, Trustpilot.
How to contact Green Shield health insurance?
| Reason for contact | Contact Green Shield |
|---|---|
| 🧾 For a health insurance quote | Call 1-844-850-7873, Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 8:30 pm ET. Select “Personal Health Insurance” menu. |
| 🧾 For a proof of insurance | Call 1-888-525-7587, Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 8:30 pm ET. Ask for “proof of insurance” from a representative. |
| 🩺 For medical assistance | Call the number on your Green Shield ID card for 24/7 assistance. Use menu option for “medical emergency support.” |
| 🔍 To report an incident or check a reimbursement | Call 1-888-525-7587, Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 8:30 pm ET. Select the “claims or reimbursement” menu to reach the right service. |
FAQ
Who can apply for Green Shield health insurance?
If Green Shield is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly through the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, it is possible to apply on the official Green Shield website. However, it is recommended to compare available health insurance options online first to ensure you get the most suitable coverage for your needs.
Are there age requirements for Green Shield?
Yes, Green Shield requires applicants to meet minimum age requirements, generally 18 years or older to purchase an individual plan. There may also be upper age limits for certain plan types or options. Age criteria can vary depending on the plan, so it is best to review specific product details or confirm directly with the insurer.
Can you add or remove insured members with Green Shield?
It is possible to add or remove members such as spouses or children with Green Shield. These updates can usually be made at policy renewal or after certain life events, such as marriage or the birth of a child, by contacting customer service or updating your online account.
Does Green Shield cover pre-existing conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions depends on the plan chosen. LINK plans may require you to apply within a certain period of losing group benefits for guaranteed acceptance, while ZONE plans can vary. Some plans require a health questionnaire, and acceptance or limits for pre-existing conditions may apply.
How does Green Shield handle direct billing for health expenses?
Green Shield works with thousands of health care providers across Canada who offer direct billing. This means your provider can bill Green Shield directly for eligible services, and you pay only what is not covered. For services not eligible for direct billing, you can submit claims quickly online or through the mobile app.
What additional support services come with Green Shield?
Most Green Shield plans provide extra services such as telemedicine appointments, virtual mental health counselling, and access to online wellness resources. These benefits aim to support both physical and mental well-being, and are available regardless of where you live in Canada.
Who can apply for Green Shield health insurance?
If Green Shield is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly through the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, it is possible to apply on the official Green Shield website. However, it is recommended to compare available health insurance options online first to ensure you get the most suitable coverage for your needs.
Are there age requirements for Green Shield?
Yes, Green Shield requires applicants to meet minimum age requirements, generally 18 years or older to purchase an individual plan. There may also be upper age limits for certain plan types or options. Age criteria can vary depending on the plan, so it is best to review specific product details or confirm directly with the insurer.
Can you add or remove insured members with Green Shield?
It is possible to add or remove members such as spouses or children with Green Shield. These updates can usually be made at policy renewal or after certain life events, such as marriage or the birth of a child, by contacting customer service or updating your online account.
Does Green Shield cover pre-existing conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions depends on the plan chosen. LINK plans may require you to apply within a certain period of losing group benefits for guaranteed acceptance, while ZONE plans can vary. Some plans require a health questionnaire, and acceptance or limits for pre-existing conditions may apply.
How does Green Shield handle direct billing for health expenses?
Green Shield works with thousands of health care providers across Canada who offer direct billing. This means your provider can bill Green Shield directly for eligible services, and you pay only what is not covered. For services not eligible for direct billing, you can submit claims quickly online or through the mobile app.
What additional support services come with Green Shield?
Most Green Shield plans provide extra services such as telemedicine appointments, virtual mental health counselling, and access to online wellness resources. These benefits aim to support both physical and mental well-being, and are available regardless of where you live in Canada.
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