What is the Best Manitoba Health Insurance Plan in 2024?

Did you know that over 30% of medical costs in Manitoba are not covered by your provincial healthcare? Most families end up paying this out of the pocket leaving them with a huge financial burden. That's why it's essential to have a good private health insurance.

Private health insurance also helps you cover essential yet expensive services like dental care, vision care and prescription medications, many of which are not covered or offered very limited protection by Manitoba Health.

But how do you know which is the best Manitoba health insurance for you? In this guide, we take you through the best private insurances in Manitoba, their coverage, pros and cons, prices, even how to get you Manitoba Health Card if you don't have one, and more. You can also compare plans and get quotes using our free comparator at the top of this page.

Top 2024 best Manitoba Health insurance plans

Sun Life health insurance: Hassle-free policy access

Sun Life offers three health plans, all with differing levels of coverage which allows you to find a plan that is tailored to your specific needs. It has a comprehensive online portal and an app that allows you hands-on access to your claims and benefits information even while on the go.

The policies of Sun Life personal health insurance are a sensible choice if you do not have benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s healthcare (like AHCIP in Alberta, MSP in BC) and drug coverage.

Note that you must have provincial or territorial health and drug coverage to apply for personal health insurance.

If you would like to explore further and get a sun life health insurance quote that is personalised to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

GMS health insurance: Comprehensive coverage

GMS offers plans ranging from basic coverage to comprehensive health coverage, 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 plans for certain plans automatically adds Covid-19 treatment coverage.

GMS health insurance Canada 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.

If you think GMS is the right fit for you or would like to give it a try, you can now get a quote from GMS health insurance and get a policy that suits your unique health needs and budget the best.

Manulife health insurance: The most comprehensive options

Manulife offers many comprehensive health insurance plans - whether you are looking for dental benefits, drug benefits, or a combination, you will be able to find a plan that works for your health needs.

There is a comprehensive online portal offered by Manulife health insurance for easy access to policy information and to submit a claim online. All health and dental plans have the option to add Manulife Vitality which gives you the opportunity to earn rewards and save on how much you pay.

Manulife private health insurance is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s health and drug coverage such as dental or medication-only coverage.

Green Shield Canada health insurance: Extensive options for every budget

Green Shield Canada, also known as simply GSC, is a non-profit insurance provider. The GSC health insurance can be bundled with other policies to save money.

Green Shield offers more affordable packages than some of its competitors, especially for younger customers who are currently in good health. This could be a great economical choice for non-smoking young adults.

However, its dental insurance policy must be purchased separately for basic plans or as an add-on. But it is one of those rare insurances that covers pre-existing conditions and does not require medical questionnaire for its basic plan.

Blue Cross health insurance: The most flexible choice

The Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans is a federation of non-profit insurance providers operating across Canada since 1938. Its members collectively insure over 7 million Canadians under their federally licensed coverage.

Blue Cross Health Insurance offers several plans that can include health benefits, drug, and dental coverage depending on what your needs are. It provides an easy-access online portal to your benefits information and lets you submit claims. Their plans of Blue cross health insurance canada allow for the optional add-ons of services such as critical illness coverage and hospital expenses.

Blue Cross private health insurance is intended for people who do not have access to a private group plan, or if they would like additional benefits not offered by their employer’s or province’s healthcare program (like Ontario Health Insurance Plan or the MSP in BC), and drug coverage such as dental or medication-only coverage.

For freelancers, there is the Blue Cross health insurance self-employed package. Blue Cross student health insurance is an affordable package for those in higher education or those who have recently graduated.

Desjardins health insurance review: Wide coverage

Desjardins is a leading provider of insurance in Canada with an illustrious history. It offers private health insurance to bridge the gaps in the provincial healthcare programs like the MSP in BC or the AHCIP in Alberta.

Desjardins health insurance plans can be bundled with other policies like travel, life, dental in order to save money. Compared to competitors, Desjardins premiums are slightly higher however they offer a wider range of coverages.

That said, in some ways the company is behind some of its competitors as it does not offer the ability to sign up for a policy online.

CAA health insurance: The best bundling discounts

The CAA, or the Canadian Automobile Associate, was founded more than 115 years ago. It is one of the largest not-for-profit automobile associations in Canada. It also offers CAA insurance packages, including private health insurance.

CAA has partnered with Manulife health insurance for over 20 years, allowing them to offer pre-packaged plans mix and match plans tailored to your specific health needs. They have a 30-day guarantee where if you are not satisfied with the coverage, you may request a refund within 30 days of receiving your policy.

This provider is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like to mix and match prescription and dental coverage. Note that you must have provincial or territorial health and drug coverage to apply for personal health insurance

Canada Life health insurance: Best guaranteed policies

Founded in 1847, Canada Life is the country's first home-grown insurer and today has more than 12 million clients. Canada Life offers a variety of levels of health insurance, all with differing levels of coverage which are designed to suit your needs, including prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and more.

They have comprehensive optional add-ons for you to further personalize your health plan. They also offer a ten-day look-and-see period. You can cancel your policy with no penalty during the first ten days.

Canada Life health insurance is a choice for you if you do not have medical benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s health and drug coverage like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan or the MSP in BC.

Note that you must have provincial or territorial health and drug coverage to apply for private health insurance Manitoba plans.

Among top health insurance companies in Manitoba are also other providers like RBC health insurance, TD health insurance, and Costco health insurance.

What is Manitoba's Health Plan?

The Manitoba Health plan is a universal public healthcare plan for Manitoba residents that covers basic medically necessary services.

Manitoba's health care system has a broad network of services and programs. Because it is publicly funded, you do not have to pay for many medical and hospital services. It is overseen by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living.

The medical services themselves are delivered through local regional health authorities (RHAs), which are five agencies set up by the province to meet the needs of Manitobans. These include:

• Interlake-Eastern RHA,
• Northern Health Region,
• Prairie Mountain Health,
• Southern Health/Sante Sud and
• Winnipeg Health Region

Before seeking medical care, it is important to know what is covered, what is not covered and how to make sure you have access to your Manitoba Health Insurance card and other necessary resources.

What are the Manitoba Health Regions?

There are different resources for different regions in the Province of Manitoba. See the list below for a list of the Manitoba Health Regions so you know what rules apply depending on the region you are in before buying a plan.

• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority | Churchill
• Northern Health Region
• Prairie Mountain Health
• Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority
• Southern Health-Santé Sud

What does the Manitoba Health cover?

Manitoba Health will cover residents for certain medically necessary physician services. They will pay the physicians and clinics directly. This means that you do not have to pay out of pocket for these expenses. Some examples of basic medical services that are covered are:

• Patients billed for insured services by physicians practicing outside the plan are entitled to reimbursement from Manitoba Health
• Physicians' services
• Surgery and anaesthesia
• X-ray and laboratory services in Manitoba approved facilities only when ordered by a physician

You may find yourself asking what physician’s services are actually covered. We have broken those down for you:

Covered in Manitoba	Details
Optometrists	Manitoba Health will cover one routine complete eye exam provided in a 2-year benefit period for patients under the age of 19 years and 65 years of age and over. If you have a medical condition requiring an eye exam and prescribed by a physician, that will be covered under the plan regardless of your age. Keep in mind that unless you fall into one of these categories, your eye exams will not be covered.
Chiropractors	Manitoba Health will pay for seven chiropractic visits per calendar year.
Dental Surgeons	Manitoba Health will insure certain dental procedures only when hospitalization is required.
Hospital services:	Accommodation and meals at the standard level, Necessary nursing services, Laboratory, x-ray and diagnostic procedures, Medications administered in a hospital, Use of the operating room, care room and anaesthesia, Routine surgical supplies, Occupational, speech and physiotherapy, Dietetic counselling

While Manitoba covers some hospital services, it is likely that you will require treatment outside of the scope of what they cover. A private health plan will protect you from large bills for those services. We explore what is not covered below.

What does the Manitoba Health not cover?

While Manitoba health plan covers a variety of services that you can access using Health insurance card Manitoba, there are unfortunately many services they do not cover that a private health insurance plan would cover. Services not covered include the following:

• personal care home benefits outside of Manitoba
• health services performed at the request of a third party, such as examinations for employment, drivers' licences, insurance, travel, immigration or emigration
• care and treatment covered by the Workers' Compensation Board, the Department of Veterans Services or by other statutes
• services that are not medically required
• services such as examinations, laboratory tests, x-rays and other procedures related to uninsured services

There were certain services that were covered under the Manitoba health plan but effective April 1, 1996, the following are no longer covered:

• Routine complete eye examinations for persons 19 years of age or older but under the age of 65
• Chiropractic treatments as a result of a motor vehicle accident covered by Manitoba Public Insurance

Manitoba's Health plan does not necessarily cover all medical expenses. In that light, it's critical to have a good private health insurance Manitoba policy. While it may seem like a time-consuming process, we've made it simple for you. You could use our comparator below and quickly compare prices, coverage, and even get quotes from the best health insurance Manitoba providers in no time.

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Do you need private Manitoba health insurance?

Private health insurance in Manitoba is beneficial because while the provincial healthcare plan covers essential medical services, it has several limitations. Private insurance supplements these gaps by offering coverage for services like dental care, vision care, prescription medications, and specialized treatments.

This ensures that you have access to a broader range of healthcare services and can manage unexpected medical expenses more effectively. Private health insurance also reduces wait times for specialists and elective procedures, provides flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, and offers additional benefits that cater to individual health needs.

What does private Manitoba health insurance cover?

Private health insurance in Manitoba offers additional coverage beyond the provincial healthcare plan, including:

• Dental Care: Coverage for routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and more.
• Prescription Medications: Financial support for prescription drugs not fully covered by the public plan.
• Vision Care: Coverage for eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and corrective procedures.
• Specialized Treatments: Coverage for therapies, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and alternative treatments.
• Travel Insurance: Protection for medical expenses when traveling outside the province or country.
• Extended Hospital Rooms: Option for semi-private or private hospital rooms.
• Paramedical Services: Reimbursement for services like massage therapy, acupuncture, and more.
• Mental Health Services: Coverage for therapy sessions, counseling, and mental health treatments.
• Medical Equipment: Financial support for durable medical equipment and supplies.
• Additional Benefits: Depending on the plan, coverage for hearing aids, critical illness, and more.

How much is private Manitoba Health insurance?

The cost of private health insurance in Manitoba can vary widely based on factors such as your age, health status, coverage level, and the insurance provider you choose. Monthly premiums for basic plans might start around $50 to $100 for young, healthy individuals, but more comprehensive plans with additional benefits could cost several hundred dollars per month.

For example, the monthly premium for a basic plan for a 40-year-old male resident without dental coverage is $50 per month. However, a more comprehensive package with premium dental cover and drug benefits in Manitoba is $250 per month.

How can you get private Manitoba Health insurance?

1. Research Plans: Explore different insurance providers and plans available in Manitoba.
2. Compare Coverage: Compare coverage, benefits, and premiums to find a suitable plan using our free comparator.
3. Request Quotes: Contact insurers to request personalised quotes based on your needs using HelloSafe comparator.
4. Apply and Review: Fill out the application, review terms, and submit required documents.
5. Approval and Payment: Once approved, pay the premiums to start your coverage.

Are you eligible for the Manitoba health plan?

In order to be to use benefits from the Manitoba health plan, you must meet a few requirements. To be eligible for Manitoba Health coverage you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or
• Have immigration status as outlined in The Health Services Insurance Act:
• Permanent Residents
• Work Permit holders and their spouse/dependants (Permit validity periods apply)
• Establish a permanent residence in Manitoba, and
• Reside (physically) in Manitoba for six months in a calendar year

The following are people not eligible for coverage under public health insurance in Manitoba:

• Tourists
• Transients
• Visitors
• Domestic students temporarily absent from other provinces and territories in Canada to attend educational institutions in Manitoba

How to apply for a Manitoba health card?

You can apply for your Manitoba health card online by accessing their online Manitoba Health Registration Form or using the form below:

Send your form to the following address:

Manitoba Health - Insured Benefits Branch
300 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB R3B 3M9
CANADA

You can also apply in person or via email at:

• In-person at the address above
• Email: [email protected]

Examples of supporting documentation are:

• A valid Manitoba driver’s license
• Your motor vehicle registration
• A home or tenant insurance policy
• A utility bill from the last 2 months

It typically takes between four to six weeks to process Manitoba health card applications. Applying as soon as you can get your documents together will help you receive health coverage as early as possible.

Once you complete the application to prove your residency in Manitoba, you will receive your health card which will come with your Personal Health Identification Number (PHIN). This will allow you to access healthcare throughout the province.

How to get a replacement for the Manitoba health card?

If you lost your Manitoba health card or it was stolen or damaged, you must contact the Insured Benefits Branch immediately for a replacement. You may apply for the replacement using the form below or by filing the online eNotice of Change form.

The Insured Benefits Branch may be reached during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the number below:

Phone Numbers:

• Voice: 204-786-7101
• Toll-Free: 1-800-392-1207
• Fax: 204-783-2171
• Deaf Access Line TTY/TDD: 204-774-8618

For residents within the province, but outside Winnipeg:
Call the Manitoba Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-855-0511 to reach the above number.

Are you covered by Manitoba Health when out of the province?

Yes and no. If you are visiting another Canadian province or territory and need hospital or medical care, show your Manitoba Health card. In most cases, the doctor and hospital bills will be sent directly to Manitoba Health for processing.

If you travel outside of Canada, you will be responsible for the majority of medical bills you incur. That’s why it’s always a good idea to buy travel health insurance Manitoba plan before you leave. Health care services in other countries, particularly the United States, can be significantly more expensive than in Manitoba.

If you are admitted on an emergency basis to a hospital outside of Canada, Manitoba Health will pay for the services you need based on established daily rates. In case you are treated in a hospital outpatient or emergency department, coverage is limited to a maximum of $100 CDN per visit. Physician services are covered at the same rates paid to Manitoba doctors.

How is health insurance for seniors in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, seniors have access to the provincial healthcare plan, which covers essential medical services. Additionally, seniors may consider private health insurance to supplement coverage. Manitoba's healthcare plan includes:

1. Doctor Visits: Medically necessary visits to doctors and specialists.
2. Hospital Care: Inpatient services, surgeries, and emergency medical care.
3. Diagnostic Tests: X-rays, lab tests, and other diagnostics.
4. Some Prescription Drugs: Manitoba Pharmacare covers a portion of prescription drug costs based on income and age.

However, as a senior, provincial health will not cover some services like dental care. This can be quite expensive. So seniors can enhance coverage with private insurance, covering services like prescription medications, dental care, vision care, and specialised treatments.