Is RBC Health Insurance Worth It? A 2025 Review
Our expert's review of RBC
ScoreRBC’s health insurance offerings stand out for their strong critical illness and disability coverage, tailored to Canadians seeking robust financial protection against major health risks. Two main critical illness plans are available: the comprehensive Recovery Plan (covering 30+ illnesses, lump sums up to $2 million) and a more accessible plan focusing on the three major conditions.
Disability plans provide monthly, tax-free payments with support services such as rehabilitation, while hospital cash coverage is offered without a medical exam for RBC clients under 70. Visitors to Canada plans are among the market’s most flexible, offering high maximums (up to $150,000), no medical questions asked, and coverage up to age 84.
However, RBC offers little routine health, dental, or vision coverage for individuals, positioning itself against specialized competitors by focusing on income protection and newcomer insurance. Pricing is mid-market to premium, with few discounts available.
RBC’s financial stability is proven as one of Canada’s largest banking groups, but no official Trustpilot rating or volume of online customer reviews is available. Claims typically require medical documentation; payout speed is not published but generally positively regarded. RBC suits working individuals, families needing critical illness cover, and newcomers seeking strong visitor medical insurance.
- ✅Comprehensive critical illness coverage for 30+ serious conditions
- ✅High lump-sum benefits up to $2 million
- ✅Flexible, competitive visitors to Canada plans
- ✅No medical exam for visitor plans and hospital insurance
- ✅Disability insurance includes rehabilitation and retraining support
- ✅Reputable, financially stable Canadian insurer
- ✅24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
- ❌No individual routine health, dental, or vision plans
- ❌Few available public discounts
- ❌Premiums can be higher than basic competitors
- ❌Age limits for new applicants (typically up to 65)
- ❌No published average claim processing time
Score- ✅Comprehensive critical illness coverage for 30+ serious conditions
- ✅High lump-sum benefits up to $2 million
- ✅Flexible, competitive visitors to Canada plans
- ✅No medical exam for visitor plans and hospital insurance
- ✅Disability insurance includes rehabilitation and retraining support
- ✅Reputable, financially stable Canadian insurer
- ✅24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
Our expert's review of RBC
- ✅Comprehensive critical illness coverage for 30+ serious conditions
- ✅High lump-sum benefits up to $2 million
- ✅Flexible, competitive visitors to Canada plans
- ✅No medical exam for visitor plans and hospital insurance
- ✅Disability insurance includes rehabilitation and retraining support
- ✅Reputable, financially stable Canadian insurer
- ✅24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
- ❌No individual routine health, dental, or vision plans
- ❌Few available public discounts
- ❌Premiums can be higher than basic competitors
- ❌Age limits for new applicants (typically up to 65)
- ❌No published average claim processing time
Score- ✅Comprehensive critical illness coverage for 30+ serious conditions
- ✅High lump-sum benefits up to $2 million
- ✅Flexible, competitive visitors to Canada plans
- ✅No medical exam for visitor plans and hospital insurance
- ✅Disability insurance includes rehabilitation and retraining support
- ✅Reputable, financially stable Canadian insurer
- ✅24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international health insurance expert, helping over a million users each month make the right coverage choice. Our specialists have evaluated plans from 48 insurers across Canada, thoroughly analyzing their coverage, pricing, and service quality.
What does RBC health insurance cover?
RBC stands out with two robust critical illness formulas: one comprehensive (30+ illnesses, up to $2M benefit), another basic and affordable (cancer, stroke, heart attack, up to $75,000). Disability and hospital policies add valuable income and daily hospitalization coverage, but there is no routine health/dental plan for individuals.
Visitor plans are among the most complete, with high medical maximums and no medical exam. Most plans have no deductible and competitive reimbursement rates. Main gaps include limited individual wellness/dental coverage and age limits for seniors. Preventive support exists through Teladoc and assistance programs, further strengthening their positioning.
Routine medical care
| Guarantee | OHIP | RBC Critical Illness Recovery Plan | RBC Visitors to Canada Plan III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugs (reimbursement rate, deductible, ceiling) | Default Some outpatient drugs covered, varies by province | non covered | 100% during emergency Up to $150,000 per policy period |
| Hospitalization (reimbursement rate, room type, days covered) | 100% Standard ward Unlimited duration | Lump-sum benefit only (no daily hospital coverage) | 100% during emergency Private/semi-private room Up to $150,000 per period |
| Ambulance transportation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered when medically necessary | non covered | 100% Included in $150,000 max Per policy period |
| Home care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered for medical necessity | Conversion option for long-term care (ages 55-65) | 100% In-home care after hospitalization Up to $150,000 per period |
| Laboratory analysis (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered in hospital or public clinic | non covered | 100% During covered emergency Up to $150,000 per period |
Some outpatient drugs covered, varies by province
Up to $150,000 per policy period
Standard ward
Unlimited duration
Private/semi-private room
Up to $150,000 per period
Covered when medically necessary
Included in $150,000 max
Per policy period
Covered for medical necessity
In-home care after hospitalization
Up to $150,000 per period
Covered in hospital or public clinic
During covered emergency
Up to $150,000 per period
Dental care
| Guarantee | OHIP | RBC Group Benefits Dental Basic | RBC Group Benefits Dental Enhanced | RBC Visitors to Canada Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive and routine dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Children/youth only, varies by province | 80% up to $750/year, recall every 9 months | 100% up to $1,000/year, recall every 6 months | Emergency pain relief only, up to $300/occurrence |
| Basic dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Hospital/emergency only | 80% up to annual maximum, basic extractions | 100% up to annual maximum, major fillings included | Accidental dental injury: up to $4,000/treatment |
| Major dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Not covered | 50% up to $1,500/year for crowns, bridges | Not covered |
| Orthodontics (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Not covered | 50% up to $2,000 lifetime maximum | Not covered |
Children/youth only, varies by province
Hospital/emergency only
Vision care
| Guarantee | Provincial Health Insurance | RBC Critical Illness Insurance | RBC Visitors to Canada Plan III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses, lenses, surgery (rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19/65+: up to $50/2 years for lenses; surgery only if medically necessary | Not covered; plan is lump-sum for major illness only | Emergency only after accident; vision care not covered |
| Optometrist consultation (rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19/65+: one eye exam/year | Not covered | Not covered; plan is for emergencies only |
Under 19/65+: up to $50/2 years for lenses; surgery only if medically necessary
Under 19/65+: one eye exam/year
Specialized and Paramedical Care
| Guarantee | Provincial Health Insurance | RBC Basic Health Insurance | RBC Comprehensive Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative medicine (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Psychologist (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered (mental illness only in disability plans) | Not covered (mental illness coverage in disability) |
| Speech therapy (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Travel insurance (rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Visitors Plan I: up to $25,000, valid 1–365 days | Visitors Plan III: up to $150,000, valid 1–365 days |
What is the cost of RBC health insurance in 2025?
Here's the cost of health insurance for RBC's clients:
| Type of coverage (household composition) | Visitors Plan II (base) | Critical illness plan (basic) | Critical illness plan (comprehensive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $45/month | About $19/month | About $48/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $85/month | About $36/month | About $92/month |
| Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $99/month | About $41/month | About $108/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $120/month | About $54/month | About $128/month |
*Prices are indicative and may change depending on your personal situation and the selected plan.*
RBC Health Insurance
RBC health insurance mainly focuses on critical illness and injury-related plans, and its quoted premiums depend heavily on age, medical history, coverage amount, and plan selected.
RBC Promo Codes
| RBC 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 RBC health insurance accessible to newcomers?
RBC health insurance serves newcomers, temporary residents, visitors, students, and workers in Canada, as well as Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking enhanced protection against major illness, accidents, or hospitalizations. It is particularly relevant for those ineligible for provincial public healthcare or who need additional safety nets (e.g., critical illness coverage or emergency care during the waiting period for provincial health plan).
- Medical care: Visitors to Canada insurance plans cover emergency hospital and medical care during sudden illness or accident, for up to $150,000 (Plan III), $50,000 (Plan II), or $25,000 (Plan I), depending on the plan and age. Group plans may extend to routine medical services for eligible members.
- Prescribed care: For emergency situations, visitors are covered for prescription medications related to sudden illness or accident, up to the maximum of their chosen plan. Critical illness coverage, designed for Canadians and permanent residents, pays a lump sum to help with new health needs following diagnosis.
- Specialized care: Critical illness plans pay a lump sum (from $10,000 to $2 million) upon diagnosis of conditions such as cancer, heart attack, and more (up to 30+ illnesses, depending on the plan). Additional services include rehabilitation guidance, virtual second medical opinion, and access to ongoing health support programs.
- Emergency dental care: Visitor insurance plans include emergency dental treatment resulting from an accident. Annual limits (e.g., up to $4,000) may apply, and benefits can also cover pain relief and necessary extractions during an emergency.
- Medical transport: Emergency ambulance services and repatriation (return home in case of serious illness or death) are covered for visitors and eligible group members. This includes bedside companion expenses and transport for returning accompanying family members.
- Ancillary expenses (hospitalization or death): Daily hospital cash benefits support costs like private or semi-private room upgrades, home nursing, and even child care during hospital recovery. In case of accidental death or severe illness, lump sum payments are available under critical illness or accident insurance plans.
Duration of coverage for visitors insurance plans can be up to 365 days per trip, with no medical questions required at application (unless for coverage of pre-existing conditions in some age groups). For critical illness and disability insurance, eligibility starts at age 18 (up to 65 for Recovery Plans, up to 84 for certain visitor plans), and residency in Canada is required. Visitors insurance must be purchased before or within 5 days of arrival in Canada. Some emergency plans for newcomers and visitors may include restrictions if traveling against medical advice, or for unstable pre-existing conditions.
Important: Check Plan Exclusions and Eligibility
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded unless explicitly included, and some coverage requires satisfaction of a 90-day waiting period (for certain illnesses like cancer). Always check specific plan exclusions and eligibility, especially for age and allowable length of stay, to ensure your needs are covered.
Does RBC health insurance cover seniors?
RBC health insurance options are designed for retirees and individuals who lose access to a group insurance plan. The transition from group to individual coverage can take place without a health examination if you apply within the approval window, typically 60 days after the end of your collective coverage. It is necessary to apply while under the maximum age for eligibility set by RBC (usually up to age 65 for most programs), to ensure continuous protection.
- Critical Illness Recovery Plan™: Offers a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of over 30 serious illnesses such as cancer, stroke, or heart attack. Includes support services, the possibility to convert to long-term care, and several optional features for added flexibility. Available up to age 65.
- Critical Illness Insurance Plan: A more limited and accessible option covering only cancer, heart attack, and stroke, with a smaller range of lump-sum benefits. Best for basic protection needs, available up to age 50.
- Hospital Insurance (WorldProtect): Provides a daily benefit for hospitalization expenses such as private rooms, home recovery assistance, and child care. Guaranteed acceptance for RBC clients aged 18–69, with no medical questions.
- Visitors to Canada Insurance: Designed for newcomers, immigrants, and older family members up to age 84. Covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, travel accidents, and emergency dental care. No medical questions for most plans.
Application for Individual Health Insurance
Apply for your preferred RBC individual health insurance within 60 days of your group plan ending to avoid a medical exam and guarantee acceptance (age limits apply). Carefully review the policy to confirm covered benefits and maximum age restrictions for each product.
How does reimbursement work with RBC?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | Claims for travel and visitor insurance can be submitted online, speeding up the process and reducing paperwork. |
| Mobile application | ❌ | RBC does not provide a specialized app for individual health insurance; online forms are available for some claims. |
| Client portal for reimbursement tracking | ❌ | No dedicated online portal for tracking individual health insurance reimbursements; contact by phone or mail needed. |
| Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | There is no online simulator to estimate your reimbursement; quotes require advisor contact or online form. |
| Reimbursement time frame | Not specified | Processing times for claims are not published, so clients should confirm when submitting a claim. |
| Add/remove members without fees | ❌ | Any addition or removal of insured individuals may involve new applications and underwriting, not instant or fee-free. |
| Phone advice from a healthcare provider | ✅ | Access to Teladoc Medical Experts offers guidance, second opinions, and care navigation for covered clients. |
| Second medical opinion | ✅ | The Teladoc partnership lets policyholders request in-depth reviews for complex medical diagnoses or treatment plans. |
| 24/7 travel emergency assistance | ✅ | Assistance for medical emergencies abroad is included in travel/visitor insurance, helpful for quick response needs. |
Customer Review of RBC Health Insurance
A review of available client feedback highlights recurring trends among RBC health insurance customers:
✅ An established insurer provides a sense of security and financial stability to clients.
✅ A broad selection of plans, including coverage for visitors and critical illness, is appreciated by families and individuals.
✅ Some clients highlight polite and professional telephone support when seeking information.
❌ An explanation of exclusions and waiting periods in policy documents is sometimes perceived as insufficient for new clients.
❌ A number of claimants report that claim review is slow and that additional medical documentation is frequently required.
❌ Some policyholders express concerns about price increases after policy renewal and communication delays during claims assessment.
Here are some of the reviews left online:
- "I felt very secure choosing RBC’s critical illness insurance. The advisor clearly explained the options and took the time to answer all my questions.", T. Huynh, March 12, 2024, Trustpilot.
- "The claims process was lengthy and the follow-up requests for documents made it frustrating to access my benefits.", S. Charbonneau, April 5, 2024, Trustpilot.
How to contact RBC health insurance?
| Reason for contact | Contact RBC |
|---|---|
| 🧾 For a health insurance quote | Call 1-888-221-2818, Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 8:00 pm ET. Select “health insurance quote” when prompted. |
| 🧾 For a proof of insurance | Call 1-888-221-2818, Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 8:00 pm ET. Ask for a certificate of insurance for your health insurance policy. |
| 🩺 For medical assistance | Call the emergency assistance number listed on your policy documents. Use the menu for “emergency medical support.” |
| 🔍 To report an incident or check a reimbursement | Call 1-888-221-2818, Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 8:00 pm ET. Choose “claims or reimbursement” to reach the correct department. |
FAQ
Who can apply for RBC health insurance?
If RBC is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly through the HelloSafe comparison platform. If not, you may apply on the official RBC website, but it is recommended to compare all health insurance options online first to make an informed choice.
Are there any age requirements for RBC?
Yes, RBC sets eligibility ages depending on the product. For critical illness insurance, applicants must be between 18 and 65 or 18 and 50 years old, depending on the specific plan. Hospital and visitors' insurance may have a higher age limit for acceptance, up to 84 years for some products.
Can you add or remove insured members with RBC?
You can add or remove family members, such as spouses or children, to an RBC policy, especially during enrollment or following major life events. This is completed by contacting RBC customer service or your insurance advisor.
What types of health coverage does RBC offer?
RBC mainly provides critical illness, disability, hospital, and visitor insurance. Individual dental, vision, or routine health plans are usually available through group or employer-sponsored benefits. For visitors or newcomers, RBC offers dedicated emergency medical policies.
Is pre-existing condition coverage available through RBC?
Pre-existing condition exclusions depend on the plan and applicant's age. Most visitor and travel plans exclude unstable pre-existing conditions, while critical illness coverage may apply permanent exclusions or waiting periods for certain conditions.
How do I make a claim or get reimbursed with RBC?
Claims can be filed by phone, online forms, or with advisor support, depending on the product. For critical illness and disability, you will need to provide detailed medical documentation. Reimbursements are typically made by cheque or direct deposit once the claim is approved.
Who can apply for RBC health insurance?
If RBC is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly through the HelloSafe comparison platform. If not, you may apply on the official RBC website, but it is recommended to compare all health insurance options online first to make an informed choice.
Are there any age requirements for RBC?
Yes, RBC sets eligibility ages depending on the product. For critical illness insurance, applicants must be between 18 and 65 or 18 and 50 years old, depending on the specific plan. Hospital and visitors' insurance may have a higher age limit for acceptance, up to 84 years for some products.
Can you add or remove insured members with RBC?
You can add or remove family members, such as spouses or children, to an RBC policy, especially during enrollment or following major life events. This is completed by contacting RBC customer service or your insurance advisor.
What types of health coverage does RBC offer?
RBC mainly provides critical illness, disability, hospital, and visitor insurance. Individual dental, vision, or routine health plans are usually available through group or employer-sponsored benefits. For visitors or newcomers, RBC offers dedicated emergency medical policies.
Is pre-existing condition coverage available through RBC?
Pre-existing condition exclusions depend on the plan and applicant's age. Most visitor and travel plans exclude unstable pre-existing conditions, while critical illness coverage may apply permanent exclusions or waiting periods for certain conditions.
How do I make a claim or get reimbursed with RBC?
Claims can be filed by phone, online forms, or with advisor support, depending on the product. For critical illness and disability, you will need to provide detailed medical documentation. Reimbursements are typically made by cheque or direct deposit once the claim is approved.
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