Best Health Insurance in Saskatchewan for 2024

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

With the rising healthcare costs, 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 Saskatchewan Health (Sask Health Authority).

But which is the best Saskatchewan health insurance for you? In this guide, we take you through the best private insurance in Saskatchewan, their coverage, pros and cons, prices, how to get a Sask Health Card and more. You can also compare plans and get quotes using our free comparator at the top of this page.

Top Saskatchewan health insurance plans for 2024

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 i.e Sask Health Authority (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 personalized 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 Sask Health.

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

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 a medical questionnaire for its basic plan.

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 allows you 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 Sask Health.

Blue Cross health insurance: The most flexible choice

Saskatchewan 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. The plans of Blue Cross Saskatchewan allow for the optional add-ons of services such as critical illness coverage and hospital expenses.

Blue Cross Saskatchewan 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, i.e Sask Health Authority (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 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 Association, 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.

CAA Health Insurance Saskatchewan is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or you would like to mix and match prescription and dental coverage. Note that you must have provincial Sask Health Authority coverage 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 Sask Health, 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 in Saskatchewan.

Among the best health insurance in Saskatchewan are also other providers like RBC Health Insurance, TD Health Insurance, and Costco Health Insurance.

What is the Saskatchewan health care or Sask Health program?

In Saskatchewan, the publicly funded health care program is known as the Saskatchewan Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), commonly referred to as Saskatchewan Health. It provides basic health services to residents of Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Health uses partnerships at local, regional, provincial and national levels to provide health services to Saskatchewan residents. Saskatchewan Health has comprehensive tools and online portals to allow residents to have real-time access to physicians, health services and personal health records.

While Saskatchewan Health provides access to critical health care like surgeries and diagnostic testing, we recommend having a private health insurance policy too. It will ensure that you are covered for medical conditions big or small.

What does Sask Health cover?

Saskatchewan Health pays for many medically necessary services for Saskatchewan residents. Examples of covered services are:

• Medically necessary inpatient and outpatient services
• Physiotherapy or occupational therapy
• Mammograms for women aged 50 to 69
• Immunization services
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment
• HIV testing
• Services for treating alcohol and drug abuse problems
• Mental health services

Saskatchewan Health also offers partial coverage for services such as:

• Dome dental services
• Prescription drugs
• Medical supplies and appliances
• Some vision services
• Podiatry services

Services that are partially covered are eligible to have Saskatchewan Health pay a portion of the bill. You will also be responsible for paying the rest of your own pocket.

While Saskatchewan Health does fully cover a variety of services, there are still many services that are not fully covered or not covered at all. We recommend having a supplemental private health insurance plan to make sure you do not get stuck with a hefty bill for medical treatment.

What is not covered by Sask Health?

Unfortunately, Saskatchewan Health doesn't cover every healthcare need. Notable examples of treatments that are not covered include:

• Chiropractic services
• Cosmetic surgery
• Routine Dental services
• Ambulance services
• Elective procedures
• Routine annual exams
• Hearing tests and hearing aids for adults
• Massage therapy
• Mental health services (professionals in private practice)
• Eyeglass lenses and frames
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Private Saskatchewan health insurance can help you to guarantee full access to a variety of healthcare treatments and providers.

Do you need private health insurance in Saskatchewan?

While Saskatchewan Health provides essential medical services, private Saskatchewan Health insurance can offer benefits like coverage for prescription medications, dental care, vision care, and specialized treatments. It helps you manage costs and access services not covered by the public system, offering peace of mind and comprehensive healthcare protection.

Private health insurance coverage in Saskatchewan

Private Saskatchewan Health insurance covers a range of services and treatments that the provincial Sask Healthcare Authority does not cover. The coverage offered by private insurance can vary depending on the provider and the specific plan you choose.

Here are some common areas that private health insurance in Saskatchewan may cover:

• Prescription Medications: Private insurance can help cover the cost of prescription drugs that may not be fully covered by the provincial plan.
• Dental Care: Most private plans can provide coverage for routine dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and more extensive dental treatments.
• Vision Care: Coverage for eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and vision-related expenses may be included.
• Paramedical Services: Some plans offer coverage for services like chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
• Mental Health Services: Private insurance might cover therapy sessions, counselling, and psychiatric care.
• Medical Equipment: Coverage for medical devices such as hearing aids, mobility aids, and medical supplies.
• Travel Insurance: Some plans include coverage for medical expenses when travelling outside the province or country.
• Specialized Treatments: Private insurance covers non-essential surgeries or treatments not covered by the public system.
• Alternative Therapies: Certain plans cover alternative therapies like naturopathy and homeopathy.
• Extended Hospital Care: Some plans offer coverage for private or semi-private hospital rooms.

Private health insurance cost in Saskatchewan

The cost of private health insurance in Saskatchewan can vary based on several factors, including the type of coverage, the insurance provider, the level of coverage, the age of the insured individual, and any pre-existing medical conditions.

On average, here's a general overview of the cost you might expect for private health insurance in Saskatchewan:

Types of Coverage	Monthly health insurance cost in Saskatchewan
Basic coverage	Basic health insurance plans that provide coverage for prescription medications and essential services might start at around $50 to $100 per month for individual health insurance plans Saskatchewan
Comprehensive coverage	More comprehensive plans that include coverage for prescription medications, dental care, vision care, and specialized treatments can range from $100 to $300 or more per month for an individual
Family coverage	If you're looking for coverage for your entire family, the cost will be higher due to increased coverage needs for multiple individuals

Buying private health insurance plan in Saskatchewan

Here are the main steps to buy private health insurance in Saskatchewan:

1. Research Providers: Look for insurance companies that offer private health plans in Saskatchewan.
2. Compare Plans: Review different plans to find one that suits your needs and budget.
3. Get Quotes: Contact providers for price quotes based on your information.
4. Choose a Plan: Select the plan that fits your coverage requirements.
5. Enroll: Complete enrollment by providing personal details and making an initial payment.
6. Receive Policy: Get policy documents detailing coverage and terms.
7. Pay Premiums: Pay premiums according to the chosen plan's payment schedule.
8. Access Services: Once coverage is active, use the insurance for covered services.

To get a private health insurance quote personalized for your needs in a matter of seconds, use our free comparison tool below:

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How to get the Sask Health Card?

Once you have determined that you are eligible for Saskatchewan Health, you must apply for your health card. You may complete the application form below or apply online at skhealthcard.health.gov.sk.ca.

You will also need to submit supporting documentation proving your legal right to be in Canada and proof that you reside in Saskatchewan. Some examples of supporting documentation are:

Type of Proof	Accepted Documentation
Legal Entitlement to be in Canada	Birth Certificate from a Canadian province or territory Canadian Passport First Nations/Inuit/Metis Card (both sides) Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization Canadian Citizenship Card
Proof of Residency	Signed mortgage, rental, or lease agreement Utility bill (home telephone, cable TV, satellite TV, water, gas, or energy) – Cell phone bills are not accepted Insurance policy (home, tenant, or auto) Saskatchewan driver’s licence Saskatchewan motor vehicle registration Employer record (pay stubs or letter from employer on company letterhead–both sides if applicable) Income tax assessment

Once your application and supporting documentation are received, processing time may take up to six weeks.

What are Supplementary Health Benefits?

Saskatchewan Health offers assistance accessing non-insured health services to some Saskatchewan residents. These include those enrolled in Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, Saskatchewan Income Support (i.e. low-income health insurance Saskatchewan), residents of special care facilities eligible for the Senior's Income Plan and others. Eligible residents will be contacted by the Ministry of Health.

Supplementary Health Benefits largely relate to prescription drug coverage. We have broken down the plans.

Plans	About
All Plans	If you are under 18, you will receive benefit prescriptions for free. This option covers insulin, oral medication for diabetes, and birth control pills.
Plan One	If you are an adult, you pay no more than $2 for each benefit prescription.
Plan Two	If you are on Plan One and you need several different drugs on a long-term basis, you may be eligible to get your prescriptions for free. You, your physician, or your pharmacist may contact the Ministry of Health to request this coverage.
Plan Three	Designed for people receiving the Seniors' Income Plan and residing in special-care homes. Seniors living in approved homes and group homes may also be eligible. You will receive benefit prescriptions for free. In addition to the benefits in Plan Two, you may receive, certain additional prescribed drugs for free.

How to contact Sask Health Authority?

If you need to contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority, you can do so by locating the office closest to your community.

• For general inquiries, you can contact the authority by mail at the following address:

Saskatoon City Hospital
701 Queen Street
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0M7

• By phone at: Phone: 1-306-655-0080