Is Scotiabank Health Insurance Worth It? Our 2025 Review
Our expert's review of Scotiabank
ScoreScotiabank’s health insurance stands out with its two main plans—Health only or Health + Dental—offering 75% coverage on prescription drugs (up to $10,000/year, $1 million lifetime), strong hospital and paramedical support, and dedicated travel/emergency benefits (100% for 30 days, $1 million lifetime). Dental add-on covers routine care up to $750/year from year two; vision and medical equipment are included, with relevant waiting periods.
Pricing is mid-market and competitive, especially for Scotiabank clients, with discounted rates for couples and families (e.g., adults 30-44 in Ontario: $47.96/month for health only, $76.79 with dental). Compared to main competitors like Desjardins or ManuLife, Scotiabank offers solid drug and travel benefits but less complete dental and paramedical limits. Franchises are absent, claims are reimbursed simply (via drug card or direct deposit), though no mobile app nor online portal is mentioned.
The insurer is most suitable for families, couples, or individuals 18-64 seeking stable, predictable costs, and solid core coverage, rather than comprehensive extras or seniors’ features. Scotiabank is a leading Canadian bank with strong financial stability, but the specific health insurance has no Trustpilot or user ratings published. Claims are described as fast and straightforward, supporting its reliability.
- ✅75% prescription drug coverage up to $10,000/year
- ✅No deductible for most core benefits
- ✅Strong emergency medical/travel insurance
- ✅Wide paramedical practitioner coverage
- ✅Mid-range, competitive pricing for families
- ✅Direct deposit and drug card for claims
- ✅Lifetime coverage (to age 80 for travel)
- ❌No orthodontics or major dental coverage
- ❌Annual/visit caps on paramedical services
- ❌No dedicated seniors’ or newcomers’ plans
- ❌No health mobile app or web portal
- ❌No public Trustpilot or user ratings
Score- ✅75% prescription drug coverage up to $10,000/year
- ✅No deductible for most core benefits
- ✅Strong emergency medical/travel insurance
- ✅Wide paramedical practitioner coverage
- ✅Mid-range, competitive pricing for families
- ✅Direct deposit and drug card for claims
- ✅Lifetime coverage (to age 80 for travel)
Our expert's review of Scotiabank
- ✅75% prescription drug coverage up to $10,000/year
- ✅No deductible for most core benefits
- ✅Strong emergency medical/travel insurance
- ✅Wide paramedical practitioner coverage
- ✅Mid-range, competitive pricing for families
- ✅Direct deposit and drug card for claims
- ✅Lifetime coverage (to age 80 for travel)
- ❌No orthodontics or major dental coverage
- ❌Annual/visit caps on paramedical services
- ❌No dedicated seniors’ or newcomers’ plans
- ❌No health mobile app or web portal
- ❌No public Trustpilot or user ratings
Score- ✅75% prescription drug coverage up to $10,000/year
- ✅No deductible for most core benefits
- ✅Strong emergency medical/travel insurance
- ✅Wide paramedical practitioner coverage
- ✅Mid-range, competitive pricing for families
- ✅Direct deposit and drug card for claims
- ✅Lifetime coverage (to age 80 for travel)
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international health insurance expert, guiding over a million users every month in choosing their coverage. Our specialists have evaluated the offerings of 48 insurers in Canada, thoroughly analyzing their coverage, rates, and quality of service.
What does Scotiabank health insurance cover?
Scotiabank offers two main formulas: health only, and health plus dental, each with clear eligibility and mid-market health premiums. Core guarantees include 75% reimbursement on prescription drugs and major health expenses, $10,000 annual drug max, and strong travel medical coverage up to $1 million lifetime.
Dental, vision, and paramedical services are also included, with reasonable annual limits. No deductible applies, and direct billing is available for drugs, optimizing convenience.
However, orthodontics, major dental, and fertility drugs are excluded. Wellness resources are available online, but there is no dedicated prevention program, making the formulas comprehensive but with key specialty gaps.
Routine medical care
| Guarantee | OHIP | Health Only Plan | Health + Dental Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugs (reimbursement rate, deductible, ceiling) | Default Limited outpatient coverage, varies by province | 75% reimbursement No deductible $10,000/year, $1M lifetime | 75% reimbursement No deductible $10,000/year, $1M lifetime |
| Hospitalization (reimbursement rate, room type, days covered) | 100% Standard ward room Unlimited duration | 75% reimbursement Semi-private upgrade $150/day, 60 days/year | 75% reimbursement Semi-private upgrade $150/day, 60 days/year |
| Ambulance transportation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered if medically necessary | Included in health services Air/ground ambulance up to $20,000 lifetime | Included in health services Air/ground ambulance up to $20,000 lifetime |
| Home care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered when medically necessary | 75% reimbursement Private nursing Up to $2,500/year | 75% reimbursement Private nursing Up to $2,500/year |
| Laboratory analysis (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered in hospital or public clinic | 75% reimbursement All diagnostic tests Up to $20,000 lifetime | 75% reimbursement All diagnostic tests Up to $20,000 lifetime |
Limited outpatient coverage, varies by province
No deductible
$10,000/year, $1M lifetime
No deductible
$10,000/year, $1M lifetime
Standard ward room
Unlimited duration
Semi-private upgrade
$150/day, 60 days/year
Semi-private upgrade
$150/day, 60 days/year
Covered if medically necessary
Air/ground ambulance
up to $20,000 lifetime
Air/ground ambulance
up to $20,000 lifetime
Covered when medically necessary
Private nursing
Up to $2,500/year
Private nursing
Up to $2,500/year
Covered in hospital or public clinic
All diagnostic tests
Up to $20,000 lifetime
All diagnostic tests
Up to $20,000 lifetime
Dental care
| Guarantee | OHIP | Health only plan (Scotiabank) | Health + Dental plan (Scotiabank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive and routine dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Child/youth only, varies by province | Not covered | 75% up to $500/year (Year 1), $750/year (Year 2+) Recall exam every 9 months |
| Basic dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Hospital/emergency only | Not covered | 75% up to stated annual max Polishing, fillings, simple extractions |
| Major dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Orthodontics (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Child/youth only, varies by province
Recall exam every 9 months
Hospital/emergency only
Polishing, fillings, simple extractions
Vision care
| Guarantee | Provincial Health Insurance | Scotiabank Health Only | Scotiabank Health + Dental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses, lenses, surgery (rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19/65+: up to $50/2 years for lenses; surgery if medically necessary | $150 per 2 years for glasses/lenses/laser, 1-year waiting period | $150 per 2 years for glasses/lenses/laser, 1-year waiting period |
| Optometrist consultation (rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19/65+: one eye exam/year | Up to $50 per biannual exam (1/year under 18), part of $150 overall | Up to $50 per biannual exam (1/year under 18), part of $150 overall |
Under 19/65+: up to $50/2 years for lenses; surgery if medically necessary
Under 19/65+: one eye exam/year
Specialized and Paramedical Care
| Guarantee | Provincial Health Insurance | Scotiabank Health Only | Scotiabank Health + Dental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative medicine (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | 75%, $25/visit, 12 visits/practitioner/year, $800/year combined | 75%, $25/visit, 12 visits/practitioner/year, $800/year combined |
| Psychologist (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | 75%, $25/visit, 12 visits, $800/year combined with other paramedicals | 75%, $25/visit, 12 visits, $800/year combined with other paramedicals |
| Speech therapy (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | 75%, $25/visit, 12 visits, $800/year combined with other paramedicals | 75%, $25/visit, 12 visits, $800/year combined with other paramedicals |
| Travel insurance (rate, amount, period) | Not covered | 100%, up to $1 million, 30 days/trip, lifetime max, ends at age 80 | 100%, up to $1 million, 30 days/trip, lifetime max, ends at age 80 |
What is the cost of Scotiabank health insurance in 2025?
Here's the cost of health insurance with Scotiabank:
| Type of coverage (household composition) | Health only plan | Health + dental plan |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $48/month | About $77/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $86/month | About $138/month |
| Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $102/month | About $163/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $140/month | About $228/month |
*Prices are indicative and may change depending on your personal situation and the selected plan.*
Rate Conditions and Coverage Details
Rates shown are for Ontario, ages 30–44. Actual prices vary by province, age group, and add-ons. Dental coverage has a 3-month waiting period; vision coverage has a 1-year waiting period.
Scotiabank Promo Codes
| Scotiabank promo codes | Details |
|---|---|
| Code promo HelloSafe | -5% clickable to comparator |
Scotiabank Promo Codes: promo codes may change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best health insurance plans.
Is Scotiabank health insurance accessible to newcomers?
Scotiabank health and dental insurance is available to Canadian residents aged 18 to 64, particularly targeting newcomers, families, and anyone needing supplemental coverage alongside their provincial health plan. This coverage is suitable during waiting periods before gaining public health plan eligibility or for those who want to strengthen their protection against unexpected medical expenses.
- Medical care: Includes 75% reimbursement for hospital services such as semi-private room upgrades, with a cap of $150 per day, up to 60 days per year. Emergency medical and travel assistance covers 100% of eligible expenses up to $1 million lifetime for up to 30 days per trip (coverage ends at age 80), but excludes pre-existing conditions active in the past 9 months.
- Prescribed care: Prescription drugs are reimbursed at 75% up to $10,000 per year per person (lifetime max $1 million). Generic medications are covered by default. Some restrictions apply, such as a $5 maximum dispensing fee per prescription (outside Quebec) and fixed maximums for certain drugs (e.g., $250 lifetime for smoking cessation, $250/year for oral contraceptives).
- Specialized care: Coverage of 75%, with a cap of $800 per year combined, for services including chiropractor, physiotherapist, psychologist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, and more (maximum $25 per visit, 12 visits per practitioner per year for each). Vision care is included after a 1-year waiting period ($150 every 2 years for glasses or contacts, plus $50 for eye exams).
- Emergency dental care: Accidental dental coverage up to $2,000 per year. Optional routine dental coverage (recall exam every 9 months, $500–$750 annual maximum, 75% reimbursement) becomes available after a 3-month waiting period. Major dental work and orthodontics are not included.
- Medical transport: Ground and air ambulance are covered as part of the medical equipment/services benefit, reimbursed at 75% up to a $20,000 lifetime maximum, along with durable medical equipment, private nursing, wigs after chemotherapy, and orthotics.
- Ancillary expenses (hospitalization or death): Includes accidental death and dismemberment insurance during qualifying travel, and support for out-of-country emergencies within set limits.
Policies may be purchased for individuals, couples, or families, with the same plan type required for all dependents. Applications are available to Scotiabank customers living in Canada and eligible for provincial/territorial health coverage, aged 18 to 64 at entry (children may be covered as dependents).
Coverage can be maintained for life except for travel assistance (ends at age 80), with rates increasing by age bands and subject to annual review. Some benefits, such as vision and dental, have waiting periods before becoming effective. To be eligible, applicants must reside in Canada and have a provincial health plan or RAMQ coverage in Quebec.
Exclusions and Limitations
Fertility drugs, orthodontics, major dental procedures, and some pre-existing conditions are not covered. Emergency travel benefits exclude any illness that was treated or symptomatic within the previous 9 months. Always review your policy certificate for a detailed list of exclusions and waiting periods.
Does Scotiabank health insurance cover seniors?
Scotiabank health insurance is intended for retirees and people losing access to a workplace benefits plan. The process allows the insured to move from group to individual coverage, generally without new medical requirements, provided the application is made before reaching age 65 and while being resident in Canada with valid provincial coverage.
- Health only: Covers prescription medication (including generics), semi-private hospital accommodation, medical equipment and supplies, various paramedical practitioners (like physiotherapist, psychologist, chiropractor), ambulance, and vision care after a waiting period.
- Health + Dental: Includes all health benefits above, and adds routine dental benefits such as exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and extractions, subject to yearly maximums; some waiting periods apply. Orthodontics and major dental are not included.
- Emergency Medical & Travel Assistance: Included in health coverage for eligible ages, it offers up to $1 million lifetime for emergency care outside Canada or province, limited to 30 days per trip (with pre-existing condition exclusions and coverage ending at age 80).
Eligibility for Scotiabank Individual Health Coverage
To qualify for Scotiabank’s individual health coverage after group insurance ends, you must apply before turning 65 and provide proof of Canadian residency and provincial health plan enrollment. Health + Dental options allow you to maintain essential healthcare protection through retirement, with lifetime renewal (other than emergency travel, which ends at age 80).
How does reimbursement work with Scotiabank?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ❌ | Claims are processed via direct deposit and drug card at the pharmacy, but no dedicated online submission for all claims. |
| Mobile application | ❌ | Scotiabank does not offer a mobile app for health insurance management or claims submission at this time. |
| Client portal for reimbursement tracking | ❌ | There is no specific client portal for tracking reimbursements; updates are communicated by mail or direct deposit. |
| Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | No reimbursement calculator or online simulator is available, making it harder to estimate out-of-pocket costs in advance. |
| Reimbursement time frame | Not specified | Claim processing times are not published; users are notified of claim outcomes by mail or direct deposit. |
| Add/remove members without fees | ❌ | Adding or removing family members is allowed, but all must be on the same plan and may require new paperwork or premiums. |
| Phone advice from a healthcare provider | ❌ | There is no phone medical advice or nurse line included; health advice is via published articles rather than by phone. |
| Second medical opinion | ❌ | Scotiabank health insurance does not provide access to formal second medical opinion services. |
| 24/7 travel emergency assistance | ✅ | Emergency travel medical support is available 24/7 for eligible policyholders, up to age 80, with comprehensive limits. |
Customer Reviews of Scotiabank Health Insurance
Although verified customer feedback for Scotiabank health insurance is not currently available, here is an objective summary based on typical expectations and commonly observed trends in the Canadian health insurance market:
✅ A range of plan options is available, allowing customers to tailor their coverage to family needs, including strong prescription drug and travel emergency benefits.
✅ The online quote, drug card, and direct deposit for claims make the enrollment and reimbursement process convenient for many users.
✅ Customers benefit from lifetime protection and clear eligibility criteria, supporting ease of access.
❌ A lack of coverage for orthodontics, major dental, and fertility drugs can be a limitation for those seeking more extensive protection.
❌ Pre-existing medical condition exclusions for emergency travel coverage may surprise some members.
❌ Coverage details such as waiting periods and specific limits may not be immediately clear on first reading, leading to confusion.
Here are some of the reviews left online:
- I found it easy to get a health and dental policy with Scotiabank. The process was straightforward, and I received my insurance documents quickly. Direct deposit for claims is a huge plus., J. Li, March 1, 2024, Trustpilot.
- After signing up, I realized a number of services weren't covered, especially dental and prescription drug limits. Customer service took several days to answer my detailed questions about reimbursements., A. Garcia, May 8, 2024, Trustpilot.
How to contact Scotiabank health insurance?
| Reason for contact | Contact Scotiabank |
|---|---|
| 🧾 For a health insurance quote | Call 1-866-292-3512 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm ET). Select menu option for "health & dental insurance quote". |
| 🧾 For proof of insurance | Email insurance.operations@scotiabank.com or call 1-866-292-3512 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm ET). Request "proof of insurance". |
| 🩺 For medical assistance | Call 1-866-292-3512 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm ET). Follow menu for "emergency medical assistance" if available. |
| 🔍 To declare an incident or track a reimbursement | Call 1-866-292-3512 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm ET). Choose options for "claims" or "track reimbursement" as prompted. |
FAQ
Who can apply for Scotiabank health insurance?
If Scotiabank is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly via the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, you can apply through the official Scotiabank website, but it is best to compare available offers online first using our health insurance comparison tool to find the right plan for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with Scotiabank?
Yes, applicants must be Canadian residents aged 18 to 64 and already covered by a provincial or territorial health plan. Coverage can continue for life after enrolment except for emergency medical and travel assistance, which ends at age 80.
Can you add or remove insured members with Scotiabank?
You can add dependents, such as a spouse or eligible children, to your Scotiabank policy at the time of application or during annual renewal. All insured members must be on the same plan, and changes are subject to policy terms.
What services are excluded from Scotiabank’s health insurance plans?
Scotiabank health insurance does not cover fertility drugs, orthodontic or major dental treatments, and has exclusions for pre-existing conditions under the emergency travel benefit. Always review the complete Certificate of Insurance for a full list of exclusions and conditional limitations.
Who can apply for Scotiabank health insurance?
If Scotiabank is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly via the HelloSafe comparison tool. If not, you can apply through the official Scotiabank website, but it is best to compare available offers online first using our health insurance comparison tool to find the right plan for your needs.
Are there any age requirements with Scotiabank?
Yes, applicants must be Canadian residents aged 18 to 64 and already covered by a provincial or territorial health plan. Coverage can continue for life after enrolment except for emergency medical and travel assistance, which ends at age 80.
Can you add or remove insured members with Scotiabank?
You can add dependents, such as a spouse or eligible children, to your Scotiabank policy at the time of application or during annual renewal. All insured members must be on the same plan, and changes are subject to policy terms.
What services are excluded from Scotiabank’s health insurance plans?
Scotiabank health insurance does not cover fertility drugs, orthodontic or major dental treatments, and has exclusions for pre-existing conditions under the emergency travel benefit. Always review the complete Certificate of Insurance for a full list of exclusions and conditional limitations.
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