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- Canada's health insurance market is estimated to be worth $73.6 billion in 2025
- Private insurers in Canada provide coverage for medical services such as dental health, mental health, vision, and prescription drugs
- Provincial insurance is mandatory in Canada, but it offers limited medical services
- You can buy health insurance from a reputable health insurance provider online
In 2025, Canada’s health insurance market is estimated to be about $73.6 billion in 2025, and expected to touch $121.53 billion by 2030 (Mordor Intelligence), expanding at a CAGR of 10.55% annually.
Two-thirds of Canadians have private supplemental health coverage, often through group plans, despite Canada’s Universal Healthcare System covering essential medical services. Private health insurance in Canada often covers services not included under provincial plans, such as dental care, prescription drugs, mental health, vision care, and private hospital rooms.
The guide explores the value of health insurance in Canada and why buying it is necessary despite being covered by a provincial health insurance plan. In this guide, you will understand:
- What is covered under Canadian health insurance
- How to buy health insurance, and the top insurance companies in Canada to consider
- Factors that determine the cost and coverage of a health insurance plan
The guide will explain the difference between private health insurance and public health insurance, including the limitations of coverage offered under provincial health insurance.
Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.
What is health insurance in Canada?
In Canada, health insurance covers the cost of medical services. It provides coverage for crucial medical services such as hospital care, doctor visits, etc., without having to spend out-of-pocket, helping to save money. Health insurance is generally of two types: public health insurance and private health insurance.
However, Canadians are realising that a provincial health insurance plan in Canada doesn’t provide coverage for all the healthcare expenses and are buying private health insurance plans that offer mental health benefits, dental care, prescription drugs, vision care, etc.
What are the types of health insurance available in Canada?
Canadians rely on two types of coverage: public provincial health insurance and private supplemental health insurance. Provincial plans cover essential medical services such as doctor visits and hospital care, but they leave out many everyday healthcare needs. This is why many Canadians choose private health insurance to complement their provincial coverage.
Private plans often include coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, mental health support, and paramedical services like physiotherapy or massage therapy. This additional protection helps reduce out-of-pocket costs and offers more complete healthcare coverage.
Private health insurance in Canada
Canadian residents can buy private health insurance individually or become a member of an employer-sponsored group health insurance policy. Individual health insurance plans typically cover services such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, mental health benefits, and paramedical treatments. Separate products are also available for students and visitors to Canada.
Group health insurance often includes benefits such as extended healthcare, dental coverage, employee assistance programs, and disability insurance. If you are uninsured or self-employed, our experienced advisors recommend that you buy an individual healthcare plan.
Public health insurance in Canada
Provincial health insurance covers Canadian residents if they apply and meet the eligibility criteria. Public coverage pays for most essential medical services such as doctor visits and hospital care, though in some cases the resident may have to pay out of their pocket. For services not included in public coverage, many people in Canada choose private health insurance, which offers additional protection for expenses like prescription drugs, dental care, vision, and other extended health benefits.
Step-by-step guide: How to buy health insurance Canada?
When buying health insurance in Canada, follow a few key steps to ensure you select affordable and comprehensive coverage. Evaluate your personal health needs, and compare quotes from different providers. Once you’ve selected a plan, complete the application process and review any gaps not covered by your provincial health insurance.
You can also schedule a call with our licensed insurance advisor at PolicyAdvisor, who can help you compare multiple health insurance quotes and choose a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs. Even after you purchase a policy, PolicyAdvisor’s advisors are available to answer your insurance-related questions and provide ongoing support.
To simplify the process, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right health insurance plan and maximize its benefits:
- Evaluating healthcare needs: Before buying health insurance in Canada, assess your personal healthcare needs.Take into consideration your annual income, status of your health, medical history, and services you will require, such as dental care, mental health benefits, prescription drugs, etc. If you or any of your dependents are suffering from a chronic illness, then buy a comprehensive healthcare plan
- Evaluate health insurance quotes: You can compare different health insurance quotes from health insurance companies in Canada to determine a comprehensive healthcare policy. When comparing quotes, look for premiums, benefits offered, and out-of-pocket expenses like copays and deductibles, apart from the coverage
- Fill in the application form: Once you determine the health insurance plan to buy, fill in the application form. Certain insurance companies may ask you to fill in a short questionnaire to assess your coverage needs and the premiums. Once you have provided all the information, submit it along with all the necessary documents. Insurers may require ID, a health questionnaire, and sometimes medical records, depending on the coverage applied for.
- Seek help from our insurance advisors: Schedule a call with our advisors/compare quotes on our website to get in touch with in-house advisors who will guide you through each step, beginning with the assessment of your healthcare needs. You can get in touch with our advisors to clear any insurance-related queries, even after purchasing a health insurance policy
You can speak to our experienced advisors at PolicyAdvisor to compare health insurance quotes from top Canadian insurers.
What are the top health insurance providers in Canada in 2025?
Reputable private insurance companies that offer health insurance are Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross, GMS, Green Shield, among others. Buying insurance from a trusted insurer such as Sun Life, Manulife, RBC, etc., through our experienced advisors helps you have access to appropriate coverage, customer support, and flexible health insurance plans.
In addition, every province and territory in Canada administers its own public health insurance plan. For example, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers hospital and physician services, similar to Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP).
However, most provincial plans do not cover services such as dental care, prescription drugs, vision care, or mental health benefits for adults, though limited coverage may be available to children, low-income groups, and seniors. To address these gaps, many Canadians purchase private health insurance for more comprehensive coverage.
The table below shows the premium ranges for private health insurance in Canada, based on age (25–75 years) and gender, across different providers.
Private health insurance premiums in Canada
| Name of the insurance provider | Premium range for ages between 25 and 65 years |
| Blue Cross | $92.60/month – $113.17/month |
| Canada Life | $87.70/month – $126.07/month |
| GMS | $103.25/month – $242.25/month |
| GreenShield | $142.00/month – $247.00/month |
| Manulife | $99.80/month – $125.80/month |
Provincial health insurance providers in Canada
| Name of the province in Canada | Premium range for ages between 25 and 65 years |
| Ontario | $45 – $245 |
| Alberta | $40 – $210 |
| British Columbia | $45 – $215 |
| Manitoba | $40 – $115 |
| Atlantic Provinces | $38 – $110 |
| Saskatchewan | $40 – $110 |
Illustrating the monthly premium range for a health insurance plan for healthy individuals aged between 25 and 65 years
Factors influencing cost and coverage for health insurance in Canada
Factors influencing health insurance costs in Canada include the level of coverage, benefits, deductibles, copayments, and your personal risk profile. Understanding these will help you choose a plan that balances affordability and protection.
- Status of health and age: Your age and health status play a primary role in determining the cost of health insurance. A young individual with no medical condition will need to pay lower premiums for health insurance compared to an older person with a pre-existing medical condition. Canadian insurers assess your health risk to determine the coverage and the premium
- Level and type of coverage: Health insurance costs in Canada are dependent on the extent of coverage you seek. For example, buying health insurance offering coverage for mental health benefits, dental care, prescription drugs, vision, and paramedical treatment, the premiums will be higher compared to a basic plan with limited coverage, for which the premiums will be lower
- Province determines cost: Public healthcare coverage differs by province, which influences demand for private coverage. For example, residents in some provinces may rely more on private insurance for prescription drugs or mental health services, affecting the cost of supplemental plans in those regions. For example, residents of Ontario and British Columbia may have a higher demand for mental health coverage, the premiums for which would be higher
- Occupation and lifestyle: Your lifestyle and occupation decide the cost of health coverage. Smokers and people in high-risk jobs generally pay more for coverage. Healthy non-smokers may qualify for lower premiums or discounts, as they are considered lower risk. Similarly, healthy individuals who do not smoke may get rewards such as discounts on premiums from their insurer since they are considered low risk
- Copayments and deductibles: Plans with lower deductibles and copayments tend to have higher premiums, since the insurer covers more costs upfront. Annual benefit maximums (e.g., vision or dental limits) also affect pricing and coverage levels
- Individual plans vs. group plans: Group health insurance is often more affordable due to risk pooling and employer contributions. Personal medical plans, while typically more expensive, allow greater flexibility in tailoring coverage to personal needs
Tips for choosing the best health insurance plan
Buying health insurance in Canada requires careful planning. The process goes beyond comparing health insurance quotes, and you need to compare policies, check the benefits offered, and determine the healthcare plan that meets both your health and financial requirements. We have laid down the tips for choosing the best health insurance plan so that you can get maximum protection at a good value for your money.
- Reading the policy fineprint: Read the fine print when buying coverage for health insurance in Canada. Know about the exclusions and other limitations so that you do not incur additional expenses. Acquaint yourself with important terms related to insurance in Canada, such as lifetime maximums, pre-existing conditions, etc., to ensure you buy a suitable health insurance plan. You can visit PolicyAdvisor, where you can learn everything you need to know about buying private health insurance in Canada
- Getting the most out of your coverage: Read the benefits, inclusions, and the claim process mentioned in the policy document to get the most out of your insurance plan. Keep track of your medical expenses and file claims in a timely manner. To maximize the benefits of your health insurance, make use of all the preventive care covered, and inspect paramedical services, wellness initiatives, and other benefits
- Support and resources: Simplify the process of buying and managing health insurance by having access to reliable resources. Canadian health insurance advisors provide a professional guide to buying appropriate health insurance and ensure your queries are cleared. You can also refer to government manuals to know more about health insurance options and understand the benefits offered by provincial health insurance and private health insurance, respectively
- Work with PolicyAdvisor: Instead of navigating dozens of insurers on your own, let PolicyAdvisor experts do the work for you. We compare plans from Canada’s top health insurance providers side by side, explain the fine print in plain language, and guide you to a plan that fits your unique needs and budget. Best of all, our advice is free, and our recommendations are based on the coverage you choose.
- Review your renewal terms: Some health insurance plans allow the renewal option, during which you can make changes to your existing coverage, policy terms, and other benefits. You must check the terms associated with the policy renewal regularly
- Inquire about add-on plans: Private medical plans offer different add-on plans like critical illness, travel insurance, etc. You must inquire which plan offers what add-on options to help you determine the coverage and the benefits required
- Confirm insurer network: Ensure that the insurer reimburses care from any licensed provider to avoid out-of-pocket expenses
- Assess the waiting period: Under certain insurance policies, there can be a waiting period before the benefits offered are activated. Check the policy for the waiting period to decide whether to buy it or not
- Look for flexibility: Buy health insurance plans that offer the flexibility to change your coverage as per the changes in your health and financial needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Canada for residents?
Provincial health insurance is available to all eligible Canadian residents. Residents of Canada can access medical services such as doctor care and hospital visits, which will be covered under their respective provincial healthcare plans. In most Canadian provinces, residents must apply for public health coverage, though certain groups are enrolled automatically. For example, Ontario offers the OHIP program to Ontario residents, while people living in British Columbia can have access to the MSP plan.
What is not covered by provincial health plans in Canada?
Provincial healthcare plans do not cover medical services such as dental care, mental health benefits, prescription drugs, vision care, cosmetic surgeries, ambulance services, and physiotherapy, though certain plans may offer limited coverage. Buy a private health insurance plan to bridge the gap in coverage for different medical services and lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Can foreigners get health insurance in Canada?
Yes, foreigners, visitors, international students, and temporary residents can buy coverage for health insurance in Canada. Temporary visitors can be eligible for provincial coverage after a waiting period, while short-term visitors are eligible for private health insurance. It is, however, recommended that a foreigner coming to Canada buy a private comprehensive health plan.
How much does health insurance cost in Canada per month?
Health insurance cost in Canada depends on various factors such as your age, province, health status, and coverage. Typically, private Canadian health insurance premiums range between $40 and $254, though group health insurance premiums are comparatively cheaper. Comprehensive health insurance that offers coverage for wider medical services, such as dental care, mental health benefits, etc., has higher premiums.
Can I buy health insurance online in Canada?
Yes, you can buy health insurance directly from the insurers such as Manulife, Canada Life, Sun Life, and others. For simple comparison and easy guidance, get in touch with our experts at PolicyAdvisor and compare rates and purchase the best coverage by using the available online tools.
What documents do I need to apply for health insurance in Canada?
While buying provincial health coverage, you will need to submit documents such as proof of residency and government-approved identification. For personal medical plans, additional documents such as your health status and pre-existing medical condition are required. For group insurance, employment details are typically needed. Have your documents in place to speed up the application process.
What is the difference between travel insurance and health insurance in Canada?
Travel insurance in Canada provides medical coverage in case of medical emergency and trip-related problems for travel within or outside Canada for a short period. Health insurance provides coverage for wider medical services such as dental care, mental health benefits, vision care, etc. Travel insurance provides coverage for a limited period, while health insurance provides coverage for a longer term.
| In 2025, the Canadian health insurance market rose at a 10.55% CAGR to reach $73.60 billion. Two-thirds of Canadians purchase private insurance for mental health, dental, and prescription coverage, even though free healthcare is available to all eligible residents. The differences between private and provincial insurance, the detailed buying process, leading insurers such as Blue Cross and Manulife, cost considerations, and professional advice are covered in this guide. Private health plans, which offer comprehensive coverage, range in price from $40 to $254 per month. |
Source: According to Mordor Intelligence (2025), the Canadian health insurance market is estimated at $73.60 billion and is expected to grow at a 10.55% compound annual growth rate.
