For complete coverage, competitive premiums, quality customer service, and no medical questions, the best health insurance in Canada is PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Classic plan.
The best and most affordable health insurance plan is Guaranteed Issue Economic by PolicyMe, followed by basic plans from GMS and Manulife.
PolicyMe also offers freelancers, self-employed workers, and new retirees the best replacement health insurance in Canada.
The best high-drug insurance belongs to Sun Life, the best no-dental health insurance to GreenShield, and the plan with the most coverage to Canada Life.
Health insurance covers a variety of products designed to support your and your family’s health and well-being, including dental insurance, vision insurance, visitor insurance, and emergency medical travel insurance. It can also refer to health-related insurance policies that provide income replacement, such as disability insurance and critical illness insurance.
PolicyMe’s rankings are based on an independent, data-driven review of Canada's leading health and dental insurance products and providers. Our analysis draws on 1,700+ quotes covering 50+ life insurance products from the seven biggest providers in Canada, sourced from official product websites and supplemented with customer ratings from Google.
Rankings are determined first by star rating (highest to lowest) and then by premiums (lowest to highest). To ensure fairness and accuracy, we only make cost and coverage comparisons between plans with the same type of coverage, pricing tier, and eligibility requirements. Our pricing comparisons always compare quotes for the same age groups within the same region.
Our findings are entirely data-driven and do not include paid placements, but should not be considered a substitute for personalized financial or health advice.
To simplify your options, we grouped the products in our study into four coverage categories, three pricing tiers, and three types of eligibility requirements. Here’s how to pick a winning combination:
Consider your needs.Complete plans provide both prescription medication and dental coverage, while no-drug and no-dental plans omit one. High drug plans provide over $90,000 of drug coverage, but seldom cover existing prescriptions or medications to treat pre-existing conditions.
Consider your budget. Most private health insurance plans in Canada fall on a pricing spectrum from basic to mid to premium. There’s no hard-and-fast rule for deciding which is which, but you can count on basic plans offering the least coverage for the lowest premiums.
Consider your circumstances. Most private Canadian health insurance plans require applicants to hold permanent Canadian residency and a valid health card in their home province. Guaranteed plans ask no medical questions, while underwritten ones do, and replacement plans are only available if you’re leaving (or have recently left) a group benefits plan.
Not sure where to start? We ranked the top health insurance products in 9 categories using criteria that reflect the most common needs of the modern Canadian family.
Take a peek at the winners’ table below and click “read more” to jump ahead:
Category
Winner
Best for
Best health insurance in Canada
Guaranteed Issue Classic by PolicyMe
Couples, freelancers, self-employed workers, and young families
Most affordable health insurance in Canada
Guaranteed Issue Economic by PolicyMe
Freelancers, individuals, self-employed workers, and seniors
Best high drug health insurance in Canada
Personal Health Insurance Standard Plan by Sun Life
Families
Best high-value health insurance in Canada
Guaranteed Issue Advanced by PolicyMe
High-income families
Best no-dental health insurance in Canada
ZONE 4 by GreenShield
Families with existing dental coverage
Best no-drug health insurance in Canada
Dental Care by PolicyMe
Families with existing drug coverage
Best replacement health insurance in Canada
Protect Classic by PolicyMe
Freelancers, retirees, and self-employed workers
Best health insurance provider in Canada
PolicyMe
Everyone
Most health insurance coverage
Freedom to Choose Guaranteed Elite by Canada Life
Families with specific medical needs
Best health insurance in Canada
Complete, mid-tier, guaranteed and underwritten health insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage, competitive pricing, and guaranteed acceptance. Our top 5 picks are suitable for the majority of Canadians, including families, freelancers, contractors, individuals, and self-employed workers:
Rating
Company
Plan
Premiums1
Total coverage2
★★★★★ (5.0)
PolicyMe
Guaranteed Issue Classic
$129/month
32% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GreenShield
ZONE 5 (Choice)
$132/month
20% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
ScotiaLife
Health Insurance Plan with Dental Insurance Plan
$102/month
44% below industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GMS
ExtendaPlan
$113/month
32% below industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Manulife
ComboPlus Basic Plan
$120/month
42% below industry average
★★★☆☆ (3.0)
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Select Plus
$145/month
66% above industry average
1 Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for a 30-year-old adult living in Canada
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
Great customer service
Flexible coverage
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
Great for freelancers
32% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
Our expert take: The Guaranteed Issue Classic plan by PolicyMe
balances competitive premiums with above-average coverage, no waiting periods, and no medical questions asked. Better yet, it's flexible--there are no per-visit or per-profession limits on your paramedical or mental health coverage, providing exceptional value for the medical services you use most.
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
Above-average dental, paramedical, and accidental dental coverage
Includes access to online health forums
No medical questionnaire required
Cons
Below-average prescription drug coverage
No add-ons available
70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $600 per year)
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $750 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $60 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
80% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals (up to $750 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $100 per visit and $800 combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
2. ZONE 5 (Choice) by GreenShield
GreenShield
Greenshield ZONE 5 (Choice)
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Great Customer Service
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
20% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
ZONE 5 by GreenShield is best-suited to seniors and retirees with existing drug coverage, either through public or group health insurance. Its generous accidental dental and included travel insurance make it great for travellers, too.
Pros
Below-average premiums for older adults and seniors
Includes access to GreenShield Pharmacy, 4 hours of virtual counselling through GreenShield
Mental Health, and 4 virtual visits per year through GreenShield Telemedicine
Includes travel insurance and semi-private or private hospital accommodations
Cons
Below-average prescription drug, dental, and mental health coverage
90% of generic and birth control prescription drugs (up to $5,000 per year)
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $700 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $100 for eye exams and $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
100% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $45 per visit and $500 per profession)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $500 combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
3. Health Insurance Plan by ScotiaLife
ScotiaLife
ScotiaLife Health Insurance Plan with Dental Insurance Plan
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
No drug deductible
44% less coverage
than industry average
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
ScotiaLife's Health Insurance Plan (with Dental Insurance) pairs low premiums with coverage to match. It also has several annoying caveats: there's a 3-month dental waiting period, its paramedical coverage carries a $25 per-visit limit, and you must be a Scotiabank customer, their spouse, or their dependent to join.
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
1 optional add-on available
Above-average prescription drug and mental health coverage
Below-average premiums for all ages
Includes semi-private hospital accommodations
Cons
3-month dental waiting period
1-year vision waiting period
Below-average dental and vision coverage
Not available in Quebec
Only available to Scotiabank customers, their spouses, and dependents 64 and under
75% of generic, brand-name, birth control, and smoking cessation prescription drugs (up to $10000 per year)
Up to 75% of preventative dental services (up to $500 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery, including a $50 limit for eye exams)
75% of visits to 10 paramedical professionals (up to $25 per visit and 12 visits per profession each year)
75% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $25 per visit, 12 visits per year, and $800 combined per year, including visits to paramedical professionals)
75% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per year)
75% of ground ambulance transportation (unlimited) and 100% of air ambulance transportation (up to $10,000 per year)
4. ExtendaPlan by GMS
GMS
GMS ExtendaPlan with Basic Prescription Drugs and Dental Care
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Flexible coverage
32% less coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
The fully-loaded ExtendaPlan (with Basic Prescription Drugs and Dental Care) by GMS is a fairly good budget option with excellent prescription drug coverage. However, we're disappointed by its below-average paramedical and dental coverage, and $2,000 per-injury accidental dental coverage.
Pros
5 optional add-ons available
Above-average prescription drug coverage
Below-average premiums for all ages
Direct billing and online claims
Includes access to the GMS Care Network
Includes travel insurance (Saskatchewan only)
Cons
$6 deductible per prescription
3-month waiting period may apply for dental care
Below-average dental, vision, paramedical, and mental health coverage
Not available in New Brunswick, Nunavut, or Quebec
100% of generic and birth control prescription drugs (up to $3,500 per year) with a maximum co-payment of $6 per prescription
Up to 75% of preventative and major dental services (up to $500 per year)
80% of vision services every 2 years (up to $250 combined for eye exams, prescription lenses, and frames)
80% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $350 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $65 per visit and 10 visits combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per injury)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
5. ComboPlus Basic Plan by Manulife
Manulife
Manulife ComboPlus Basic Plan
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
42% less coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
Despite its name, Manulife'sComboPlus Basic Plan is a mid-tier product. Unfortunately, its drug coverage doesn't match its pricing aspirations, and its dental coverage rate drops to 50% after the first $400 in eligible expenses.
Pros
7 optional add-ons available
Above-average mental health coverage
Below-average premiums for children
Includes access to TELUS Health Virtual Care and survivor benefit
Includes accidental death and dismemberment insurance and travel insurance
Cons
Below-average prescription drug coverage
High out-of-pocket dental costs
70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $5,000 per year)
Up to 80% of preventative and restorative dental services (up to $750 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $70 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
60% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $500 per profession and $4000 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $65 per visit and 15 visits combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
6. Freedom to Choose Select Plus by Canada Life
Canada Life
Canada Life Freedom to Choose Select Plus
(3.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
No drug deductible
66% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
Freedom to Choose Select Plus by Canada Life is an overall excellent option, if a little pricey. It offers generous prescription drug and paramedical coverage, although the former doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions or prescriptions, and the latter is spoiled by a $40 per-visit limit. Young applicants looking for protection against a pricey diagnosis can’t do better, but they can find cheaper.
Pros
31-day missed payment grace period
20% off at Rexall with Preferred Perks
Above-average drug, dental, and vision coverage
Below-average premiums for children
Includes second opinion services from Teledoc Medical Experts
Cons
3-month dental waiting period
Above-average premiums for adults and seniors
80% of generic, birth control, cannabis, and other prescription drugs (up to $10,000 per year)
Up to 80% of preventative and restorative dental services (up to $750 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $75 for eye exams and $200 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
100% of visits to 10 paramedical professionals (up to $40 per visit and $400 per profession)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $40 per visit and 10 visits combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (unlimited)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
What’s the most affordable health insurance in Canada?
The 5 most affordable health insurance plans in Canada stay close to these prices, with our top pick providing above-average value:
Rating
Company
Plan
Premiums1
Total coverage2
★★★★★ (5.0)
PolicyMe
Guaranteed Issue Economic
$111/month
24% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GMS
BasicPlan
$97/month
54% below industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Manulife
ComboPlus Starter Plan
$99/month
54% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GreenShield
ZONE Fundamental
$105/month
15% below industry average
★★★☆☆ (3.0)
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Select Guaranteed
$128/month
100% above industry average
1 Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for a 30-year-old adult living in Canada
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
Great customer service
Flexible coverage
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
Great for freelancers
24% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
If you don't have many prescription drug expenses, PolicyMe's Guaranteed Issue Economic plan offers a great deal on dental, vision, and mental health coverage. Unlike many budget plans, you can spend your paramedical coverage with no per-visit or per-profession limits. Plus, you'll receive $10,000 of accidental dental and unlimited ambulance coverage per year.
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
Above-average dental, vision, mental health, and accidental dental coverage
Includes access to online health forums
No medical questionnaire required
Cons
Below-average prescription drug coverage
No add-ons available
70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $500 per year)
Up to 70% of preventative dental services (up to $500 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $60 for eye exams and $200 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
50% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals (up to $600 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $75 per visit and $500 combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
BasicPlan by GMS
GMS
GMS BasicPlan with Basic Prescription Drugs and Dental Care
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Flexible coverage
54% less coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
GMS' BasicPlan (with Basic Prescription Drugs and Dental Care) offers low premiums and a generous amount of prescription drug coverage. However, the money you save may get eaten up by the cost of vision care, mental health care, hearing aids, medical equipment, diabetic supplies, orthotics, or mobility aids, none of which are included.
Pros
5 optional add-ons available
Above-average prescription drug and dental coverage
Below-average premiums for all ages
Direct billing and online claims
Includes access to the GMS Care Network
Cons
$6 deductible per prescription
3-month waiting period may apply for dental care
Low accidental dental and ambulance coverage
No vision, mental health, hearing aid, medical equipment, orthotics, and other coverage
Not available in New Brunswick, Nunavut, or Quebe
100% of generic and birth control prescription drugs (up to $3,500 per year) with a maximum co-payment of $6 per prescription
Up to 75% of preventative and major dental services (up to $500 per year)
70% of visits to 6 paramedical professionals (up to $250 per year combined)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $500 per injury)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
ComboPlus Starter Plan by Manulife
Manulife
Manulife ComboPlus Starter Plan
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
54% less coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
Manulife's ComboPlus Starter Plan offers attractive premiums at the cost of drug and dental coverage. And with a 50% reimbursement rate, the amount you pay out-of-pocket will match what you claim on every visit to a paramedical professional. For comparison, comparable plans provide an average of $1,890 in paramedical coverage with an average co-payment of $621 per year, leaving policyholders about $1,200 ahead.
Pros
7 optional add-ons available
Above-average paramedical and mental health coverage
Below-average premiums for all ages
Includes access to TELUS Health Virtual Care and survivor benefit
Includes accidental death and dismemberment insurance and travel insurance
Cons
Below-average paramedical reimbursement rate
Below-average prescription drug coverage
80% of generic prescription drugs (up to $600 per year)
Up to 70% of preventative and restorative dental services (up to $400 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $70 for eye exams and $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
50% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $300 per profession and $2400 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $65 per visit and 10 visits combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
What’s the best high-drug health insurance in Canada?
High-drug health insurance seldom covers pre-existing prescriptions or medications used to treat pre-existing medical conditions. Instead, it provides financial protection (and peace of mind) from expensive treatments for cancer, hepatitis C, leukemia, and other conditions.
High-drug health insurance also often involves underwriting. In other words, the price depends on your age and how you answer the medical questions during your application, and you could pay higher health insurance rates than the ones listed below:
Rating
Company
Plan
Premiums1
Total coverage2
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Sun Life
Personal Health Insurance Standard Plan with Preventive Dental
$129/month
N/A
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Sun Life
Personal Health Insurance Enhanced Plan with Preventive, Restorative, and Orthodontic Dental
$192/month
2% above industry average
★★★☆☆ (3.0)
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Select Elite
$190/month
3% below industry average
1 Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for a 30-year-old adult living in Canada
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
What’s the best high-value health insurance in Canada?
High-value health insurance plans provide the most generous and comprehensive benefits available, making them excellent supplemental health plans for those who want more medical care than their employment benefits provide.
These premium medical insurance plans generally come with premium price tags, but PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Advanced bucks the trend without skimping on coverage:
Rating
Company
Plan
Premiums1
Total coverage2
★★★★★ (5.0)
PolicyMe
Guaranteed Issue Advanced
$173/month
11% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GMS
OmniPlan
$203/month
5% below industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Manulife
Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
$236/month
1% above industry average
1 Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for a 30-year-old adult living in Canada
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
Great customer service
Flexible coverage
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
Great for freelancers
11% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
PolicyMe's Guaranteed Issue Advanced plan is one of the most affordable premium health insurance products on the market. Its dental, vision, and mental health coverage exceed the industry average by as much as 42%, and there are no per-visit or per-profession limits on how you claim your paramedical benefits.
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
Above-average dental, vision, and mental health coverage
Below-average premiums for adults and seniors
Includes access to online health forums
No medical questionnaire required
Cons
Above-average premiums for children
Below-average prescription drug coverage
70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $700 per year)
Up to 90% of preventative, restorative, major, and orthodontic dental services (up to $800 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $100 for eye exams and $400 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
80% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals (up to $1000 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $100 per visit and $1300 combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
OmniPlan by GMS
GMS
GMS OmniPlan with Enhanced Prescription Drugs and Dental Care
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
5% less coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
Unfortunately, the fully-loaded OmniPlan (with Enhanced Prescription Drugs and Dental Care) from GMS isn't as competitive as its basic and mid-tier siblings. Its prescription drug and paramedical coverage is excellent, but the latter is fairly inflexible, and it only provides $5,000 of accidental dental coverage per injury. For context, emergency crowns can top $1,000 per tooth, plus exam and x-ray fees.
Pros
5 optional add-ons available
Above-average prescription drug coverage
Direct billing and online claims
Includes access to the GMS Care Network
Includes travel insurance (Saskatchewan only)
Cons
$6 deductible per prescription
3-month waiting period may apply for dental care
Below-average dental and vision coverage
Not available in New Brunswick, Nunavut, or Quebec
100% of generic, birth control, and other prescription drugs (up to $5,000 per year) with a maximum co-payment of $6 per prescription
Up to 75% of preventative and major dental services (up to $500 per year)
90% of vision services every 2 years (up to $100 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses and frames)
90% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $300 per profession and $2400 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $65 per visit and 15 visits combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $5,000 per injury)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
Guaranteed Issue Enhanced by Manulife
Manulife
Manulife Guaranteed Issue Enhanced
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
Flexible coverage
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
Great for freelancers
1% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
Manulife's Guaranteed Issue Enhanced is an extremely competitive choice in Quebec, but carries a premium price tag in most other provinces. Considering the price, we're disappointed it doesn't provide better dental, paramedical, and mental health coverage, all three of which fail to match the competition.
Pros
Below-average premiums for children
Includes diagnostic services (Quebec only)
Includes survivor benefit, discounted TELUS home services, and access to TELUS Health Virtual Care
Includes accidental death and dismemberment insurance, hospital cash benefit, and travel insurance
Cons
Above-average premiums for adults and seniors (except in Quebec)
Below-average dental, vision, paramedical, and mental health coverage
Ambulance coverage applies only in home province
80% of generic, birth control, smoking cessation, weight loss, and other prescription drugs (up to $2500 per year)
Up to 80% of preventative and restorative dental services (up to $450 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $60 for eye exams and $200 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
80% of visits to 10 paramedical professionals (up to $500 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $45 per visit and 10 visits combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
What’s the best no-dental health insurance in Canada?
No-dental health insurance plans can act as supplemental benefits for people with employer group health benefits, or a general plan for seniors with dental coverage through public health insurance. Regardless, the top three plans in Canada offer customers a chance to save money by coordinating their existing benefits:
Rating
Company
Plan
Premiums1
Total coverage2
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GreenShield
ZONE 4
$73/month
14% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Manulife
FollowMe Basic
$91/month
22% below industry average
★★★☆☆ (3.0)
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Guaranteed
$141/month
N/A
1 Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for a 30-year-old adult living in Canada
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
What’s the best no-drug health insurance in Canada?
No-drug plans can be the perfect health insurance in Quebec, where participation in the publicly-sponsored RAMQ is mandatory, or for seniors over 65, who often receive prescription drug coverage through provincial plans.
1 Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for a 30-year-old adult living in Canada
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Great customer service
Flexible coveragge
No wait for basic dental
42% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
PolicyMe's Dental Care Plan is ideal for individuals, families, and seniors 65+ with existing prescription drug coverage. It exceeds the industry average for dental coverage by 22%, and its paramedical coverage has no per-visit or per-profession limits.
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
Above-average dental, vision, and mental health coverage
Includes access to online health forums
No medical questionnaire required
Cons
No add-ons available
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $750 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $60 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
80% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals (up to $750 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $100 per visit and $800 combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
ZONE 3 by GreenShield
GreenShield
GreenShield ZONE 3
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Great customer service
No wait for basic dental
10% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
ZONE 3 by GreenShield is a no-drug health insurance plan whose best feature is its paramedical coverage. It's best-suited to seniors 65+ with access to prescription drugs through their provincial healthcare program, and who visit a variety of paramedical practitioners each year.
Pros
Above-average paramedical coverage
Below-average premiums for adults and seniors
Includes access to GreenShield Pharmacy, 4 hours of virtual counselling through GreenShield Mental Health, and 4 virtual visits per year through GreenShield Telemedicine
Includes travel insurance
Cons
Above-average premiums for children
Below-average mental health coverage
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $600 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $65 for eye exams and $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
100% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $20 per visit and $400 per profession)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $400 combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $5,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
ExtendaPlan with Dental Care by GMS
GMS
GMS ExtendaPlan with Dental Care
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Flexible coverage
52% less coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
ExtendaPlan (with Dental Care) by GMS is a customizable, no-drug health insurance plan with lightweight dental and vision coverage. Although its paramedical coverage is fairly low, it has no per-visit or per-profession limits, making it easier to get your money's worth over the course of a year.
Pros
5 optional add-ons available
Below-average premiums for all ages
Direct billing and online claims
Includes access to the GMS Care Network
Includes travel insurance (Saskatchewan only)
Cons
3-month waiting period may apply for dental care
Accidental dental coverage limited to just $2,000 per injury
Below-average dental and paramedical coverage
Not available in New Brunswick, Nunavut, or Quebec
Up to 75% of preventative and major dental services (up to $500 per year)
80% of vision services every 2 years (up to $250 combined for eye exams and prescription lenses and frames)
80% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $350 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $65 per visit and 10 visits combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per injury)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
What’s the best replacement health insurance in Canada?
In addition to permanent residency and enrollment in public health care, replacement health insurance requires you to be leaving (or have recently left) a group plan. No need to quit your job—PolicyMe’s Protect plans are available to those with an existing replacement health insurance plan, graduating post-secondary students, and more.
Regardless of whether you’re newly self-employed or newly retired, replacement health insurance plans are often the best deals. PolicyMe’s Protect Classic adds hospital accommodations to the Classic package:
Rating
Company
Plan
Premiums1
Total coverage2
★★★★★ (5.0)
PolicyMe
Protect Classic
$172/month
11% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GreenShield
LINK 2
$173/month
21% below industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GMS
ChoicePlan
$173/month
53% below industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Sun Life
Health Choice B with Dental
$198/month
33% below industry average
★★★☆☆ (3.0)
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Guaranteed Plus
$272/month
67% above industry average
1 Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for a 30-year-old adult living in Canada
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
Is health insurance tax-deductible?
Health insurance can be tax-deductible if you use it to claim the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) as an individual, or claim it as a business expense as a self-employed worker or business owner. Limits and exclusions apply, so make sure to read the CRA’s official page carefully.
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
Great customer service
Flexible coverage
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
Great for freelancers
11% more coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
Replacement health insurance plans typically offer the most value, and PolicyMe's Protect Classic is no exception. It offers competitive pricing and flexible paramedical coverage, so you can focus on the services that matter to you. The deal gets better with age, as dental coverage grows to $900 in year two, and covers major services in year three.
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
Above-average prescription drug, vision, and mental health coverage
Below-average premiums for all ages
Includes access to online health forums
Includes semi-private hospital accommodations and access to online health forums
No medical questionnaire required
Cons
Below-average dental coverage in Year 1
No add-ons available
80% of generic prescription drugs (up to $1,600 per year)
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $750 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $60 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
80% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals (up to $750 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $100 per visit and $800 combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
LINK 2 by GreenShield
GreenShield
GreenShield LINK 2
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
Pre-existing prescriptions
Great customer service
No drug deductible
No wait for basic dental
21% less coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
LINK 2 by GreenShield is a good deal as long as you don't require many prescription drugs or dental services during your first year of enrollment. Both types of coverage increase in the second and third years of enrollment, so you'll need to stick with it to get full value.
Pros
Above-average paramedical coverage
Includes access to GreenShield Pharmacy, 4 hours of virtual counselling through GreenShield Mental Health, and 4 virtual visits per year through GreenShield Telemedicine
Includes travel insurance and semi-private or private hospital accommodations
Cons
Above-average premiums for children and seniors
80% of generic, brand-name, and birth control prescription drugs (up to $1,200 per year)
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $750 per year)
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $65 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
100% of visits to 6 paramedical professionals (up to $400 per profession and $3600 per year combined)
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $600 combined per year)
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
ChoicePlan by GMS
GMS
GMS ChoicePlan
(4.0)
How products are rated
Our star ratings are based on a mix of each provider's financial stability and Google Review scores, and each product's pricing and ease of purchase.
53% less coverage
than industry average2
How prices are compared
We compared each product's yearly costs to the average cost of similar products for the same type of applicant. Unless otherwise noted, all figures show the approximate price difference for a female non-smoker aged 30-44 shopping for a term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage, or a permanent or no medical life insurance policy with $50,000 in coverage.
GMS’s mid-tier replacement plan, Choiceplan, offers guaranteed acceptance and easy enrollment for retirees and those who are newly self-employed. Drug and dental coverage is solid overall, but you’ll get make concessions on paramedical coverage and mental health support—and the trade-off doesn’t come with lower premiums
Pros
Access to the GMS Care Network, including virtual doctor visits and other online services
Includes travel insurance and 80% coverage for preferred hospital accommodations
Guaranteed acceptance
Cons
Below-average paramedical and mental health coverage
80% drug coverage (up to $1,250 per year)
80% of preventative and basic and 50% of major dental services (up to $1,250 per year)
$150 for vision per two years, including one eye exam every two years
80% of visits to paramedical professionals (up to $600 combined maximum per year)
$65 per visit to mental health professionals (up to 10 visits per year)
Accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per injury)
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
2 Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
What’s the best health insurance provider in Canada?
Based on customer service and average pricing, the best health insurance provider in Canada is PolicyMe, followed by GreenShield, GMS, and Sun Life. PolicyMe’s customer reviews reflect its dedication to a superior customer experience, including quick communication and value-packed plans:
Company
Google Reviews score
Better Business Bureau score
Cost comparison3
PolicyMe
★★★★★ (4.8)
A+
4% less than the industry average
GreenShield
★★★★☆ (4.0)
A+
7% more than the industry average
Sun Life
★★★☆☆ (3.4)
Not rated
1% less than the industry average
GMS
★★★☆☆ (3.2)
A+
8% less than the industry average
Canada Life
★★★☆☆ (2.5)
A-
10% more than the industry average
ScotiaLife
★★☆☆☆ (2.3)
A+
16% less than the industry average
Manulife
★☆☆☆☆ (1.0)
A-
7% less than the industry average
3 Comparison reflects the monthly premiums for a 30-year-old adult of compared to the industry average for comparable plans, averaged across all plans offered by the provider.
See how affordable highly-rated health insurance can be
Which health insurance plan offers the most coverage?
Everyone has different health and medical histories and needs, which is why there’s a wide variety of plans on the Canadian health insurance market. If you need coverage for a specific medical expense (or a particular paramedical profession), these plans may be able to help*:
Category
Company
Plan
Details
Most drug coverage
Sun Life
Personal Health Insurance Enhanced Plan
80% of the first eligible $5,000 of prescription drugs and 100% of the next $245,000 (up to $250,000 per year)
Most dental coverage
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Guaranteed Elite
Up to 85% of routine dental services (up to $2,000 per year)
Most vision coverage
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Guaranteed Elite
90% of eye exams (with no annual limit) and 100% of lenses, frames, or laser surgery (up to $275) every 2 years
Most paramedical coverage
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Select Elite
100% of visits to 10 paramedical professionals (up to $50 per visit and $500 per practitioner per year)
Most flexible paramedical coverage
PolicyMe
Protect Advanced
80% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals with no per-visit limit (up to $750 combined per year)
Most mental health coverage
Sun Life
Personal Health Insurance Enhanced Plan
100% of visits to mental health professionals with no per-visit limit (up to $1,500 combined per year)
* Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all health insurance coverage. We strongly recommend carefully reading your insurance documents to ensure your claims are eligible for reimbursement.
About the data
PolicyMe’s rankings are based on an independent, data-driven review of Canada's leading health and dental insurance products and providers. Our analysis draws on 1,700+ quotes covering 50+ life insurance products from the seven biggest providers in Canada, sourced from official product websites and supplemented with customer ratings from Google.
To improve the accuracy of our recommendations and cost comparisons, we grouped plans into multiple categories based on coverage, pricing, and eligibility requirements. We assessed plans across four coverage categories:
Complete plans provide both prescription drug and dental coverage.
No dental plans do not include dental coverage.
No drug plans do not include prescription drug coverage.
High drug plans provide at least $90,000 in prescription drug coverage per year.
Plans were also grouped into three pricing tiers:
Basic plans offer the lowest level of coverage and the lowest premiums within a given product series.
Mid plans provide more coverage than basic plans, at a lower cost than premium plans.
Premium plans offer the highest or second-highest level of coverage and carry the highest or second-highest premiums within a product series.
Finally, we categorized plans based on eligibility requirements:
Guaranteed plans require permanent Canadian residency and enrollment in the public health insurance plan of the applicant’s home province.
Replacement plans have the same requirements as guaranteed plans, but are only available to applicants who are leaving, or have recently left (within the past year), an employer group benefits plan.
Underwritten plans share the requirements of guaranteed plans and may require applicants to complete a health questionnaire or undergo a medical exam.
We collected quotes for the eight most populous provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Any premiums shown for “Canada” represent an average across these eight regions.
About age groups
Unlike life insurance, health and dental insurance premiums aren’t based on your exact age. Instead, health insurance providers sort applicants into 10 or more age groups with set prices, and age ranges can vary by provider.
To ensure fair and consistent pricing comparisons, we applied the following standardized definitions:
Children refers to age groups with a starting age closest to 0.
Adults refers to age groups with a starting age closest to 18.
Older adults refers to the age group immediately following the adult group.
Seniors refers to age groups with a starting age closest to 60.
All providers in our review offered age groups that exactly matched our definitions for children and seniors, allowing for precise pricing comparisons at ages 0 and 60. Among adult age groups, starting ages ranged from 18 to 21, while older adult groups ranged from 45 to 55.
About star ratings
Each product received a star rating out of five based on pricing, convenience, customer satisfaction, and coverage. Products offering convenient online quoting and purchasing options formed the baseline for inclusion in our review.
We compared the cost of each health and dental insurance plan to the industry average for comparable plans with the same coverage type, pricing tier, and eligibility requirements, within the same region and age group. Providers whose plans were priced below the industry average, on average, earned one star.
Providers with a Google Reviews score of 4.0 or higher earned an additional star. We also recognized individual products whose total coverage for prescription drugs, basic dental services, vision care, paramedical visits, mental health care, accidental dental services, and ambulance transportation exceeded the industry average by at least 10%.
About rankings
Rankings within each category are determined first by star rating (highest to lowest) and then by monthly premium (lowest to highest).
About categories
We created 26 “best of” categories to highlight the most popular types of coverage and to reflect the needs of modern Canadian families. Unless otherwise noted, rankings are based on quotes for adults and use the same ranking methodology.
The categories and their criteria are as follows:
Best health and dental insurance in Canada (and by province) includes all guaranteed mid-tier plans with complete coverage.
Best budget health and dental insurance in Canada (and by province) includes all guaranteed basic-tier plans with complete coverage.
Best high drug health insurance in Canada includes all guaranteed and underwritten plans with high drug coverage, including coverage for pre-existing prescriptions.
Best high-value health insurance in Canada (or best supplemental health insurance in Canada) includes all guaranteed premium-tier plans with complete coverage.
Best replacement health insurance in Canada includes all replacement mid-tier plans with complete coverage.
Best health insurance in Canada for families includes all guaranteed mid-tier plans with complete coverage, and shows the cost for a family with two adults and one child.
Best health insurance in Canada for freelancers includes all guaranteed and underwritten mid-tier plans with complete coverage, supplemented by the “Best for Freelancers” badge.
Best health insurance in Canada for kids includes all guaranteed and underwritten premium-tier plans with complete coverage for children.
Best health insurance in Canada for retirees includes all replacement premium-tier plans with complete coverage for older adults.
Best health insurance in Canada for seniors includes all guaranteed mid-tier plans for seniors with complete coverage (including pre-existing prescriptions), supplemented by the “Best for Seniors” badge.
About badges
Each product can earn up to seven badges based on a strict set of criteria:
Pre-existing prescriptions: Covers medications the policyholder was already taking, and/or medications for pre-existing medical conditions.
Great customer service: The provider has a Google Reviews rating of 4.0 or higher.
Flexible coverage: Paramedical coverage does not include per-visit or per-profession limits.
No wait for basic dental: No waiting period applies to claims for preventative dental checkups and services.
No drug deductible: No deductible applies to prescription drug coverage.
Great for freelancers: Overall, company premiums are lower than the industry average for comparable plans for adults and older adults in the same region, and the plan carries both the “flexible coverage” and “no drug deductible” badges.
Great for seniors: Overall, company premiums are lower than the industry average for comparable plans for seniors in the same region, and the plan carries the “pre-existing prescriptions,” “great customer service,” and “no drug deductible” badges.
Badges do not influence product rankings.
About premiums and cost comparisons
The premiums shown in this article are based on publicly available rates as of December 2025.
To ensure fair and accurate comparisons, we compared each individual quote against the industry average for plans with the same coverage type, pricing tier, and eligibility requirements, within the same region and age group.
For example, the cost of a guaranteed, basic plan with complete coverage for an adult in Saskatchewan is compared only to the industry average for guaranteed, basic plans with complete coverage for adults in Saskatchewan.
About coverage and total coverage comparisons
Our analysis examines the coverage provided by each plan across eight benefit categories during the first year of enrollment: prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, paramedical services, mental health services, accidental dental services, ground ambulance transportation, and air ambulance transportation.
In coverage summaries, we may note whether prescription drug coverage applies to generic drugs, brand-name drugs, birth control, cannabis, smoking cessation treatments, and weight-management medications. This should not be taken to mean that other types of medications (such as fertility and erectile dysfunction treatments) are excluded from coverage.
Similarly, because dental definitions and coverage limits vary by provider, readers should always consult their policy documents to confirm the specific dental services covered. For reference, preventative dental care generally includes routine services such as exams and cleanings, while restorative care typically covers treatments like fillings and extractions. Major dental services may include crowns and bridges, and orthodontic services commonly include braces.
To get an accurate picture of each plan’s value, we calculated the net amount of coverage provided by subtracting out-of-pocket costs (including deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments) from stated coverage limits.
For example, if a plan reimburses 80% of eligible prescription drug costs up to $500 in the first year, the policyholder would pay $125 out of pocket ($500 divided by 80%, then minus $500). Therefore, the net value of the prescription drug benefit would be $375 ($500 minus $125).
Whenever we refer to a plan’s total amount of coverage, or compare it to the industry average, we mean the combined first-year coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance services, after subtracting any applicable out-of-pocket costs.
Disclaimer
PolicyMe’s findings are based on unaltered data and are free from paid placements or sponsored influence. While we strive to keep our information current, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of third-party data. These rankings are intended as a general reference and should not be considered a substitute for personalized financial or health advice.
Next steps: How to find the right health and dental coverage
The secret to finding the best, most affordable health insurance for you and your family is to identify your needs, identify your existing coverage, and compare plans and providers. Here’s our three-step plan in more detail:
Identify your needs. Add up your out-of-pocket medical expenses during the past year and think about the cost of ongoing conditions and likely future treatments.
Identify your existing coverage. Check your group health benefits and your home province’s public health insurance plan to see what’s covered (and what’s not).
Compare health insurance quotes and providers. Once you know what type of coverage you need, check sample policies online to make sure they cover the services and supplies you need.
Remember, price isn’t the only thing that matters–flexible coverage, generous inclusions, and high customer satisfaction ratings all contribute to your, your loved ones’, and your budget’s health and wellness.
FAQ: Best health insurance in Canada
By Google Reviews scores, the top 5 health insurance providers in Canada are PolicyMe, GreenShield, Sun Life, GMS and Canada Life.
The best overall health insurance plan in Canada is the “Advanced” or “No Dental Advanced” plan from PolicyMe. It features affordable premiums, flexible coverage for routine procedures, and the highest-rated customer service on the market.
The non-profit Conference Board of Canada ranked British Columbia’s healthcare system the third-best in the world, after Switzerland and Sweden.
Vision and dental both count as health insurance, but not every health insurance policy sold contains vision and dental benefits.
Most modern health insurance plans provide coverage for visits to psychologists, psychotherapists, and registered social workers.
High drug and high-value health insurance plans can provide coverage for expensive prescriptions. You may also want to look for a plan with high accidental dental and ambulance coverage.
In Canada, high-value health insurance policies are premium-tier plans with comprehensive coverage, low deductibles, and no waiting periods. By providing high annual maximums in every coverage category, they enable policyholders to offset most of their health expenses.
Jasmine Kanter
Jasmine specializes in converting complex insurance data into actionable guidance. Her background includes auto, life, and health insurance and financial planning. Lately, she’s leveraging AI to extract insights from the numbers and help Canadians make better decisions.
Jasmine specializes in converting complex insurance data into actionable guidance. Her background includes auto, life, and health insurance and financial planning. Lately, she’s leveraging AI to extract insights from the numbers and help Canadians make better decisions.
Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of October 2025. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.
