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Best Health Insurance in British Columbia
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Comprehensive private health insurance in British Columbia
BC’s provincial health plan, the Medical Services Plan (MSP), provides coverage for many essential medical services. However, it does not cover everything. Personal health insurance in BC safeguards your health by covering additional benefits like prescription drugs, dental care, vision, and specialist treatments, helping you stay financially prepared for unexpected health expenses.
Why do I need health insurance in BC?
Private health insurance in BC is crucial because while MSP (Medical Services Plan) covers many healthcare services, it has significant exclusions that leave individuals and families financially vulnerable. For instance:
- Prescription medications (outside hospitals)
- Dental services
- Vision care (e.g., glasses or contact lenses)
- Paramedical services (e.g., physiotherapy, chiropractic care)
- Private hospital rooms
Without private health insurance in BC to supplement MSP, British Columbians face significant out-of-pocket expenses for these essential services, which could lead to delayed care, financial strain, or both.
How much does private health and dental insurance cost in BC?
Affordable private health and dental insurance plans in BC start at approximately $61 per month for an individual, $110 for a couple, and $175 for a family of four. These costs may vary depending on coverage level, plan details,
| Age/Family type | Approximate cost (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| 35 years, Single Male | $61.32 |
| 28 years, Couple | $110.38 |
| Family of four (45M, 35F, 10C, 5C) | $175.89 |
| 25 years, Male (Pre-existing conditions) | $99.10 |
| 35 years, Female (Pre-existing conditions) | $99.10 |
| 55 years, Male (Pre-existing conditions) | $129.90 |
| 75 years, Female (Pre-existing conditions) | $115.30 |
I need insurance. Where do I start?
Our calculator gets you the right quotes and the lowest rates.
Types of health insurance coverage in BC
Personal health insurance plans in British Columbia offer a variety of coverage options designed to meet different healthcare needs. From essential prescription drugs to specialized services like dental, vision, and paramedical care, these plans fill the gaps left by provincial health programs.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs | Coverage for medications prescribed by your doctor, including life-saving drugs and treatments for chronic conditions |
| Dental care | Plans may include regular cleanings, fillings, root canals, and orthodontics for adults and children |
| Vision care | Coverage includes routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses |
| Specialist services | Access to paramedical practitioners like physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and more |
| Travel medical insurance | Provides coverage for emergency medical care while travelling outside BC or abroad |
How to get health insurance If I don’t have MSP?
If you don’t have MSP in British Columbia, you will need to purchase visitor health insurance to cover medical expenses that MSP does not, such as emergency medical care, prescription drugs, dental, and vision services.
Many insurance providers offer visitor insurance plans, so it’s important to compare coverage options, including factors like emergency medical coverage and any exclusions related to pre-existing conditions. You can easily get a quote and purchase a plan online by scheduling a call with our advisor, ensuring you have continuous coverage for the entire duration of your stay in British Columbia.
| Benefits covered by MSP | Benefits not covered by MSP |
|---|---|
| Visits to family doctors and specialists | Prescription medications |
| Hospital care (standard ward accommodations) | Routine dental care (e.g., cleanings, check-ups) |
| Maternity care by physicians or midwives | Vision care (routine eye exams, glasses, contacts) |
| Diagnostic services (e.g., x-rays, lab tests) | Alternative therapies (e.g., physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage) |
| Medically necessary dental/oral surgeries in hospitals | Travel medical expenses outside BC or Canada |
| Emergency services in hospitals | Non-medically necessary procedures or services |
How much is health insurance per month for a single person in Canada?
Health insurance in Canada costs around $61.32 per person per month, but this amount can vary based on the type of coverage, age, health status, location, and provider.
Basic plans typically cover essential services like doctor visits and emergency care, while more comprehensive plans include extras like dental, vision, and prescription drugs, leading to higher premiums.
Factors such as higher deductibles can lower monthly costs but increase out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, rates may differ between individual and family plans, with family plans often offering better per-person rates.
Do I need private health insurance if I have MSP?
Yes, health and dental insurance in BC is beneficial even if you have MSP. While MSP covers many basic healthcare services, it excludes critical areas like prescription medications (outside hospitals), routine dental care, vision care (e.g., glasses or contact lenses), and paramedical services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, and massage therapy. Private health insurance ensures comprehensive healthcare coverage for you and your family.
Need insurance answers now?
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Best health and dental insurance companies in BC
Choosing the best health insurance provider in BC depends on your individual healthcare needs. Different insurance companies specialize in various areas, ensuring you get the coverage that fits your priorities.
| Company | Best for.. | PolicyAdvisor rating |
|---|---|---|
| Manulife | Customization |  |
| Canada Life | Vision coverage | |
| Blue Cross | Prescription medication & dental coverage |  |
| Green Shield | Paramedical coverage | |
| Sun Life | Travel medical coverage | |
| GMS | Multiple plan options | |
| Desjardins | Bundling with other products | |
Why PolicyAdvisor?
PolicyAdvisor makes finding life insurance simple. Compare quotes, get expert advice, and find the best policy for your needs-all in one place.
- Save time: Get instant quotes from BC’s top life insurance companies
- Save money: Compare multiple quotes to find the best price
- Shop anywhere: Use our online tools to compare quotes from your phone or computer
- Personalized service: Receive expert advice from a dedicated insurance advisor
Other insurance options
Disability insurance
Disability insurance replaces your income if you’re unable to work due to a disability. This coverage ensures that you can continue to meet your financial obligations, such as mortgage payments and daily living expenses, even if an illness or injury prevents you from working.
Group insurance
Group insurance covers medical expenses not included in BC’s provincial health plan, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and
Critical illness insurance
Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payout if you’re diagnosed with a covered critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This payment can help cover medical bills, pay off debts, or make necessary lifestyle changes, such as modifying your home or taking time off work to focus on recovery.
Visitor insurance
Visitor insurance protects against unexpected costs, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events while traveling. This coverage ensures you’re financially protected during your stay in BC
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