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Canada Life Health Insurance Review 2024
Canada Life offers comprehensive personal health insurance plans with coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision care, mental health services, and more. They offer two plans—Select and Guaranteed —that are customizable, with options for individuals and families. Pre-existing conditions are covered in the Guaranteed Acceptance plan and they provide flexible payment options for Canadians seeking additional healthcare protection.
- What are the key features of health insurance from Canada Life?
- What are the different Canada Life health insurance plans I can choose from?
- What does Canada Life’s health and dental insurance cover?
- Does Canada Life cover pre-existing conditions?
- Do Select and Guaranteed plans offer dental and vision coverage?
- Are disabled dependents covered under the health insurance plan?
- How much does health insurance from Canada Life cost?
- What are the pros and cons of Canada Life’s health insurance plans?
- How can I get a quote from Canada Life?
- Frequently asked questions
Navigating healthcare costs in Canada can be challenging, even when you have provincial health coverage. From buying prescription medication to getting healthcare equipment, any purchase that goes beyond the scope of provincial healthcare coverage can burn a hole in your pocket. This is where personal health insurance by Canada Life can be of help.
Canada Life is a well-established provider of personal health and dental insurance, offering comprehensive plans tailored to meet a variety of individual and family health needs.
This review explores the key features, coverage options, costs, benefits, and potential drawbacks of Canada Life’s personal health insurance options, helping you make an informed decision for your healthcare needs.
What are the key features of health insurance from Canada Life?
Canada Life offers Select and Guaranteed personal health insurance plans without a termination age. Pre-existing illnesses are covered under the Guaranteed plan. They also offer a monthly payment option and have a waiting period between 30 days to 3 months for different coverages. Here are the key features of Canada Life’s personal health insurance policy:
Key features of Canada Life health insurance
| Category | Details |
| Waiting period | 30 days to 3 months for different coverage types |
| Pre-existing illness coverage | Covered, but with limitations and requires filling out a short questionnaire |
| Monthly premium | Yes |
| PolicyAdvisor rating | 5/5 |
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What is Canada Life’s ‘Freedom to Choose’?
Canada Life offers health and dental insurance under their Freedom to Choose plans. Freedom to Choose has two different types of customizable plans: Select and Guaranteed, that offer comprehensive health coverage for varying needs.
To qualify for a Canada Life Freedom to Choose health and dental plan, applicants must be Canadian citizens over 18 years of age, with valid provincial coverage.
What are the different Canada Life health insurance plans I can choose from?
Canada Life has two types of plans that you can choose from: Select plans for those who do not have prior health coverage and Guaranteed plans for those who have had a health plan (personal or group) in the past 60 days from the date of application.
Both Select and Guaranteed plans are further categorized into three tiers:
- Select, Select Plus, and Select Elite
- Guaranteed, Guaranteed Plus and Guaranteed Elite
All the plans offer similar coverage options for the different tiers. The higher tier you choose, the more comprehensive your coverage gets. While Select plans will require medical underwriting, Guaranteed plans offer assured coverage.
What does Canada Life’s health and dental insurance cover?
Canada Life’s Select and Guaranteed health and dental insurance policy cover prescription drug coverage, dental and vision care, health practitioners and specialists, mental health and counselling services, ambulance and evacuation, and more. Here is a detailed look at the coverage options:
Canada Life Select and Guaranteed plan coverage options
| Benefits | Select plans | Guaranteed plans | |||||
| Drug coverage | Typically provides 70%, 80%, or 90% coverage within the range of $500 to $250,000 per person/year
(Dispensing fee: Up to $7 per prescription) |
Typically provides between 80% to 100% in coverage within $1,500 per person/year. Coverage depends on whether they have a drug card or not.
No dispensing fee limit applied |
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| Dental care | Covers up to 80% of routine dental care up to $1,000 per person/year
50% coverage up to $750 per person/year for major dental restorative care in the Elite plan 100% coverage in case of any dental accident |
No coverage for routine dental care in the Basic plan, up to 85% coverage within $2,000 per person/year in the other plans
50% coverage up to $1,000 per person/year for major dental restorative care in the Elite plan 100% coverage in case of any dental accident |
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| Vision care | Covers 100% up to $75 for eye exams and up to $150 for eyeglasses every 2 years | Up to 100% for one eye exam every 2 years and up to $275 for eyeglasses every 2 years (eyeglasses not covered under the Basic plan) | |||||
| Health practitioners | Covers 100% between $30-40/visit and $300-$400/practitioner in a year, based on the chosen plan | Covers 100% between $30-50/visit and $300-$500/practitioner in a year, based on the chosen plan | |||||
| Counselling services | Covers 100% between $30-40/visit and $300-$400/practitioner in a year, based on the chosen plan | Covers 100% between $30-50/visit and $300-$500/practitioner in a year, based on the chosen plan | |||||
| Hospitalization cost | Available as an additional add-on benefit, with coverage up to $175 per day for up to 60 days | Available as an additional add-on benefit | |||||
| Medical equipment | 100% coverage up to the maximum policy limit | 100% coverage up to the maximum policy limit | |||||
| Hearing aid | Covers 100% up to $400 every 5 years | Covers 100% up to $500 every 5 years | |||||
| Ambulance services | 100% coverage with reasonable and customary rates, including emergency air travel | 100% coverage with reasonable and customary rates, including emergency air travel | |||||
| Pre-existing conditions | Available as an add-on | Covered as long as the insured individual fills up a short questionnaire | |||||
| At-home nursing care | 100% coverage up to a total amount of $2,500 per person per year | 100% coverage up to a total amount of $5,000 per person per year | |||||
| Travel health benefits | Available as an additional add-on benefit with $1,000,000 for up to 90 days of trips outside Canada | Available as an additional add-on benefit with $1,000,000 for up to 90 days of trips outside Canada | |||||
Does Canada Life cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, Canada Life’s Guaranteed Acceptance personal health insurance plan provides coverage for pre-existing conditions. However, applicants are expected to fill out a short questionnaire about the severity of their pre-existing condition.
This helps Canada Life determine the cost of the premium, based on their unique requirements. No additional blood work or urine samples are required along with the questionnaire, making it a smooth application process for individuals.
Does Canada Life’s health insurance cover mental health services?
Yes, Canada Life’s Select and Guaranteed health insurance plans cover mental health services, including therapy and counselling sessions with licensed professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and counsellors.
The coverage amount and limitations vary depending on the specific plan, with some plans offering a set number of visits per year or a maximum coverage amount.
Does Canada Life health insurance cover dietitian consultation charges?
Yes, Canada Life’s Select and Guaranteed health insurance plans typically cover dietitian consultation charges as part of their extended health benefits. However, dietitian services usually have an annual maximum coverage. You will receive coverage for your visits as long as you’re within this maximum coverage limit.
Does Canada Life’s health insurance cover physiotherapy?
Yes, Canada Life’s Select and Guaranteed health insurance plans cover physiotherapy as part of their extended healthcare and paramedical services, although coverage limits and eligibility vary by plan.
Both plans offer between 90% to 100% coverage for physiotherapy within a specific coverage limit. Physiotherapy coverage is intended to help with rehabilitation and recovery from injuries or chronic conditions.
Do Select and Guaranteed plans offer dental and vision coverage?
Canada Life’s Select and Guaranteed plans provide dental and vision coverage with varying benefits across tiers.
Dental care: The Select plan covers up to 80% of routine dental care. 50% of major restorative dental care is covered only in the Elite plan, up to $750 annually. The Guaranteed plan does not cover routine dental care in the Basic plan but offers up to 85% coverage within $2,000 annually in other plans, with 50% coverage for major restorative care in the Elite plan. Both the plan provides 100% coverage in case of any dental accidents.
Vision care: For vision care, the Select plan covers 100% of eye exams up to $75 and eyeglasses up to $150 every two years. Meanwhile, the Guaranteed plan covers one eye exam at 100% and eyeglasses up to $275 every two years, except for the Basic plan, which excludes coverage for eyeglasses.
Are disabled dependents covered under the health insurance plan?
Yes, disabled dependents who are over the age of 21 or 25 can be added to your health insurance plan, but they must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify.
These criteria typically assess their dependency status, medical condition, and ability to support themselves financially. Adding a disabled dependent to your policy may require submitting additional documentation to verify their eligibility.
What is covered under routine dental care in personal health and dental insurance?
Routine dental care under Select and Guaranteed personal health and dental insurance typically includes a range of essential services aimed at maintaining oral health.
These services often cover regular check-ups, teeth cleanings, and diagnostic procedures such as x-rays. Additionally, they may include oral treatments like fillings for cavities, root canals for damaged teeth, and minor oral surgeries.
What is covered under prescription drugs in Canada Life’s health and dental insurance plan?
Canada Life’s health insurance plans typically cover a wide range of prescription drug needs. This includes commonly prescribed medications such as oral contraceptives, blood pressure medications, diabetic supplies, and more. Coverage may also extend to other essential drugs based on your prescription and medical needs.
How much does health insurance from Canada Life cost?
Canada Life’s Select and Guaranted health insurance plans can cost between $80 to $126 per month. The cost of personal health insurance may vary depending on several factors such as age, health status and whether the individual has a pre-existing condition.
Here are a few premium amounts based on the age of individuals (male or female) applying for coverage:
Cost of personal health insurance by Canada Life
| Age | Monthly premium cost (without pre-existing illness coverage) |
| 25 years | $87.70/month |
| 35 years | $87.70/month |
| 45 years | $110.35/month |
| 55 years | $118.98/monthly |
| 75 years | $126.07/month |
What are the pros and cons of Canada Life’s health insurance plans?
Canada Life’s health insurance has several pros such as no termination age, availability of bundle coverage, free consultations with Teladoc medical experts, a 10-day “right to examine” policy, and an excellent customer support team.
However, there are a few disadvantages as well such as higher premiums for older individuals, and selective coverage within the basic Select plan.
Pros and cons of Canada Life personal health insurance policy
| Pros | Cons |
| No termination age to make sure that no applicant is denied coverage due to their age | Some benefits, such as dental or vision coverage, may come with a waiting period before they can be accessed |
| Provision of bundle coverage with add-on benefits such as travel insurance or accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage | Canada Life’s premiums may increase with age or due to changing health conditions, which can make the plan less affordable in the long run |
| Applicants can avail expert discussion sessions about disease management and treatment options with top Teladoc Medical Experts | Basic plans may not cover more extensive medical needs, and upgrades or additional insurance may be required for full protection |
| A 10-day “right to examine” policy that lets applicants cancel their health insurance policy within 10 days without any penalty, in case they’re not satisfied |
Where can I find the best Canada Life health insurance quotes in Canada?
To get a health insurance quote from Canada Life, simply visit their website, review the plan options, and complete the online application. If you’re looking for Guaranteed Acceptance plans, you may have to fill out a questionnaire stating your past medical history.
For tailored guidance, connect with a PolicyAdvisor expert who can help you compare options and find the perfect plan to match your needs and budget.
PolicyAdvisor offers free quotes, market-best rates, and lifetime after-sales support to help you even after you’ve made your purchase. Book a complimentary consultation with one of our licensed advisors today!
Frequently asked questions
How long does Canada Life take to process a claim?
Canada Life typically processes health insurance claims within 10 to 15 business days after receiving all the necessary documentation. However, processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the claim. You can track the status of your claim through your Canada Life account.
Can I customize my Canada Life health insurance plan?
Yes, Canada Life offers customizable options, allowing policyholders to choose coverage that fits their needs and budget. You can often add specific benefits as riders or increase coverage for certain services, like dental or drug coverage.
Can I add family members to my Canada Life personal health insurance plan?
Yes, Canada Life offers family coverage options, allowing you to add your spouse, children, or other eligible dependents to your personal health insurance plan for comprehensive coverage.
You can customize your health insurance by choosing from the list of tailored add-on options including AD&D, hospital accommodation, assured acceptance, and more. This will help you ensure the overall healthcare security for your family.
How do I submit a claim to Canada Life?
Submitting a claim to Canada Life is simple and can be done online, via mail, or through your provider. For online claims, log in to your Canada Life account via their website or mobile app, complete the claims form, and upload supporting documents like receipts.
If you prefer offline submission, download a paper claim form from their website, fill it out, attach the necessary documents, and mail it to the address provided.
Does Canada Life’s health insurance have monthly payment options?
Yes, Canada Life’s Select and Guaranteed health insurance plans typically offer monthly payment options. Policyholders can choose to pay their premiums on a monthly basis, helping them avoid paying a huge amount of money upfront and balancing out their future expenses.
- Canada Life’s personal health insurance plans provide extensive coverage for essential healthcare services, including prescription drugs, dental care, vision, mental health services, and more
- Canada Life offers customizable plans, allowing individuals to select coverage that matches their unique needs and budget
- The Guaranteed Acceptance plan provides coverage for pre-existing conditions provided the applicant fills out a questionnaire about their condition
- Canada Life provides monthly premium payment options, making it easier for policyholders to manage their costs
