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Desjardins Health Insurance Review 2024

SUMMARY

Desjardins Health Insurance provides flexible and comprehensive coverage through its Basic and Enhanced Health Plus plans. It includes benefits for services not covered by provincial health plans, such as paramedical care, dental and vision care, travel insurance, and prescription drugs. The plans cater to individuals, families, couples, and single parents, and cost between $123.64 to $268.78 per month. While the coverage is robust, premiums are slightly higher than some competitors, and online enrollment isn’t available.

By Harshmeet Kaur
Insurance Advisor, LLQP
7 min read
IN THIS ARTICLE

Founded over a century ago as a cooperative in Quebec, Desjardins has grown to become one of Canada’s largest financial groups, with a strong emphasis on supporting the financial well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

In this review, we’ll explore the key features of Desjardins health insurance, the available plans, coverage details, eligibility requirements, associated costs, and the pros and cons of choosing Desjardins to protect your health.

What are the key features of health insurance from Desjardins?

Desjardins offers two primary health insurance plans: the Health Plus Basic Plan and the Health Plus Enhanced Plan. These plans are designed to provide flexible coverage options tailored to different needs, with options for individuals, couples, families, and single-parent families. 

To qualify, applicants and their spouses must be between the ages of 18 and 64, while dependent children must be under the age of 21. Eligibility also requires meeting specific medical underwriting criteria and being covered by a provincial health insurance plan.

Key features of Desjardins health insurance

Feature Details
Plans Health Plus Basic Plan and Health Plus Enhanced Plan
Age To be eligible, you and your spouse must be between the ages of 18 and 64, and your children must be under the age of 21
Coverage options  Individuals, couples, family, and a single-parent family  
Eligibility You and your dependents must meet medical underwriting criteria and be covered by a provincial health insurance plan
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What are the different Desjardins health insurance plans I can choose from? 

Desjardins offers two health insurance plans to suit various coverage needs: the Health Plus Basic Plan and the Health Plus Enhanced Plan. The Basic Plan provides access to essential healthcare services, covering medical and paramedical care, dental care for accidents, vision care, and travel insurance. 

For those seeking more extensive coverage, the Enhanced Plan includes all the benefits of the Basic Plan but with higher reimbursement limits. Additionally, the Enhanced Plan covers the cost of a semi-private room during hospitalization.  

Desjardins health insurance plans

Benefit Basic Plan Enhanced Plan
Health Professionals
Acupuncturist and massage therapist Up to $400 (combined) Up to $600 (combined)
Audiologist and speech therapist Up to $400 (combined) Up to $500 (combined)
Chiropractor Up to $400 Up to $600
Counsellor Up to $400 (combined) Up to $500 (combined)
Physiotherapist Up to $250 Up to $350
Hospitalization, semi-private room Not included 100% coverage, unlimited days
Vision care (per 24 months)
Prescription glasses, contact lenses, surgery Up to $150 Up to $250
Vision exam Up to $50 Up to $70
Travel insurance (per trip), first 30 days Up to $5,000,000 Up to $5,000,000
Ambulance services, convalescent care, dental accident treatment, hearing aids, medical equipment, orthopedic devices and shoes, prostheses, diagnostic services (ct, mri, ultrasounds, x-rays) Included in both plans Included in both plans
Prescription drugs Up to $10,000 per year for eligible drugs not covered by Quebec’s plan Same as Basic Plan
Dental care
Complete exam and x-rays 80% every 36 months 100% every 24 months
Recall exam, cleaning, fluoride 80% every 9 months 100% every 6 months
Wisdom teeth removal, gum grafting, dentures, root canal, orthodontics Not included Higher reimbursements for complex procedures

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How much does health insurance from Desjardins cost?

Personal health insurance from Desjardins costs between $123.64 to $268.78 per month, depending on age, plan specifics, and coverage amount.

Cost of Desjardins personal health insurance 

Age  Approximate cost (per month)
45 years $123.64 – $227.29
55 years $135.87 – $245.79
60 years $148.77 – $268.78

*Coverage for individuals without pre-existing conditions

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What are the pros and cons of Desjardins health insurance?

Desjardins health insurance offers several advantages, including comprehensive coverage for services not covered by provincial plans, such as paramedical care, dental, vision, and travel insurance. 

It also provides access to virtual healthcare and assistance services, along with flexible plan options that allow customization through basic and enhanced plans to meet individual needs. However, some drawbacks are that Desjardins’ premiums may be slightly higher compared to some competitors, and that the company does not support online sign-ups.

Pros and cons of Desjardins personal health insurance

Pros Cons
Personal health insurance be bundled with other products (life insurance, disability insurance, critical illness coverage) for a discount Plan coverage only to age 64
Desjardins health insurance offers high maximum coverage limits across various services, with prescription drug coverage reaching up to $10,000 per year Desjardins currently does not support online sign-ups, potentially posing an inconvenience for customers looking for a quick and simple enrollment process
Best Doctor program (get a second opinion) for you and/or extended family Limited plan options; No replacement plans or guaranteed plans

Does Desjardins cover prescription drugs in health insurance?

Yes, Desjardins health insurance includes an optional add-on for prescription drugs, providing coverage of up to $10,000 per person annually. This includes both generic and brand-name medications, as well as certain hormonal contraceptives like oral contraceptives, patches, injections, and intrauterine devices.

How can I get a health insurance quote from Desjardins?

You can get a quote from Desjardins by speaking to a PolicyAdvisor expert who will help you compare and choose the best health insurance plan based on your requirements and budget. 

With PolicyAdvisor, you also get free instant quotes, the lowest rates across the market, and lifetime after-sales support. Schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed advisors today! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are over-the-counter medications covered by Desjardins?

No, over-the-counter drugs aren’t covered by Desjardins, however, some prescription medications may be covered based on your plan’s specifics up to $10,000 per person annually.

Can I claim health insurance from Desjardins as a tax deduction?

Yes, health insurance premiums are tax-deductible. If you’re self-employed or a business owner, you can deduct your premiums when calculating your net business income. For employees, premiums qualify as medical expenses and may be eligible for a tax credit.

Does Desjardins health insurance include dental care?

Yes, Desjardins health insurance offers two dental care add-ons. The Basic Plan covers a portion of preventive treatments like examinations, cleanings, and fillings, while the Enhanced Plan provides additional coverage for major procedures and orthodontics.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Desjardins offers Basic and Enhanced plans for customized coverage, including individual, family, and couple options
  • These comprehensive plans cover dental, vision, travel insurance, paramedical services, and prescription drug add-ons
  • Personal health insurance from Desjardins costs between $123.64 to $268.78 per month, depending on age, plan specifics, and coverage amount
  • Desjardins offers virtual healthcare access that features telemedicine and assistance services for enhanced convenience
  • Premiums are tax-deductible for self-employed individuals or eligible as medical expense credits for employees

By Harshmeet Kaur
Insurance Advisor, LLQP
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