Topics
SCHEDULE CALL

Best Health Insurance in Canada in November 2024

SUMMARY

Our insurance experts reveal their list of the best health insurance companies in Canada to help you find the best plan tailored to your needs. Among the recommended providers are Blue Cross, Canada Life, Manulife, and others. We evaluate these companies based on factors such as price, coverage amount, optional add-ons, and more. Explore the pros and cons of each company, review company history, compare coverage, and shop rates before you buy!

By Jiten Puri
CEO & Founder, Insurance Advisor, LLQP
19 min read
November 14th, 2024
IN THIS ARTICLE

Many companies claim to offer the best health insurance in Canada, but which one truly fits your needs?

Our insurance experts have curated a selection of top providers offering the most comprehensive medical coverage in Canada, helping you find a plan tailored to you. We’ve evaluated each provider based on criteria like coverage options, add-ons, coverage amounts, and more.

Your health is important! Explore our reviews of Canada’s leading health insurance providers in November, 2024 to confidently choose the best individual or family plan for you.

Click here to skip straight to the reviews! 

Schedule a call For Group Insurance

Need insurance answers now?

Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.

SCHEDULE A CALL
What is private health insurance?
Private health insurance in Canada works alongside the publicly funded healthcare system to provide additional coverage for services not covered by the government. Coverage includes prescription medication, medical equipment, paramedical services, dental care, vision care, emergency medical travel insurance, and other medical expenses.

The best health insurance in Canada in November, 2024

After reviewing Canada’s top health insurance companies, our team of experts has picked Blue Cross, Canada Life, and Manulife as having the best health coverage in Canada.

But, not every health insurance company is the same. Some have the best dental coverage, while others have top rated coverage for vision care. Check out our list of the best health coverage in Canada.

Best companies for… 

  • Blue Cross: Best for prescription medication & dental coverage
  • Canada Life: Best for vision coverage
  • Desjardin: Best for bundling with other products
  • GMS: Best for multiple plan options
  • Greenshield: Best for paramedical (chiro, physio, massage, etc.) coverage
  • Manulife: Best for customization
  • Sun Life: Best for travel medical coverage
best health insurance companies in Canada list
More choice. Lower price.
PolicyAdvisor saves you time and money when comparing Canada’s top health insurance companies. Check it out!
GET STARTED

Blue Cross Ontario Health Insurance Review

Canada’s best health insurance for:
Prescription drug coverage & dental care coverage

Blue Cross is a national brand originating in Manitoba in 1938, with many provincial franchises. Franchises include:

  • Alberta Blue Cross
  • Ontario Blue Cross
  • Quebec Blue Cross
  • Manitoba Blue Cross (Nunavut)
  • Medavie Blue Cross (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador)
  • Pacific Blue Cross (BC and Yukon)
  • Saskatchewan Blue Cross

Like the sound of “unlimited” benefits? Blue Cross offers unmatched prescription and dental coverage without limits. They also have coverage that allows you to keep your insurability for life. Diagnosed with an illness later in life? No worries with Blue Cross Assured Access coverage—once you have it, you have insurability for life. 

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Entry, Essential, & Enhanced Plans

AM Best Rating A-

GET QUOTES
Blue Cross Ontario Health Insurance Plan Details

Prescription medication
Basic – not included
Mid-tier – 70% $100 max co-pay, $1350 max out-of-pocket expense
Enhanced – 80% $50 max co-pay, $900 max out-of-pocket expense

Paramedical Expenses
Basic – 60%, up to $250 per year per service
Mid-tier – 70%, up to $400 per year per service
Enhanced – 80%, up to $500 per year per service

Mental Health Services
Basic – 60%, up to $250 per year per service
Mid-tier – 70%, up to $400 per year per service
Enhanced – 80%, up to $500 per year per service

Dental
Basic – 60% preventative care, no major or orthodontic coverage
Mid-tier – 70% preventative care, no major or orthodontic coverage
Enhanced – 80% preventative care, 60% for major or orthodontic coverage*
*waiting periods apply

Vision
Basic – $100 every 2 years
Mid-tier – $150 every 2 years
Enhanced – $300 every 2 years

Travel
Basic – not included
Mid-tier – not included
Enhanced – 100% of expenses, 30 days

Blue Cross Ontario Health Insurance Pros:

  • Assured access coverage
  • Generational coverage
  • Unlimited drugs
  • Unlimited dental (excluding major)
  • Capped out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs
  • Highly customizable

Blue Cross Ontario Insurance Cons:

  • No replacement plan
  • No travel plans available for basic or mid-tier plans
  • Unlimited drug pricing is not as competitive
  • Major and orthodontic dental only available for enhanced plans
Blue bulb

Who is Blue Cross Ontario?

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) introduced the Blue Cross name in 1941 in Ontario. Supported by the Ontario government, the Blue Cross plan served as a means to cover healthcare expenses incurred in the province’s hospitals. In March 1995, the OHA sold its Blue Cross assets to Liberty Mutual Insurance. However, the use of the name “Ontario Blue Cross” was not part of the asset sale and remained under the ownership of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans (CABCP), leading to the reopening of offices in Ontario under the Ontario Blue Cross name in the same year.

What other insurance coverage does Blue Cross offer?

GET QUOTES

Canada Life Health Insurance Review

Canada’s best health insurance for:
Vision care coverage

Canada Life, one of the country’s largest life insurers, is a subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc. and a member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies. With $396 billion in assets and a financial strength rating of A+ from A.M. Best, Canada Life is one of the most stable life insurers in the country.

Canada Life offers health insurance that speaks to the saying “you get what you pay for.” What we mean is, you’ll get good coverage, but it won’t be the cheapest policy on the market.

Canada Life offers great vision insurance coverage for those who need glasses or contacts—they’ll cover up to 100%! While the pricing is a bit on the expensive side, Canada Life makes up for this by providing comprehensive coverage for both prescription drugs and health practitioner services.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Select, Select Plus, & Select Elite Plans

AM Best Rating A+

GET QUOTES
Canada Life Health Insurance Plan Details

Prescription medication
Basic – 70%, up to $500 per year
Mid-tier – 80%, up to $10,000 per year
Enhanced – 90% for the first $10,000 per year, 100% for the next $240,000

Paramedical expenses
Basic – 100%, $30 per visit up to $300 per year per service
Mid-tier – 100%, $40 per visit, up to $400 per year per service
Enhanced- 100%, $50 per visit up to $500 per year per service

Mental health services
Basic – 100%, $30 per visit up to $300 per year per service
Mid-tier – 100%, $40 per visit, up to $400 per year per service
Enhanced- 100%, $50 per visit up to $500 per year per service

Dental
Basic – 70% up to $350 per year for preventative care, no coverage for major or orthodontic
Mid-tier – 80% up to $750 per year for preventative care, no coverage for major or orthodontic
Enhanced – 80% up to $1000 per year for preventative care, 50% for major dental up to $750 per year

Vision
Basic – 100%, up to $150 every 2 years
Mid-tier – 100%, up to $200 every 2 years
Enhanced – 100%, up to $250 every 2 years

Travel
Basic – not included (can add on)
Midtier – not included (can add on)
Enhanced – not included (can add on)

Canada Life Health Insurance Pros:

  • 100% vision coverage
  • Good prescription drug coverage
  • Good paramedical coverage
  • Replacement plans
  • Guaranteed plans for those with pre-existing conditions

Canada Life Health Insurance Cons:

  • Pricing not as competitive
  • Replacement plans are expensive
Blue bulb

Who is Canada Life?

The Canada Life Assurance Company – founded in 1847 in Hamilton, Ontario – is Canada’s oldest domestic life insurance company as well as one of the largest life insurers today. The company was acquired by Great West Life-Assurance Company in 2003 following a bidding war with Manulife. After years operating under different affiliates such as Great West Life, London Life Insurance Company, and its namesake, the three brands came under the Canada Life insurance brand umbrella as of January 2020.

What other insurance coverage does Canada Life offer?

GET QUOTES

Desjardins Health Insurance Review

Canada’s best health insurance for:
Bundling with other products

Desjardins is one of Canada’s largest financial institutions and is frequently ranked among the world’s 50 safest banks and financiers.

Love a good twofer? Desjardins is known for their great combo deals. Combine life insurance, disability insurance, critical illness insurance, and health insurance and you’ll get a financial security team that will fully protect your financial future—and for a few bucks less than if you bought them all separately. 

These plans are best for younger individuals—those in the sunset years need not apply (especially those looking for a retirement replacement health plan).

PolicyAdvisor Rating

SOLO Healthcare – Health Plus (basic & enhanced)

AM Best Rating N/A

GET QUOTES
Desjardin Health Insurance Plan Details

Prescription medication
Basic – 70%, with max total $5,000 per year
Enhanced- 90%, with max total $10,000 per year

Paramedical Expenses
Basic – Up to $400 per year per service
Enhanced- Up to $600 per year per service

Mental Health Services
Basic – Up to $80 per service with max total $400 per year
Enhanced- 80% per services, up to $500 per year

Dental
Basic – 50% care, 80% preventative, no orthodontic
Enhanced – 100% care, 100% preventative, 100% major care, 60% orthodontic  

Vision
Basic – $150 for glasses/contacts/surgery every 2 years, $50 per exam
Enhanced – $250 for glasses/contacts/surgery every 2 years, $70 per exam

Travel
Basic – $5 million, 90 days per year
Enhanced –$5 million, 90 days per year

Desjardins Health Insurance Pros:

Desjardins Health Insurance Cons:

  • Limited term options
  • Plans only cover to age 64
  • No replacement or guaranteed plans
Blue bulb

Who is Desjardins?

Desjardins offers a large range of financial and insurance services in Canada. Their major focus areas are life and health insurance and wealth management services for individuals, and property and casualty coverage (home insurance). They also offer business services including point-of-sale payments and cash management. Desjardins Insurance operates through a network of financial advisors concentrated in Quebec and Ontario but has a presence across Canada.

What other insurance coverage does Desjardins offer?

GET QUOTES

GMS Health Insurance Review

Canada’s best health insurance for:
Multiple plan options

While their name is less known, here’s no denying that GMS offers great coverage for those looking to customize their plan. They also offer great coverage for those with pre-existing conditions—they’ll cover your medication prescribed for that condition, whereas other private plans may not at all. They also have a unique (to Canada) co-pay setup where you pay a set deductible rather than just the remaining percentage of the total cost of the bill.

If you’re someone who likes to plug and play with different package add-ons to meet your needs, GMS health insurance may have a plan for you.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

BASIC PLAN, EXTEND PLAN, OMNI PLAN

AM Best Rating N/A

GET QUOTES
GMS Health Insurance Plan Details

Prescription medication
Basic – not included (can add on)
Mid-tier – not included (can add on)
Enhanced-not included (can add on)

Paramedical expenses
Basic – 70% ,up to $250 per year for all services
Mid-tier – 80%, up to $350 per year for all services
Enhanced- 90%, up to $300 per service

Mental health services
Basic – not included
Mid-tier – $65 per visit, max 10 visits per year
Enhanced- $65 per visit, max 15 visits per year

Dental
Basic – not included (can add on)
Mid-tier – not included (can add on)
Enhanced – not included (can add on)

Vision
Basic – not included (can add on)
Mid-tier – 80%, up to $250 per 2 years combined
Enhanced – 90%, up to $250 for frames/lenses every 2 years, 1 exam every 2 years

Travel
Basic – not included (can add on)
Midtier – not included (can add on)
Enhanced –not included (can add on)

GMS Health Insurance Pros:

  • Enhanced drug plan includes prescriptions for pre-existing conditions up to $800 a year  
  • Flat deducible (co-pay) rather than a percentage-based coverage ($6 co-pay vs. “70% of coverage listed”)
  • Customizable add-ons
  • Replacement plans available

GMS Health Insurance Cons:

  • Limited base plan options
Blue bulb

Who is GMS?

GMS, which stands for Group Medical Services, is an insurance provider that began in 1940 in Saskatchewan. It started out as the Regina Mutual Medical Benefit Association and in 1949, merged with Regina Medical Services to become GMS. Since their founding, they’ve stayed local, continuing to be based out of Regina and providing health and medical insurance across Canada.

What other insurance coverage does GMS offer?

GET QUOTES

Green Shield Health Insurance Review

Canada’s best health insurance plan for:
Paramedical coverage (chiro, physio, massage, etc.)

GreenShield (aka SureHealth) has the biggest market share in the health insurance industry—that means they’re the big dogs. They specialize in group health and dental insurance (hence the huge market share), and you may know them if you’ve had an employer health insurance plan.

Greenshield offers multiple plan options so you can customize your health insurance to meet your needs. The biggest bonus is its high coverage limits for services like massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, etc.—all those necessary health maintenance services that are important to keep on top of. While not the most competitive in price, Greenshield may have an extended health plan to meet your unique health expense needs.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

SureHealth

AM Best Rating N/A

GET QUOTES
GreenShield Health Insurance Plan Details

Prescription medication
Basic – not included
Mid-tier – 90% up to $5,000 per year
Enhanced – 90%, up to $20,00 per year

Paramedical expenses
Basic –$20 per visit, up to $300 per year for all services
Mid-tier – $25 per visit, up to $500 per year for all services
Enhanced- $50 per visit, up to $2,000 per year for all services

Mental health services
Basic – $300 per year for all services
Mid-tier – $500 per year for all services
Enhanced- $750 per year for all services

Dental
Basic –  (most basic plan) – 50%, up to $500 per year (in the first year)
Mid-tier- (mid-tier plan) – 60%, up to $700 per year (in the first year)
Enhanced (most comprehensive plan) – 80% ,up to $1000 per year (in the first year)

Vision
Basic – (most basic plan) – $150 for glasses/contacts/surgery, $65 per eye exam (every two years)
Mid-tier – (mid-tier plan) – $150 for glasses/contacts/surgery, $100 per eye exam (every two years)
Enhanced – (most comprehensive plan) – $250 for glasses/contacts/surgery, $120 per eye exam (every two years)

Travel
Basic –$5 million, 15 days per trip
Midtier – $5 million, 30 days per trip
Enhanced – $5 million, 30 days per trip

GreenShield Health Insurance Pros:

  • Multiple plan options
  • Guaranteed options
  • Travel coverage: $5 million 
  • Higher limits for paramedical health services

GreenShield Health Insurance Cons:

  • Pricing is not as competitive 
  • Dental insurance is not automatically in basic plans
Blue bulb

Who is GreenShield?

GreenShield is a non-profit health insurance company founded in 1957 in Windsor, Ontario. They provide a wide range of insurance products, policies, and benefits across Canada. They also provide administration services to consumers. As they are a non-profit GreenShield reinvests their revenue into community initiatives across the country, combating a variety of issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, disaster relief, and more.

What type of health insurance does GreenShield offer?

  • Group health insurance
  • Guaranteed acceptance health insurance
GET QUOTES

Manulife Health Insurance Review

Canada’s best health insurance for:
Customization

Life changes and your needs change. That’s why it’s good to have options. Manulife offers many health insurance product lines to meet you where you’re at. Whether you’re a fitness-tracking maniac already, a new retiree looking for replacement coverage for your work policy, or just need to look after your teeth, they’ve got you covered.

Manulife is our top choice for health insurance providers simply because of the variety of products they sell—the price isn’t bad either! With all their options available, we’ll bet you can find a plan that suits your needs best!

PolicyAdvisor Rating

CoverMe & FollowMe

AM Best Rating A+

GET QUOTES
Manulife Health Insurance Plan Details

Prescription medication
Basic – not included
Mid-tier – 90% up to $5,000 per year
Enhanced – 90%, up to $20,00 per year

Paramedical expenses
Basic –$20 per visit, up to $300 per year for all services
Mid-tier – $25 per visit, up to $500 per year for all services
Enhanced- $50 per visit, up to $2,000 per year for all services

Mental health services
Basic – $300 per year for all services
Mid-tier – $500 per year for all services
Enhanced – $750 per year for all services

Dental
Basic –  70% of first $575 (up to $400 every year)
Mid-tier – 80% of first $400 and 50% of next $860 (up to $750 every year)
Enhanced – 100% of first $500 and 60% of next $700 (up to $920 every year)

There are also options for DentalPlus and DrugPlus plans if you require more coverage than their combo plans offer.

Vision
Basic – $150 every two years
Mid-tier –$250 every two years
Enhanced – $250 every two years

Travel
Basic –$5 million, 15 days per trip
Midtier – $5 million, 30 days per trip
Enhanced – $5 million, 30 days per trip

Manulife Health Insurance Pros:

Manulife Health Insurance Cons:

  • Hospital benefits not included
  • Travel insurance has $100 deductible 
  • Can be expensive due to the comprehensive coverage
Blue bulb

Who is Manulife?

Manulife Canada is a subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation, a Canada-based multinational insurance company and financial services provider. Manulife has an extensive presence in Southeast Asia and also in the United States, where they operate through their John Hancock insurance provider. They were incorporated in 1887 as the Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are the second-largest insurance company in Canada.

What other insurance coverage does Manulife offer?

GET QUOTES

Sun Life Financial Health Insurance Review

Canada’s best health insurance for:
Travel medical coverage

We love a good deal—don’t you? Sun Life provides a superior health insurance product at a very competitive price. If you’re a globetrotter, they even have travel insurance coverage for up to 60 days built into their standard and enhanced plans.

If your needs are more than basic, Sun Life might have the best plan for you. More of a Plain Jane or have most of your coverage needs met elsewhere? The bare-bones Sun Life basic plan might be for you!

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Basic, Standard, Enhanced

AM Best Rating A+

GET QUOTES
Sun Life Health Insurance Plan Details

Prescription medication
Basic – 60%, up to $750 per year
Mid-tier – 70% up to $7,000 per year
Enhanced – 80%, up to $5000 per year

Paramedical expenses
Basic – 60%, up to $25 per visit, $250 per practitioner per year
Mid-tier – 100%, no visit max, up to $300 per practitioner per year
Enhanced – 100%, no visit m ax, up to $400 per practitioner per year

Mental health services
Basic – 60%, up to $25 per visit, $250 per practitioner per year
Mid-tier – 100%, no visit max, up to $300 per practitioner per year
Enhanced – 100%, no visit m ax, up to $400 per practitioner per year

Dental
Basic – 60% preventative, no restorative coverage, no orthodontic coverage
Mid-tier – 70% preventative, no restorative coverage, no orthodontic coverage
Enhanced –  80% preventative, 50% restorative, 60% orthodontic coverage

Vision
Basic – no coverage
Mid-tier – $150 for glasses/contacts/surgery, $50 per eye exam
Enhanced – $200 for glasses/contacts/surgery, $50 per eye exam

Travel
Basic –$1 million, 60 days per trip
Mid-tier – $1 million, 60 days per trip
Enhanced –$1 million, 60 days per trip

Sun Life Health Insurance Pros:

  • Competitive price 
  • Extensive prescription coverage 
  • Travel coverage for up to 60 days (standard and enhanced)

Sun Life Health Insurance Cons:

  • Limited coverage for counseling services 
  • No travel insurance for basic plans (no option for add-ons)
  • No vision insurance for basic plans (no options for add-ons)
Blue bulb

Who is Sun Life?

Sun Life Financial, Inc. is one of the largest life insurance providers in the world, and also one of the oldest, with a history spanning back to 1865. Apart from Canada, they have a presence in the US and in seven Asian markets, including China and India. The Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada offers a wide variety of products across life, health, and other individual insurance such as travel, mortgage, and business owner insurance. They also offer savings and retirement income plans and investment products.

What other insurance coverage does Sun Life offer?

GET QUOTES

Get a quote for health insurance in Canada in November, 2024

If you’re looking for a great price on personal health and dental insurance, PolicyAdvisor can help! We have a team of licensed insurance experts to help you go through health plans from Canada’s best insurance providers. Book a quick call with one of our advisors today and we can determine your health insurance needs.

Need help?
Call us at 1-888-601-9980 or book time with our licensed experts.
SCHEDULE A CALL
By Jiten Puri
CEO & Founder, Insurance Advisor, LLQP
Connect with author
Related Reading
Best medical insurance for visitors to Canada Best health insurance for seniors What is personal health insurance in Canada? Best health insurance if you're self-employed Health insurance for small business owners Health insurance for students How to file a health insurance claim?

The information above is intended for informational purposes only and is based on PolicyAdvisor’s own views, which are subject to change without notice. This content is not intended and should not be construed to constitute financial or legal advice. PolicyAdvisor accepts no responsibility for the outcome of people choosing to act on the information contained on this website. PolicyAdvisor makes every effort to include updated, accurate information. The above content may not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, termination, and other provisions of the policies described, some of which may be material to the policy selection. Please refer to the actual policy documents for complete details. In case of any discrepancy, the language in the actual policy documents will prevail. All rights reserved.

If something in this article needs to be corrected, updated, or removed, let us know. Email marketing@policyadvisor.com.

Want more like this in your inbox? Subscribe to our newsletter.