Navigating the world of health insurance can be daunting, especially with so many options available. Choosing the right health insurance plan is crucial for ensuring your and your family’s health needs are met without financial strain. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 10 health insurance companies in Canada for 2024, based on their coverage options, customer service, affordability, and overall value.

What is Private Health Insurance?

Private health insurance in Canada supplements the publicly funded healthcare system by covering services that the government does not. This includes prescription medications, dental care, vision care, paramedical services, medical equipment, and emergency medical travel insurance. Choosing the right private health insurance can significantly enhance your access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Important Factors to Consider

Before diving into the list, it’s essential to consider a few key factors when choosing a health insurance company:

  1. Coverage Options: Look for comprehensive plans that cover a wide range of medical services.
  2. Cost: Compare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.
  3. Network of Providers: Ensure the insurer has a broad network of hospitals and healthcare providers.
  4. Customer Service: Reliable and accessible customer service can make a big difference in managing your health plan.
  5. Add-Ons and Flexibility: Some insurers offer customizable plans and additional coverage options.

Top 10 Health Insurance Companies in Canada for 2024

1. Blue Cross

Best for: Prescription Medication & Dental Coverage

Blue Cross is renowned for its extensive coverage options and robust network across Canada. Each province has its own Blue Cross organization, making it a flexible option for many Canadians.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: Not included
  • Mid-tier: 70%, $100 max co-pay, $1350 max out-of-pocket
  • Enhanced: 80%, $50 max co-pay, $900 max out-of-pocket
  • Dental:
  • Basic: 60% preventative care, no major/orthodontic coverage
  • Mid-tier: 70% preventative care, no major/orthodontic coverage
  • Enhanced: 80% preventative care, 60% major/orthodontic coverage
  • Vision:
  • Basic: $100 every 2 years
  • Mid-tier: $150 every 2 years
  • Enhanced: $300 every 2 years
  • Travel:
  • Basic & Mid-tier: Not included
  • Enhanced: 100% of expenses, 30 days

Pros

  • Assured access coverage
  • Generational coverage
  • Unlimited drugs and dental for Enhanced plans

Cons

  • No travel plans for basic or mid-tier plans
  • Higher pricing for unlimited drug plans

2. Canada Life

Best for: Vision Coverage

Canada Life, a subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc., is known for its robust vision care coverage and overall comprehensive health insurance options.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: 70%, up to $500/year
  • Mid-tier: 80%, up to $10,000/year
  • Enhanced: 90% for the first $10,000/year, 100% for the next $240,000
  • Dental:
  • Basic: 70% up to $350/year, no major/orthodontic
  • Mid-tier: 80% up to $750/year, no major/orthodontic
  • Enhanced: 80% up to $1000/year, 50% major up to $750/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

Pros

  • 100% vision coverage
  • Good prescription drug and paramedical coverage

Cons

  • Higher pricing
  • Expensive replacement plans

3. Desjardins

Best for: Bundling with Other Products

Desjardins is a versatile insurer known for offering comprehensive financial services, including health insurance that can be bundled with life, disability, and critical illness insurance.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: 70%, max $5,000/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, max $10,000/year
  • Dental:
  • Basic: 50% care, 80% preventative, no orthodontic
  • Enhanced: 100% care, 100% preventative, 60% orthodontic
  • Vision:
  • Basic: $150 for glasses/contacts/surgery every 2 years
  • Enhanced: $250 for glasses/contacts/surgery every 2 years

Pros

  • Discounts for bundling products
  • Best Doctor program for second opinions

Cons

  • Limited term options
  • Plans only cover up to age 64

4. GMS (Group Medical Services)

Best for: Multiple Plan Options

GMS offers a range of customizable plans, making it a good option for those with specific needs or pre-existing conditions.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication: Not included in base plans but can be added on
  • Paramedical Expenses:
  • Basic: 70%, up to $250/year
  • Mid-tier: 80%, up to $350/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $300/service
  • Vision: Add-ons available

Pros

  • Covers medications for pre-existing conditions
  • Flat deductible (co-pay) system

Cons

  • Limited base plan options

5. Green Shield Canada

Best for: Paramedical Coverage (Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Massage)

Green Shield is a non-profit provider known for its excellent paramedical coverage and multiple plan options.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: Not included
  • Mid-tier: 90%, up to $5,000/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $20,000/year
  • Paramedical Expenses:
  • Basic: $20/visit, up to $300/year
  • Mid-tier: $25/visit, up to $500/year
  • Enhanced: $50/visit, up to $2,000/year

Pros

  • Multiple plan options
  • Higher limits for paramedical services

Cons

  • Pricing not as competitive
  • Dental insurance not included in basic plans

6. Manulife

Best for: Customization

Manulife is known for offering a wide variety of customizable health insurance products, making it easy to tailor a plan to your needs.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: Not included
  • Mid-tier: 90%, up to $5,000/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $20,000/year
  • Dental:
  • Basic: 70% of first $575, up to $400/year
  • Mid-tier: 80% of first $400, 50% of next $860, up to $750/year
  • Enhanced: 100% of first $500, 60% of next $700, up to $920/year
  • Vision: $150-$250 every two years

Pros

  • Telehealth access
  • Comprehensive paramedical coverage

Cons

  • Hospital benefits not included
  • Can be expensive

7. Sun Life Financial

Best for: Travel Medical Coverage

Sun Life offers competitive pricing and extensive coverage, especially for those who travel frequently.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: 60%, up to $750/year
  • Mid-tier: 70%, up to $7,000/year
  • Enhanced: 80%, up to $5,000/year
  • Travel:
  • Basic: $1 million, 60 days/trip
  • Mid-tier: $1 million, 60 days/trip
  • Enhanced: $1 million, 60 days/trip

Pros

  • Competitive price
  • Extensive travel coverage

Cons

  • Limited counseling services
  • No vision insurance for basic plans

8. Medavie Blue Cross

Best for: Overall Coverage

Medavie Blue Cross is known for its comprehensive coverage options and strong presence in Eastern Canada.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: 70%, up to $1,500/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $10,000/year
  • Dental:
  • Basic: 70%, up to $500/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $1,000/year
  • Vision: $200 every two years

Pros

  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Strong network in Eastern Canada

Cons

  • Higher premiums

9. Empire Life

Best for: Family Plans

Empire Life offers excellent family plans with extensive coverage options tailored to the needs of families.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: 70%, up to $1,000/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $5,000/year
  • Dental:
  • Basic: 70%, up to $500/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $1,000/year
  • Vision: $150 every two years

Pros

  • Excellent family plans
  • Comprehensive coverage

Cons

  • Limited availability outside major urban areas

10. Industrial Alliance

Best for: Seniors

Industrial Alliance offers plans specifically designed for seniors, including coverage for prescription drugs and paramedical services.

Plan Details

  • Prescription Medication:
  • Basic: 70%, up to $1,500/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $5,000/year
  • Dental:
  • Basic: 70%, up to $500/year
  • Enhanced: 90%, up to $1,000/year
  • Vision: $150 every two years

Pros

  • Tailored plans for seniors
  • Comprehensive coverage

Cons

  • Higher premiums for enhanced plans

Comparison Table

CompanyPrescription CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageTravel CoverageProsCons
Blue Cross70-80%60-80% preventive, 60% major (enhanced only)$100-$300 every 2 years100%, 30 days (enhanced only)Assured access, unlimited drugs/dentalNo travel for basic/mid-tier, higher drug plan costs
Canada Life70-90%70-80% preventive, 50% major (enhanced only)100%, $150-$250 every 2 yearsOptional add-on100% vision, good drug coverageHigher pricing, expensive replacement plans
Desjardins70-90%50-100%, 60% orthodontic (enhanced only)$150-$250 for glasses/contacts$5 million, 90 daysDiscounts for bundling, Best Doctor programLimited term options, only covers to age 64
GMSNot included (add-on available)Not included (add-on available)80-90%, up to $250 every 2 yearsOptional add-onCovers pre-existing condition meds, customizable add-onsLimited base plan options
Green Shield Canada90%, up to $20,000/year50-80%, up to $1,000/year (enhanced only)$150-$250 every 2 years$5 million, 30 daysHigh paramedical limits, multiple plan optionsHigher pricing, dental not included in basic plans
Manulife90%, up to $20,000/year70-100%, up to $920/year (enhanced only)$150-$250 every 2 years$5 million, 15-30 daysTelehealth access, comprehensive paramedical, customizableHospital benefits not included, expensive
Sun Life60-80%, up to $5,000/year60-80%, up to $1,000/year (enhanced only)$150-$200 every 2 years$1 million, 60 daysCompetitive pricing, extensive travel coverageLimited counseling services, no vision for basic plans
Medavie Blue Cross70-90%, up to $10,000/year70-90%, up to $1,000/year$200 every 2 yearsOptional add-onComprehensive coverage, strong Eastern Canada presenceHigher premiums
Empire Life70-90%, up to $5,000/year70-90%, up to $1,000/year$150 every 2 yearsOptional add-onExcellent family plans, comprehensive coverageLimited availability outside major urban areas
Industrial Alliance70-90%, up to $5,000/year70-90%, up to $1,000/year$150 every 2 yearsOptional add-onTailored for seniors, comprehensive coverageHigher premiums for enhanced plans

Choosing the right health insurance company in Canada for 2024 involves evaluating your specific healthcare needs and preferences. Whether you need comprehensive coverage, extensive travel insurance, or specialized plans for seniors, the top 10 health insurance companies listed here offer a variety of options to meet your needs. By carefully considering the pros and cons, coverage details, and costs associated with each insurer, you can make an informed decision to ensure the best possible health coverage for you and your family.

blacktether

blacktether

Auther, a distinguished professional with a unique blend of medical and business expertise, holds a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree and an MBA. She excels as an owner, writer, financial expert, financial advisor, and administrative business manager. Her multifaceted career highlights her exceptional ability to integrate healthcare knowledge with financial acumen, making her a versatile and influential figure in her field. Her contributions span across various domains, showcasing her commitment to excellence and innovation in both medicine and business management. Auther focusing various financial needs of USA, Canada and India.
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