Health and Dental Insurance in Canada

Health and Dental Insurance in Canada: What Canadian Residents Need to Know

Canada has a robust public healthcare system, but provincial health insurance doesn’t cover all medical services. This is where private health insurance becomes essential, offering coverage for services not included in government plans.

Private health plans in Canada provide coverage for both basic and additional services such as dental care and prescription medications. The main categories of plans are:

1. Health Plans: These plans cover essential services that might not be included in public insurance. They typically include:

   • Coverage for certain prescription drugs.
   • Emergency medical services like ambulance services.
   • Physiotherapy, massage therapy, and other rehabilitation services.
   • Eye care services, including optometrist visits and glassess.

2. Dental Plans: Most provincial health insurance does not cover dental care. Private dental plans typically offer coverage for:

   • Regular dental check-ups, x-rays, and cleanings.
   • Treatments for cavities, fillings, and tooth extractions.
   • Orthodontic services such as braces, crowns, and bridges.

3. Combined Health and Dental Plans: These plans are popular because they provide comprehensive coverage for both health and dental services in a single package. They often include additional benefits such as coverage for glasses or contact lenses.

Insurance providers like Manulife, Desjardins, and Blue Cross offer various packages, but many of these plans are similar in terms of cost and coverage. All plans involve some out-of-pocket expenses, meaning you will need to pay a portion for each claim. Additionally, there are annual limits for services like prescription drugs, massages, or dental treatments, meaning coverage is capped at a certain amount per year.

Before purchasing a plan, most insurers require you to answer several medical questions to qualify. It's important to assess whether the cost of the insurance is worth the expected benefits, as some people may end up paying more in premiums than they receive in reimbursements. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully consider which medical services and coverage levels you’re likely to use.