You run your own business and have no employer benefits.
Why it fits: An individual plan gives you and your family coverage for drugs, dental and vision, and premiums may be deductible for some business owners.
Health & Dental Insurance
Coverage for prescriptions, dental care and more when you do not have a workplace plan.
Individual health and dental insurance helps pay for costs your provincial health plan does not cover, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and paramedical services. It is ideal for the self-employed, early retirees and anyone leaving a group plan.
Overview
Your provincial health plan covers doctor visits and hospital stays, but many everyday health costs are not included. Individual health and dental insurance helps pay for prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and paramedical services when you do not have a workplace benefits plan.
It is a smart choice for self-employed people, early retirees, and anyone between jobs or leaving a company with group benefits.
Choosing the right type of plan
There are three main types of individual plans in Canada. A guaranteed-issue plan has no medical questions, so anyone can qualify. An underwritten plan asks about your health and may offer richer coverage. A conversion plan lets you move from a group plan to an individual plan without medical questions, as long as you apply within the deadline after leaving.
What to compare
When comparing health and dental plans, look at:
- Coverage levels: how much of each cost the plan pays and the yearly limits for drugs, dental and vision.
- Pre-existing conditions: whether current health issues are covered or excluded.
- Waiting periods: some benefits, like major dental work, may only start after a period of time.
- Deadlines: if you are leaving a group plan, act quickly so you do not miss your conversion window.
How it works
- 1
Review your needs
We look at what you spend on prescriptions, dental care, glasses and therapies like physiotherapy, and what your provincial plan already covers.
- 2
Choose a plan type
Pick a guaranteed-issue plan with no medical questions, an underwritten plan with richer coverage, or a conversion plan if you are leaving a group plan.
- 3
Pay a monthly premium
You pay a regular premium for yourself and any family members you add to the plan.
- 4
Submit your claims
When you visit a dentist, pharmacy or therapist, you submit your receipts and the plan pays back eligible costs up to its limits.
Key benefits
Prescription drug coverage
Helps with the cost of medications that your provincial plan may not fully cover.
Dental care
Covers routine cleanings and checkups, with many plans also helping with fillings and other basic work.
Vision care
Many plans help pay for eye exams, glasses and contact lenses.
Paramedical services
Get help paying for physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care and counselling.
Emergency travel coverage
Some plans include or let you add emergency medical coverage for trips outside your province or Canada.
Coverage that stays with you
An individual plan is not tied to your job, so you keep it if you change employers or retire.
Who it’s for
You retired before 65 and your workplace benefits ended when you left.
Why it fits: A health and dental plan bridges the gap until government programs start and protects you from large unexpected costs.
You are changing jobs, were laid off or are leaving a company with benefits.
Why it fits: A conversion plan applied for within the deadline lets you keep coverage without answering medical questions, so pre-existing conditions are not left uncovered.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Coverage that is not tied to your employer
- Options with no medical questions
- Can cover your whole family
- Helps budget for regular health costs
Things to consider
- Usually costs more than a workplace group plan
- Underwritten plans may exclude pre-existing conditions
- Annual limits and co-insurance mean you still pay part of the cost
How it compares
| Individual health plans compared with group plans | Individual Plan | Group Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | You | Usually shared with your employer |
| Medical questions | Depends on plan type | Usually none |
| Portability | Stays with you | Ends when you leave the job |
| Coverage choices | You pick the level that suits you | Set by your employer |
| Best for | Self-employed people, early retirees and anyone between jobs | Employees with access to workplace benefits |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between guaranteed-issue and underwritten plans?
A guaranteed-issue plan accepts you without medical questions, but coverage limits are usually lower. An underwritten plan asks health questions and may offer higher limits and more benefits, but it can exclude or decline certain conditions.
What is a conversion plan?
When you leave a group plan, many insurers let you switch to an individual plan without medical questions if you apply within a set window, often around 60 days. It is a valuable option if you have health conditions.
Does my provincial health plan cover dental and prescriptions?
Provincial plans cover doctor visits and hospital care, but coverage for prescriptions, dental, vision and therapies is limited and varies by province and age. An individual plan helps fill those gaps.
Can I cover my spouse and children?
Yes. Most individual plans offer single, couple and family options, so everyone in your household can be on one plan.
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