Private health insurance

Public insurance pays for most medically necessary care, but not everything. Private insurance fills the gaps.

When you need private insurance

• Provincial waiting periods: according to IRCC, up to 3 months in some provinces. Buy a plan that starts on your arrival date.
• People not eligible for provincial coverage (some temporary residents, visitors).
• Visiting parents: the super visa requires private health insurance valid for at least 1 year.
• Services public insurance usually doesn't cover: prescription drugs, dental, vision, physiotherapy.

Employer group plans

• Many employers offer health benefits that pay part of drug, dental and vision costs.
• For workers in the LMIA program, employers must buy private emergency coverage until provincial coverage starts (where applicable), without charging the worker.

Government programs

• Provinces have drug programs for certain groups (seniors, children, people on social assistance).
• The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps eligible Canadian residents with dental costs; the 2026–2027 period is open for applications.

Choosing a plan

• Coverage: emergencies, hospital stays, drugs, dental.
• Pre-existing conditions: many plans exclude or limit them.
• Maximum payouts and deductibles.
• Validity and renewal conditions.

Note Read the exclusions carefully before buying. Keep medical receipts for claims.