Pick Your Provider: A List of Health Insurance Companies in Canada

Residents in Canada receive health care coverage from their provinces. But, certain things aren't covered by these plans, such as prescription drugs.

So what do you do if you need a prescription? Handling the entire cost of your medication may be impossible.

That's where supplemental health insurance comes in. This type of insurance covers your needs beyond your provincial health care plan, whether you want basic or extensive coverage.

There are many insurance providers in Canada, though. Which one should you choose? Here's a list of health insurance companies that offer great coverage in Canada.

Blue Cross Canada

Blue Cross operates in several locations across Canada. The specific details of the plans they offer depend on the area where you need coverage.

Several insurance types are offered by Blue Cross. Supplemental health coverage is one of them. They also offer travel insurance.

Blue Cross health insurance is meant to fit your lifestyle. No matter your work situation, you're likely to find a plan that works for you. These plans are designed to accompany provincial health care plans.

Manulife

Manulife offers health and dental insurance in one package. They also offer other insurance coverage for more specific situations, such as travel and life insurance.

There are two health and dental plans offered by Manulife. The FollowMe plan is designed to help people who are losing group coverage through their employer. The Flexcare plan is meant to work for just about everyone.

Whichever plan you choose, you'll get special rates if you have three or more children. And if you're older than 65 years old you can get additional coverage through the Flexcare plan.

Green Shield Canada

Green Shield Canada (GSC) offers several SureHealth health insurance plans. They're divided into categories for people with different needs.

If you plan on retiring or there's some other reason you won't have group coverage anymore, check out their LINK plans. These plans can be obtained without answering any medical questions and acceptance is guaranteed. They include prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and more.

If you don't have any pre-existing medical conditions, take a look at the ZONE plans. You will have to answer a health questionnaire and you may not be accepted if you don't meet their health requirements. Prescription drugs, vision care, dental care, travel insurance, and extended health care are part of these plans.

Great-West Life Assurance Company

Provincial health care doesn't cover everything. Where they leave off, that's where Great-West picks up. You'll love their group-coverage-like plan.

Great-West Life offers plans that cover both health and dental care. You can get coverage even if you have pre-existing medical conditions and there's no examination required.

If you need coverage quickly, this is a great option. Approval happens in only a few minutes.

You'll find two types of plans from Great-West. Sonata Health plans cover individuals and families. PlanDirect plans offer coverage for people who're retiring or otherwise leaving a company.

Group Medical Services

Whether you want extra health coverage or you plan on traveling soon, Group Medical Services (GMS) has plans for you. Their personal health plans include health dental, travel, and prescription medication coverage.

GMS offers three plans to choose from. If none of them quite fit the bill, you can also add additional coverage.

The OmniPlan offers care for extensive medical procedures, such as massage therapy and vision care. The cost of hearing aids is covered, as are diabetic supplies and oxygen equipment. It even includes $4,000 funeral coverage in the case of accidental death.

The ExtendaPlan is the comprehensive GMS plan. Coverage includes eye exams, contact lenses, laser surgery, hearing aids, shoulder immobilizers, and many other procedures and equipment.

The BasicPlan is just what it sounds like. It offers basic coverage for procedures that aren't covered by provincial health care plans. This plan includes coverage for ambulance transport, crutches rental, private hospital rooms, and prescription drugs.

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada

Sun Life Assurance Company knows that your family is what's most important to you, so that's what they cover. They offer health, life, critical illness, disability, and long-term care insurance. And, they offer insurance in many different countries.

For Canadian residents, getting a quote for personal health insurance couldn't be easier. Simply enter your information into their online quote generator. You'll provide information such as age, number of dependents, your province, and what level of plan you're looking for.

Three different plan levels are offered: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. You have the option to add dental coverage to the Standard and Enhanced plans.

Desjardins

The health insurance plans offered by Desjardins are designed to feel like group insurance. You'll get coverage that goes beyond your provincial health care plan.

To get the details you'll have to fill out the required information online. But you can expect prescription drug and dental coverage to be included. Travel insurance is included in their health plans.

Use This List of Health Insurance Companies

Your health isn't a game. Finding the right insurance shouldn't be either. So use this list of health insurance companies to help you find the right fit for you.

Compare each option and keep you and your family's specific needs in mind and you're sure to find a great fit. Each of these companies offers plans that are meant to fit your life and needs, so check them out today!

Do you already have health insurance that's provided by your employer? Click here to learn more about employer health insurance laws.