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Everyday coverage

The costs that show up every year, made predictable.

• · Prescription drugs
• · Dental cleanings, fillings and major work
• · Vision — exams, glasses and contacts
• · Physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, psychology

Who it suits

Anyone without a group plan behind them.

• · Self-employed and freelancers
• · Retirees who have left a group plan
• · New graduates aging off a parent plan
• · Newcomers building coverage from scratch

Choosing a plan

Where I add the most value: reading the fine print for you.

• · No-medical-question guaranteed plans
• · Annual maximums and co-insurance explained
• · Waiting periods for major dental
• · Converting a group plan within 60 days of leaving a job

Individual health and dental insurance in Canada

Provincial health care covers doctors and hospitals. It does not cover prescription drugs outside hospital, dental work, glasses and contacts, physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic or psychology. For most households those are the costs that actually show up every year.

If you are self-employed, retired, working contract, or recently off a group plan, an individual health and dental plan makes those costs predictable. Plans range from basic prescription-and-dental coverage to comprehensive packages with generous paramedical maximums.

One time-sensitive point: if you have just left a job, most group plans allow conversion to an individual policy within 60 days with no medical questions asked. Miss that window and you may have to answer health questions — or be declined. It is the single most common mistake we see.

Guaranteed-issue plans exist for anyone with health conditions who cannot qualify for standard underwriting. They cost more and cover less in the first year, but they cannot turn you down.

• · Prescription drug coverage
• · Dental — cleanings, fillings, major work
• · Vision exams, glasses and contacts
• · Physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic
• · Psychology and mental health
• · Guaranteed-issue plans, no health questions
• · Group plan conversion within 60 days
• · Coverage for newcomers to Canada

I just left my job — what should I do first?+

Check your conversion window. Most group plans let you convert to individual coverage within 60 days of leaving, with no medical questions. That window closes quietly and cannot be reopened.

Can I be declined for health reasons?+

On standard plans, yes. But guaranteed-issue plans accept everyone regardless of health history — they simply cost more and phase in major benefits over the first year.

Is it worth it if I am healthy?+

Run the numbers on what you actually spend: prescriptions, a dental cleaning or two, new glasses, a few physio visits. For many households the annual total is close to the premium, and the plan also protects against the expensive year.

Are there waiting periods?+

Usually for major dental work such as crowns and bridges — often six to twelve months. Basic services and prescriptions typically start right away.