Best Health (and Dental) Insurance Options

Get the health and dental coverage you need — whether you’re transitioning off an employer plan, looking for extra benefits not covered by provincial healthcare, or exploring comprehensive private protection. BestQuote compares Canada’s leading providers (Manulife, Sun Life, GMS, Green Shield) so you can find the right plan at the best rate.

While Canada’s provincial health care system covers many essential medical services, it doesn’t pay for everything. Private health and dental insurance helps fill these gaps, covering routine and unexpected expenses that aren’t included under government plans.

Private coverage can help you manage the cost of:

• Prescription medications not covered by your province or employer benefits.

• Dental care, including exams, cleanings, fillings, orthodontics, and major dental work.

• Vision care, such as glasses, contact lenses, and eye exams.

• Paramedical services like physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and counselling.

• Medical equipment and supplies, including braces, hearing aids, or mobility aids.

• Private or semi-private hospital rooms for comfort during recovery.

Without a private health plan, these out-of-pocket costs can become significant. The right individual or family health insurance plan provides peace of mind, helping Canadians maintain access to essential care while protecting their finances and overall well-being.

The following types of people should consider being covered by their own private supplemental health plan:

• Anyone who will lose their group benefits due to retirement, loss of work, or a change of employment or marital status;

• Self-employed individuals;

• Retirees wanting to control healthcare costs;

• Part-time workers not covered by an employer's group plan;

• Workers of smaller businesses that don't offer group benefits.

We have a wide variety of plans to choose from and can compare benefits and make individual recommendations based on your age, current healthcare needs/expenses, and risk management issues. You will not find a better comparison quote for health and dental insurance anywhere in Canada. We have in-depth knowledge and experience in choosing between the available individual health and dental plans, and through our Canadian health insurance website, we also help our clients with wait-list insurance, Best Doctors insurance, Health and Welfare Trusts, international expatriate medical plans, and critical illness insurance.

Here is a quick snapshot of some health and dental plans we offer, with links to each company page where you can find more detailed information, get a quote and apply online:

FollowMe Insurance One of Canada’s top-selling plans, FollowMe is ideal if you’re leaving an employer and want to continue health coverage for you and your family. Apply within 90 days of your group benefits ending and your acceptance is guaranteed, with no medical questions asked. Coverage may include prescription drugs, dental care, eyeglasses and more, with four plan levels to choose from — two with dental and two without. Affordable rates, fast claims, and no waiting period make it a reliable option.

FlexCare Plans FlexCare offers nine customizable plans, built around three core options — Dental, Drug, or Combo — each available in Starter, Basic, or Enhanced levels. These plans are medically underwritten and may include waiting periods, but they can be more affordable than FollowMe for some applicants.

Association Plans Available mainly for small groups but also on an individual basis, these plans come in four levels of coverage. They require medical underwriting and have waiting periods, with applications processed offline rather than online.

Health Coverage Choice: Replacement coverage with no questionnaire as long as you enrol within 90 days of being covered by a previous employer group plan. There are five plans to choose from, three with dental and two without. All plans come with Best Doctors consultation service.

Personal Health Insurance: Supplemental health and dental plans, which are fully underwritten for individuals or families. Again, there are five plans to choose from: three with dental coverage and two without.

Replacement Health Plans: For people transitioning from an employer plan to a private plan of their own. Applications must be made within 60 days of the employer plan ending.

There are three different plans to choose from: PremierPlan, ChoicePlan, and EssentialPlan. You can add additional benefits such as dental, drugs, enhanced drugs, travel, and/or hospital cash.  

Personal Health Plans: For people who have waited too long to sign up for a Replacement Health Plan or have not ever been covered by an employer plan but would like to get started in order to plan for and protect against ongoing higher expenses.

There are three plans to choose from: Basic Plan, ExtendaPlan, and OmniPlan. You can then add additional benefits such as dental, drugs, enhanced drugs, travel, and/or hospital cash. 

Replacement Health Plans: Green Shield offers guaranteed acceptance replacement plans if you apply within 90 days of leaving an employer group health plan. These plans ensure continuous coverage for you and your family without medical questions. Options include drug coverage, dental, vision, and extended health services such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care.

Personal Health Plans: For Canadians without prior group coverage or those who have missed the 90-day replacement window, Green Shield provides personal health and dental insurance. These plans are medically underwritten, and acceptance depends on your health history. Coverage can include prescription drugs, dental care, extended health benefits, and travel insurance add-ons.

Flexibility & Add-Ons: Green Shield is known for flexible plan design. You can choose from several tiers and add benefits as needed, including hospital cash or enhanced prescription coverage. Online claims are fast and easy, with direct deposit reimbursement available.

Best Doctors Membership Plans: Unlike traditional health insurance, Best Doctors focuses on providing global access to top medical expertise. Membership includes consultation and second opinions from world-renowned physicians, helping Canadians confirm diagnoses, explore treatment options, and access specialized care.

Health & Travel Coverage Options: Some Best Doctors plans pair second-opinion services with health coverage and optional international medical insurance. These plans are often chosen by individuals and families who want peace of mind that, if faced with a serious condition, they can access the best possible advice and treatment options — even outside of Canada.

Who It’s For: Best Doctors Insurance is designed for Canadians who value global healthcare access, particularly those with complex or high-risk medical conditions. While not a replacement for provincial or private health coverage, it provides a unique safety net of international expertise.