.avif)
.avif)
In Canada, all citizens and permanent residents are covered by the universal health care system, but it doesn’t cover everything. In the event of a medical emergency or chronic condition, out-of-pocket expenses may prove to be a burden.
This is where private health insurance can help. It pays for expenses not covered by your provincial or territorial healthcare plan.
Canada Life, one of the most reputable insurers in Canada, is a great option for health insurance. It offers a wide range of health insurance plans, but is it the right fit for you?
In this review, we’ll go over their coverage options, pros, cons, and more information about Canada Life, so that you can make an informed decision about its suitability.
Our Canada Life Health Insurance review
Canada Life offers both guaranteed issue health insurance (a policy with no health qualifications) and medically-underwritten plans. You can apply online from the convenience of your home or office, though you may have to work with an advisor to complete the application process. Guaranteed health insurance plans — there are three of them — are a viable option for someone without a current health insurance plan or having health issues. The Select plans, also available in three varieties, can be a smart choice for people in reasonably good plan. Both Guaranteed and Select plans are customizable, so you can count on Canada Life to provide you with a coverage that meets all your needs.
Pros
- A wide range of customizable health insurance plans
- High prescription drug coverage limit
- Apply in less than 15 mins
- No termination age
Cons
- You need to pay extra for travel medical insurance
- Semi-private hospital room cover is not automatically included in their plans
Canada Life health insurance product offerings
Canada Life offers three Guaranteed plans and three Select plans.
Guaranteed plans can be an option for those who are leaving their workplace health benefits or have serious health issues. These plans don’t involve medical questions (or a medical exam) and hence approval is guaranteed, provided you are a citizen or resident of Canada and of the age of majority.
Here’s a brief overview of the three Canada Life Guaranteed Plans:
Guaranteed
- The base plan is a good choice for someone on a budget. It provides:
- 90% reimbursement for prescription drugs (maximum coverage limit = $1,000 per person per year)
- 90% reimbursement for paramedical practitioners (maximum coverage limit = $300 per paramedical practitioner per calendar year)
- 90% reimbursement for 1 eye examination every 2 years (maximum coverage limit = $75)
Guaranteed Plus
The Guaranteed Plus plan provides more coverage for prescription drugs than the Guaranteed Plan. You also have the option to add comprehensive dental care by paying a little extra.
- 100% reimbursement for prescription drugs (maximum coverage limit = $1,500 per person per year)
- 100% reimbursement for paramedical practitioners (maximum coverage limit = $350 per paramedical practitioner per calendar year)
- 100% reimbursement for one eye examination every 2 years
Guaranteed Elite
Those seeking more comprehensive coverage than Guaranteed Plus might find Guaranteed Elite a perfect fit.
- 90% reimbursement for prescription drugs (maximum coverage limit = $2,400 per person per year)
- 100% reimbursement for paramedical practitioners (maximum coverage limit = $400 per paramedical practitioner per calendar year)
- 90% reimbursement for one eye examination every 2 years
If you currently don’t have a health insurance plan, a Select plan could be ideal for you. It provides both health and dental care.
Select
The Select plan offers basic coverage, but the upside is that its premiums are much lower than the other two plans in this series.
- 70% reimbursement for prescription drugs(maximum coverage limit = $500 per person per year)
- 70% reimbursement for routine dental procedures and care (maximum coverage limit = $350 per person per year)
- 100% reimbursement for 1 eye exam every 2years (maximum coverage limit = $75)
Select Plus
It provides the same coverage as the basic plan, but has higher reimbursement rates and coverage limits.
- 80% reimbursement for prescription drugs (maximum coverage limit = $1,000 per person per year)
- 80% reimbursement for routine dental procedures and care (maximum coverage limit = $750 per person per year)
- 100% reimbursement for paramedical practitioners (maximum coverage limit = $400 per paramedical practitioner per calendar year)
Select Elite
Those seeking more comprehensive coverage than Select Plus might find Select Elite right up their alley.
- 90% reimbursement for prescription drugs for up to first $10,000; then 100% for next $240,000
- 80% reimbursement for routine dental procedures and care (maximum coverage limit = $1,000 per person per year)
- 100% reimbursement for paramedical practitioners (maximum coverage limit = $500 per paramedical practitioner per year)
What does Canada Life health insurance cover?
Canada Life offers six health insurance plans in total, each offering a different level of coverage. The following table shows a side-by-side comparison of these plans to make it easier for you to determine which of them meets your needs the best.
What extras does Canada Life health insurance offer?
Optional benefits available with Canada Life include the following:
How does Canada Life health insurance compare to other companies?
The following table shows how Canada Life stacks up against other major providers.
Can I get Canada Life health and dental insurance?
You can qualify for Canada Life health insurance cover regardless of your medical history. The insurer offers three guaranteed issue plans, which involve no medical underwriting and hence are ideal for someone with health issues. If you are in good health, consider one of the Select plans, instead. These plans requires answering a few simple medical questions, so while the approval is not guaranteed, there’s an opportunity for you to secure lower rates if you can prove you are in top shape.
How to apply for Canada Life health insurance?
You can apply for Canada Life health insurance cover through their website, by working with a broker, or calling the insurer directly at 1-833-750-2788.
.png)
Find the best rates
How much does Canada Life health insurance cost?
Health insurance premiums are unique to the person applying for coverage, so it is not possible to provide a generalized quote. How much you’ll pay for Canada Life health insurance depends on policy-specific details and personal factors. Here are the prime factors considered by Canada Life while determining your premium rate:
- Age: Your date of birth is the top factor affecting your health insurance premiums. The older you are, the higher the monthly premium. This is so because older people are at higher risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Smoker status: Smoking can cause long-term negative effects on the body, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. If you smoke or use tobacco in any other form, be ready to shell out more for coverage.
- Medical history: Your medical history is another key factor that impacts your premium rate. A serious pre-existing condition may lead to higher premiums while a combination of good overall health and healthy lifestyle will likely secure you lower premiums.
- Coverage amount: Higher maximum limits and reimbursement rates typically mean higher monthly premiums.
- Add-ons: Every optional benefit, such as travel insurance or dental care, will raise your monthly health insurance cost.
- Number of people covered: The more number of people your plan covers, the higher the premium amount.
Since health insurance premiums vary — sometimes, significantly — between insurers, it is best to compare Canada Life health insurance with other plans. Use our price comparison tool to get personalized price quotes quickly and effortlessly.
What are the main benefits of Canada Life health insurance?
Canadians have access to universal healthcare, but relying solely on it may not be in your best interests. The government healthcare typically provides only basic coverage for a handful of medical expanses. There are many treatments that are covered partly or not covered at all. In the event of a medical emergency or chronic health condition, you may find yourself facing huge out-of-pocket expenses. Private health insurance, such as one offered by Canada Life Assurance Company, can reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses considerably, allowing you to access quality healthcare without worrying about how you’ll pay the bills. Some of the medical expenses covered by Canada Life health insurance include:
- Prescription drugs
- Routine dental procedures & services
- Eye examinations, laser surgery, and contact lenses
- Paramedical practitioners (e.g. physiotherapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and dietitians)
- Psychologists
Conclusion
Canada Life offers comprehensive health insurance cover and gives you the option to buy a health plan with no medical questions or one with medical questions. Their application process is simple and easy, and with six different levels of coverage, you are literally spoilt for choice. Each of their plans is customizable, so you can get the exact coverage you need, regardless of your budget.
However, before you sign up with Canada Life, consider comparing their offerings with other plans. Health insurance premium rates vary greatly between insurance providers, so comparison shopping is the only way to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Dundas Life does all the hard work for you by getting you personalized quotes from different providers, allowing you to objectively decide if Canada Life or another insurer is the right fit for you. Book a call today to let us help you out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add family members to my Canada Life Health Insurance?
Yes, Canada Life Health Insurance plans allow for the addition of dependents or family members.
What does Canada Life health insurance cover?
You can customize your Canada Life health insurance plan to cover a range of things, including:
- Prescription drugs
- Routine dental procedures & services
- Eye examinations, laser surgery, and contact lenses
- Paramedical practitioners (e.g. physiotherapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and dietitians)
- Psychologists
How do I make a claim with Canada Life?
Canada Life allows its customers to file a claim online via their website. Of course, if you have bought a policy through an agent or broker, you can also file a claim through them. Whether you file a claim online or offline, to initiate the process you must fill a claim form and provide supporting documents. The claim process varies depending on how you purchased the plan. Visit Canada Life website to find more about the claim process or to download a claim form.
Can I get Canada Life health insurance despite a pre-existing illness?
With Canada Life, you can get coverage regardless of your medical history. Canada Life offers three guaranteed issue health insurance plans geared toward people with health issues.
How to get Canada Life travel health insurance?
You can add emergency travel insurance to your Canada Life health insurance plan by paying a little extra. Canada Life doesn’t offer it as a stand-alone product.
Can I cancel my Canada Life Health Insurance policy?
Yes, you can terminate your Canada Life health insurance plan at any time by calling Canada Life at 1 833-750-2788.
How do I know personal health insurance is right for me?
You probably need a personal health insurance plan if:
- You don’t have access to health benefits at work
- You are planning to leave your job, which will see you lose the present group health insurance cover
- You are self-employed, a small business owner, a freelancer, or a seasonal worker
- Your group health insurance cover doesn’t meet all your needs
%20(1)%20(1).png)
-p-500.png)
.avif)
.avif)
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
