How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Canada? (2025 Guide by Province)

Private health insurance helps Canadians pay for care that government health plans don’t cover — things like prescriptions, dental visits, vision care, and therapy. But how much should you expect to pay for a plan?

On average, individual extended health care plans in Canada range between $75 and $200 per month, depending on your age, province, and the level of coverage you choose.

This guide explains how pricing varies across the country, what affects the cost, and how to compare plans easily on Aeva.ca.

What Private Health Insurance Covers

Every Canadian province offers a public healthcare system, but it doesn’t include everything. Private or “extended” health care plans fill those gaps and often cover:

• Prescription drugs
• Dental care (cleanings, fillings, major work)
• Vision care (glasses, contacts, and exams)
• Paramedical services (massage, chiropractic, physio, psychologist, etc.)
• Ambulance services and out-of-province emergency medical care

These plans are especially valuable for self-employed individuals, retirees, students, or employees without workplace benefits.

Average Cost of Health Insurance in Canada (2025)

Premiums depend on your province of residence, age, and type of coverage.

Across Canada, a mid-range extended health and dental plan for a 45-year-old single adult typically costs between $120 and $170 per month. Provinces in the Prairies tend to have lower premiums, while Ontario and Quebec generally fall on the higher end.

Average Monthly Premiums by Province (Single Adult, Age 45, Mid-Level Coverage)

Typical national range: roughly $120–$170 per month for a balanced plan with health, dental, and prescription coverage.

How Costs Change With Age

Premiums gradually increase with age because claims become more frequent.

Here’s how monthly costs for a single adult usually trend across most provinces:

Rates can decrease slightly after 65 when certain optional benefits (like travel coverage) are removed or limited, and after becoming eligible for provincial seniors drug benefits programs.

Why Health Insurance Costs Differ by Province

How Plan Type Affects Cost

Beyond location and age, the type of plan has the biggest influence on what you pay and what you get.

In short: if you’re in good health, medically underwritten plans usually provide the best value for your money.

Is Private Health Insurance Worth It?

It often is — especially if you regularly pay for prescriptions, dental visits, or therapy.

Here’s a simplified example of how coverage can reduce yearly costs:

Even when total claims roughly match the premium you pay, you gain predictability — trading unpredictable health costs for one consistent monthly expense.

Cutting Costs and Maximizing Value

1. Claim Medical Expense Tax Credits
   
   • Premiums for private health and dental insurance are often eligible as medical expenses on your tax return
   • You can claim these costs for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents — which can reduce the amount of tax you owe.
2. Choose the Right Coverage Level
   
   • You can often adjust coverage for dental, drugs, or paramedical services to fit your real usage. Paying for only what you need keeps your premiums lower.
3. Compare Plans the Smart Way
   
   • Health insurance pricing varies widely between insurers — even for nearly identical coverage.

With Aeva.ca, you can:

• Compare real, up-to-date quotes from multiple Canadian insurers
• Filter by province, age, and coverage level
• Apply securely online in just minutes

See live quotes for your province on Aeva.ca — it only takes a few minutes.

Who Benefits Most from Private Health Insurance?

Start Comparing Plans Today

Health insurance costs vary across Canada, but comparing plans doesn’t need to be complicated.

Whether you’re self-employed, retired, or simply without workplace benefits, Aeva.ca helps you make an informed choice — showing real quotes from top Canadian insurers side by side.

Learn which plan type fits you best at Aeva.ca.

Key Takeaways

• Most extended health insurance plans cost between $75 and $200/month.
• Medically underwritten plans generally offer the best value.
• Pricing varies by province — typically lowest in the Prairies and highest in Ontario and Quebec.
• You can lower costs through tax credits, customized coverage, and lifestyle engagement programs.
• Aeva.ca makes comparing Canadian health insurance plans simple and transparent.