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Coinsurance

Coinsurance -sometimes called the reimbursement rate - is the percentage of eligible health or dental expenses your plan will pay after any deductible. It’s the insurer’s share of the bill, with the remainder paid by you. Typical plans cover 70–100% of eligible costs; the rest is your out-of-pocket portion.

Coinsurance matters because it directly determines your cost at the pharmacy, dentist, or therapist. A plan that pays 80% and leaves 20% to you can still save thousands yearly, but that remaining share adds up quickly for frequent claims. Most plans list coinsurance by benefit category - e.g., 80% for drugs, 90% for dental cleanings, 70% for vision care. It’s how insurers balance affordability and protection.

Example

If a physiotherapy visit costs $120 and your plan reimburses 80%, the insurer pays $96 and you pay $24.

What to Watch For

  • Percentages can differ between benefits.
  • Coinsurance applies after any per-visit or annual cap.
  • Verify whether amounts are calculated before or after taxes-insurers differ.

Related Terms

Coverage / Benefit

Coverage, sometimes referred to as a benefit, is the range of health or dental services, supplies, or treatments that your insurance plan agrees to pay for under its terms and conditions. Each benefit represents a category of care, such as prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, or paramedical treatments.

Extended Health Care Insurance

Extended health care insurance (EHC) is supplemental coverage that helps pay for medical expenses not covered by your provincial or territorial health plan. It protects you from out-of-pocket costs associated with services such as prescription drugs, vision care, medical equipment, hospital upgrades, emergency travel medical care, and paramedical services like physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments.

Pay-Direct card / Drug card

A pay-direct card, also known as a drug card, is a plastic or digital card issued by your health insurance provider that allows pharmacies to bill your insurer directly for eligible prescription drugs. Instead of paying the full cost upfront and submitting a claim later, you pay only your portion - such as a deductible or coinsurance - at the point of sale.

Benefit

A benefit is the specific financial protection or coverage provided under an insurance policy. In health and dental insurance, a benefit refers to the payment or reimbursement made by the insurer for eligible medical, dental, or wellness expenses. Each benefit category - such as prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, or physiotherapy - outlines what is covered, how much the insurer will pay, and any applicable limits or conditions.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a type of coverage that helps pay for medical and healthcare expenses not fully covered by Canada’s public health system. It protects individuals and families from the high cost of prescription drugs, medical services, and treatments that fall outside provincial or territorial government health plans. Health insurance can be obtained through an employer’s group benefits plan or purchased individually from a private insurer.

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