There’s no one-size-fits-all price. It really depends on the type of health insurance product you buy as well as various factors regarding your health (e.g. your age, if you’re a smoker, where you live, etc.). This can affect how much you pay in premiums (fees). Some health insurance plans also require medical tests. Get a quote online or connect with an advisor to find out which plan is right for you.
Reviewed by Liane Goulet
Challenging health events can happen at any time, to any of us. While some of your health-care needs may be covered by your provincial or territorial plan, it’s likely that many other health-care costs are not. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the financial strain of unexpected medical bills with health insurance. It’s an important part of your holistic financial plan, giving you peace of mind in the face of unexpected medical expenses.
What is health insurance?
Health insurance generally refers to insurance products which can help protect you against certain health events. Each product is a policy that gives you financial protection against the costs of medical events, like an injury or illness. The policy must be in effect before a medical need happens.
Types of health insurance products
There are four main types of health insurance available to people living in Canada:
Personal health insurance
Helps pay for health-care expenses not covered by your provincial/territorial or employer plan.
Critical illness insurance
Helps cover the costs of coping with and recovering from a covered critical illness.
Long-term care insurance
Helps cover the cost of care related to the realities of aging in the later stages of retirement.
Disability insurance
Helps replace part of your income if you can't work.
Get health insurance
You can get started in the way that works best for you:
Apply online now
Quick, simple, on your schedule
Get a quote and apply for personal health insurance or critical illness insurance—or both— which can help protect you from the financial strain of unexpected health events.
- Apply online in minutes
- Options to suit your needs and budget
- Available 24/7
Get guidance today
Advice on demand, right when you need it
Talk to a licensed Prospr by Sun Life advisor who can answer questions, help choose the right coverage and guide you as you apply for the right plan.
- Timely answers from a team of advisors
- Guidance to buy with confidence
- Support to help you understand your options
Partner with an advisor
Dedicated advice for the long run
Build a long-term connection with a Sun Life advisor who can help you choose the right coverage and adjust it as your life evolves.
- Dedicated 1:1 advisor who knows you
- Personalized plan for your goals
- Support to navigate life changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Any Canadian resident can apply for our health insurance products. Keep in mind, eligibility for most insurance products contain certain conditions such as your age and current health status. Connect with an advisor for more detailed information.
Yes, having your own health insurance can help you avoid paying entirely out-of-pocket or dipping into your savings for the cost of an unexpected illness or injury.
Even if you already have benefits through work, it can help to have your own health insurance in case you ever lose your workplace benefits. This way, you’ll remain covered.
You can buy health insurance to top up your group insurance plan. You can get a type of health insurance to cover off what’s lacking in your existing group benefits. For example, your group benefits may include health and dental coverage, but not coverage for a critical illness. In this case, having your own critical illness insurance policy can help you pay for the expenses that may occur if you’re ever diagnosed with a covered life-altering illness.
Leaving your job or retiring? Replace your health insurance in minutes.
If you’re leaving a job with a group benefits plan with any provider – whether it’s with Sun Life or any other Canadian insurer – then you may qualify for a Sun Life Choices insurance plan. There’s no medical exam, and we won’t ask any health questions when you apply. Replace your health insurance in minutes. Keep you and your loved ones covered against medical expenses not covered by your provincial or territorial health care plans.
Learn more about health insurance
Are medical expenses tax deductible in Canada?
Canadians and those living in Canada may be eligible to claim a portion of their family’s health expenses and their health insurance premiums when filing their taxes.
What is insurance underwriting and how does it work?
Heard of ‘underwriting’ during your search for insurance options? Find out what it means and how you could use it to save yourself some money.
Submit a claim
Get step-by-step instructions on how to submit a health insurance claim.
This information is meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. Some conditions, exclusions and restrictions may apply.