Health insurance with a pre-existing condition

Can you still get health insurance if you have a pre-existing condition?

Yes. Having a pre-existing condition doesn't mean you're without options. While eligibility for some health insurance plans may be limited, Sun Life offers Health Coverage Choice - a plan specifically designed for people with existing health concerns.  

Whether you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness, manage an ongoing health condition, or have a complex medical history, there are pathways to getting the coverage you need. This guide will help you understand your options and find the right plan for your situation. 

Sun Life’s Health Coverage Choice  

If you have a pre-existing condition and you’re leaving a workplace or retiree group benefits plan, Health Coverage Choice may be available to you. It’s designed to continue the coverage you already had (without a medical exam or health questionnaire).   

Health Coverage Choice converts your existing group coverage rather than underwriting you from scratch. When you apply, your previous coverage carries over, and your pre-existing conditions go with it.   

Note: You must apply within 60 days of your group coverage ending. After that, the plan may no longer be available.  If you’ve already been without group benefits for more than 60 days, a Sun Life advisor can walk you through what other options may be available for your situation. 

Who is it for?  

• Canadians between ages 18–74  
• Individuals leaving a group benefits plan that provided health benefits 

What You Get 

• Lifetime coverage maximum up to $300,000  
• No medical exam required - apply without health screenings  
• Family coverage available  - your spouse and dependent children may be added to your plan (if they were covered under your previous group health plan)  
• No interruption in coverage - protection from the moment your group plan ends 
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions 

Apply for Health Coverage Choice Online

Can you get personal health insurance with a pre-existing condition?  

Personal health insurance (PHI) is designed for those in good health. Certain medical conditions, like pre-existing conditions, may make you ineligible for this plan.  

Learn more about personal health insurance 

What is a pre-existing condition?  

A pre-existing condition is defined as a health issue or medical diagnosis you have before applying for health insurance. Certain conditions may affect your eligibility for personal health insurance coverage, for example:

• Cancer (within 2 years of end of treatment) 
• Heart attack (within 2 years) 
• Stroke (within 2 years) 
• AIDS or ARC 
• Tested positive for HIV (within 12 months of diagnosis) 
• Kidney failure 
• Multiple sclerosis (within 10 years of diagnosis) 
• Alzheimer's disease 
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gerig’s Disease 
• Anorexia nervosa/bulimia (within 2 years) 
• Cardiomyopathy  
• Cerebral palsy (ages 8 and under) 
• Cerebral aneurysm (unoperated) 
• Cirrhosis of the liver 
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), including angioplasty or coronary bypass (within 2 years) 
• Cystic fibrosis 
• Dementia 
• Drug or alcohol abuse (within 5 years) 
• Heart valve replacement
• Hepatitis D  
• High BMI (more than 45) 
• Hydrocephalus 
• Huntington's chorea 
• Liver disease (chronic) 
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 
• Major organ transplant recipient (bone marrow, liver, kidney, heart, or lung) 
• Muscular dystrophy 
• Neurogenic bladder 
• Parkinson's disease 
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PCKD) 
• Permanent paralysis 
• Suicide attempt (within 2 years) 

Note:  Other conditions may also affect eligibility. Your situation is unique.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to apply?