You and your family members must be Canadian residents with provincial or territorial health coverage. Dependent children must be under age 25 (ages 21-24 must be full-time students). Coverage is available for applicants age 69 and under, with coverage remaining renewable after age 70.
Your family’s health is important, and finding comprehensive health insurance coverage should be easy. Provincial plans don't always cover everything when it comes to health insurance. A personal health insurance plan from Sun Life can help fill the gaps and give you peace of mind for medical expenses not covered by government or group benefit plans.
When would a family need health insurance?
It’s always a good time to be thinking about health insurance for your family. However, certain events can feel more pressing, such as:
- Growing your family
- Starting a new job without benefits
- Starting your own business
- Losing your group coverage
- Your current coverage doesn't meet your family's needs
- Preparing for retirement
These events and more can be a good time to explore supplemental health insurance options that help protect your family's financial wellbeing.
Why families choose Sun Life personal health insurance
- Supplementary coverage – Helps fill gaps in your government and/or group benefits plan for a wide range of health-related expenses
- Flexible healthcare options – Coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, vision, physiotherapy, and more
- Financial security – Helps avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for your growing family's healthcare needs
- Peace of mind – Know that your family is protected when health challenges arise
Sun Life personal health insurance plans
We offer three tiers of personal health insurance coverage. Choose the plan that's right for your family:
| Coverage Area | Basic | Standard | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Ideal for families seeking essential coverage for basic medical and dental expenses. | Ideal for families wanting more comprehensive coverage, including emergency travel medical protection and higher prescription drug limits. | Ideal for families prioritizing maximum protection with the highest drug coverage limits, restorative dental care, and orthodontics options. |
| Prescription Drugs | 60% up to $750/year | 70-100% up to $100,000/year | 80-100% up to $250,000/year |
| Preventive Dental | 60%, $500/year | 70%, $750/year (optional) | 80%, $750/year (optional) |
| Restorative Dental | Not covered | Not covered | 50%, $500/year (optional) |
| Orthodontics | Not covered | Not covered | 60%, $1,500 lifetime (optional) |
| Vision Care | Not covered | 100%, $250/2 years | 100%, $300/2 years |
| Emergency Travel Medical | Not covered | 100%, $1M lifetime | 100%, $1M lifetime |
| Hearing Aids | 60%, $400/5 years | 100%, $500/5 years | 100%, $600/5 years |
| Paramedical Services | 60%, up to $250/year | 100%, up to $300/year | 100%, up to $400/year |
| Psychology & Social Work | $250/year | $1,000/year | $1,500/year |
How to choose the right family health insurance coverage
Selecting the right personal health insurance plan for your family involves evaluating your coverage needs, budget, and lifestyle. Here's a practical approach to finding the best fit:
Assess your family's current coverage gaps
Review what your provincial health plan and any existing group benefits cover. Identify areas where you regularly incur out-of-pocket expenses, such as prescription medications, dental work, or vision care. This will help determine which plan features matter most to your family.
Consider your family's health needs
- Families with young children may prioritize dental coverage for braces and preventive care
- Parents concerned about unexpected health events may appreciate emergency medical travel coverage
- Families managing chronic conditions may benefit from higher prescription drug maximums
- Active families may value comprehensive paramedical and physiotherapy coverage
Evaluate cost factors
The cost of family health insurance depends on several key factors:
- Family size and age – Premiums are calculated based on each family member's age. Families with younger members typically pay lower premiums than those with older members. Family plans covering multiple members cost more than individual policies but provide better value per person in most cases.
- Province of residence – Premium rates vary by province due to different healthcare costs and regulations. Your location may impact pricing.
- Plan level selection – Basic offers the lowest premiums with essential coverage. Standard and Enhanced cost more and expand what's covered, including optional benefits like restorative dental and orthodontics, semi-private hospital room coverage, or expanded nursing services.
- Optional benefits – Adding optional benefits like dental coverage (especially restorative and orthodontic care), semi-private hospital room coverage, or expanded nursing services increases premiums.
- Deductibles and reimbursement rates – Plans with higher reimbursement rates and lower out-of-pocket maximums typically have higher premiums.
- Health history – Some pre-existing conditions may affect premium calculations or eligibility.
Think long-term
Consider your family's anticipated needs over the coming years. If you're planning to expand your family, travel frequently, or know that prescription or dental expenses will be significant, a higher-tier plan may provide better value despite higher premiums.
Get a personalized quote
The best way to understand costs is to obtain personalized quotes for each plan. Sun Life can provide exact pricing based on your family's specific situation, allowing you to compare options side-by-side.
Apply online now
Quick, simple, on your schedule
Get a quote and apply for personal health insurance to help cover eligible day-to-day health expenses not included in your provincial plan.
- 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
Call us at 1-866-292-2517
Available Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
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 as your life evolves.
- Dedicated 1:1 advisor who knows you
- Personalized plan for your goals
- Support to navigate life changes
Frequently asked questions
You can adjust your coverage or switch to a different plan. Contact Sun Life to discuss options that better suit your family's evolving healthcare needs.
Yes, but Quebec residents must also have and maintain group drug coverage through an employer, association membership, or RAMQ. Individual coverage outside these requirements is not available.
This information is meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. Some conditions, exclusions and restrictions apply.