Health insurance for single parents

Health insurance can help protect your family's financial stability by covering costs that provincial health plans don't include, letting you focus on what matters most: your health and your children's wellbeing. 

As a single parent, you carry significant financial responsibility for your household. Unlike two-income families, you're the sole income earner managing both your health needs and your children's healthcare requirements. Unexpected medical expenses like dental work or prescription drugs can quickly strain your budget without a second income to fall back on.

Sun Life personal health insurance plans 

Sun Life offers health coverage through three tiers of personal health insurance (PHI): Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. All three plans can help fill gaps left by provincial health coverage. 

Some things to consider when choosing the right plan for your family: 

• You can include any future spouse or common-law partner as well as eligible dependents on any of the plans. Adding family members doesn't change the cost of your plan. What changes is how much each cost is reimbursed and your annual maximums.  
• If you are recently separated, divorced or widowed, your children's coverage may have changed, especially if they were previously covered under a former spouse's or common-law partner's plan.  
• When choosing a plan, consider how much of an unexpected cost you're comfortable covering yourself. More coverage can mean fewer unexpected out-of-pocket costs. 

Choose based on your budget and coverage needs: 

This summary does not provide full or complete product information. Please contact Sun Life for the full terms and conditions, exclusions and limitations of the above policies. 

Basic plan

• Budget-conscious option for essential coverage 
• 60% reimbursement on prescription drugs ($750 annual maximum) 
• 60% reimbursement on dental care ($500 annual maximum) 
• Paramedical services covered at 60% 
• Best for: Single parents on a budget with minimal ongoing health needs

Standard plan 

• Most popular plan with enhanced coverage 
• 70-100% reimbursement on prescription drugs ($100,000 annual maximum) 
• Optional dental coverage at 70% - 100% reimbursement on paramedical services (up to $300/year per practitioner) 
• Vision care included (100% up to $250 every 2 years) 
• Emergency travel medical coverage included 
• Best for: Single parents wanting comprehensive coverage with more drug protection

Enhanced plan

• Most comprehensive coverage available 
• 80-100% reimbursement on prescription drugs ($250,000 annual maximum) 
• Optional dental coverage including restorative care and orthodontics 
• 100% reimbursement on paramedical services (up to $400/year per practitioner) 
• Vision care included (100% up to $300 every 2 years) 
• Emergency travel medical coverage included 
• Best for: Single parents prioritizing maximum protection and willing to invest more 

Get a personal health insurance quote

Additional coverage to consider 

Health insurance is a critical component of your financial security as a single parent. However, a comprehensive protection plan should also include other insurance options tailored to your family's specific needs.

Critical illness insurance 

Critical illness insurance (CII) provides a lump-sum payout if you're diagnosed with a covered serious illness like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. 

Why it matters for single parents: 

• Provides financial support during recovery when you may not be able to work 
• Covers costs not included in regular health insurance (mortgage payments, childcare, household help, lost income) 
• You control how the funds are used based on your family's needs 
• Protects your savings and retirement funds from emergency withdrawals 

Coverage options: 

• Express CII: Quick approval with no medical exam (coverage up to $50,000) 
• Sun Critical Illness Insurance: Comprehensive coverage up to $4,000,000 

Get a critical illness insurance quote

Disability insurance 

Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if an illness or injury prevents you from working. 

Why it matters for single parents: 

• Your income is critical to your family's financial security 
• Protects your family's lifestyle and financial stability during your recovery 
• Covers living expenses, childcare, and household costs while you heal 
• Reduces financial stress so you can focus on getting better 

Common covered conditions: 

• Physical injuries from accidents 
• Chronic illnesses (cancer, heart disease) 
• Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety) 
• Musculoskeletal issues (back problems, arthritis)  

As a single parent, your health and financial security are interconnected. The right combination of health insurance, critical illness coverage, and disability insurance creates a comprehensive safety net that helps protects your family's wellbeing and financial stability.