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What kind of private health insurance can I buy?
Your employer may have an insurance plan that you can buy. Insurance companies can also sell you a plan.
If your employer has an insurance plan that you can buy, the plan can pay for some costs not covered by OHIP. You pay for this plan by paying a fee each month. Your employer will pay for part of the cost and you pay the rest.
Sometimes unions and professional associations have plans for their members.
You can also buy insurance from a private company.
What does private insurance cover?
Many private health insurance plans pay for:
- Extended health care (prescription drugs, medical supplies, hearing aids, vision care, semi-private or private room in hospital, chiropractic and registered massage therapy)
- Dental services
- Disability income if you develop a serious health condition and can no longer work
- Critical illness coverage (for illnesses like cancer)
- Mental Health support services and counselling
- Speech Therapy services
- Travel insurance
- The cost to have your body returned home if you die
- The cost for a prosthetic device if you lose an arm or leg
This Guide to Supplementary Health Insurance booklet, produced by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, will help you decide what kind of private health insurance you should buy. Read the guide to better understand the different types of plans and options, when to make a claim and identify questions to ask your group benefits administrator or agent.
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Last updated:
February 6, 2023
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