Looking for a smart way to manage health costs? Private health insurance could be the key. We understand – health insurance can seem complicated, especially in Canada, where a lot of health care is publicly funded. But private insurance can save you money and provide peace of mind when unexpected health costs arise. 

Isn’t Healthcare Free in Canada? 
Canada’s public health care covers essential services like hospital visits and physician care, but there are exceptions.  

Services such as dental care, prescription drugs, and visits to physiotherapists or mental health professionals are often not fully covered, leaving you to pay out-of-pocket. 

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer based in Saskatchewan, didn’t think she needed private health insurance. That changed after she injured her knee in a fall.  
 

I thought everything would be covered, but I ended up with bills for physiotherapy, a knee brace, and the ice machine my surgeon recommended. I never expected to pay out-of-pocket for so much.

With private health insurance, Sarah could have avoided some of these unanticipated costs, alleviated others, and focused on her recovery. 

The Gig Economy and Rising Health Costs 

In 2023, approximately 8% of Canadians relied on gig work as their main source of income, while nearly 2% of Canadians report working digital platform jobs (such as ridesharing or delivery apps). While these jobs provide freedom, they often lack employer-sponsored health insurance. Even if you have insurance through work, your benefits may not cover everything, leaving gaps that private health insurance can help fill. 

Why Private Health Insurance is Worth It 

Private health insurance acts as a safety net, covering costs Canada’s public health care doesn’t. Regular dental checkups, prescribed medicines, and treatments like massage therapy, physiotherapy, and mental health counseling can add up fast, but private health insurance helps you manage these costs. 

Additionally, getting insured while you're healthy is good planning. With better rates for healthy individuals, private insurance means you’re prepared for any future health issues. And by covering preventive care, like dental cleanings or therapy sessions, it helps maintain your health and prevent bigger problems down the road​.