Dental care (cleanings, braces), vision (exams, glasses), prescription drugs, and paramedical services (physiotherapy, massage, mental health counseling). 2. How to Buy Health Insurance in Canada

Canada’s healthcare is a partnership between public and private sectors. Public health insurance (administered by provinces like OHIP in Ontario or MSP in BC) covers "medically necessary" services like doctor visits and hospital stays at zero direct cost.

Most Canadians receive private coverage through employer-sponsored group plans, but individual plans are increasingly common for freelancers, retirees, or those in the gig economy. Learn about other types of health insurance - Canada.ca

In Canada , the question isn't whether you have health insurance—since all citizens and permanent residents are covered by the public "Medicare" system—but rather how to bridge the gaps that Medicare leaves behind. Private health insurance in Canada acts as a supplemental layer, covering essential services like dental, vision, and prescription drugs that can otherwise lead to thousands in annual out-of-pocket costs. 1. Understanding the Canadian "Hybrid" System