We read the contract wording or official plan document of 7 Canadian individual health and dental plans and asked each the same 13 questions: who can get in, what the dental waiting periods and maximums really are, what the drug and practitioner limits are, and what the insurer can change. Every answer is a quotation from the insurer's own document, with the page number.
Product: individual health and dental plans for people without group coverage. Audited September 16, 2026. Each carrier's document, version and fetch date are listed with its answers below. Not audited because the wording is not published without a policy: Ontario Blue Cross (Canassurance).
Short answers. Click any cell to read the clause it comes from. "Not stated" means the document does not address it.
| Question | Sun Life Personal Health | Manulife FlexCare and FollowMe | Canada Life Freedom to Choose | Medavie Blue Cross | GMS My Health | Desjardins SOLO Healthcare | GreenShield ZONE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-medical-questions optionThe only route for someone with a health history; the deadline is easy to miss. | not stated; no no-medical option in the Personal Health Insurance line | FollowMe Health: no medical questions if you apply within 90 days of your group plan ending“You can apply for FollowMe Health without answering any medical questions at the time of application, as long as: You are a Canadian resident. You apply within 90 days of your group health plan end date.”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 13 | not stated in this booklet; the Guaranteed plus booklet linked from the plan page returned an error | No guaranteed-issue enrolment; an optional Assured Access rider lets an existing member reactivate within 60 days of losing group benefits without underwriting“Call toll free at 1-888-919-7378 within 60 days of losing group health benefits to have your personal health plan activated. Proof of loss of group health benefits will be required.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 19 | not stated; no no-medical option in the wording. Dependants leaving the policy may continue within 60 days with waiting periods waived | No no-medical option; every applicant is underwritten“All insureds must also meet the medical underwriting criteria and be covered by a public health insurance plan.”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 7 | ZONE 1 to 3 and Fundamental: guaranteed acceptance with no deadline tied to a group plan“your acceptance is guaranteed — no medical exams or questions when you apply (as long as GreenShield receives your initial payment).”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 3 |
| Pre-existing conditionsDecides whether your existing prescriptions are covered at all. | not stated for health and dental; the plan is underwritten and only the travel benefit defines a pre-existing condition | Contract: not stated. Brochure: underwriting may adjust, modify or decline coverage on medical history“The premium charged and/or benefits offered could be subject to adjustment or modification of coverage, or declined based on your or your family’s medical background.”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 20 | No lookback definition; exclusions are applied individually through a signed conditional offer“expenses incurred as a result of an Injury or Sickness that has been excluded from coverage as set out under a Conditional Offer of Acceptance signed and accepted by the Owner.”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 26 | Excluded unless declared and not excluded by amendment; defined as any condition that first presented on or before the application, effective or reinstatement date; no fixed lookback or duration“Pre-existing Condition: An injury, sickness, disease, medication or treatment that first presented itself on or before the date of the application for this policy, the effective date of the policy or the date of the last reinstatement.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 48 | Health benefits: not defined. Drugs for pre-existing conditions are excluded except under the enhanced portion of tiers 3 and 4“Prescription drugs for treatment of pre-existing medical condition(s) including prescription drugs for which refills were authorized at the time you applied for GMS coverage”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 13 | Not defined in the brochure; it warns that an existing illness may be excluded“That means if you already have an illness, you could be eligible for coverage, but the care you need to treat the illness might not be included.”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 4 | ZONE 4 to 7 are underwritten: the offer excludes current medications and those for pre-existing conditions; no lookback stated“GreenShield will send you an offer for coverage that excludes medications you're currently taking and those approved by Health Canada to prevent or treat the pre-existing medical conditions.”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 3 |
| Coverage ends atSome plans end at 65 or 70; retirees need to know before they buy. | No policy age stated; travel medical ends at 80“The emergency travel medical coverage ends at age 80.”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 20 | No policy age stated; travel ends at 70“when coverage expires on your 70th birthday.”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 16 | not stated; the travel rider ends at 80 | None for health and dental; the critical illness rider ends the month before 65“Termination Month prior to age 65. See provisions for further details.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 17 | None; eligible from 18 to 99 and renewable past 100“you must be a Canadian resident aged 18 to 99 (renewable for customers 100 and above)”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 19 | 70th birthday“SOLO Healthcare is temporary one-year coverage that's automatically renewed every year up to your 70th birthday, but that you can terminate at any time.”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 7 | None; lifetime coverage while premiums are paid“your plan will cover you for life – no matter what your age or any future changes in your health – as long as your payments are made.”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 5 |
| Dependent childrenA 22-year-old student is covered on some plans and not others. | Under 21; to 25 if a full-time student“i) under 21, or ii) age 21 or over but under age 25 who is a full-time student attending an educational institution recognized under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and is dependent on you for financial support.”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 19 | Under 21; no student extension stated“An insured child is under 21 years old, unmarried, doesn’t work full-time, and relies on you for financial support.”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 28 | Under 21; to 25 if a full-time student; incapacitated children continue“the child, if age 21 or over: is a full-time student under age 25; or is incapacitated for a continuous period that began before age 21”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 8 | Under 21; under 26 if a full-time student“a) is under age 21; b) is under age 26 and is attending an accredited educational institution, college or university on a full-time basis”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 46 | Under 21; under 25 if a full-time student“a. Under 21 years of age; b. Under 25 years of age and attending a college or university full time”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 19 | Children covered to their 26th birthday; must be under 21 at application; no student rule stated“Your children's coverage ends on the first of the following events: • Your child's 26th birthday • Your 70th birthday”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 7 | not stated in public material |
| Question | Sun Life Personal Health | Manulife FlexCare and FollowMe | Canada Life Freedom to Choose | Medavie Blue Cross | GMS My Health | Desjardins SOLO Healthcare | GreenShield ZONE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental waiting periods'No waiting period' marketing often applies to basic cleaning only; major work can wait two years. | Preventive: 3 months. Major and orthodontics not covered on the Standard tier“An insured person becomes eligible for the preventive dental coverage three months after the effective date of this policy.”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 6 | Contract: not stated. Brochure: Enhanced major restorative pays 0% in year 1, 60% from year 2“Year 1: 0%; Year 2+: 60%”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 9 | 3 months for all dental; Select plus covers routine dental only; orthodontics excluded“Waiting Period means the period starting on the Policy Effective Date and ending on the last day of the third month following the Policy Effective Date.”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 19 | Essential tier: 6 months for basic, preventive, oral surgery and root canals; major and orthodontics not covered on Essential (Enhanced: 24 months)“Waiting Periods Basic and Preventive, Oral Surgery and Root Canals - 6 consecutive months”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 15 | Basic 3 months; major 12 months; orthodontics (tier 4) 2 years, or 1 year if upgrading“Basic Coinsurance 3 month waiting period ... Major Coinsurance 12 month waiting period ... Orthodontics ... 2 year waiting period”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 15 | Basic: no wait stated; major and orthodontics (Enhanced plan only): 24 months“60% (after the 24 months waiting period) • Year 1: $0 • Year 2: $0 • From Year 3: $500”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 14 | No waiting period on basic; ZONE 4 has no major or orthodontics; ZONE 5 to 7 major from year 3 at 50%“Available in Year 3 – Plan pays 50%, subject to annual max.”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 2 |
| Dental maximum and coinsuranceYear-one maximums are often a fraction of the headline figure. | Standard: 70% preventive, $750 a calendar year; no ramp“Dental 70% Preventive / $750 in a calendar year”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 5 | ComboPlus Basic (brochure): $750 a year for ongoing maintenance; oral surgery and major combined $1,250 per three years with a $400 year-one cap“Combined maximum for oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics and major restorative of $1,250 per 3 consecutive years, with a year 1 combined maximum of $400.”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 9 | 80% routine, $750 a calendar year; no ramp“Reimbursement Level for routine dental expenses of 80% of the lesser of the billed cost of the dental services and the dental fee guide; Maximum Benefit Amount of $750 per calendar year for routine dental expenses”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 19 | Essential: 70%, no overall maximum; Entry 60% to $500; Enhanced 80%“Reimbursement level 70% No Overall Benefit Maximum”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 15 | Tier 2: $500 in year 1, $750 in year 2, $1,000 from year 3; basic 80%, major 50%“Annual Maximum Year 1: $500 Year 2: $750 Year 3: $1,000 ... Basic Coinsurance 80% ... Major Coinsurance 50%”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 15 | Basic plan: 80% preventive and 50% basic, $750 a year; Enhanced: 100% and 60%, $750 in years 1 and 2 then $1,000; major $500 from year 3; orthodontics $1,000 lifetime from year 3“100% • Year 1: $750 • Year 2: $750 • From Year 3: $1,000”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 13 | ZONE 4 (mid tier): $700 in year 1, $900 in year 2, $1,100 from year 3; basic 80%; comprehensive basic 60% then 70% then 80%“Year 1: $700 per person / Year 2: $900 per year / Year 3+: $1,100”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 2 |
| Question | Sun Life Personal Health | Manulife FlexCare and FollowMe | Canada Life Freedom to Choose | Medavie Blue Cross | GMS My Health | Desjardins SOLO Healthcare | GreenShield ZONE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugsThe benefit most people buy the plan for. | 70% of the first $7,000, then 100% to $100,000 a calendar year; no dispensing-fee cap stated; generic substitution applies“70% on first $7,000 / 100% on next $93,000 / $100,000 in a calendar year”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 5 | ComboPlus Basic (brochure): $5,000 a year; coinsurance and dispensing-fee cap not stated in either document“$5,000/Year†”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 9 | 80%; $10,000 a calendar year; dispensing fee capped at $7“Benefits payable for prescription drugs are limited to $10,000 per Insured in a calendar year.”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 22 | Essential: 70% of the first $4,500 then 100%; co-pay capped at $100 a prescription and $1,350 a year; no overall maximum; no dispensing-fee cap stated“70% coverage for the first $4,500 in eligible drugs submitted per participant per calendar year. 100% coverage when eligible drugs submitted exceeds $4,500 per participant per calendar year.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 12 | Tier 2: $1,000 a year with a $6 per-prescription deductible, no coinsurance, no dispensing-fee cap“$6 per prescription deductible (No annual deductible), no coinsurance, no waiting period, no dispensing fee cap”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 13 | Basic: 70% of the first $7,142, maximum $5,000 a year; Enhanced: 90% of the first $11,111, maximum $10,000; no dispensing-fee cap stated“Basic plan: Reimbursement in percentage 70% of first $7,142 Maximum amount per person per year $5,000”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 12 | ZONE 4: 80%; $2,500 a year in years 1 and 2, $3,500 from year 3; no dispensing-fee cap stated“Plan pays 80% / Year 1-2: $2,500 per person per year, / Year 3+: $3,500 to annual max.”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 2 |
| Paramedical practitionersPer-visit caps make the annual figure hard to reach. | $300 a calendar year per practitioner type; no per-visit cap stated“The amount we pay is limited to a maximum of $300 in a calendar year for each type or paramedical practitioner except psychologist or social worker.”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 8 | not stated; the schedule of benefits is not in the sample | $40 a visit, $400 a calendar year per service“are limited to a maximum amount payable of $40 per visit up to $400 in a calendar year, for each paramedical service set out above.”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 24 | Essential: 70%, $400 per practitioner per calendar year; massage needs a physician's referral each year“Chiropractor $400 per calendar year. ... Massage Therapist requires a physician's written referral each year. $400 per calendar year.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 9 | Tier 2: $350 per practitioner a year, no coinsurance; tier 1 $250 combined; tier 3 $500“Health Practitioners (acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, physiotherapy/athletic therapist, naturopath, speech therapist, chiropody/podiatry, dietician, osteopath) $250 per year combined maximum $350 per practitioner Maximum $500 per practitioner Maximum”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 3 | Basic: $20 a visit, $400 a year for all practitioners combined; Enhanced: $30 and $600“Acupuncturist $20 $400 for all consultations combined $30 $600 for all consultations combined”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 10 | ZONE 4: $40 a visit, $400 per practitioner a year“$40 per visit to a max. of $400 per person per practitioner, per year”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 2 |
| VisionOften every two years, not annually. | $250 every two calendar years including exams, after a one-year wait“An insured person becomes eligible for vision coverage one year after the effective date of this policy.”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 6 | ComboPlus Basic (brochure): $250 every two years“prescription eyeglasses, including lenses and frames • contact lenses • laser eye surgery”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 12 | $200 every two years; exam $75 every two years“Benefits payable for glasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery are limited to $200 every two Years.”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 24 | Essential: $150 per two calendar years after a 6-month wait; Enhanced $300“Vision Care $150 per 2 calendar years combined. 6 month waiting period.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 9 | Tier 2: $150 per two years; tier 3 $250; tier 1 none“Prescription Eyewear (glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, refractive laser eye surgery) x $150 $250 Per 2 years”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 3 | Basic $150, Enhanced $250, per 24 months, plus an eye exam“Reimbursement limit is $150 per period of 24 consecutives months per insured.”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 5 | ZONE 4: $150 every two years; exam $80 every two years“$150 per person every 2 years”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 2 |
| Travel medicalBundled travel cover carries the same stability rules as a standalone policy. | Included: $1,000,000 lifetime, 60 days a trip, ends at 80; nine-month pre-existing lookback“A “pre-existing” medical condition is one where symptoms appeared or required medical attention, hospitalization or treatment (including changes in medication or dosage) in the nine-month period before the insured person departs from the province where they live”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 15 | Included on the core plan: $5,000,000 per incident, 9 days a trip, ends at 70, nine-month stability, $100 deductible“a medical condition that isn’t stable within the consecutive 9-month period immediately before the date of departure from your province or territory of residence”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 20 | Optional rider, priced separately: 30 days a trip to age 80, $1,000,000 per trip, $100 deductible“Coverage is provided for a maximum of 30 days per trip.”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 7 | Only with the Enhanced tier: 30 days a trip, $2,000,000; stability 3 months under 65, 6 months at 65 and over“Coverage Duration 30 days per trip outside province of residence Maximum Coverage Limited to $2 million per participant per 30 day trip”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 11 | Included: 30 days out of country, $2,000,000; stability 90 days to age 69 and 180 days at 70 and over“GMS does not cover any expenses resulting directly or indirectly from medical condition(s) which have not been stable immediately prior to your departure date for: a. 90 days for all individuals who were 69 years of age and younger”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 11 | Included: $5,000,000 per trip, first 30 days of a trip, 90 days a year; stability period not stated in the brochure“First 30 days of a trip $5,000,000 90 days per year”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 11 | Included; ZONE 4: 15 days a trip, $5,000,000 a year (30 days on ZONE 5 to 7); stability period not stated“15 days per trip, $5,000,000 per person per year”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 2 |
| Question | Sun Life Personal Health | Manulife FlexCare and FollowMe | Canada Life Freedom to Choose | Medavie Blue Cross | GMS My Health | Desjardins SOLO Healthcare | GreenShield ZONE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium changesEvery plan reserves it; the wording says how much warning you get. | Age and province based; may change on 30 days' written notice“We may change your premium from time to time for a variety of reasons, including our claims experience for insured persons with similar policies, and our expenses. If we change your premium, we will give you at least 30 days written notice before the change is made.”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 21 | 30 days' notice; premiums also vary with Vitality status“We reserve the right to change premiums required for this policy. If we do, we’ll give you 30 days notice.”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 5 | Reset at each annual renewal by risk class and the oldest insured's age; 31 days' notice“Canada Life will give written notice of a change in premium no less than 31 days before the Annual Renewal Date.”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 12 | Set by the insurer, based on the oldest participant's age, with one month's notice“The premiums payable by the member will be established from time to time by Blue Cross. Notification of any change in the amount of premiums will be made 1 month before the effective date of the change.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 42 | Age-rate categories adjust at the next policy year; the insurer may amend rates on renewal or with 31 days' notice“GMS reserves the right to individually establish or amend premium rates, benefit provisions, and/or terms and conditions upon application or renewal, or with 31 days' advance notice.”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 19 | Age bands 18 to 44, 45 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69; premiums may rise for inflation, provincial plan changes and medical advances; notice period not stated“Desjardins Insurance may increase premiums based on recurring factors such as inflation, changes to provincial health plans and legislation, medical advances that allow for the diagnosis of previously undetected conditions”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 7 | Premium-change right not stated; only benefit changes carry 30 days' notice“Benefits are subject to change; GreenShield will notify policy owners with thirty (30) days written notice.”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 3 |
| Government plans and other insuranceProvincial drug programs for seniors change what the plan actually pays. | Second payer, coordinated with government and other plans“Coverage under this policy is provided on a second payer basis. Any benefit payable to you under similar plans or insurance policies, contracts, government health and drug insurance plans ... will be coordinated with this policy”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 22 | Supplemental; government plans pay first“This plan is a supplemental benefit plan and covers expenses that aren’t paid under another benefit or insurance plan. You must send your claims for reimbursement to any government plans first.”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 24 | Government plan reduces the covered expense first; coordinated with other coverage“When reimbursement is available under a Government Plan, each Covered Expense is reduced by the amount payable under that plan.”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 29 | Pays only in excess of every other plan, including government plans“This policy is classified as a supplemental benefit plan and covers expenses that are not covered under any other benefit or insurance plan, collectible or otherwise. Benefits under this policy are payable in excess of all other benefits.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 41 | Pays only in excess of all other plans; nothing payable under a government plan is covered“This policy is in excess of all other insurance plans or amounts recoverable by any other party. ... Benefits are payable only for amounts in excess of what would normally be payable under government plans”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 20 | Positioned as complementary to the provincial plan; no coordination rule stated“The premium may change when you move to a different province because your coverage is complementary to the provincial health insurance plan and costs vary by province.”Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E), p. 7 | Expenses covered by provincial plans are excluded; no coordination rule stated“Expenses covered by provincial health insurance plans are not eligible under ZONE plans.”GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart, p. 3 |
| Claim deadlineTypically 12 months, sometimes less. | 12 months from the expense; 3 months after the policy ends“We must receive your claim within 12 months of the date that the eligible expense is incurred.”Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01), p. 18 | 12 months for health; 6 months for travel“we process and pay for claims that: • happened within the last 12 months.”Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality), p. 7 | Notice and proof within 90 days“give written notice of claim to Canada Life within 90 days from the date a claim arises under the contract on account of an Injury or Sickness”Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101), p. 33 | 4 months from the date of service, with an absolute limit of 12 months“Notice and proof of claim shall be given to Blue Cross within 4 months of the date of service.”Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280), p. 44 | 12 months from the date of service, and within 31 days of termination“claims must be submitted to GMS within twelve (12) months of the date of service to be eligible for reimbursement.”GMS My Health Coverage policy wording, p. 19 | not stated in the brochure | not stated in public material |
Counted from the table above; rewritten on every rebuild.
4 of 7 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Sun Life Personal Health, Canada Life Freedom to Choose, GMS My Health. Whether you can be accepted without health questions, and the conditions (usually a deadline after leaving a group plan).
6 of 7 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Sun Life Personal Health. How the underwritten plan treats conditions you already have: definition, lookback and how long the exclusion lasts.
6 of 7 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Canada Life Freedom to Choose. Whether coverage stops at a certain age.
6 of 7 wordings state this in writing. Silent: GreenShield ZONE. The age limit for dependent children and any student extension.
6 of 7 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Manulife FlexCare and FollowMe. Per-visit and annual limits for chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage and the rest.
5 of 7 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Desjardins SOLO Healthcare, GreenShield ZONE. How long you have to submit a claim.
Dental waiting periods; Dental maximum and coinsurance; Prescription drugs; Vision; Travel medical; Premium changes; Government plans and other insurance. On these the comparison is like for like: read the cells, not the brochures.
Every answer with its quotation, page number and the document it came from.
Document: Sun Life Personal Health Insurance, Standard with semi-private hospital and dental, sample policy (Series 9.01). Underwriter: Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Sun Life Personal Health Insurance.
“The emergency travel medical coverage ends at age 80.”p. 20
“i) under 21, or ii) age 21 or over but under age 25 who is a full-time student attending an educational institution recognized under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and is dependent on you for financial support.”p. 19
“An insured person becomes eligible for the preventive dental coverage three months after the effective date of this policy.”p. 6
“Dental 70% Preventive / $750 in a calendar year”p. 5
“70% on first $7,000 / 100% on next $93,000 / $100,000 in a calendar year”p. 5
“The amount we pay is limited to a maximum of $300 in a calendar year for each type or paramedical practitioner except psychologist or social worker.”p. 8
“An insured person becomes eligible for vision coverage one year after the effective date of this policy.”p. 6
A one-year wait on vision, the longest in the audit.
“A “pre-existing” medical condition is one where symptoms appeared or required medical attention, hospitalization or treatment (including changes in medication or dosage) in the nine-month period before the insured person departs from the province where they live”p. 15
“We may change your premium from time to time for a variety of reasons, including our claims experience for insured persons with similar policies, and our expenses. If we change your premium, we will give you at least 30 days written notice before the change is made.”p. 21
“Coverage under this policy is provided on a second payer basis. Any benefit payable to you under similar plans or insurance policies, contracts, government health and drug insurance plans ... will be coordinated with this policy”p. 22
“We must receive your claim within 12 months of the date that the eligible expense is incurred.”p. 18
Document: Manulife FlexCare Health and Dental Plan sample policy (with Vitality). Underwriter: The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Manulife FlexCare and FollowMe.
“You can apply for FollowMe Health without answering any medical questions at the time of application, as long as: You are a Canadian resident. You apply within 90 days of your group health plan end date.”p. 13
From the FollowMe brochure, not the FlexCare contract.
“The premium charged and/or benefits offered could be subject to adjustment or modification of coverage, or declined based on your or your family’s medical background.”p. 20
From the FlexCare brochure.
“when coverage expires on your 70th birthday.”p. 16
“An insured child is under 21 years old, unmarried, doesn’t work full-time, and relies on you for financial support.”p. 28
“Year 1: 0%; Year 2+: 60%”p. 9
From the FlexCare brochure: a first-year zero rather than a named waiting period.
“Combined maximum for oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics and major restorative of $1,250 per 3 consecutive years, with a year 1 combined maximum of $400.”p. 9
From the FlexCare brochure.
“$5,000/Year†”p. 9
From the FlexCare brochure.
“prescription eyeglasses, including lenses and frames • contact lenses • laser eye surgery”p. 12
“a medical condition that isn’t stable within the consecutive 9-month period immediately before the date of departure from your province or territory of residence”p. 20
Nine days per trip is the shortest bundled travel cover audited.
“We reserve the right to change premiums required for this policy. If we do, we’ll give you 30 days notice.”p. 5
“This plan is a supplemental benefit plan and covers expenses that aren’t paid under another benefit or insurance plan. You must send your claims for reimbursement to any government plans first.”p. 24
“we process and pay for claims that: • happened within the last 12 months.”p. 7
Document: Canada Life Freedom to Choose, Select plus sample policy booklet (70-0101). Underwriter: The Canada Life Assurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Canada Life Freedom to Choose.
“expenses incurred as a result of an Injury or Sickness that has been excluded from coverage as set out under a Conditional Offer of Acceptance signed and accepted by the Owner.”p. 26
“the child, if age 21 or over: is a full-time student under age 25; or is incapacitated for a continuous period that began before age 21”p. 8
“Waiting Period means the period starting on the Policy Effective Date and ending on the last day of the third month following the Policy Effective Date.”p. 19
“Reimbursement Level for routine dental expenses of 80% of the lesser of the billed cost of the dental services and the dental fee guide; Maximum Benefit Amount of $750 per calendar year for routine dental expenses”p. 19
“Benefits payable for prescription drugs are limited to $10,000 per Insured in a calendar year.”p. 22
The only wording audited that states a dispensing-fee cap.
“are limited to a maximum amount payable of $40 per visit up to $400 in a calendar year, for each paramedical service set out above.”p. 24
“Benefits payable for glasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery are limited to $200 every two Years.”p. 24
“Coverage is provided for a maximum of 30 days per trip.”p. 7
Quoted from the travel rider booklet 70-0122.
“Canada Life will give written notice of a change in premium no less than 31 days before the Annual Renewal Date.”p. 12
“When reimbursement is available under a Government Plan, each Covered Expense is reduced by the amount payable under that plan.”p. 29
“give written notice of claim to Canada Life within 90 days from the date a claim arises under the contract on account of an Injury or Sickness”p. 33
Document: Medavie Blue Cross Health, Complete Health policy booklet (BRO-280). Underwriter: Medavie Blue Cross. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Medavie Blue Cross.
“Call toll free at 1-888-919-7378 within 60 days of losing group health benefits to have your personal health plan activated. Proof of loss of group health benefits will be required.”p. 19
“Pre-existing Condition: An injury, sickness, disease, medication or treatment that first presented itself on or before the date of the application for this policy, the effective date of the policy or the date of the last reinstatement.”p. 48
“Termination Month prior to age 65. See provisions for further details.”p. 17
“a) is under age 21; b) is under age 26 and is attending an accredited educational institution, college or university on a full-time basis”p. 46
“Waiting Periods Basic and Preventive, Oral Surgery and Root Canals - 6 consecutive months”p. 15
A wait on cleanings, where most plans waive it.
“Reimbursement level 70% No Overall Benefit Maximum”p. 15
“70% coverage for the first $4,500 in eligible drugs submitted per participant per calendar year. 100% coverage when eligible drugs submitted exceeds $4,500 per participant per calendar year.”p. 12
“Chiropractor $400 per calendar year. ... Massage Therapist requires a physician's written referral each year. $400 per calendar year.”p. 9
“Vision Care $150 per 2 calendar years combined. 6 month waiting period.”p. 9
“Coverage Duration 30 days per trip outside province of residence Maximum Coverage Limited to $2 million per participant per 30 day trip”p. 11
“The premiums payable by the member will be established from time to time by Blue Cross. Notification of any change in the amount of premiums will be made 1 month before the effective date of the change.”p. 42
“This policy is classified as a supplemental benefit plan and covers expenses that are not covered under any other benefit or insurance plan, collectible or otherwise. Benefits under this policy are payable in excess of all other benefits.”p. 41
“Notice and proof of claim shall be given to Blue Cross within 4 months of the date of service.”p. 44
The shortest claim window in the audit.
Document: GMS My Health Coverage policy wording. Underwriter: GMS Insurance Inc.. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: GMS My Health.
“Prescription drugs for treatment of pre-existing medical condition(s) including prescription drugs for which refills were authorized at the time you applied for GMS coverage”p. 13
Refills you already had when you applied are the exclusion's own example.
“you must be a Canadian resident aged 18 to 99 (renewable for customers 100 and above)”p. 19
“a. Under 21 years of age; b. Under 25 years of age and attending a college or university full time”p. 19
“Basic Coinsurance 3 month waiting period ... Major Coinsurance 12 month waiting period ... Orthodontics ... 2 year waiting period”p. 15
“Annual Maximum Year 1: $500 Year 2: $750 Year 3: $1,000 ... Basic Coinsurance 80% ... Major Coinsurance 50%”p. 15
“$6 per prescription deductible (No annual deductible), no coinsurance, no waiting period, no dispensing fee cap”p. 13
“Health Practitioners (acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, physiotherapy/athletic therapist, naturopath, speech therapist, chiropody/podiatry, dietician, osteopath) $250 per year combined maximum $350 per practitioner Maximum $500 per practitioner Maximum”p. 3
“Prescription Eyewear (glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, refractive laser eye surgery) x $150 $250 Per 2 years”p. 3
“GMS does not cover any expenses resulting directly or indirectly from medical condition(s) which have not been stable immediately prior to your departure date for: a. 90 days for all individuals who were 69 years of age and younger”p. 11
“GMS reserves the right to individually establish or amend premium rates, benefit provisions, and/or terms and conditions upon application or renewal, or with 31 days' advance notice.”p. 19
“This policy is in excess of all other insurance plans or amounts recoverable by any other party. ... Benefits are payable only for amounts in excess of what would normally be payable under government plans”p. 20
“claims must be submitted to GMS within twelve (12) months of the date of service to be eligible for reimbursement.”p. 19
Document: Desjardins SOLO Healthcare brochure (18052E). Underwriter: Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Desjardins SOLO Healthcare.
“All insureds must also meet the medical underwriting criteria and be covered by a public health insurance plan.”p. 7
“That means if you already have an illness, you could be eligible for coverage, but the care you need to treat the illness might not be included.”p. 4
“SOLO Healthcare is temporary one-year coverage that's automatically renewed every year up to your 70th birthday, but that you can terminate at any time.”p. 7
“Your children's coverage ends on the first of the following events: • Your child's 26th birthday • Your 70th birthday”p. 7
“60% (after the 24 months waiting period) • Year 1: $0 • Year 2: $0 • From Year 3: $500”p. 14
“100% • Year 1: $750 • Year 2: $750 • From Year 3: $1,000”p. 13
“Basic plan: Reimbursement in percentage 70% of first $7,142 Maximum amount per person per year $5,000”p. 12
“Acupuncturist $20 $400 for all consultations combined $30 $600 for all consultations combined”p. 10
“Reimbursement limit is $150 per period of 24 consecutives months per insured.”p. 5
“First 30 days of a trip $5,000,000 90 days per year”p. 11
“Desjardins Insurance may increase premiums based on recurring factors such as inflation, changes to provincial health plans and legislation, medical advances that allow for the diagnosis of previously undetected conditions”p. 7
“The premium may change when you move to a different province because your coverage is complementary to the provincial health insurance plan and costs vary by province.”p. 7
Document: GreenShield ZONE plan comparison chart. Underwriter: Green Shield Canada Insurance. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: GreenShield ZONE.
“your acceptance is guaranteed — no medical exams or questions when you apply (as long as GreenShield receives your initial payment).”p. 3
“GreenShield will send you an offer for coverage that excludes medications you're currently taking and those approved by Health Canada to prevent or treat the pre-existing medical conditions.”p. 3
“your plan will cover you for life – no matter what your age or any future changes in your health – as long as your payments are made.”p. 5
From the ZONE brochure hosted by TD Insurance.
“Available in Year 3 – Plan pays 50%, subject to annual max.”p. 2
'No waiting period' is true for basic dental; major work starts in year 3.
“Year 1: $700 per person / Year 2: $900 per year / Year 3+: $1,100”p. 2
“Plan pays 80% / Year 1-2: $2,500 per person per year, / Year 3+: $3,500 to annual max.”p. 2
“$40 per visit to a max. of $400 per person per practitioner, per year”p. 2
“$150 per person every 2 years”p. 2
“15 days per trip, $5,000,000 per person per year”p. 2
“Benefits are subject to change; GreenShield will notify policy owners with thirty (30) days written notice.”p. 3
“Expenses covered by provincial health insurance plans are not eligible under ZONE plans.”p. 3
For each insurer we located the current public contract wording, sample policy or official plan brochure for its individual health and dental plan, downloaded the PDF, and answered the same fixed list of questions from the text alone. Where only a brochure is public we say so, because a brochure is not the contract. Each answer records the operative sentence verbatim and the page it appears on. Where a plan has tiers we quote the middle tier and name it. Documents were read in September 2026.
Only text in the policy wording itself. Where a document gives a range by age, we quote the range. Where an optional rider changes the rule, we quote the base rule and note the rider. Where the document is silent, the cell says so; we do not fill the gap from a brochure or a website FAQ, because the wording is what the claims examiner reads.
A wording changes when an insurer reissues it, usually once a year, and some carriers issue different wordings by province or distribution channel. Each row names the version we read. This audit covers the standard single-trip emergency medical plan for Canadian residents; annual multi-trip, visitors-to-Canada and credit card coverage have their own documents. Quotations are shortened to the operative sentence; read the full clause in the linked document before relying on it.
Most individual plans waive the wait for basic dental (cleanings, fillings) and keep one for major dental (crowns, dentures) and orthodontics, sometimes 12 or 24 months. The brochure headline describes the first; the contract describes both. We quote the contract.
A plan that accepts you without health questions, usually only if you apply within a set number of days of losing group coverage. It costs more and often has lower limits. The deadline and the limits are in the wording, and they differ by insurer.
Because the document does not address it, or addresses it in a place we could not find. We do not fill gaps from web pages or memory. Where an insurer publishes only a brochure, more cells will be blank, and that is itself worth knowing.
Each insurer row names the document version or edition we read and the date we fetched it. Insurers reissue wordings, usually annually, so treat this as a snapshot as of September 16, 2026 and confirm against the wording you are actually issued.