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Health insurance
Government programs cover basic physician and hospital expenses for all Canadians and provide
financial assistance to Canadians who are unable to work because of disability or illness. The majority
of Canadians are also protected through extended health care (Ext. health), disability and other
insurance provided by insurers.
How health insurance is purchased
Most health insurance is purchased through group plans provided
by employers, unions or professional associations. Canadians
may also supplement government and group protection with
individual plans.
Ext. health Disability Other
24M
Canadians covered
$26.8B
in premiums
12M
Canadians covered
$8.8B
in premiums
21M
Canadians covered
$4.3B
in premiums
Reimburses a variety of
expenses, such as prescription
drugs, dental, hospital and
medical expenses, not covered
by provincial government plans.
Helps replace lost income due
to disability (often integrated
with Canada/Quebec Pension
Plans, Workers' Compensation
and Employment Insurance),
usually paying around two-thirds
of earnings.
Includes coverage for
accidental death and
dismemberment, long-term
care, and critical illness.
Protection by coverage type
2015 health
premiums
$39.9B
Individual 10%
Group 90%
