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What’s the Best Health Insurance for Self-Employed Canadians?

Written by: Helene Fleischer
Edited by: Kathleen Flear
Director of Content Marketing
Updated
October 29, 2025
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Key Takeaways
  • Private health insurance can cover the gaps in public healthcare, and help freelancers and self-employed workers save money—plus, it’s tax-deductible!
  • Self-employed workers in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta can fill the gaps in public healthcare with a private health insurance plan with prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical and mental health coverage.
  • Freelancers in Quebec, British Columbia, and the Atlantic provinces can supplement their (potential) partial drug coverage with private dental, vision, and paramedical coverage.

Do I need health insurance if I’m self-employed?

Taking a look at public health insurance by province in Canada, you’ll notice three things are always covered:

  1. Hospital services, including nursing, administering drugs, performing diagnostics, performing surgery, and providing standard meals and accommodations
  2. Physician services, including consultations, examinations, diagnostics, and treatments 
  3. Dental, psychological, and vision services performed in a hospital, including eye trauma treatment, jaw surgery, and crisis counselling

According to Statistics Canada, 61.6% of Canadians seek dental coverage through private insurance, with less than 3% relying on public coverage alone. Private health insurance can be a cost-effective way for you and your family to access important health services while being your own boss.

Is private health insurance tax-deductible?

Private health insurance is tax-deductible when using lines 33099 and 33199 on the Canadian income tax return. You can claim the premiums paid to private health benefits plans for you and your family. But remember to check eligibility and limits for your situation.

PolicyMe has your health insurance needs covered.

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What’s the best health insurance for self-employed people in Canada?

Just as public health coverage varies by province, so does the best health insurance plan for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and everyone in between. We recommend calculating your individual or family health insurance needs by adding up your past expenses and thinking about what you might need to spend in the next five years. 

It’ll give you a general idea of how much coverage you need as you browse our recommendations:

The best health insurance for self-employed workers in Ontario

Primary program: Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

What's covered:

  • Children and youth (24 and under) without private insurance may qualify for prescription drugs; routine and preventative dental services for children 0-17; and one eye exam per year for children 0-19
  • 75% of prosthetics, custom orthotics and braces, mobility aids, respiratory equipment, hearing aids, and other select medical equipment for everyone who qualifies for the Assistive Devices Program
  • Subsidized ambulance transportation, with a flat fee of $45 for ground or air transportation

What's likely not covered:

  • Restorative, major and orthodontic dental services, plus prescription eyewear for children
  • Prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
  • Paramedical services, mental health services, ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendation

PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Classic plan covers drugs, dental, and visits to paramedical professionals, offering between $600-$750/year per category, plus $250 for prescription eyewear every 2 years. For orthodontic coverage for children, upgrade to either the Dental Care or Advanced plans to help with the cost of braces and aligners. 

Canadians with high prescription drug costs may want to consider either the Trillium Drug Program or Sun Life’s Personal Health Insurance Standard Plan. The TDP charges an annual deductible set at 4% of your post-tax income; depending on your situation, it may be cheaper to sign up with Sun Life and receive over $90,000 of drug coverage per year, plus a host of other health benefits.

Read more: Best health insurance in Ontario 

The best health insurance for self-employed workers in Quebec

Primary program: Régie de l’Assurance Maladie de Quebec (RAMQ)

What's covered:

  • One eye exam per year, and $300 towards prescription eyewear once every 2 years for children from 0-17
  • Prescription drugs for youth from 18-25 enrolled in full-time studies (who aren’t on a parents’ plan)
  • 70% of prescription drugs for adults enrolled in the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan
  • One eye exam per year for seniors age 65+
  • Hearing aids and listening devices; visual devices and guide dogs; ocular prostheses; orthotics, prosthetics, and walking aids; shoes required for mobility issues for those who meet eligibility requirements
  • Subsidized ambulance transportation

What likely isn't covered:

  • Dental care for children
  • Dental and vision care for adults
  • Prescription eyewear and dental care for seniors
  • Paramedical services, mental health services, ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

Prescription drug insurance is mandatory in Quebec, and if you don’t have health insurance coverage through a private plan, you’ll have to join the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan (PPDIP). The PPID charges fairly low premiums, making private plans with no drug coverage the optimal choice for freelancers in Quebec.

With PolicyMe’s Dental Care plan, you can save on premiums and reap the benefits of up to $900 of basic, comprehensive, and major dental coverage. Vision care, accidental dental services, paramedical services and more are all included. For a cheaper option, check out GreenShield’s ZONE 2 Primary.

‍Read more: Best health insurance in Quebec

Drugs, dental, vision, check. Cover all your needs with PolicyMe.

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The best health insurance for self-employed workers in British Columbia

Primary program: Medical Services Plan (MSP)

What's covered:

  • Subsidized ambulance transportation, with a flat fee of $80 for ground or air transportation
  • Flexible coverage options to suit your needs and financial situation
  • The PharmaCare program helps cover many prescription drugs and medical supplies; coverage depends on income and the specific PharmaCare plan

What likely isn't covered:

  • Dental care and vision services for children and adults
  • Dental care for seniors
  • Paramedical services, mental health services, ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

Given that MSP (and related public programs) cover only core medically-necessary doctor/hospital services and limited other benefits, self-employed workers in BC may benefit significantly from a private health insurance plan that adds coverage for dental, vision/eyewear, paramedical services, mental health, medical equipment and accessories.

PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Classic plan covers drugs, dental, and visits to paramedical professionals, offering between $600-$750/year per category, plus $250 for prescription eyewear every 2 years. For orthodontic coverage for children, upgrade to either the Dental Care or Advanced plans to help with the cost of braces and aligners.

Read more: Best health insurance in British Columbia

The best health insurance for self-employed workers in Alberta

Primary program: Albert Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)

What likely isn't covered:

  • Prescription drug coverage, dental care, vision care, mental health care and visits to paramedical professionals for children and adults
  • Air ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

PolicyMe offers three health insurance policies for Albertans in need of a well-rounded private health care plan: Economic, Classic and Advanced. All three provide drug, dental, vision and mental health care, plus an annual combined budget for 9 medical professions.

If you don’t mind taking a medical exam, Canada Life’s Freedom to Choose Select Elite and Sun Life’s Personal Health Insurance Enhanced Plans offer similar value for money. 

Read more: Best health insurance in Alberta

Drugs, dental, vision, check. Cover all your needs with PolicyMe.

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The best health insurance for self-employed workers in Saskatchewan

Primary program: Saskatchewan Health

What's covered:

  • Children under age 15 may be covered under the Children’s Drug Plan (copay up to $25) for many prescription drugs. Routine eye exams for children under 18 are covered in limited circumstances (for example when medically necessary or under specific programs)
  • Prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory equipment, home oxygen and other health benefits for everyone with a referral by an authorized health care professional

What likely isn't covered:

  • Dental coverage and prescription eyewear for children
  • Drug, dental and vision coverage for adults and seniors
  • Paramedical services, mental health services, ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

Saskatchewan Health’s drug coverage for children expires as soon as they turn 15, so it’s important to have a well-rounded health insurance plan for everybody in your household. PolicyMe’s Economic, Classic and Advanced plans offer drug, dental, vision, mental health, and paramedical coverage tailored to every budget. 

The next best options, Freedom to Choose Select Elite by Canada Life and Personal Health Insurance Enhanced Plan by Sun Life, offer similar value for money, but require a medical exam.

Read more: Best health insurance in Saskatchewan 

The best health insurance for self-employed workers in Manitoba

Primary program: Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan (MHSIP)

What's covered:

  • One routine eye examination every two years for children under age 19 and for seniors age 65 and over
  • Prosthetics/ orthotics and certain medical supplies (e.g., orthopedic shoes under age 18 at partial coverage) for eligible residents
  • Up to seven chiropractic visits per calendar year (adjustments only)
  • Diabetic supplies, HIV treatments and select other prescription drugs
  • Subsidized ground ambulance transportation, with a flat fee of $250

What likely isn't covered:

  • Prescription drug coverage, dental care and prescription eyewear for children
  • Drug, dental and vision coverage for adults
  • Drug and dental coverage for seniors
  • Paramedical services, mental health services, air ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

Manitoba has expanded its Pharmacare program for certain populations. Depending on eligibility, you may have access to free contraceptives, diabetic supplies, HIV treatments and more. Most prescription drugs, however, aren’t on the list. 

For a well-rounded private health plan tailored to your budget, check out PolicyMe’s Economic, Classic and Advanced plans. All three provide prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical and mental health coverage, with no medical exam required.

If you don’t mind undergoing a medical exam, Freedom to Choose Select Elite by Canada Life and Personal Health Insurance Enhanced Plan by Sun Life also offer excellent value for money.

Read more: Best health insurance in Manitoba 

The best health insurance for self-employed workers in New Brunswick

Primary program: Medicare

What's covered:

  • One routine eye examination every two years for children under 19 (through certain provincial programs
  • Prescription drugs may be covered for eligible adults through the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Plan (subject to enrolment, premiums, co-payment)
  • For seniors there are additional assistance programs and optional private plans that may provide drug, dental, vision and paramedical coverage (though not automatically under Medicare)
  • Capped fee (approx. $130) for ground ambulance and may have no patient fee for air ambulance in some cases—rather than full cost

What likelu isn't covered:

  • Dental care for children
  • Drug, dental and vision coverage for adults
  • Paramedical services, mental health services, ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

Since it’s unlikely you qualify for dental coverage in New Brunswick, look for a strong dental insurance plan such as PolicyMe’s Dental Care plan. Coverage starts at $750 in Year 1 and goes up to $900 in Year 2 for basic and comprehensive services (plus major services starting in Year 3).

ZONE 2 Primary by Greenshield is an excellent budget alternative, while the Freedom to Choose Guaranteed plan by Canada Life is another good mid-level pick.

Read more: Best health insurance in New Brunswick 

The best health insurance for self-employed workers in Nova Scotia

Primary program: Medical Service Insurance (MSI)

What's covered:

  • MBasic dental care for children under age 15 via the Children’s Oral Health Program: one annual exam plus x-rays, fluoride, fillings/extractions as needed
  • Routine eye exams for children up to age 10, and for seniors age 65+ under the Optometry Programs
  • Prescription drug coverage for eligible families through the Family Pharmacare Program (for residents with valid Health Card, income-tested, no other drug plan)
  • Prescription drug coverage for eligible seniors (65+) via the Seniors’ Pharmacare Program (income-based premium/copay)
  • Selected medically-necessary prosthetic/orthotic devices (including limb and post-mastectomy breast prostheses) under MSI when required

What likely isn't covered:

  • Restorative and major dental care, and prescription eyewear for children
  • Dental and vision care for adults
  • Dental and prescription eyewear coverage for seniors
  • Paramedical services, mental health services, ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

Because MSI and linked Pharmacare programs leave significant gaps (especially dental, vision/eyewear, paramedical, ambulance), self-employed workers in Nova Scotia should consider private or supplementary health insurance to fill those gaps. Families in the Atlantic should consider a dental-only health insurance plan such as Dental Care from PolicyMe, which pairs basic, comprehensive, and major tooth services with coverage for paramedical visits, mental health professionals and more.

Freedom to Choose Guaranteed by Canada Life is another good mid-level pick, while ZONE 2 Primary by Greenshield offers less care for lower insurance premiums.

Read more: Best health insurance in Nova Scotia

The best health insurance for self-employed workers on Prince Edward Island

Primary program: PEI Health

What's covered:

  • Basic dental services for children 0-17, plus one eye exam and pair of prescription glasses in kindergarten or pre-garten, and one eye exam per year and up to three pairs of prescription glasses in grades 1-6
  • Visits to a physiotherapist for children from infancy to kindergarten with a referral
  • Weekly online and telehealth mental supports from 3-17; a comprehensive diagnostic and/or psychological assessment; and counselling for youth from 15-24
  • Prescription drug coverage (for specific medications) for adults and their dependents enrolled in the Generic Drug Program who do not have insurance
  • Hearing assessments and hearing aids for seniors age 65+
  • Subsidized ambulance transportation, with a flat fee of $150 for ground and $0 for air transportation

What likely isn't covered:

  • Restorative, major and orthodontic dental services for children, and vision care and prescription eyewear for teenagers
  • Dental and vision services, and mental health coverage for adults
  • Paramedical services, ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

PolicyMe’s Dental Care plan helps supplement PEI’s coverage with dental, vision, paramedical and mental health care. By Year 3, you and your family will have access to $900 of coverage per person for basic, comprehensive and major dental services, plus a host of other benefits. 

Need alternatives? The ZONE 2 Primary by Greenshield for a budget pick.

The best health insurance for self-employed workers in Newfoundland and Labrador

Primary program: Medical Care Plan (MCP)

What's covered:

  • Pre-kindergarten/kindergarten children may receive one eye exam and one pair of glasses (if needed) under the Eye See…Eye Learn Program. Students in Grades 1-6 may receive annual eye exams and up to three pairs of glasses through the Program for Elementary Eye Care
  • Prescription drug cost assistance via programs such as the Generic Drug Program (Islanders under 65 without private drug insurance may pay a maximum ~$19.95 for eligible generic medications)
  • Selected medical devices and supports (e.g., home oxygen, diabetic supplies) via provincially-administered drug/supply programs
  • Ambulance transport: Ground ambulance services for residents carry a flat fee of about $150

What likely isn't covered:

  • Major and orthodontic dental services for children, plus vision care and prescription eyewear for children out of kindergarten
  • Prescription drug, dental and vision coverage for adults
  • Dental and vision coverage for seniors
  • Paramedical services, long-term mental health counselling, ambulance coverage and accidental dental services

Our recommendations

Since MCP provides a foundational level of medically-necessary care, self-employed workers should consider purchasing private supplementary health insurance that covers dental, vision/eyewear, prescription drugs, paramedical and mental health services — areas where MCP has significant gaps.

PolicyMe’s Economic, Classic, and Advanced cover prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, paramedical visits and mental health services without leaving anything out. For a budget alternative with no dental, check out Greenshield’s ZONE 1 Elementary; or try the mid-level Freedom to Choose Guaranteed from Canada Life if you don’t mind leaving out drug coverage. 

Read more: Best health insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador 

Choose health and wellness for the whole family.

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How to find the best health insurance in Canada

Similar to life insurance, the secret to buying health insurance effectively is to know your needs and do your research. Here are 5 steps containing more detail and the most important questions you need to answer:

  1. Find your existing coverage: Take a look at your province’s public healthcare plan and your employer’s group health insurance plan to identify the coverage you already have. What benefits do you already have? Are you using them completely?
  2. Tally your existing costs: Add up your health out-of-pocket medical expenses during last year (including the receipts for prescription drugs, dental work, and medical equipment) and successful health insurance claims. Is there anything left over? How much?
  3. Identify coverage gaps: These could be leftover expenses from successful claims or services that aren’t covered by public or group healthcare. How much money did you lose to coverage gaps last year? If you divide the total by 12, what’s the monthly cost?
  4. Request health insurance quotes: Now that you know your coverage gaps, you can start to look for plans to address them. Do you need supplemental health insurance, vision, dental, paramedical services, or do you want to maximize your covered services? Are your expenses eligible? Are the premiums lower than the monthly cost of your coverage gaps?
  5. Calculate your savings: Read the fine print regarding each plan’s maximums, covered services, and fees. If you had bought it last year, how much money would you have paid in premiums? How much money would you have saved?

Don’t forget to take a hard look at the customer reviews for different health insurance companies. Good customer service is a necessity for making efficient use of your coverage—not to mention getting reimbursement when you need it!

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There are many income-based extended health benefit programs available in Canada. Contact your province or territory’s provincial health authority for a list of programs and to see whether you qualify.

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Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of October 2025. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.