Every province and territory has a different health insurance plan – check your health ministry's website for details – but most may not cover: 

• Prescription drugs 
• Dental checkups and treatment 
• Vision care 
• Semi-private or private hospital rooms 
• Registered specialists and therapists such as: Acupuncturists, Chiropodists, Chiropractors, Naturopaths, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Psychologists/Psychotherapists, Registered Massage Therapists, Speech Pathologists/Therapists 
• Health-related products such as orthotics, hearing aids, prosthetics and medical equipment 
• Health-related services such as ambulance, homecare and nursing, medical coordination and second medical opinions 
• Emergency medical care for travellers 

Supplemental health insurance can cover prescription drugs, dental cleaning and orthodontics, hospital room coverage, vision care and paramedical services etc. Supplemental health insurance covers medical treatments and supplies not in your provincial plan. 

In order to purchase supplemental health insurance, you must:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have an active government health insurance plan (GHIP)
• Be a resident of your home province/territory

The choice of having private health insurance (also known as supplemental health insurance) is a personal one.

Supplemental health insurance helps cover unforeseen expenses (e.g. supplemental (added) costs of surgeries, medical consultations, dental and vision appointments, prescription drugs etc.) which are not covered by a government health insurance plan.

For example, a supplemental health insurance plan like Flexcare^® can cover eye exams and other vision costs that may have previously been paid out of pocket.

Yes, immigrants to Canada can apply for health and dental insurance through Manulife CoverMe^® Flexcare^® plans, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.

You do not need to be a Canadian citizen, but you must be a resident of Canada with valid provincial or territorial health coverage.

Flexcare^® plans are a great option for newcomers looking to supplement their government health insurance with additional coverage for services like dental care, prescription drugs, and vision care.

Yes, health insurance premiums can be tax deductible for small businesses in Canada.

If you provide health and dental insurance to your employees, the premiums you pay may be considered a business expense and can typically be deducted from your business income. In most cases, these benefits are also non-taxable for employees.

It's a good idea to consult with a tax professional or accountant to understand how this applies to your specific situation and to ensure you’re meeting all CRA requirements.

Part-time employees are eligible for insurance plans. It is up to the discretion of the employer if there are group plans (plans provided to a group of members most commonly by your employer) available.

Part-time employees can purchase supplemental health insurance (covers costs above their provincial plan) as a top-up to their group plan.