Key Takeaways
- PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Classic plan is one of the best private health insurance plans in Nova Scotia.
- Nova Scotia’s provincial health insurance only covers medically necessary services as well as certain routine dental, vision, and prescription drug costs based on age and income.
- PolicyMe’s Classic health insurance plan could save adults in Nova Scotia an average of $1,422 per year in out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Other competitive private health insurance plans in Nova Scotia come from Canada Life and GreenShield.
Health insurance in Nova Scotia 101
While Nova Scotia residents enjoy some free health care, private plans help bridge the gaps in the provincial healthcare programs. They start around $101 per month and can provide coverage for dental, vision, and paramedical services that are not covered by universal health care.
What’s covered by the government: Nova Scotia’s Medical Services Insurance (MSI) covers medically required physicians’ services, hospital care, and complete obstetric care. The provincial health plan also covers basic dental and vision care for children and seniors. Nova Scotia Pharmacare helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for all Nova Scotians with a valid MSI health care, with deductibles, maximums, and co-pays based on household income.
What’s not: Most dental and vision services for adults aren’t covered, along with mental health and paramedical services (e.g., chiropractor, naturopath, osteopath, or massage therapist) for all ages. The provincial plan also doesn’t cover the majority of medical equipment, such as hearing aids and diabetic supplies. If you or your family need coverage for these services, you will need to purchase private health insurance.
How private health insurance fills Nova Scotia’s coverage gaps
Not everyone in Nova Scotia has good public health insurance. There are age and income criteria for some provincial programs. Private insurance can supplement public care by providing dental, vision, and paramedical services at an affordable cost.
What’s the best health insurance in Nova Scotia?
We’ve identified the best private health insurance plans in Nova Scotia by analyzing over 1,700 quotes covering 50+ private health insurance products from the seven biggest providers in Canada, sourced from official product websites and supplemented with customer ratings from Google.
To identify the best plans for the average Nova Scotian, we focused on plans with:
- Excellent coverage for adults: Adults aged 18–14 are most overlooked by government health care coverage, making them prime candidates for private health insurance.
- Complete coverage: We prioritized insurance options that include coverage for both prescription drugs and dental services in addition to other extended health benefits.
- Mid-tier pricing: We focused on plans with mid-range pricing that’s competitive in the industry in order to deliver the highest value for the largest number of Canadians.
Non-replacement plans: We’ve recommended plans designed for Canadians without existing workplace health benefits, rather than those seeking to replace previous employer-sponsored plans.
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★★★★★ (5.0)
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PolicyMe
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Classic
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$120/month
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35% above industry average
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★★★★☆ (4.0)
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GreenShield
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ZONE 5 (Choice)
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$124/month
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21% above industry average
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★★★★☆ (4.0)
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ScotiaLife
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Health Insurance Plan with Dental Insurance Plan
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$97/month
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46% below industry average
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★★★★☆ (4.0)
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GMS
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ExtendaPlan with Basic Prescription Drugs and Dental Care
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$117/month
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35% below industry average
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★★★★☆ (4.0)
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Manulife
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ComboPlus Basic Plan
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$136/month
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44% below industry average
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* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in Nova Scotia.
** Comparison reflects the total amount of prescription drug, dental, vision, paramedical, mental health, accidental dental, and ambulance coverage versus the industry average for comparable plans.
Join 18,000+ Canadians with quality coverage from coast to coast
PolicyMe’s rankings are based on an independent, data-driven review of Canada’s leading health and dental plans and providers. Our analysis draws on more than 1,700 quotes covering over 50 health and dental insurance products from the seven largest providers in Canada, sourced from official product websites and supplemented with customer ratings from Google.
Rankings are determined first by star rating (from highest to lowest) and then by premiums (from lowest to highest). To ensure fairness and accuracy, we only compare costs and coverage between plans with the same type of coverage, pricing tier, and eligibility requirements.
The premiums shown in this article are based on publicly available rates as of December 2025. Our pricing comparisons always use quotes for the same age groups within the same geographic region.
Our findings are entirely data-driven and do not include paid placements. However, they should not be considered a substitute for personalized financial or health advice.
About coverage and total coverage comparisons
Our analysis examines coverage across eight benefit categories during the first year of enrollment: prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, paramedical services, mental health services, accidental dental services, ground ambulance transportation, and air ambulance transportation.
To estimate overall value, we calculated the net amount of coverage by subtracting expected out-of-pocket costs—including deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments—from stated coverage limits.
Because dental definitions and coverage limits vary by provider, readers should always review their policy documents to confirm which dental services are covered.
Disclaimer
PolicyMe’s findings are based on unaltered data and are free from paid placements or sponsored influence. While we strive to keep our information current, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of third-party data. These rankings are intended as a general reference and should not be considered a substitute for personalized financial or health advice.
1. Guaranteed Issue Classic from PolicyMe
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Rating
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★★★★★ (5.0)
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Premiums*
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$120/month
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Drug coverage
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70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $600 per year)
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Pre-existing prescription coverage
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Yes
|
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Dental coverage
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Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $750 per year)
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Vision coverage
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100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $60 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
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Paramedical coverage
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80% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals (up to $750 per year combined)
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Mental health coverage
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100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $100 per visit and $800 combined per year)
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Accidental dental coverage
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100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
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Ambulance coverage
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100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
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* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in Nova Scotia.
Our expert take: Above-average paramedical coverage, excellent dental benefits, and competitive premiums make PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Classic plan one of the best private health insurance plans in Nova Scotia. While reimbursement rates for prescription drugs are lower than the competition, the Classic plan covers medications for pre-existing conditions and well as pre-existing prescriptions—a key benefit if you’re looking to continue ongoing care.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Above-average dental, paramedical, and accidental dental coverage
- Includes access to online health forums
- No medical questionnaire required
- Below-average prescription drug coverage
- No add-ons available
Available products from PolicyMe:
- Guaranteed Economic, Classic, and Advanced: A series of guaranteed health insurance plans with comprehensive coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, and more
- Dental Care: A guaranteed health insurance plan with no coverage for prescription drugs
Protect Economic, Classic, and Advanced: A series of replacement health insurance plans with comprehensive coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, and more
2. ZONE 5 (Choice) from GreenShield
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Rating
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★★★★☆ (4.0)
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Premiums*
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$124/month
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Drug coverage
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90% of generic and birth control prescription drugs (up to $5,000 per year)
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Pre-existing prescription coverage
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No
|
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Dental coverage
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Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $700 per year)
|
|
Vision coverage
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100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $100 for eye exams and $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
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|
Paramedical coverage
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100% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $45 per visit and $500 per profession)
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Mental health coverage
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100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $500 combined per year)
|
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Accidental dental coverage
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100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
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|
Ambulance coverage
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100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
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* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in Nova Scotia.
Our expert take: GreenShield’s ZONE 5 plan stands out as a competitive option for older Nova Scotians, better coverage and lower premiums than the industry average. But with adult premiums slightly above PolicyMe’s Classic Plan and a lower level of coverage for prescriptions, dental care, and mental health services, the ZONE 5 plan may not be the best option for younger adults looking for robust coverage.
- Below-average premiums for older adults and seniors
- Includes access to GreenShield Pharmacy, 4 hours of virtual counselling through GreenShield Mental Health, and 4 virtual visits per year through GreenShield Telemedicine
- Includes travel insurance and semi-private or private hospital accommodations
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Below-average prescription drug, dental, and mental health coverage
Available products from GreenShield:
- LINK 1, 2, 3, and 4: A series of replacement health insurance plans with complete and no-dental options.
- ZONE 1, 2, and 3 and Zone Fundamental: A series of guaranteed health insurance plans with complete and no-drug options.
ZONE 4, 5, 6, and 7: A series of underwritten health insurance plans with complete and no-dental options.
3. Health Insurance Plan with Dental Insurance Plan from ScotiaLife
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Rating
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★★★★☆ (4.0)
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Premiums*
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$97/month
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Drug coverage
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75% of generic, brand-name, birth control, and smoking cessation prescription drugs (up to $10,000 per year)
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Pre-existing prescription coverage
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Yes
|
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Dental coverage
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Up to 75% of preventative dental services (up to $500 per year)
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|
Vision coverage
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100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery, including a $50 limit for eye exams)
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Paramedical coverage
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75% of visits to 10 paramedical professionals (up to $25 per visit and 12 visits per profession each year)
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Mental health coverage
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75% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $25 per visit, 12 visits per year, and $800 combined per year, including visits to paramedical professionals)
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Accidental dental coverage
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75% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per year)
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Ambulance coverage
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75% of ground ambulance transportation (unlimited) and 100% of air ambulance transportation (up to $10,000 per year)
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* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in Nova Scotia.
Our expert take: Affordable premiums are a major advantage of this no-frills health insurance plan (with optional dental add-on). The downside: your coverage will match your costs, with high out-of-pocket costs for paramedical services, low accidental dental coverage, and waiting periods and exclusions that may diminish the usefulness of your coverage. It’s also only available to Scotiabank customers, so it’s not the easiest plan to get.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 1 optional add-on available
- Above-average prescription drug and mental health coverage
- Below-average premiums for all ages
- Includes semi-private hospital accommodations
- 3-month dental waiting period
- 1-year vision waiting period
- Below-average dental and vision coverage
- Only available to Scotiabank customers, their spouses, and dependents 64 and under
Available products from ScotiaLife:
Health Insurance Plan: A guaranteed no-dental health insurance plan with a single dental option available only to Scotiabank customers, their spouses, and dependent children.
4. ExtendaPlan with Basic Prescription Drugs and Dental Care from GMS
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Rating
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★★★★☆ (4.0)
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Premiums*
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$117/month
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Drug coverage
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100% of generic and birth control prescription drugs (up to $3,500 per year), with a maximum co-payment of $6 per prescription
|
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Pre-existing prescription coverage
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No
|
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Dental coverage
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Up to 75% of preventative and major dental services (up to $500 per year)
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Vision coverage
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80% of vision services every 2 years (up to $250 combined for eye exams and prescription lenses and frames)
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Paramedical coverage
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80% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $350 per year combined)
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Mental health coverage
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100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $65 per visit and 10 visits combined per year)
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Accidental dental coverage
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100% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per injury)
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Ambulance coverage
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100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
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* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in Nova Scotia.
Our expert take: If you want simple, customizable coverage for prescription medication, basic dental care, and a few visits to a mental health professional per year, GMS’s ExtendaPlan (with optional dental and drug coverage) may be an excellent fit. It’s more affordable than some plans with similar coverage and gives you the option to pick and choose which types of insurance are most important to you.
- 5 optional add-ons available
- Above-average prescription drug coverage
- Below-average premiums for all ages
- Direct billing and online claims
- Includes access to the GMS Care Network
- $6 deductible per prescription
- 3-month waiting period may apply for dental care
- Below-average dental, vision, paramedical, and mental health coverage
Available products from GMS:
- BasicPlan, ExtendaPlan, and OmniPlan: A series of guaranteed, no-drug health insurance plans with complete coverage options.
- EssentialPlan, ChoicePlan, and PremierPlan: A series of replacement health insurance plans with no-drug and complete coverage options.
5. ComboPlus Basic Plan from Manulife
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Rating
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★★★★☆ (4.0)
|
|
Premiums*
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$136/month
|
|
Drug coverage
|
70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $5,000 per year)
|
|
Pre-existing prescription coverage
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Yes
|
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Dental coverage
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Up to 80% of preventative and restorative dental services (up to $750 per year)
|
|
Vision coverage
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100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $70 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
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Paramedical coverage
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60% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $500 per profession and $4,000 per year combined)
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|
Mental health coverage
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100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $65 per visit and 15 visits combined per year)
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|
Accidental dental coverage
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100% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per year)
|
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Ambulance coverage
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100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)
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* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in Nova Scotia.
Our expert take: Manulife’s ComboPlus Basic Plan is a competitively-priced underwritten plan that may be a good fit for Nova Scotian families with relatively low dental and prescription drug needs. These coverages come with fairly low reimbursement rates and high out-of-pocket costs, but the plan’s overall premiums are competitive for households with children and come with built-in benefits like access to virtual care.
- 7 optional add-ons available
- Above-average mental health coverage
- Below-average premiums for children
- Includes access to TELUS Health Virtual Care and survivor benefit
- Includes accidental death and dismemberment insurance and travel insurance
- Below-average prescription drug coverage
- High out-of-pocket dental costs
Available products from Manulife:
- Flexcare ComboPlus Starter, Basic, and Enhanced Plan: A series of complete health insurance plans with guaranteed options.
- Flexcare DentalPlus Basic and Enhanced Plan: A pair of guaranteed, no-drug health insurance plans.
- Flexcare DrugPlus Basic and Enhanced Plan: A pair of no-dental health insurance plans.
- FollowMe Basic, Enhanced, Enhanced Plus, and Premiere Plan: A series of complete replacement health insurance plans.
Guaranteed Issue Enhanced: A complete, premium health insurance plan with guaranteed acceptance.
Compare the top 3 health insurance plans in Nova Scotia
Plan |
Classic |
ZONE 5 (Choice) |
Health Insurance Plan with Dental Insurance Plan |
Rating |
★★★★★ (5.0) |
★★★★☆ (4.0) |
★★★★☆ (4.0) |
Medical questions required |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Premiums* |
$120/month |
$124/month |
$97/month |
Drug coverage |
70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $600 per year) |
90% of generic and birth control prescription drugs (up to $5,000 per year) |
75% of generic, brand-name, birth control, and smoking cessation prescription drugs (up to $10,000 per year) |
Pre-existing prescription coverage |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Dental coverage |
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $750 per year) |
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $700 per year) |
Up to 75% of preventative dental services (up to $500 per year) |
Vision coverage |
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $60 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery) |
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $100 for eye exams and $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery) |
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery, including a $50 limit for eye exams) |
Paramedical coverage |
80% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals (up to $750 per year combined) |
100% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $45 per visit and $500 per profession) |
75% of visits to 10 paramedical professionals (up to $25 per visit, 12 visits per profession, and $800 combined per year, including visits to mental health professionals) |
Mental health coverage |
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $100 per visit and $800 combined per year) |
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $500 combined per year) |
75% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $25 per visit, 12 visits per year, and $800 combined per year, including visits to paramedical professionals) |
Accidental dental coverage |
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year) |
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year) |
75% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per year) |
Ambulance coverage |
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited) |
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited) |
75% of ground ambulance transportation (unlimited) and 100% of air ambulance transportation (up to $10,000 per year) |
* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in Nova Scotia.
How much does health insurance in Nova Scotia cost?
The cost of health insurance in Nova Scotia depends on the plan you select as well as your age. The table below compares average premiums for the three health insurance plans we’ve highlighted above.
Data from Statistics Canada show that Nova Scotia households spent an average of $2,782 in 2023 on out-of-pocket medical expenses not included under provincial health insurance coverage. By opting for PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Classic plan, Nova Scotians could have saved an average of $1,422/year in routine medical spending.
Kids (0–4) |
$31.21 |
$36.18 |
$40.15 |
Kids (5–20) |
$47.60 |
$59.03 |
$79.48 |
Adults (21–44) |
$101.24 |
$119.64 |
$157.00 |
Adults (45–54) |
$116.95 |
$143.56 |
$191.50 |
Adults (55–59) |
$135.26 |
$155.93 |
$205.82 |
Adults (60–64) |
$149.82 |
$170.63 |
$222.39 |
Seniors (65+) |
$112.85+ |
$139.24+ |
$190.44+ |
* Prices reflect the approximate costs for residents in the relevant age group in Nova Scotia. They are accurate as of December 2025.
What does Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance cover?
Nova Scotia’s Medical Service Insurance (MSI), administered by Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of the Department of Health and Wellness, focuses on coverage of medically necessary services, particularly those performed by physicians and/or in a hospital setting:
- Physicians’ services: All medically necessary physicians’ services carried out in an office, hospital, or home, as well as all necessary surgeries, complete obstetric care, well baby care, sterilization, and other procedures when medically required
- Vision care: Vision examinations every two years for children aged 9 and younger and adults aged 65 and older, plus emergency and medically required vision care for all ages
- Prosthetic services: Certain prostheses, including eye, breast, arm, and leg, along with associated services
- Dental services: Certain basic dental services for children aged 14 and younger, plus certain medically required oral surgeries
In addition, hospital insurance covers a wide range of medically necessary inpatient and outpatient services at Nova Scotia hospitals, including prescription drugs, nursing services, diagnostics, and standard hospital accommodations.
Nova Scotia also provides partial coverage for prescription drugs through Nova Scotia Pharmacare, a cluster of six programs for seniors, families, cancer patients, palliative care patients, Department of Community Services clients, and patients taking biologic medications. For more information about these and other public insurance programs, see the table below.
|
Prescription drugs
|
- Adults (18–64) and their dependents: 80% of generic prescription drugs on the Nova Scotia Formulary, with a maximum annual deductible and co-pay cap based on 1% and 4% of income, respectively. Once reached, coverage increases to 100% (Family Pharmacare Program).
- Seniors (65+): 70% of generic prescription drugs on the Nova Scotia Formulary plus select supplies, with a maximum annual co-pay of $382 and a maximum annual premium of $424. After these limits, coverage increases to 100% (Seniors’ Pharmacare Program).
- Everyone with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less: 100% of medications listed on the Palliative Care Drug Program Formulary (Palliative Care Drug Program).
|
|
Dental
|
- Children (0–14): One routine exam, two routine X-rays, one preventive service, one fluoride treatment, and one scaling per year, plus 100% of necessary fillings, extractions, and additional fluoride treatments (Children’s Oral Health Program).
- Everyone with a diagnosed intellectual disability requiring dental care under general anaesthesia in hospital: Basic dental services (Individuals with Special Needs Oral Health Program).
|
|
Vision
|
- Children (0–9): One eye exam every two years (MSI).
- Seniors (65+): One eye exam every two years (MSI).
- Everyone: Medically required eye exams and follow-ups, including care related to diabetes, sudden vision loss, glaucoma, and other qualifying conditions (Medically Required Eye Care Services).
|
|
Extended health
|
- Everyone who is pregnant or has a child aged 0–19: Prenatal clinics, postnatal care, services for pregnancy complications (including miscarriage), and pediatric inpatient and outpatient services (Women and Children’s Health Program).
- Everyone missing all or part of an eye, limb, or breast with a physician’s prescription: 100% of the cost of fitting, purchasing, repairing, and replacing prostheses and related equipment, up to maximums set in the fee schedule (Arm & Leg Prostheses Program and Breast Prosthesis Program).
|
The province also extends additional benefits to low-income households:
- CHILDREN (0-17) of low-income families receiving the Nova Scotia Child Benefit: 100% of prescription drugs on the NSF (with a $5 co-pay/prescription unless exempt) (Low Income Pharmacare for Children)
-
SENIORS (65+) earning less than $22,986/year (or $26,817 as a couple): 70% of prescription drugs on the NSF (with a max. co-pay of $382 and no annual premiums) (Seniors' Pharmacare Program)
- EVERYONE with a gross family income lower than $35K/year and a cancer diagnosis: 100% of medications on the NSF (Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients), 53.38 cents/km (if travelling 50+ kms one-way from home to treatment), and up to $300 for one wig (Assistance for Cancer Patients)
- EVERYONE receiving Employment Support, Income Assistance, and Disability Support: unspecified coverage for prescription drugs on the NSF (with a $5 co-pay/prescription unless exempt) (Income Assistance Pharmacare)
Nova Scotia’s health insurance offerings are generous compared to some other provinces, but significant gaps still exist. Paramedical services, most dental and vision services for adults, and mental health services for everyone aren’t covered through provincial programs. Those without access to a group health benefits plan—retirees, self-employed Canadians, new permanent residents, and anyone between jobs—may need to supplement their provincial coverage with a private health insurance plan for peace of mind.
How to find the best health insurance for you
No private health insurance plan will meet the needs of every resident of Nova Scotia. Everyone’s medical needs, budget, and priorities are different. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to evaluate your needs and identify the plan with the best fit for your family:
- Take stock of your existing coverage: Are you taking full advantage of your MSI health benefits? Do you or your spouse receive health coverage through an employer? Review your eligibility for all government and employer-sponsored coverage before buying more.
- Add up your current medical spending: How much did you spend out of pocket in the past year on medical expenses not covered by insurance. Think about dental bills, prescription drug costs, medical equipment, and visits to paramedical professionals such as a podiatrist, chiropractor, or mental health specialist.
- Divide by 12 to find your coverage gap: Once you’ve totaled all of your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, divide the resulting sum by 12 to find out how much you’re spending each month. That’s your coverage gap — and the maximum you should spend on private health insurance.
- Research health insurance plans: Our picks may give you a good starting place to compare private health insurance plans in Nova Scotia, but don’t forget to talk to friends and family about their coverage. Look for plans with good coverage in the areas that matter most to you. Will the same company cover you if you relocate to Ontario or New Brunswick, for instance?
- Request quotes and calculate your savings: Once you’ve found a few plans that meet your needs, request health insurance quotes from each company. Compare each quote to the monthly coverage gap you calculated earlier — if the premium is higher than what you’re currently spending, it’s probably not a good fit.
When you settle on a plan that has the right coverage at the right price, all that’s left to do is submit an application. Many Canadian health insurance plans, including PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue plans, offer guaranteed acceptance with no medical questionnaire or exam. If you choose a plan with full underwriting, be prepared to answer questions about your health and undergo an in-person exam, if necessary.
FAQs: Best health insurance in Nova Scotia
Health insurance through Nova Scotia’s MSI plan is free to eligible residents. The cost of a private health insurance plan in Nova Scotia varies depending on the carrier behind the plan as well as your age and the level of coverage you select. For residents of Nova Scotia, monthly premiums for PolicyMe’s five health and dental insurance plans range from about $98 to $157 per month.
Yes, Nova Scotia has private healthcare alongside the public health benefits provided by the MSI health plan and group benefits issued by many employers. If you don’t have access to group benefits through an employer, you can choose between a number of private health insurance companies for supplemental healthcare coverage for things MSI won’t cover.
Private health insurance in Nova Scotia covers medical costs that the provincial health plan won’t cover, such as most routine dental and vision care (including glasses and contact lenses), mental health care, paramedical services (e.g., physiotherapy, massage therapy), and coverage for medical equipment. You can also get additional benefits such as travel insurance or coverage for private and semi-private hospital accommodations.
Nova Scotia’s public health insurance doesn’t cover most dental and vision care for adults in the province. Routine dental care is covered for children aged 0 to 14 and for anyone with intellectual disabilities requiring them to undergo dental care with anesthesia. Vision care is only covered for people under age 10 or over age 64, or for residents of all ages when deemed medically necessary per the official Optometrists Guide. Outside of these cases, MSI doesn’t cover dental and vision care.
Nova Scotia’s MSI health insurance covers medically necessary services performed by physicians in an office, hospital, or home; vision care for young children and seniors; certain prostheses; basic dental treatment for children 14 and younger; and complete obstetric care. Nova Scotia Pharmacare also helps to cover the cost of prescription medications for anyone with a valid MSI health card subject to income-based deductibles, maximums, and co-pays.
Yes, Nova Scotia health insurance is free if you’re an eligible NS resident with a valid health card. This means you enjoy taxpayer-funded medically necessary health services, though some programs limit access based on age and income. To get the full breadth of health services you need (dental, vision, paramedical), you may need to supplement free provincial coverage with a paid private plan.
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