Can I Have My Ex Husband on My Health Insurance?

What happens to insurance after a divorce in Canada? 

In Canada, you typically can’t remain on your ex’s private insurance plan once the divorce is finalized. In most cases, insurance companies remove former spouses from health insurance policies once they receive a copy of the divorce order, court order, or separation agreement, requiring the removal of an ex. 

Some private insurers terminate spousal coverage immediately upon legal separation, while others allow a former spouse to stay insured until the divorce is officially finalized. 

Can I have my ex husband on my health insurance?

Generally, you can’t keep your ex-husband on your health insurance plan after a divorce, but there are exceptions during separation or when court orders apply.

During the separation phase, it may be possible to keep a former spouse on your plan temporarily. Some insurance providers allow continued coverage until the divorce is finalized or until they receive legal documentation (e.g. divorce decree or court order) requiring the ex-spouse to be removed. 

In certain cases, a judge might require you to keep your ex on your plan for as long as the insurer permits, especially if you have significantly better coverage or if your ex is dependent on you for coverage. However, this obligation usually ends once spousal support ends, or if your ex gains their own insurance through an employer, an individual private plan, or remarriage.

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Take note

If you are a policyholder and your ex is financially dependent on you for health benefits, a judge may require you to keep them on your health insurance plan for as long as the insurer allows, especially if you owe your ex spousal support. However, if there is no spousal support obligation, or once the obligation ends, the coverage can usually be terminated. In that case, your ex will likely need to apply for their own individual health insurance plan.

Can I remove my spouse from my health insurance if we’re divorcing? 

Yes, in most cases, you can remove your spouse from your private health or dental insurance plan once you’re legally separated or divorced. The exact timing and process depend on your insurance provider and any legal agreements in place. 

Here is a general step-by-step guide to help you navigate removing your spouse from your health insurance in the case of a divorce: 

• Check policy terms: Some private insurance companies in Canada terminate spousal coverage immediately upon legal separation, while others wait until they receive a divorce order or court ruling. 
• Review your separation or divorce agreement: Be sure to review the details of your legal agreement with a family law lawyer to understand if you have an obligation to keep your ex-partner on your insurance.
• Coordinate coverage for your children (if applicable): Removal of an ex does not typically impact coverage for biological or legally adopted dependent children on a health insurance plan, regardless of child custody or child support. Most plans allow children to remain insured until age 21 or 25, depending on their enrollment in full-time education.
• Discuss individual health insurance: Before your spouse is removed from your plan, make sure they’re aware of their options. Most insurers offer a 60-day window to apply for a new policy after being removed to secure coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Once your divorce or separation is underway, you can notify your insurer and clarify the documentation needed to update your policy.

What do I do if I’ve been removed from my ex’s health insurance plan?

To avoid any gaps in coverage, you’ll need to find alternative coverage if you’ve been removed from your ex’s health or dental insurance plan. Seeking your own health insurance coverage can help you avoid out-of-pocket healthcare costs, especially if you rely on benefits for prescriptions, dental visits, or paramedical care.

Here are your main options in Canada:

• Rely on employer group benefits (if applicable): If you are employed and your workplace offers health and dental coverage, contact your HR department immediately. Many providers allow enrollment outside of the usual window if you’ve lost coverage due to a qualifying life event such as divorce.
• Use provincial coverage (but know its limits): Your provincial healthcare plan (e.g. OHIP in Ontario) provides basic medical coverage, but it won’t include dental care, prescription drugs, mental health therapy, vision care, or paramedical services. 
• Get an individual health insurance plan: Without employer benefits, an individual health and dental plan can offer you coverage and financial protection for things not covered by your provincial plan.

Do you actually need health insurance?

Health insurance offers financial protection for medical care that provincial plans don’t cover—meaning it can save you from out-of-pocket costs for multiple different services.

For example, a PolicyMe–Angus Reid study finds that 29% of Canadians had to pay over $1000 out of pocket in the past 12 months for health or dental-related services. Furthermore, over 50% of PolicyMe customers make a claim within the first 90 days of coverage; an indication that many are addressing previously delayed or unmet healthcare needs.

How to buy a health insurance plan in Canada after a divorce

Selecting the right health insurance in Canada will depend on your specific needs and budget.  Here’s a rundown of the steps you can take to secure an individual health insurance plan in Canada following a divorce:

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• Assess your coverage needs: Think about the types of healthcare services you and your family use most—whether it’s medical visits, dental care, vision, or mental health support. This will help guide your plan selection.
• Get a quote: With PolicyMe, you get a clear, personalized quote in minutes. No need to talk to an advisor unless you want to.
• Compare your options: Review available plans based on coverage options, monthly premiums, deductibles, and your expected out-of-pocket expenses. Choose one that fits your lifestyle and budget best. 
• Apply easily online: PolicyMe’s digital application is simple, guided, and doesn’t involve a phone call (unless you want one).
• Double-check the details: Before you submit, go over the fine print. Make sure the plan includes everything you need and that you fully understand what’s covered and what’s not.
• Submit your application: Once everything looks good, send in your application online. PolicyMe’s process is streamlined to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. 
• Get your coverage confirmation: After approval, you’ll receive confirmation of your policy. Be sure to save a copy of your plan documents so you can reference them later if needed.

A note on life insurance and divorce

During a divorce, you may wonder what happens to your life insurance, and whether you’ll need to change or replace your policy. The answer depends on how your coverage is set up. 

With a joint life insurance policy, things can get complicated. Joint policies cover two people under one plan and offer a single lump sum payout; when either one or both policyholders passes away. In a divorce, joint life insurance can be difficult to divide or modify, especially if one person no longer wants coverage. 

Alternatively, a combined life insurance policy is often a wiser choice—each partner gets coverage tailored to their needs—so if one person passes away, the other still keeps their policy.

It also means double the payout potential, since both policies can pay out, not just once like with joint coverage. 

Instead of a joint insurance policy, separate individual life insurance policies can be easier to manage if a relationship ends. Each person holds their own policy and can continue coverage independently.

FAQs: Health insurance after a divorce