Health Insurance Costs in Canada by Age (2026): Monthly Rates by Age Group

Health insurance rates by age in Canada

The average cost of a private health insurance plan in Canada ranges from $48-$54 per month for children, $108-$204 per month for adults, and $147-$258 per month for seniors . These are industry average rates for complete plans with prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. You might pay less if you opt for a no-drug or no-dental plan.

As you age, the cost of key coverage like dental insurance rises to meet the likelihood that you’ll need covered services. Because older Canadians are increasingly likely to access medical care and to have pre-existing conditions, they face higher premiums when it comes to private health and dental coverage. 

The table below shows the industry average rates by age across Canada for guaranteed health insurance with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Generally, the higher the coverage provided, the higher your health insurance rates:

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

What does private health insurance cover?

In Canada, private health insurance plans cover a wide range of extended health benefits that provincial plans don’t, such as:

• Prescription drugs
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Home care
• Medical equipment (e.g., hearing aids, diabetic supplies)
• Mental health services
• Paramedical services (e.g., chiropractic care, physiotherapy) 
• Ambulance services
• Travel insurance

Health insurance rates by age in Ontario

The average cost of guaranteed health insurance for adults in Ontario is between $121 and $230 per month. 

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

Health insurance rates by age in Québec

The average cost of guaranteed health insurance for adults in Québec is between $113 and $191 per month. 

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

Health insurance rates by age in British Columbia

The average cost of guaranteed health insurance for adults in British Columbia is between $109 and $212 per month. 

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

Health insurance rates by age in Alberta

The average cost of guaranteed health insurance for adults in Alberta is between $114 and $212 per month.

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

Health insurance rates by age in Manitoba

The average cost of guaranteed health insurance for adults in Manitoba is between $103 and $201 per month. 

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

Health insurance rates by age in Saskatchewan

The average cost of guaranteed health insurance for adults in Saskatchewan is between $89 and $165 per month. 

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

Health insurance rates by age in Nova Scotia

The average cost of guaranteed health insurance for adults in Nova Scotia is between $108 and $207 per month. 

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

Health insurance rates by age in New Brunswick

The average cost of guaranteed health insurance for adults in New Brunswick is between $113 and $211 per month. 

^{Industry average rates are based on 12 guaranteed-issue health insurance plans with drug, dental, and vision coverage. Rates are for illustrative purposes only.}

How age impacts health insurance

Age increases the need for medical services, thus driving up the cost of coverage.

It’s not just your own costs that go up when you get older, either. Seniors are more likely to need medical care that provincial health insurance typically doesn’t cover, like eye exams, prescription medications, or dental care. As more Canadians access these services, healthcare costs increase, leading health insurance companies to raise the rates they charge for both individual and group plans. 

The best way to keep your healthcare expenses low as you age is to prioritize healthy habits that minimize your overall healthcare needs. The less coverage you require, the lower your premiums will be. 

Other factors that impact health insurance costs

The cost of private health insurance in Canada depends on a range of factors beyond your age, such as:
‍

• Medical history: For fully underwritten health insurance plans, pre-existing medical conditions can raise your monthly premiums. 
• Level of coverage: Private Canadian healthcare plans fall into basic, mid-level, and premium coverage tiers. Higher coverage levels typically come with smaller deductibles and co-pays, but these plans will charge higher premiums. 
• Location: High-cost-of-living provinces like Ontario and Quebec often see higher average medical insurance costs, while residents of provinces like Saskatchewan enjoy lower premiums. 
• Number of people covered: If your health insurance policy also covers family members, including children or seniors, you’ll pay a higher rate.

FAQ: Health insurance by age in Canada

Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of March 2026. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.