Health Insurance for Seniors Over 70 in Canada

Why health insurance still matters after 70

Private health insurance is important for people over 70 for two key reasons: health expenses are increasing while employer benefits are decreasing.

Additional health expenses: Seniors over 70 often have new medical needs that are not fully covered by Canada's universal healthcare system:

• Prescription drugs
• Home care
• Specialized treatments 

Loss of employer benefits: Seniors over 70 often fall into a post-retirement coverage gap at precisely the moment when their healthcare needs are growing. Our data shows that 21% of Canadians aged 55+ are uninsured and 56% of Canadians delay care due to cost.

An independent private health plan for seniors is an excellent solution for people over 70 to bridge coverage gaps at an affordable, predictable price. The best senior health insurance plans in Canada meet real health needs without duplicating existing coverage. 

What provincial health plans cover for seniors

These services for seniors are usually covered by provincial health plans (though the exactly list varies by province):

In addition, many provinces have senior-specific benefit programs. These typically cover prescription drugs but some also offer additional supports:

• Alberta: Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors, Coverage for Seniors (administered by Alberta Blue Cross)
• British Columbia: Fair PharmaCare (not age-restricted, but income restricted)
• Manitoba: Manitoba Pharmacare Program (not age-restricted)
• Newfoundland & Labrador: Senior Citizens Drug Subsidy Program (income-restricted)
• New Brunswick: New Brunswick Seniors Prescription Drug Program (income-restricted)
• Northwest Territories: NWT Seniors Supplementary Health Benefits
• Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Seniors’ Pharmacare Program (income-based)
• Nunavut: Nunavut Seniors Drug Benefit
• Ontario: Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB)
• Prince Edward Island: Seniors’ Drug PRogram
• Québec: Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) aka the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan
• Saskatchewan: Seniors’ Drug Plan (not age-restricted, but income restricted)
• Yukon: Yukon Pharmacare for Seniors

The following services are commonly excluded from provincial health plans:

Many seniors can benefit from a supplemental private insurance policy to fill the gaps left by provincial health programs.

Health insurance options for Canadians over 70

Generally speaking, seniors over 70 have several options for health insurance: government plans, employer group plans for retirees, individual health insurance plans, and supplemental coverage.

Government plan: General and senior-specific programs cover medically necessary doctor visits, hospital visits, approved prescription drugs, and some medical equipment and long-term care services. The CDCP may also cover dental care for eligible seniors who fit the income and residency requirements.

Employer-sponsored plans for retirees: Some employers (mostly unions in government and education) extend health benefits to their employees in retirement—but 36% of Canadians with group coverage say they’re worried it will be reduced or eliminated in the future.

Private individual plans: Personalized health insurance plans allow you to tailor your health and dental coverage to the primary and supplemental services you need in retirement.

Supplemental top-ups: These insurance products cover only the supplemental health services you need, like dental insurance. This is a strategy employed by many retirees who are happy with the primary services covered by their province or retiree plan but who need targeted, additional coverage.

How much does health insurance cost for seniors over 70?

The average cost of health insurance in Canada for a senior over 70 is between $100 and $210 per month. Here are some sample costs for PolicyMe’s health plans:

Specific factors that can affect cost include your age and where you live:

• Age: You’ll typically pay less for coverage in your early 70s than you will as you hit 75 and 80 years old.
• Province: Healthcare costs are higher in provinces like BC and Ontario, so premiums also tend to be higher.

Let’s break down healthcare costs more broadly. You’ll pay a premium, of course, but you may also have deductibles, co-pays, and other costs depending on your plan.

• Monthly premiums: This is the ongoing amount you pay to maintain coverage. It depends on the type of plan, the level of coverage, and the insurer you choose.
• Deductibles: This is the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company begins to cover expenses. Plans with lower premiums may have higher deductibles.
• Co-payments (co-pays): This is a set fee you might need to pay for specific services, like a doctor visit or a medication. It applies even if you’ve met your deductible.
• Co-insurance: This describes the percentage of costs you must pay after reaching your deductible. For example, if your insurance covers 80%, you may be responsible for the remaining 20%.
• Prescription drug costs: Some plans require co-pays or co-insurance for prescription medications, particularly for brand-name drugs, which may cost more than generics.

With ongoing health needs, older people may find that an affordable private plan with targeted coverage can help lower overall healthcare expenses.

How to choose the right health insurance plan after 70

Since people over 70 tend to have different health priorities than younger adults (such as treatment for chronic conditions), it’s important that seniors choose a health insurance plan geared towards their needs.

Step 1: What coverage do you already have? Review existing provincial coverage and check for employer continuation options. Take some time to learn more about what each plan covers (and what it doesn’t). Decide if this coverage feels like enough as you age.

Step 2: What health needs do you have? Make a list of your actual health needs, from prescriptions and chronic condition treatments to dental work and mobility aids. Perhaps you need travel medical insurance to visit family abroad. It’s worth thinking ahead about what you might need for your well-being if your health changes.

Step 3: What’s the most cost-effective solution? Try to balance value vs. cost so that coverage pays for itself. For example, a plan that includes extensive paramedical coverage isn’t worth it if you don’t actually use those services.

Step 4: Do the details work for you? Read the fine print of your insurance coverage carefully to understand waiting periods, medical treatment exclusions, and flexibility. Make sure your conditions are covered and you’re free to adapt coverage as your needs evolve.

Remember: Health needs change over time. Commit to re-evaluating your personal health insurance every year so you stay protected without overpaying.

FAQ: health insurance for seniors over 70

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.