Best Health Insurance in New Brunswick (2026 Guide)

Written by: R.E. Hawley
Insurance Writer
Edited by: Shannon Terrell
Content Marketing Manager
Updated
June 30, 2026
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Key Takeaways
  • New Brunswick Medicare and the New Brunswick Drug Plan cover essential physician and hospital services, but dental, vision, and extended health care aren’t covered.
  • The Guaranteed Issue Classic plan from PolicyMe offers the best mix of robust coverage and healthcare savings for residents of New Brunswick.
  • Other personal health insurance plans that may be good options in New Brunswick include GreenShield’s ZONE 5 (Choice) and Manulife’s ComboPlus Basic coverage.

How health insurance works in New Brunswick

New Brunswick Medicare provides basic coverage for medically-required services performed by physicians or in approved hospitals, including:

  • Most medically-necessary physician services
  • Some hospital services, like laboratory, x-ray, and diagnostic services
  • Certain medically-necessary dental services

New Brunswick’s provincial plans leave major coverage gaps in dental, vision, medical equipment, long-term care, and more. In 2023, households in New Brunswick spent an average of $3,030 on out-of-pocket healthcare costs, according to Statistics Canada. This means New Brunswick residents spent $253 monthly on services that Medicare doesn’t cover.

Private health insurance can cover many out-of-pocket expenses and more with plans starting as low as $131 monthly. 
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How private health insurance fills New Brunswick’s coverage gaps

New Brunswick public healthcare does not cover:

  • Dental care, including dental services provided by a physician
  • Vision care, including eyeglasses, frames, and contact lenses
  • Paramedical services, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care,and massage therapy
  • Private or semi-private hospital rooms

New Brunswick residents can only access coverage for these medical services through a group benefits plan (through your employer or a family member’s) or by purchasing private healthcare insurance.

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What is the best health insurance in New Brunswick?

We’ve identified the best private health insurance plans in New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick household, we focused on plans with: 

  • Excellent coverage for adults: Adults aged 18–64 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.  
Rating
Company
Plan
Premiums*
Coverage**
★★★★★ (5.0)
PolicyMe
Classic
$131/month
35% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
GreenShield
ZONE 5 (Choice)
$124/month
21% above industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
ScotiaLife
Health Insurance Plan with Dental Insurance Plan
$102/month
46% below industry average
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Manulife
ComboPlus Basic Plan
$142/month
44% below industry average
★★★☆☆ (3.0)
Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Select Plus
$154/month
70% above industry average

* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in New Brunswick.

** 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.

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PolicyMe’s rankings are based on an independent, data-driven review of Canada’s leading health and dental insurance products 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 June 2026. 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 each plan’s 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 consult 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

‍Our expert take: PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Classic plan offers competitive premiums for adults in New Brunswick, with excellent paramedical coverage and generous maximums for dental care in Year 2 and beyond. Coverage for prescription drugs is lower than with competing plans, but New Brunswick’s generous public coverage for prescription medication may make this a lesser concern.

PolicyMe
Classic
Rating
★★★★★ (5.0)
Premiums*
$131/month
Drug coverage
70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $600 per year)
Pre-existing prescription coverage
Yes
Dental coverage
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $750 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)
Paramedical coverage
80% of visits to 9 paramedical professionals (up to $750 per year combined)
Mental health coverage
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $100 per visit and $800 combined per year)
Accidental dental coverage
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
Ambulance coverage
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)

* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in New Brunswick.

  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Above-average dental, paramedical, and accidental dental coverage
  • Includes access to online health forums
  • No medical questionnaire required
  • 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

‍Our expert take: Seniors in New Brunswick who want to supplement their existing medical coverage can find competitive premiums and decent paramedical, accidental dental, and travel insurance with GreenShield’s ZONE 5 (Choice) plan.

GreenShield
ZONE 5 (Choice)
Rating
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Premiums*
$124/month
Drug coverage
90% of generic and birth control prescription drugs (up to $5,000 per year)
Pre-existing prescription coverage
No
Dental coverage
Up to 80% of preventative, restorative, and major dental services (up to $700 per year)
Vision coverage
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $100 for eye exams and $150 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
Paramedical coverage
100% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $45 per visit and $500 per profession)
Mental health coverage
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $500 combined per year)
Accidental dental coverage
100% of accidental dental services (up to $10,000 per year)
Ambulance coverage
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)

* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in New Brunswick.

  • 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
  • Prescription drug, dental, and mental health coverage limits may be lower than some competing plans

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

Our expert take: For existing Scotiabank customers, the Health Insurance Plan offers low premiums, with coverage to match. An optional dental plan adds basic coverage for dental services, but you’ll need to wait three months before using that coverage. This plan is also unusual for its limits on accidental dental coverage and ambulance services, but it’s a solid option for those who want a simple, affordable supplement to their existing coverage. 

ScotiaLife
Health Insurance Plan with Dental Insurance Plan
Rating
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Premiums*
$102/month
Drug coverage
75% of generic, brand-name, birth control, and smoking cessation prescription drugs (up to $10,000 per year)
Pre-existing prescription coverage
Yes
Dental coverage
Up to 75% of preventative dental services (up to $500 per year)
Vision coverage
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
75% of visits to 10 paramedical professionals (up to $25 per visit and 12 visits per profession each year)
Mental health coverage
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
75% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per year)
Ambulance coverage
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 New Brunswick.

  • 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
  • Dental and vision coverage limits may be lower than some competing plans
  • 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. ComboPlus Basic Plan from Manulife

Our expert take: The ComboPlus Basic plan from Canadian insurance juggernaut Manulife may be a good fit for families with relatively simple coverage needs. Key strengths of this plan include competitive premiums for children, excellent coverage for mental health services, and great built-in benefits like virtual care and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. The drawback: a lower annual maximum for dental care compared with similar plans.

Manulife
ComboPlus Basic Plan
Rating
★★★★☆ (4.0)
Premiums*
$142/month
Drug coverage
70% of generic prescription drugs (up to $5,000 per year)
Pre-existing prescription coverage
Yes
Dental coverage
Up to 80% of preventative and restorative dental services (up to $750 per year)
Vision coverage
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $70 for eye exams and $250 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
Paramedical coverage
60% of visits to 8 paramedical professionals (up to $500 per profession and $4,000 per year combined)
Mental health coverage
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $65 per visit and 15 visits combined per year)
Accidental dental coverage
100% of accidental dental services (up to $2,000 per year)
Ambulance coverage
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)

* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in New Brunswick.

  • 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
  • Prescription drug coverage limits may be lower than some competing plans
  • Members may face higher out-of-pocket dental costs than with some competing plans

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.

5. Freedom to Choose Select Plus from Canada Life

Our expert take: Canada Life’s Freedom to Choose Select Plus plan rounds out our recommendations for New Brunswick with generous reimbursement for drug, dental, and vision costs and excellent pricing for families with young kids. It’s a great fit for households with relatively high coverage needs.

Canada Life
Freedom to Choose Select Plus
Rating
★★★☆☆ (3.0)
Premiums*
$154/month
Drug coverage
80% of generic, birth control, cannabis, and other prescription drugs (up to $10,000 per year)
Pre-existing prescription coverage
No
Dental coverage
Up to 80% of preventative and restorative dental services (up to $750 per year)
Vision coverage
100% of vision services every 2 years (up to $75 for eye exams and $200 for prescription lenses, frames, and laser surgery)
Paramedical coverage
100% of visits to 10 paramedical professionals (up to $40 per visit and $400 per profession)
Mental health coverage
100% of visits to mental health professionals (up to $40 per visit and 10 visits combined per year)
Accidental dental coverage
100% of accidental dental services (unlimited)
Ambulance coverage
100% of ground and air ambulance transportation (unlimited)

* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in New Brunswick.

  • 31-day missed payment grace period
  • 20% off at Rexall with Preferred Perks
  • Above-average drug, dental, and vision coverage
  • Below-average premiums for children
  • Includes second opinion services from Teledoc Medical Experts
  • 3-month dental waiting period
  • Premiums for adults and seniors may be higher than some competing plans

Available products from Canada Life: 
‍

  • Freedom to Choose Guaranteed, Guaranteed Plus, and Guaranteed Elite: A series of guaranteed and replacement health insurance plans with complete and no-dental coverage options.
  • Freedom to Choose Select, Select Guaranteed, Select Plus, and Select Elite: A series of health insurance plans with guaranteed, underwritten, complete, and high-drug options.

Compare the top 3 health insurance plans in New Brunswick
PolicyMe
GreenShield
ScotiaLife
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*
$131/month
$124/month
$102/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% every 2 years (up to $60 exam / $250 lenses)
100% every 2 years (up to $100 exam / $150 lenses)
100% every 2 years (up to $150 lenses, $50 exam)
Paramedical coverage
80% of visits to 9 professionals (up to $750 combined)
100% of visits to 8 professionals (up to $45/visit, $500/profession)
75% of visits to 10 professionals (up to $800 combined)
Mental health coverage
100% (up to $100/visit, $800 combined)
100% (up to $500 combined)
75% (up to $25/visit, $800 combined)
Accidental dental coverage
100% (up to $10,000 per year)
100% (up to $10,000 per year)
75% (up to $2,000 per year)
Ambulance coverage
100% ground and air (unlimited)
100% ground and air (unlimited)
75% ground (unlimited) and 100% air (up to $10,000)

* Premiums reflect the approximate monthly cost for an 18-year-old adult living in New Brunswick.

How much does health insurance in New Brunswick cost?

While public health insurance is free of charge in New Brunswick, private plans typically cost between $100 and $200 per month for most residents. 

For example, PolicyMe’s Guaranteed Issue Classic plan—our top pick for health insurance in New Brunswick—costs residents aged 21 to 44 just $131.09/month. By opting to purchase private health insurance coverage, the average New Brunswick resident could save nearly $1,500 per year while still meeting all of their healthcare needs. Actual savings vary with age, coverage level, and usage.

As a reference point, the table below compares average monthly premiums for PolicyMe’s top three health insurance plans in New Brunswick:

Guaranteed Issue Economic
Guaranteed Issue Classic
Advanced
Kids (0–4)
$45.01
$52.82
$69.52
Kids and youth (5–20)
$57.95
$70.53
$91.56
Adults (21–44)
$111.61
$131.09
$170.89
Adults (45–54)
$129.34
$157.96
$209.06
Adults (55–59)
$150.59
$172.91
$226.16
Adults (60–64)
$166.99
$189.17
$244.42
Seniors (65+)
$153.63+
$174.03+
$224.86+

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What does Medicare cover in New Brunswick?

The basic health care coverage offered under Medicare in New Brunswick includes:

  • Most medically-necessary physician services for you and your dependents
  • Insured hospital services, including laboratory, x-ray, and diagnostic services
  • Certain medically-necessary dental services if performed in an approved hospital, although these cases are rare
  • Three levels of coverage for seniors through Medavie Blue Cross (premiums apply for a maximum of $227.26/month)

If you’re outside of the country, Medicare only covers emergency physician and hospital services and services for which you’ve received prior approval. In order to get prior approval for out-of-country medical services, you’ll need a medical specialist to submit a letter to New Brunswick Medicare stating that you have a medical need for specific services only available outside of Canada. 

In the table below, we’ve outlined key areas of coverage included in New Brunswick’s Medicare coverage, along with the residents eligible for those plans. 

 
Children (0-18)
Seniors (65+)
Adults
Prescription Drugs
100% covered under the New Brunswick Drug Plans Formulary (NBDPF).
$140 monthly premium + $15 co-pay per prescription through Medavie Blue Cross Seniors' Prescription Drug Program.

Guaranteed Income Supplement seniors: no premium; $9.05 copay per prescription up to $500 per calendar year.
Income-based premiums + 30% co-pay up to a per-prescription cap; drugs must be on the NBDPF.

Social Development clients: $4 co-pay per prescription up to $250 annually.
Dental
100% of regular exams, x-rays, extractions and more for low-income families with no other public or private dental coverage through Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision.
70% of diagnostic, preventative and restorative dental services for $59.84 monthly through Medavie Blue Cross Seniors' Health Program.
Social Development clients: Exams, X-rays, dentures, repairs, and certain fillings, up to $1,000 annually.

Adults participating in Career Development Options programming are eligible for additional coverage under the Enhanced Dental Program for up to three years.
Vision
All 4-year-olds: One eye exam and, if needed, one set of corrective glasses.

Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision eligible children: 100% of annual exams, lenses and frames.
Vision care (exams, glasses) is reimbursed at 80%, up to $64 every two years (Basic, $22/mo) or $100 every two years (Enhanced, $32/mo) through Medavie Blue Cross Seniors’ Health Program.
Social Development clients: Comprehensive, follow-up, and emergency eye exams as well as corrective lenses, cases, and select frames through the Health Services Vision Program. Exams are every two years for most and one a year for those diagnosed with diabetes.
Paramedical
No coverage
80% (up to $12/visit) to a chiropractor (up to $100 combined with X-ray) and 80% (up to $16/visit) to a podiatrist (up to 5 visits/year) if paying for MBC Basic Health Benefits or 80% of visits to 6 professionals (up to $200/year per profession and $400/year combined with mental health coverage) with Enhanced Health Benefits.
No coverage
Mental health
No coverage
80% of visits to a psychologist (up to $200/year per profession and $400/year combined with paramedic coverage) if paying for MBC Enhanced Health Benefits.
No coverage
Extended health
No coverage
Diabetic supplies, hearing aids, orthotics, prosthetic limbs, ostomy supplies, respiratory devices, nursing, oxygen equipment, orthopedic shoes, accidental dental services, and semi-private or private hospital accommodations available through MBC Basic Health Benefits, Enhanced Health Benefits, and/or Hospital Benefits.
No coverage

Does New Brunswick Medicare cover ambulances?

New Brunswick Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of emergency ambulance trips. New Brunswick residents pay $130.60 per emergency trip, while non-residents face a significantly steeper $650 fee. Private insurance like PolicyMe’s Classic plan typically reimburses 100% of this fee, reducing surprise out-of-pocket costs.

How to find the best health insurance for you

We’ve recommended a few plans that may meet the needs of most New Brunswick residents, but personal health insurance is just that: personal. Every Canadian citizen has different healthcare needs, and finding the right insurance can look different for everyone. 

Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple checklist: 

  1. Review your current medical coverage: Do you know what’s covered by your provincial Medicare plan—and are you taking full advantage of any programs you’re eligible for? If you have access to a group plan through your work, are you maximizing your coverage there? 
  2. Take stock of your routine out-of-pocket medical costs. For most people in New Brunswick, this total will come close to $250/month, but you may find you’re spending more or less than that average figure on things like dental care, medical equipment, or paramedical services. 
  3. Measure your coverage gap: How much have you spent in the last year on uninsured medical services that could have been covered by a private health insurance plan? 
  4. Request health insurance quotes: Now that you know how much of your budget goes to out-of-pocket medical costs, compare some actual health insurance quotes to the size of your coverage gap. If the cost of private health insurance is significantly less than your out-of-pocket expenses, it’s likely a smart investment. ‍
  5. Don’t forget to do your research: Savings are important, but take the time to research health insurance companies before settling on the cheapest policy. Each plan offers a slightly different set of benefits, limits, and exclusions, so it’s worth it to find the one with the closest match to your actual healthcare spending. 

Now is a good time to research other types of insurance, like life insurance and critical illness coverage. You can often get a discount on a bundled policy and save money. If you’re not sure where to start, a licensed insurance advisor can help you review your options at no added cost. 

FAQ: Best health insurance in New Brunswick

R.E. specializes in making insurance accessible through clear, actionable content backed by data and created for ordinary Canadians. They have 10 years of experience in digital content creation, including 4 years of focused work in the insurance space. A published author with a background in finance journalism, R.E. earned a personal lines insurance license in 2024 to expand their ability to break down complex insurance topics for the consumers who need most to understand them.

  • 10 years of experience
  • Expertise: life insurance, health and dental insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, personal finance, finance journalism
  • Education: Bachelor of Science, Clarkson University; Master of Arts, University of Rochester

R.E. specializes in making insurance accessible through clear, actionable content backed by data and created for ordinary Canadians. They have 10 years of experience in digital content creation, including 4 years of focused work in the insurance space. A published author with a background in finance journalism, R.E. earned a personal lines insurance license in 2024 to expand their ability to break down complex insurance topics for the consumers who need most to understand them.

  • 10 years of experience
  • Expertise: life insurance, health and dental insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, personal finance, finance journalism
  • Education: Bachelor of Science, Clarkson University; Master of Arts, University of Rochester

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.