Health Insurance for Kids in Canada (Guide for Parents)

Between growth spurts, orthodontic treatments, and the emotional ups and downs of puberty, being a kid isn’t always as carefree as we imagine. Without the right health coverage, those everyday challenges can turn into long-term issues that follow your child into adulthood.

So how can you make sure your child gets the support they need through all of it? A good health insurance plan can help cover the gaps. Not sure where to start? You're in the right place. This guide breaks down what health insurance for kids typically covers and how to choose a plan that fits your family.

What is Health Insurance for Kids?

With easy access to social media and unhealthy food choices, raising a healthy kid in today’s world can be a challenge. While provincial and territorial healthcare plans provide basic coverage for routine doctor visits and hospitalizations, these plans haven’t caught up with the evolving needs of Canadian youth. 

Supplementary health insurance ensures your children can access the extended medical care they need as they grow. From psychological counselling to nutritional support to prevent and treat chronic diseases like diabetes, these plans cover medical services not included in provincial or territorial coverage.

By investing in health insurance for your kids, you're not just protecting their health today—you're setting them up for a healthier future.

What's Already Covered for Kids in Canada?

Before you start shopping for extra health insurance, it’s important to know what’s already included under your provincial or territorial plan. In Canada, public healthcare covers some key services, but not everything.

Here’s what’s usually covered for children through government health plans:

• Doctor visits and check-ups
• Emergency care and hospital stays
• Vaccinations and basic preventive care
• Vision screening during early childhood (in some provinces)

But there are still gaps that can catch parents off guard. These services are not typically covered unless you qualify for additional programs:

• Prescription drugs (except in some provinces like Ontario or Quebec for children under a certain age)
• Dental and orthodontics
• Eyeglasses and routine eye exams (some provinces cover eye exams)
• Mental health services like counselling or therapy (mixed)
• Speech therapy or nutrition counselling (conditional)

If your child doesn’t qualify for a low-income or provincial benefit program, you may be on the hook for these costs out of pocket. That’s where private health insurance can help fill the gaps.

Benefits of Health Insurance for Children

In Canada, our public healthcare system covers a lot of essential services, like doctor visits and hospital stays. But there are still some gaps, like prescription drugs, orthodontics, and mental health services, for example. That's where private health insurance comes in.

With this extra coverage, you won’t have to worry about unexpected medical expenses. It helps with things the public system might not cover, so your child can get the care they need without a hitch.Think of it as a way to avoid surprises. Instead of facing big bills for things like medications or dental work, your insurance can help cover those costs. Over time, the cost of this extra coverage is usually much less than what you’d pay out-of-pocket for these services.

So, by investing in health insurance for your child, you’re not just taking care of their health, you’re also keeping your finances in check.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan for Your Kids

Choosing the best health insurance plan for your kids involves more than just picking the first option that comes your way. It's about finding a plan with comprehensive coverage that meets their needs now and into the future. 

Not sure where to start? Here are two main buckets to consider when choosing a health insurance plan for your kids:

1. Coverage for Additional Needs: Ensure the plan covers medical costs that your provincial or territorial plan doesn’t, like prescription drugs, orthodontics, and mental health services.

2. Affordability: Compare premiums, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums to ensure the plan is within your budget while still offering comprehensive coverage.

Coverage Options in Health Insurance for Children

When exploring various health insurance programs for children, it's essential to ensure the plan meets your child's comprehensive health needs. Here are some key coverage options to consider:

• Specialist Visits: While Canadian provincial and territorial plans cover many essential services, they often don’t include nutrition counselling (as an example). With 25% of boys in Canada classified as obese or overweight, having coverage for specialist visits, like seeing a nutritionist, can be really beneficial for managing and improving your child’s health.
• Chronic Condition Management: It’s important to choose a plan that covers the ongoing medications and care needed for managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
• Mental Health Services:  Since up to 70% of mental health issues start during childhood or adolescence, access to mental health services is essential. Look for a plan that includes support for your child’s emotional well-being, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.

How to Purchase Health Insurance for Your Children

Purchasing a health insurance plan that provides for your children's evolving needs might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach, you can find and secure the perfect plan that fits your family's needs and budget. Here's a simple step-by-step process to get a quote with PolicyMe:

1. Share some quick details
Tell us a bit about your child’s age and coverage needs. This helps us show plans that fit your situation and budget.

2. Review and compare
You’ll get a quote in under a minute. From there, compare plans with different coverage options and price points so you can choose what fits best.

3. Apply online or with support
Once you’ve picked a plan, apply in just a few minutes online. Prefer to talk it through? Our licensed advisors are happy to help by phone.

Summary: Health Insurance for Kids

Frequently Asked Questions