Health insurance with pre-existing conditions

Complete guide to medical underwriting in Canada 

If you're living with a condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma, getting the right health coverage matters. Here's what you need to know about medical underwriting and your options in Canada.

Why individual insurance matters 

Provincial health plans cover the basics - doctor visits, hospital care and some prescriptions. But many day-to-day essentials aren't included - things like dental checkups, glasses, physiotherapy and mental health support.
Individual health insurance fills those gaps. It works alongside your provincial plan to cover routine care and unexpected events - designed to be accessible even if you're living with a medical condition. 

What it means to have a pre-existing medical condition 

A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you had before applying for insurance - like asthma, diabetes, depression or high blood pressure. Insurance providers ask about these details through a process called medical underwriting for plans such as Complete Health. 

Insurance providers assess these details through a process called medical underwriting. This evaluation determines:

• Your eligibility for coverage
• Whether any benefits should be excluded from your policy
• How much you'll pay in premiums

It doesn't automatically mean denial. There are still ways to get insured, even if your health history isn't perfect.

Guaranteed Acceptance Plan 

If you’d rather skip the medical questions altogether, Guaranteed Acceptance coverage could be your best bet. There’s no medical exam, simply apply and start using your benefits right away. Keep in mind that a 6-month waiting period applies for dental care, vision care, and hearing aids. 

This plan is built for people who might otherwise be turned down or face extra requirements because of their medical history. While the cost can vary and sometimes start with lower limits, it still covers the essentials like prescription drugs, vision and dental care, paramedical services (like physiotherapy, chiropractic, and massage), and optional travel coverage for when you’re away from home.  

No matter your situation, our Guaranteed Acceptance plan is a simple solution that helps protect your health and cover your everyday medical expenses. 

Retiree Plan 

If you're retiring or moving into consulting and losing your group benefits, the Retiree Plan offers a stress-free way to stay protected. No medical underwriting required - simply convert your coverage within 60 days and you're in. Pre-existing conditions are covered when the conversion is completed within that window.

Designed for individuals aged 50 and over, this plan covers prescription drugs, vision and dental care, paramedical services and more.
The Retiree Plan gives you a reliable way to keep your coverage in place as your career evolves.

Health coverage tailored to your needs 

When you have the right plan in place, you can focus on living life to the fullest. With Blue Cross Health®, you can get coverage that adapts to your needs so you can stay focused on the things that matter most.