What health insurance do I need after retirement in Canada?

Personal health insurance for retirees: Essential coverage when you leave your employer plan

Retirement marks the start of a great new chapter in life. One with more time for travel, hobbies, and the people you love. Whether you’re wrapping up your working days entirely or shifting to part-time work, there’s an important detail to take care of on your checklist: your health insurance coverage once your employer plan ends. 

In Canada, most group health benefits end the day you retire, so without a new individual health insurance plan ready to go, you could end up paying for services you’ve relied on for years. Planning ahead can help you protect your health and your budget, so you can really kick back and enjoy this next phase.

What changes when you retire

Group health insurance is a great benefit to have, but since it’s tied to your job, it’s good to know what you’re covered for once you leave. The first step is to understand exactly what your provincial health plan covers, and what it doesn’t. Provincial plans cover essentials like doctor visits, hospital care, and some prescription drugs (this varies by province so check your provncial plan for details). However, they don’t cover most dental care, vision care, or services like massage therapy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care.

That’s why a personal health insurance plan can be a real game-changer, helping you maintain coverage for the everyday care and unexpected expenses that aren’t included in your provincial plan.

Start planning ahead
The best time to start thinking about your post-retirement health coverage is about 12 months before you leave your job. That gives you enough time to understand your needs, budget for premiums, and be aware of any enrollment windows.

If you apply within 60 days of your employer coverage ending, you can often avoid medical underwriting. That means no health questionnaires or exams, and coverage for pre-existing conditions that might otherwise be excluded. However, waiting too long could result in a waiting period, medical underwriting, or even denied coverage.

When thinking about your needs and your budget, it’s best to think about the benefits you use most. Do you take prescription medications regularly? Do you need new glasses or contact lenses every year or two? Do you see physiotherapists, massage therapists, or other specialists?

Dental care is another big consideration. While government programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan offer coverage for some people based on their income, it doesn’t replace comprehensive dental benefits.

Personal health insurance can help cover these expenses, so they don’t derail your retirement budget. It’s also worth considering the confidence that comes from knowing you’ll have coverage if your health changes in the future.

How Blue Cross Health® can help

Whether you're retiring or transitioning into a consulting career, there are three plan options designed to meet a variety of needs:

• Retiree Plan – A practical solution for individuals aged 50 and over who are losing their group health coverage. This plan allows them to obtain health insurance without undergoing medical underwriting, provided the conversion takes place within 60 days of losing group benefits. It offers a convenient and stress-free way to maintain continuous health coverage—now and into the future.
• Complete Health Plan – Ideal for healthy individuals seeking comprehensive coverage. This plan lets you customize your level of coverage, add benefits that matter most to you, and adjust them as your needs change. It offers flexibility and control, helping you stay well-protected every day.
• Guaranteed Acceptance Plan – Designed for individuals with pre-existing conditions, this plan provides access to essential health coverage without the need for medical underwriting. It offers reliable coverage for those who may not qualify for traditional plans.

Retirement is meant to be enjoyed, not spent worrying about things like medical bills. By planning early and choosing the right individual health insurance plan, you can protect your health, safeguard your finances, and make the most of the years ahead.

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