Health insurance comes in many forms and can be purchased individually or through a business as part of an employee benefits plan. These policies are designed to help cover a wide range of medical and dental expenses that are not included under provincial healthcare programs.
At Aram Insurance, we help individuals, families, and business owners find health coverage that fills those gaps—so unexpected healthcare costs don’t become a financial burden.
Individual Coverage
Every Canadian is likely to face unexpected healthcare expenses at some point. When it comes to health and dental costs, you don’t always have to pay out of pocket. Individual health insurance plans are designed to help offset these expenses and typically focus on three core areas:
- Health
- Dental
- Vision Care
While each insurance company structures its plans differently, most individual health policies include coverage for:
- Prescription Medications
- Dental Services
- Vision Care
- Paramedical Services
- Travel Coverage
Prescription Medications
Prescription drug coverage usually provides reimbursement up to a set annual maximum and at a specified percentage. This helps reduce the cost of essential medications. Insurers also outline whether they cover brand-name drugs, generic alternatives, or both.
Dental Coverage
Dental insurance helps pay for a broad range of services, including:
- Preventive care such as cleanings and exams
- Restorative treatments like fillings and root canals
- Orthodontic services such as braces
- Major procedures including crowns and bridges
Many plans apply annual limits, waiting periods, or maximums—particularly for orthodontics and major dental work. Reviewing these details is important when selecting coverage.
Vision Coverage
Some health and dental plans include benefits for vision care, such as eye exams, prescription glasses or contact lenses, and in some cases corrective procedures like LASIK. Vision coverage supports long-term eye health and helps manage routine vision needs.
Paramedical Services Coverage
Many policies provide coverage for services offered by licensed healthcare professionals, including:
- Physiotherapists
- Chiropractors
- Registered Massage Therapists
- Psychologists
- Dietitians
These benefits can assist with injury recovery, chronic condition management, and overall wellness.
Travel Coverage
Most individual health plans include emergency travel medical insurance for trips outside Canada. Coverage commonly provides:
- Up to 30 days per trip
- As much as $5,000,000 in emergency medical benefits
Travel insurance typically reimburses costs related to medical treatment, hospitalization, emergency transportation, and other medical expenses while abroad. For longer trips or higher-risk travel, specialized travel insurance policies may be more appropriate.
Coverage for Business Owners and Small Teams
Individual plans are different from employee benefit programs. While many core coverages remain similar, group plans for businesses can often be customized more extensively.
An important point to remember: Health and Dental plans can be set up for as little as one employee and may be treated as a tax-deductible business expense.
This means that if you are self-employed, there is a strong possibility you can secure coverage for yourself and your family while benefiting from potential tax advantages.
Final Thoughts
Health and Dental Insurance provides valuable financial protection for expenses not covered by government healthcare systems. From prescription drugs and dental care to vision services and travel protection, these plans help individuals and families access essential healthcare while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.
It’s important to carefully review coverage limits, waiting periods, and exclusions before choosing a policy.
For more information or personalized guidance, contact Aram Insurance—our advisors would be happy to help you explore your health insurance options and find the right fit for your needs.