Can You Have Private and Public Health Insurance at the Same Time?

You can have both public and private health insurance in Canada, and many Canadians do. Public insurance is available to all eligible residents through provincial health plans. Private insurance, whether through an employer or purchased individually, is designed to supplement that coverage.

Together, these systems offer broader protection than either could provide alone. Public insurance covers essential doctor and hospital services. Private insurance helps with everyday health expenses that are not publicly funded.

How Public and Private Plans Complement Each Other

Public insurance generally covers hospital stays and medically necessary physician services. It does not include prescription medications filled at a pharmacy, routine dental visits, vision care such as eye exams or glasses, or paramedical services like physiotherapy and massage. It also excludes mental health support delivered outside of hospitals, and does not cover emergency care outside of Canada.

Private health insurance typically covers these gaps. It may include prescription drugs, dental care, vision services, counselling and psychological support, paramedical therapies, private hospital room upgrades, and travel medical coverage. By having both, you improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and gain more flexibility in your care.

Why Having Both Is Often a Smart Strategy

Having both types of coverage allows you to:

• Reduce out-of-pocket expenses for common services like prescriptions or dental visits

• Access therapy or wellness services that may not be available through public coverage

• Protect yourself during travel across provinces or internationally

• Choose how and where you receive care

Private insurance can be especially valuable if you or your family:

• Visit paramedical providers regularly

• Take medications that are not covered by public plans

• Travel often and want reliable emergency care protection

Coordinating Coverage Across Multiple Plans

If you have more than one plan, for example through your employer and a spouse, you can coordinate benefits to reduce your expenses even further. This means submitting your claim to the primary insurer first, then to the secondary plan to recover any unpaid balance.

To coordinate your coverage effectively:

• Identify the primary plan
  Usually, your own plan is primary and your spouse’s plan is secondary. For children, the plan of the parent whose birthday comes first in the calendar year is typically primary.

• Submit claims in the correct order
  Always send the claim to the primary insurer first. Once you receive a statement of benefits or reimbursement, submit the balance to the secondary plan.

• Keep documentation organized
  Include receipts, benefit statements, and any required claim forms to avoid processing delays.

• Understand reimbursement limits
  Combined, the two plans can reimburse up to 100 percent of the eligible expense, but not more.

Public and Private Together Offer Stronger Protection

Canada's public health system is a solid base, but it does not meet every health care need. Private insurance helps fill those gaps, offering more choice, broader access, and financial support for the services that matter to your well-being.

Having both types of coverage can make your health care more complete, responsive, and personalized.