Seven in 10 (71%) uninsured Canadians reported cutting back on care, and half (52%) of insured Canadians say they’ve delayed or missed appointments for financial reasons, according to survey results PolicyMe released Tuesday.
While 78% of all Canadians have some form of dental and health coverage, the youngest and the oldest generations were the most likely to have no coverage at all. One-fifth of Gen Z and 21% of Boomers said they had no dental or health insurance.
While Gen Z is aging out of coverage from their parents’ plans and some are finding it difficult to find a job that provides employer-sponsored coverage, Boomers are transitioning from employer coverage into the individual market as they retire.
Employer-sponsored benefits are the most common, with two-fifths of Canadians covered under a workplace plan. Nearly a quarter (23%) have benefits through a partner or a parent and 11% rely on the government’s Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Affordability is a major barrier to accessing care, especially for those early in their careers. Two-thirds of Canadians aged 18-34 delayed health services, the most of any age group. This is compared to 58% of those aged 35-54.
Over half of PolicyMe customers submit a claim within the first 90 days, signalling that many sought long-delayed healthcare as soon as they were able.
Gaps in coverage
When care is available, not everything is covered. Three in 10 (29%) of Canadians had to pay over $1,000 out of pocket in the past 12 months for health or dental services, and nearly one-tenth (9%) paid over $3,000.
British Columbians spent the most on out-of-pocket health and dental-related expenses, at an annual average of $1,188, compared to Saskatchewan residents, who paid the least at $908.
Coverage gaps hit those aged 55 and over the hardest of any age group, averaging $1,321 in annual out-of-pocket spending compared to $686 for those aged 18 to 34.
Dental care was the most common (60%) out-of-pocket expense, followed by prescription drugs (55%) and vision care (54%).
As for government support, 11% of Canadians say they’re using the new Canadian Dental Care Plan, with Quebecers leaning most on the program (19%), and Albertans the least (4%).
The online survey was conducted from May 9th to May 12th, 2025, with 1,502 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French.