Is Private Health Insurance Worth It in Saskatchewan?

Many people in Saskatchewan rely on the province’s public health care system for their medical needs. At the same time, private health insurance raises questions for those looking to understand their coverage options.

Understanding what the public system offers and where there may be gaps is a good starting point for anyone considering private insurance. The following section outlines what is included—and not included—under public health care in Saskatchewan.

 

Key Takeaways: Is Private Health Insurance Worth It in Saskatchewan?

• Saskatchewan’s public plan covers doctors and hospitals, but not most prescriptions, dental, vision, ambulance or out-of-province/Canada emergencies. Private health insurance in Saskatchewan, like Saskatchewan Blue Cross’ Blue Choice® or the Retiree Personal Health Plan, fills those gaps with predictable costs. Travel emergency medical coverage is available as an optional add-on with Blue Choice, delivering real value for families, so you can tailor protection to your needs.

What Does Public Health Care Cover In Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s provincial health plan covers many essential health services at no direct cost when you show a valid Saskatchewan Health Card, including medically necessary physician visits, hospital care, surgeries and diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays and lab work). Registering for a Saskatchewan Health Card is required to access services.

Services covered by public health care include:

• Doctor visits: Family physician and specialist appointments
• Hospital stays: Emergency room visits and inpatient care
• Surgeries: Medically necessary procedures performed in hospitals
• Diagnostic tests: X-rays, blood work and other essential medical tests
• Some immunizations: Routine vaccines as part of public health programs

Services not covered by public health care include:

• Prescription drugs: Not covered for most residents outside special programs.
• Dental care: Routine exams, cleanings, fillings and most dental work are not covered (hospital-based dental surgery only when medically necessary)
• Vision care: Eye exams for adults 18–64 and eyewear are not covered; annual exams are covered for children and for adults with Type 1/2 diabetes
• Paramedical services: Physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy and similar services are not covered unless delivered in a publicly funded setting
• Ambulance: Ground ambulance trips have resident fees (typically $245–$325 per call; $135 cap for eligible seniors); air ambulance $465 per trip plus associated ground ambulance charges
• Private/semi-private rooms: Not covered. 

These gaps are where private health insurance fits and can be worth it: private health plans help pay for the everyday things the provincial plan doesn’t. Prescriptions, dental, vision, ambulance, paramedical and can include travel emergency medical protection for trips outside Saskatchewan and Canada. This spreads costs over predictable premiums and protects against surprise bills. See our tips on choosing the right plan.

How Much Is Health Insurance In Canada, And Why It Matters In Saskatchewan

Private health insurance in Canada typically costs between $60 and $150+ per month for an individual. The exact amount depends on factors like age, health status, coverage level, and the insurance provider.

In Saskatchewan, monthly premiums vary depending on the plan selected. Medically underwritten plans (where pricing considers your health history) often cost less for healthy individuals, while Guaranteed Acceptance plans (no health questions required) have set pricing regardless of health status.

Factors that influence health insurance costs in Saskatchewan:

• Age: Older applicants generally pay higher premiums
• Coverage level: More comprehensive plans cost more
• Family size: Family plans cover multiple people and therefore cost more than individual coverage
• Health status: May affect pricing for medically underwritten plans

The cost varies significantly between demographics, with single individuals typically paying less than couples or families for the same level of coverage.

Which Services Are Typically Included Under Private Plans

Private health insurance plans in Saskatchewan generally focus on three main coverage areas that complement the public health system.

Dental And Vision Coverage

Most private plans help with routine dental care (checkups, cleanings, fillings) and offer an allowance for vision (eye exams and eyewear). Market reimbursement and waiting periods vary by benefits provider; always review the plan’s coverage details for exact percentages and any waiting periods on both minor and major dental.

Major dental work, such as crowns, bridges and dentures, often requires waiting periods of 6-12 months before coverage begins. These procedures typically receive lower reimbursement rates, around 50-60% of costs.

Vision coverage commonly includes eye examinations (usually once every 1-2 years) and contributes toward glasses or contact lenses up to a set annual amount, often $100-300 annually.

Prescription Drug Benefits

Private drug plans help cover prescription medications not included under Saskatchewan’s public programs. Each plan maintains a formulary—a list of covered drugs—and may organize medications into coverage tiers with varying reimbursement levels.

Saskatchewan offers the Special Support Program for residents with high drug costs, but private insurance can fill gaps for medications and dosages not covered publicly. Private plans typically include copays (fixed amounts per prescription) or coinsurance (percentage of drug cost) that patients pay.

Coverage levels vary widely. Some plans reimburse 70% of eligible costs up to $1,000 annually, while others may cover 80% up to $3,000 or more per year.

Paramedical And Mental Health Support

Paramedical coverage includes services like physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture. Plans typically set annual maximums for each type of practitioner, commonly ranging from $300-500 per year per service.

Mental health support has become more prevalent in private plans, often covering psychologist or counsellor visits up to annual limits of $500-$1500. Some plans also include coverage for other mental health professionals like social workers or counsellors.

All Saskatchewan Blue Cross personal health plans include mental health support for members, in collaboration with Homewood Health through the Individual Assistance Program (IAP). This coverage provides access to a variety of mental health and wellness supports. Homewood Health’s IAP provides confidential, professional services for a broad range of personal and family challenges by telephone or online.

When Private Insurance Can Save You Money

Frequent Medical Needs

People with ongoing prescription requirements often find private insurance valuable. Someone spending $150 monthly on medications ($1,800 annually) might pay $1,200 in premiums plus $300 in copays, saving approximately $300 per year.

Chronic conditions requiring regular paramedical care also create savings opportunities. Ten physiotherapy sessions at $80 each cost $800 out-of-pocket, but with 80% insurance coverage, the patient pays only $160 plus their premium costs.

Important consideration: Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies significantly between plans. Some provide immediate coverage, others impose waiting periods, and some exclude pre-existing conditions entirely.

Ground ambulance services, which aren’t fully covered by Saskatchewan’s public system, can cost hundreds of dollars per trip. Many private plans reimburse these emergency transportation costs.

Dental And Vision Expenses

With a personal health plan like Blue Choice, you’ll typically see 75% coverage for basic dental (think exams, x-rays, fillings, and cleanings) and $150 toward prescription eyewear. That reduces common out-of-pocket costs—so routine care like a cleaning or a new pair of glasses is easier on your budget.

Common Drawbacks Or Limitations To Know

Private health insurance includes several limitations that affect coverage value and accessibility.

Annual maximums cap the amount claimable per year for specific services. Dental coverage might max out at $1,000 annually, while paramedical services often have $500-750 yearly limits.

Waiting periods apply to many services, particularly major dental work and orthodontics. These periods can be anywhere from 3 months to two years, meaning coverage doesn’t begin until after continuous policy ownership for the specified time. It’s important to check policy details to confirm these timelines.

Coverage exclusions eliminate certain services from reimbursement. Cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments and some pre-existing conditions commonly fall outside coverage boundaries.

Pre-existing condition limitations vary by plan type. Guaranteed Acceptance plans typically cover these conditions, while medically underwritten plans may exclude them or impose ratings.

How To Decide If Coverage Is Right For You

1. Evaluate Your Current Health Needs

Track your annual spending on services not covered by public health care. This includes prescriptions, dental visits, eye exams, and paramedical treatments like physiotherapy or massage therapy.

Key questions to consider:

• Annual expenses: How much did you spend on dental, vision, and prescriptions last year?
• Ongoing needs: Does anyone in your family require regular medical services?
• Upcoming expenses: Are major dental procedures or new glasses needed soon?
• Risk tolerance: How comfortable are you with unexpected medical bills?

2. Check Your Budget And Savings

Calculate whether annual premium costs plus out-of-pocket expenses total less than your expected health care spending without insurance.

Expected annual health expenses − (Annual premiums + out-of-pocket costs) = Potential savings (or costs)

Consider whether you maintain an emergency fund capable of covering unexpected health expenses versus paying regular monthly premiums for coverage.

3. Compare Plan Options

Plans differ significantly in covered services, annual maximums, exclusions, and premium costs. Focus on plans that emphasize the services you use most—strong dental coverage if you have ongoing dental needs, or robust drug coverage for regular prescriptions.

Compare multiple plan types, including both medically underwritten and Guaranteed Acceptance options, to find the best fit for your situation and budget.

Final Thoughts For Saskatchewan Residents

Private health insurance can provide value for people with regular health expenses not covered by the public system or those seeking financial protection against unexpected medical costs. The decision depends on individual health needs, budget constraints, and comfort level with financial risk.

Saskatchewan residents can choose flexible coverage that complements the provincial plan. To explore options:

• Blue Choice® Personal Health Plan, which includes 20 core benefits, customizable drug, dental and travel options. 
• Retiree Personal Health Plan (50+), which includes 36 permutations of health, built-in travel, and drug coverage with Guaranteed Acceptance if coverage begins within 90 days of group benefits ending. 
• All personal plans include Virtual Care and an Individual Assistance Program for mental-wellness support.

Understanding what services you actually use, your risk tolerance for unexpected expenses and comparing those costs to insurance premiums helps determine whether private coverage makes financial sense for your situation. More information about available plans can be found at Saskatchewan Blue Cross.

FAQs About Private Health Insurance In Saskatchewan

Can private health insurance work alongside my employer group plan?

Individual private health insurance can supplement workplace group coverage by filling gaps in services or extending benefits beyond group plan limits, though coordination of benefits rules may apply.

Does private health insurance cover medical emergencies while travelling outside Saskatchewan?

Some plans include travel emergency medical coverage, but others might require travel protection to be purchased as an add-on. Saskatchewan’s public plan provides limited out-of-province/out-of-Canada coverage, so private travel protection is strongly recommended for trips.

How do private health insurance plans handle pre-existing medical conditions?

It depends on the plan type and policy wording. Some plans require stability periods or impose exclusions; “guaranteed acceptance” generally avoids medical questionnaires but may still apply condition-specific rules. Always review the policy. 

What determines the right level of health insurance coverage for my family?

The appropriate coverage level depends on your family’s typical healthcare usage patterns, monthly budget for premiums, and willingness to pay higher out-of-pocket costs for lower premiums.