No Benefits? How to Pay for Health Care as a Gig, Contract or Self-Employed Worker

If you freelance, drive for an app, work contracts or run your own business, there may be no benefits plan behind you. When something hurts, the full price comes out of your own pocket. These steps can help.

1. Look at individual and group options

• Individual health and dental plans. Several Canadian insurers sell plans to individuals. Compare what they cover, the waiting periods and the cost.
• Association and professional-group plans. Some trade groups, chambers of commerce and professional associations offer group plans to members.
• Ask a broker. An independent broker can compare plans at no cost to you.

Read the details. Individual plans often have waiting periods, annual limits and exclusions for existing conditions.

2. Check your tax situation

• Medical expense tax credit. Eligible out-of-pocket costs can reduce your tax. Keep every receipt.
• Self-employed deductions. If you are self-employed and buy an eligible private health services plan, you may be able to deduct the premiums under specific rules. Ask an accountant to confirm what applies to you.

3. Set aside a small health fund

Even $25 to $50 a month in a separate account helps with surprise costs. Think of it as your own mini benefits plan.

4. Ask for lower fees

Reduced-fee and sliding-scale options exist. Ask directly, using our scripts. Mention that you are paying out of pocket, since some clinics offer self-pay rates.

5. Use public and lower-cost programs

• Dental: the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers eligible people without private dental coverage and with family income under the program limit. Check the federal site for current rules.
• Teaching clinics for dental, eye care, chiropractic and therapy.
• Community health centres and free programs such as Ontario Structured Psychotherapy where eligible.

6. Prioritize

You may not afford everything. Common ways to decide:

1. Urgent or painful problems first
2. Care that prevents bigger bills later, such as dental cleanings
3. Care where a few visits and home exercises can solve the problem

7. Keep records

Save receipts and note which provider and service each one covers. You will need them at tax time.

Speak up about price

Getting care without benefits is more common than people admit. Asking a provider “what is the cash price?” is normal.

Find a verified provider in your budget. Search by city, service and price at AffordableHealth.ca. It is free for patients.

This article is general information, not insurance or financial advice. Your own plan’s terms decide what is covered. Check with your insurer or plan administrator.

This article is general information, not tax advice. Rules, amounts and eligibility change and depend on your situation. Check the Canada Revenue Agency (or Revenu Québec) or talk to a tax professional before you file.