Originally Posted by Aviator

Provincial is mandatory. Extended optional, some employers offer it as a benefit. If you pay full premium, can be quite expensive. If you make a claim, next year premium goes up. My buddy is paying $3600 a year for a family of 4.

Originally Posted by Dashie

Provincial health insurance (which is paid through taxes) covers a lot, but will vary by province. Your best bet there would be to look up the provincial health ministry for the province you are thinking of moving to. Some employers also provide extended health coverage for things like dental, physio, but again that will depend on the individual employer.

Originally Posted by expatdoris

Thanks, I have just read the wiki on health and Dental for alberta, it covers quite a lot. Answered my queston and thanks I will look for more on the province site.

Originally Posted by johnjessi

There are also supplemental low cost dental plans

which will cover certain expenses that normal individual health insurance does not cover, for example something such as having cancer treatments. Just as in any other industry that is competitive, insurance rates and prices can vary quite widely from different companies. Therefore it is important to compare rates and different types of policies that are offered.