Retirees and youngest adults likely to be hardest hit according to new report
When money is tight, cutting back on entertainment or shopping for clothes might be necessary, but health checks and treatments should still be a priority. However, for millions of Canadians, that’s a struggle.
The cost of healthcare appointments has led to 56% of respondents to a new survey delaying appointments or even giving up on them altogether. And while this is higher among those without insurance (71%) more than half (52%) of those who are insured have also put off seeing a medical professional, delayed filling a prescription, or skipped other healthcare.
The new survey from PolicyMe and Angus Reid reveals that dental care is the most commonly delayed service (35%) followed by vision care (28%), physiotherapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic care (24%), and mental health services (21%).
It also highlights the specific challenge for younger adults who are often transitioning from their parents’ insurance coverage and may not find that their employer has a plan. Two thirds of 18-34s say they have delayed a health appointment compared to 58% of those aged 35-54, and 47% of over 55s.
Although almost eight in ten respondents have some form of health and dental insurance coverage, over 55s are most likely to say they are uninsured (21%) often as the result of leaving employment and workplace coverage, but Gen Zs are not far behind (20%) as they are take control of their own insurance.
For those Canadians who have not delayed treatment the 2025 Insurance Access and Affordability Study shows that 29% of Canadians had to pay over $1000 out of pocket in the past 12 months for health or dental-related services, and 9% paid over $3000. Coverage gaps among over 55s means this cohort typically paid more on out-of-pocket expenses, averaging $1,321 in annual spending, compared to only $686 for ages 18-34.
Dental followed by prescription drugs and vision care are the most common out-of-pocket expenses incurred.
Employer-sponsored benefits remain the most common form of coverage, with 40% of Canadians relying on a workplace plan, 23% are covered through their spouse, partner or parent, and 11% are using the new CDCP.
However, PolicyMe says the rise in self-employment has led to an increase in freelancers, gig workers, or small business owners who don't qualify for employer benefits, having no insurance at all.
