A new survey shows 56% of Canadians are skipping or delaying health care due to costs, especially dental care. Experts highlight insurance gaps and access issues.
Canadians Delay Health Services Amid Rising Financial Pressure
More than half of Canadians are putting off health appointments due to rising costs, with dental care being the most skipped, according to a new national survey. Conducted by digital insurer PolicyMe in partnership with the Angus Reid Institute, the findings were released on Tuesday and reflect growing concerns over affordability and access in Canada’s healthcare system.
Dental Visits Top List of Skipped Health Services
The survey, carried out online between May 9 and 12 among 1,500 Canadian adults, found that 35% had skipped or reduced dental visits. In total, 56% reported delaying some form of health care due to financial constraints. Dental care emerged as the most commonly delayed service, despite its critical role in overall health.
Younger Adults Hit Hardest by Costs
Young Canadians aged 18 to 34 were the most affected demographic, with 66% reporting they had postponed health appointments. For those aged 35 to 54, the number dropped slightly to 58%. Even among seniors aged 55 and up, 47% admitted to delaying care. Experts attribute the trend among youth to lower prioritization of health needs and limited access to employer benefits.
Lack of Insurance Drives Delays and Out-of-Pocket Spending
Cost remains the biggest barrier to care. Nearly 60% of dental costs in Canada are covered through private insurance, leaving many Canadians to pay significant out-of-pocket expenses. About 20% of Gen Z and 21% of baby boomers surveyed said they lacked any insurance coverage, whether from an employer or retirement plan. With rising gig work and limited benefits for new workers, more Canadians are falling through the cracks.
Real-Life Impact of Delayed Care
Toronto resident Verlaj Bains, 27, experienced tooth sensitivity but couldn’t afford the $3,000 cost of treatment despite partial coverage. “I did not have that money,” he said. Like many others, he now awaits eligibility under the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which launched this week for adults aged 18 to 64 without existing insurance.
Canadian Dental Care Plan Expands Coverage Nationwide
The federal government’s CDCP now covers all eligible adults without other insurance, aiming to assist up to nine million Canadians. So far, four million have been approved. However, experts like Dr. Paul Allison of McGill University note that middle-income earners may still struggle with affordability if they don’t meet income thresholds for coverage.
Wider Economic Concerns and Systemic Gaps
Beyond affordability, geographic access and appointment wait times also challenge Canadians. The survey found that 71% of uninsured Canadians have cut back on care, and even 52% of those with insurance delayed services due to cost. Concern about losing employer-provided insurance amid economic uncertainty is especially high in British Columbia, where 36% fear coverage reductions.
Looking Ahead: A Need for Holistic Reform
With rising healthcare costs and changing work patterns, Canada faces a widening gap in access to essential services. Experts urge policymakers to consider not just public coverage like the CDCP but also structural reforms to improve accessibility, affordability, and preventive care for all Canadians.
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