Coverage targets Canadians without workplace benefits
BMO Insurance has announced the launch of BMO Health and Dental Insurance, a new product distributed by BMO Insurance Solutions Inc. and underwritten by GreenShield, a national non-profit health-care and insurance organization.
The offering, unveiled Monday, is available through the BMO Insurance Solutions Store and is designed to give individual Canadians access to coverage spanning prescription drugs, paramedical services, vision care, mental health support and dental benefits — all within a single digital platform.
Addressing a growing gap
The launch comes as private health coverage remains out of reach for many Canadians outside employer-sponsored benefit plans.
A recent GreenShield impact report found that, in 2024, 41% of Canadian adults with a diagnosed mental health disorder said their needs were only partially met or completely unmet. The problem was most acute among adults aged 18 to 34, where unmet needs reached 52%.
Separately, a GreenShield data report released in March found that 52% of Canadian employees reported experiencing mental health challenges that affected their work in 2025, contributing to higher benefits claims and productivity losses.
On the dental side, the federal government’s Canadian Dental Care Plan has expanded to cover more Canadians. As of early 2026, more than 6.3 million Canadians were enrolled in the program, which requires annual renewal to maintain uninterrupted coverage. However, a report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that millions of uninsured Canadians would remain excluded from the federal dental program because their family income exceeds eligibility thresholds.
What's included
Under the new BMO offering, plan members may access prescription drug coverage and paramedical services, including massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and dietitian services, along with vision care and dental benefits ranging from basic to major services. Orthodontic coverage is available on select plans following a waiting period.
Every plan includes up to four virtual visits with a general health-care practitioner per year, personalized virtual counselling, including individual and couples’ sessions, and emergency medical travel coverage for trips of up to 30 days.
Members will also have access to the BMOIS+ My Health & Dental Benefits app, which allows them to manage coverage, submit claims and maintain prescription records.
“By simplifying plan options and the application experience, we are helping clients make confident decisions about their health and dental coverage,” said Rohit Thomas, president and CEO of BMO Insurance.
JP Girard, executive vice-president and head of insurance at GreenShield, said the collaboration aims to reduce complexity in the coverage experience.
“This collaboration with BMO Insurance is about removing that friction, making coverage easier to understand and access, and easily connecting people to supports like virtual care and counselling,” he said.
