Health insurance is becoming one of the biggest monthly expenses for families in the US, Canada and Australia. Prices go up every year, benefits get more confusing, and most people don’t realise how much money they’re overpaying.
I recently helped one of my cousins in Toronto switch plans. The funny part?
He saved almost $148 per month simply because he compared three providers honestly instead of sticking to his old one.
The same story repeats in Sydney and California too.
So let’s break things down. No jargon. No fear tactics. Just a clean guide for 2025.
1. USA — Best Health Insurance Plans (2025)
Premiums in the US are the highest globally. But many families don’t use:
✔ HSA-friendly plans
✔ PPO comparison
✔ Subsidy eligibility
✔ Employer top-up benefits
Best US Providers (2025)
-
Blue Cross Blue Shield
-
Aetna
-
Kaiser Permanente
-
UnitedHealthcare
-
Oscar Health (growing fast among millennials)
Average Cost (Per Adult/Month)
-
Basic: $210 – $290
-
PPO: $380 – $520
-
Family: $820 – $1,500
Tip:
People overpay because they never compare deductibles. A deductible of $5,000 instead of $1,500 can cut the premium by 40%.
Canada — Best Health + Travel Medical Plans (2025)
Canada’s public system is strong but slow. Private add-on insurance is booming because people want:
✔ Shorter wait times
✔ Dental & vision coverage
✔ Travel medical insurance (mandatory for many jobs now)
Best Canadian Providers
-
Manulife Flexcare
-
Sun Life Health
-
Blue Cross
-
Green Shield Canada
-
Canada Life
Average Cost (Per Adult/Month)
-
Basic Health Add-on: $62 – $98
-
Dental + Vision: $112 – $175
-
Full Family Bundle: $135 – $270
Tip:
Young adults in Canada are saving money by choosing bundle plans instead of separate dental + prescription plans.
Australia — Best Medicare + Private Cover Plans (2025)
Australia’s system is hybrid. Medicare covers a lot, but private insurance saves you from:
✔ Long surgery wait times
✔ High dental bills
✔ Obstetrics (childbirth coverage)
✔ Ambulance fees
Top Australian Providers (2025)
-
Bupa
-
Medibank
-
HCF
-
NIB
-
ahm by Medibank
Average Cost (Per Adult/Month)
-
Hospital Cover: $105 – $135
-
Extras Cover: $38 – $62
-
Gold Family Cover: $280 – $420
