Insurance for Uber Drivers: Auto & Health Insurance Coverage 

Rideshare drivers need both personal and commercial car insurance in Canada. Fortunately, Uber takes care of the commercial auto insurance for their drivers. 

Beyond receiving protection while driving, you should also consider getting the proper health benefits to maintain your well-being. Here, we’ll compare health insurance plans for gig workers and explain how to purchase one that’s right for you.

Uber car insurance 

You’ll be happy to know that Uber provides commercial insurance coverage to its Uber drivers. This will safeguard you in the event that an accident occurs while fulfilling your duties using the Uber Driver app. 

Provinces

Uber drivers in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador will have a commercial insurance policy provided by Economical Insurance. 

However, those located in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba don’t need to adjust their auto insurance policies, which must be obtained through their provincial government. 

Coverage during rides

Be aware that when you drive for Uber, such as when you accept a ride, drive the passenger to their destination, and drop them off, you are eligible for $2 million in third-party liability, $2 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and loss or damage to your vehicle. Also, the passenger is protected when they’re riding in your Uber car. 

Coverage between trips

When you’re in between trips (such as waiting for the next passenger), you’re still protected, but the third-party liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection decrease to $1 million.

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Personal auto insurance 

While you receive coverage when you’re ridesharing with Uber, you still need to have your own personal auto insurance. This is one of the driver requirements when you sign up with Uber. 

That’s because Uber insurance only protects you while you’re driving for the company and its coverage has limitations. Having personal insurance will give you coverage for when you’re driving for personal reasons, such as going to a medical appointment or going to the grocery store. 

Also, you should inform your personal car insurance provider that you’re an Uber driver. You don’t want to lose protection because you misrepresented how you’ll be using your car.  

Collision and comprehensive coverage

Uber’s commercial insurance will only cover collision and comprehensive coverage if you already own it through your personal auto insurance provider. Be sure to check with them to see if you have it or need to purchase it. 

Uber driver health benefits and insurance

Even though you can rely on your province’s public healthcare program not everything is covered. That’s why you may consider buying a private health insurance plan that provides coverage for drugs, dental, vision, and medical procedures.

If you’re fortunate, you may have a family member or employer that offers a group health insurance plan. Otherwise, as a self-employed rideshare driver, you’re responsible for paying medical costs out-of-pocket that aren’t covered by the public health care system. 

Health insurance costs

Health insurance plans charge a monthly fee, called premiums. They can vary widely for individuals in Canada. Factors such as the type of plan, your age, gender, lifestyle, where you live, and the provider you choose will impact the total cost. Generally, premiums tend to be lower for younger, healthy individuals compared to those who are older and may have health conditions.

If you choose a basic plan that covers prescription medications, dental, and vision care, you can anticipate monthly fees ranging from $50 to $150 or higher. If you select an extensive plan with additional benefits, you can expect even higher premiums. 

Ways to get cheap insurance coverage for rideshare drivers 

When you’re shelling out ongoing monthly payments, you want to ensure you get sufficient coverage at the best rate. Here are some tips on how to lower your premiums:

Comparison shop: Research and get quotes from various companies to compare the cost and coverage. 
Alumni or Employer Group Rates: If you’re an alumni from a post-secondary school, check your school’s website for group alumni plans. Your employer may offer a corporate plan as well. 
Higher deductibles: You can reduce your monthly premiums by opting in to pay higher deductibles.
Credit card coverage: If you’re travelling, your credit card may offer some travel health insurance coverage. 
Focus on necessities: If you’re healthy, you may not need all the bells and whistles. Get a plan that matches your needs. You can always choose to upgrade later. 

Health insurance companies in Canada

Let’s take a look at your options for health insurance providers that offer insurance for gig workers.

Blue Cross 

Blue Cross offers comprehensive coverage. This includes prescription medication, dental care, paramedical expenses, and mental health services. You can also get travel and life insurance.

Pros: You can choose from different plans and add-ons such as critical illness insurance. It ensures lifetime insurability through Assured Access coverage. 

Cons: There’s no travel insurance for basic and mid-tier plans and limited major dental coverage. Plans will also vary by region. 

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Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) 

CAA is one of the largest not-for-profit automobile associations in Canada. They offer health insurance plans in partnership with Manulife. 

Pros: CAA provides flexible health insurance options, including mix-and-match plans for prescription and dental coverage and bundle discounts on health and dental plans. 

Cons: They don’t have an online claims submission portal. Some users have reported long wait times for dental treatment. 

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Canada Life 

Canada Life offers a range of health insurance plans covering prescription drugs, dental, and vision care, and paramedical services. They have customizable options and are suitable for those without access to employer benefits or are in need of additional coverage.

Pros: A quick 15 minute application process. Also, you can receive exclusive discounts with Rexall when you link your Be Well Rewards Card.

Cons: If you want travel medical insurance, you need to purchase it as an add-on. 

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Costco

Manulife offers Costco Health & Dental Insurance with three base plans: Starter, Essential, and Enhanced. This is deal for Costco members who will use the Costco Optical Centre or the Costco Hearing Aid Centre.

Pros: With a Starter plan, you get 90% coverage at Costco pharmacies compared to 70% at other pharmacies. All plans include basic emergency medical travel insurance for unlimited trips per year, up to $5 million. You get access to TELUS Health Virtual Care to get medical care 24/7.

Cons: You must have a Costco membership to apply. 

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Desjardins 

Desjardins provides financial and insurance products in Canada. They have two plans: Basic and Enhanced. 

Pros: You can call them for health matters, getting medical opinions from physicians, and travel assistance. You can get add ons such as critical illness insurance and disablity insurance.

Cons: To get a quote, you need to contact a local Desjardins agent. There’s no option to sign up online.  

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Group Medical Services (GMS) 

GMS provides health and medical insurance across Canada. They offer three plans: Basic, ExtendaPlan and OmniPlan. This may be a good choice for those who want customizable add-ons. 

Pros: You can easily submit claims online. They provide coverage for counselling and speech therapy along with prescription coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Cons: Vision care, medical equipment, and travel insurance are not included in the basic plan. 

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GreenShield Canada (GSC)

GreenShield is a non-profit health insurance provider that covers pre-existing conditions without requiring a medical questionnaire for basic plans. It offers affordable packages geared towards young and healthy adults.

Pros: There are high limits for paramedical services and mental health coverage. The Women’s Mental Health program provides free virtual therapy to women ages 18 or older living in Canada.

Cons: Dental insurance is not included in the basic plan, but is covered in the higher-tiered plans. 

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Manulife

Manulife is a financial and insurance provider in Canada with a global presence. It offers comprehensive plans that include access to an online portal for submitting claims. 

Pros: The Manulife Vitality rewards program gives users discounts on their plans. They offer extensive life, travel, and mortgage protection insurance policies. Their app gives you 24/7 access to healthcare professionals. 

Cons: You may need to pay higher premiums due to extensive coverage. The basic Flexcare plan does not include travel insurance or hospital benefits. 

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Sun Life 
Sunlife offers personal health insurance, critical illness insurance, long-term care insurance and disability insurance. Within the health plans, you can choose between three plans. You can get a quote online or speak to a Sun Life Advisor.
 
Pros: You can submit claims online or via their app. They reimburse for prescription medications and paramedical services. They offer a semi-private hospital room option.

Cons: Vision care and emergency medical travel protection are not included in the Basic plan. You will need to choose the Standard or Enhance plan. 

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