Trends and directions in Canadian health care, dental care and disability

Healthcare cost trends remain high, while dental and LTD trends decline

Pressure on healthcare costs continue for supplies and services, reflecting high utilization and plan design changes. Dental care cost trends reduced as provincial fee guide increases reverted back toward historical values.

• Drugs +6.4% (from +5.4%)
• Other healthcare +11.4% (from +12.6%)
• Dental care +4.9% (from +6.7%)
• LTD +1.5% (from +4.9%)

Healthcare cost increases are at the highest point in nearly two decades.

Overall healthcare

(Drugs and other healthcare)

+8.5% (same as 2024 results)

Average 2024 per capita cost continues to vary widely across organizations, reflecting differences in plan design, utilization and coverage levels.

• Drugs $1,302
• Other healthcare $960
• Dental care $1,173
• LTD $1,286

Mental health practitioner services continue to show the highest paramedical trend, with costs more than doubling since 2021 — driven by increased utilization and expanded coverage.

Overall healthcare

(Drugs and other healthcare)

$2,262