An add-on is an additional coverage option that can be attached to a base insurance plan to extend or enhance benefits. The term is often used interchangeably with rider, though some insurers distinguish between the two — a rider might modify existing coverage terms, while an add-on provides an entirely new benefit category. Common add-ons in Canadian individual health insurance include dental coverage, vision coverage, travel medical coverage, critical illness protection, and health spending accounts. Add-ons are priced separately from the base plan, and selecting them increases your total premium. They provide flexibility to build a plan that matches your personal health needs and budget without paying for a higher-tier plan that includes benefits you may not need.