An individual plan is a health insurance policy purchased directly by a person, as opposed to coverage obtained through an employer group. Individual plans are essential for self-employed Canadians, retirees, gig workers, and anyone without access to group benefits. They can cover one person, a couple, a single parent with children, or an entire family. Individual plans come in two main varieties: underwritten (requiring medical questions, generally lower premiums and better benefits) and guaranteed-issue (no medical questions, available to anyone who meets the plan’s eligibility rules, typically higher premiums). You apply through an insurance broker or directly with the insurer, choose your coverage levels and add-ons, and pay the full premium yourself. Individual plans are portable — they stay with you regardless of job changes.