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 everyone, 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.