How Open Enrolment Works for Self-Employed Canadians (and Why It Matters)

Open enrolment is that golden window when anyone who qualifies can join a health plan — no health questions, no exclusions, and no employer approval required.

For most Canadians, it’s a mystery because traditional group plans are tied to your employer. But with The Industry Plan (TIP), we’ve flipped that model on its head. Our open-enrolment period runs until June 30, 2026, and it’s designed for the self-employed, freelancers, gig workers, and anyone without employer-provided benefits.

This means if you’ve ever said, “I wish I had benefits like a regular employee,” this is your moment.

👥 Who Qualifies?

Anyone under the age of 65 who isn’t covered by an employer’s group benefits plan can join TIP — including:

• Freelancers and independent contractors

• Artists, designers, and creatives

• Hospitality, tourism, and fitness professionals

• Seasonal and part-time workers

• Small-business owners and their staff

  
  

You don’t need a company group number or HR department. You can sign up directly in minutes.

💡 Why Open Enrolment Exists

Normally, health insurers limit enrolment to employees at companies that work full-time and it is the employers decision to provide these benefits — leaving millions of Canadians out.

TIP’s open enrolment changes that. It’s a chance for independent workers to join together under one umbrella plan, giving everyone access to affordable, comprehensive coverage.

Think of it like a co-op for health benefits — the more people who join, the stronger and more sustainable the coverage becomes for everyone.

🩺 What You Get When You Join

During open enrolment, you’ll receive full coverage from day one, with:

• No health questions or medical exams

• No exclusions for pre-existing conditions

• Guaranteed acceptance for all applicants under 65

You’ll enjoy access to:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage

• Digital pharmacy and telehealth features (see the Features page)

• Mental health support and critical illness benefits

• Optional extras that fit your lifestyle and work style

🔁 What Happens After June 30, 2026

After the open-enrolment window closes, new members will still be able to join — but only within 90 days of becoming newly eligible (for example, starting a new job, business, or membership through a partner association).

So if you’re self-employed or currently between jobs, it’s smart to lock in your coverage before June 30 2026.

📅 How Renewal Works

Each year on December 1, TIP goes through a collective renewal. Prices are adjusted based on the overall claims experience of everyone in the plan — not just your own. That means the community helps keep costs stable and fair for everyone.

You can learn more about renewals and pricing on our Facts page.

🌟 Why It Matters

For decades, Canada’s health insurance system left out the self-employed and the contract workforce. The Industry Plan is changing that — giving you access to the same type of comprehensive, pooled benefits that large companies enjoy.

So if you’ve been putting it off, now’s the time.Join before June 30, 2026 and get guaranteed acceptance — no health questions, no exclusions, and coverage that moves with you wherever your work takes you.

👉 Explore plans and sign up today