PHI/HCC and the CDCP

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provides dental care coverage to Canadian residents who have an adjusted family net income below $90,000 and who don’t have access to dental insurance.

Personal Health Insurance  (PHI) and Health Coverage Choice  (HCC) are individual insurance plans with optional or built-in dental coverage. If a Client has dental coverage as part of their PHI or HCC plan, they’re not eligible to apply for the CDCP while that dental coverage is in effect.

What the CDCP means for Clients with in-force PHI or HCC plans with optional or built-in dental coverage

  • If a Client currently has dental coverage with a PHI or HCC plan, and could be eligible for the CDCP without that coverage, they should consider their individual needs carefully.
  • If a Client would like to remove the optional or built-in dental coverage from their PHI or HCC plan, inform them that once they remove the dental portion they cannot add it back in to the plan, even if their eligibility for the CDCP changes. Clients should also note that there may be a co-payment required with the CDCP. 

        For Clients insured under policy number 37000:

  • To obtain a quote for an in-force Client for the premium of the PHI or HCC plan without dental, contact the Personal Health Administration team at Perhlth@sunlife.com. It may take up to five business days to receive a quote. 
  • To remove the optional or built-in dental coverage from a PHI or HCC plan, submit Form 4366 – Remove optional benefit. As of October 21, 2024, Clients can also call 1-800-SUN-LIFE directly to remove the benefit.

        For Clients insured under a policy number other than 37000: 

  • Advise them to consider their individual needs carefully.
  • Direct them to the Client Care Centre’s member maintenance area at
    1 -800-669-7921 for assistance.  

What the CDCP means for Clients applying for new PHI or HCC plans

  • If a Client is considering applying for a new PHI or HCC plan, they should consider their individual needs carefully.
  • Depending on the Client’s immediate needs as well as their current or potential future eligibility for the CDCP, our plans provide the following options:
    • PHI – Basic plan with built-in dental coverage.
    • PHI – Standard and Enhanced plans with optional dental coverage.
    • HCC – Health Coverage Choice A plan with built-in dental coverage.
    • HCC – Health Coverage Choice B and Health Coverage Choice C plans with optional dental coverage.