Regina 
A new report from the Fraser Institute suggests Canadian households are paying far more for health care than they might think, even without receiving a bill at the doctor’s office.
The study estimates that in 2025, a family of four with an average household income of $188,691 will contribute about $19,060 toward public health care through taxes. Couples with no children are expected to pay roughly $17,338, while single Canadians will contribute around $5,703. For single parents raising one child, the figure is estimated at $5,934.
Researchers say many people don’t recognize the true cost because health care is funded out of general tax revenues instead of a specific health tax. Contributions also vary by province, with some costs collected through employer health taxes or payroll deductions.
Credit: Fraser Institute
Looking at the long-term trend, the cost of health care has risen faster than many basic expenses. Since 1997, the average Canadian family’s health care bill has grown 2.2 times faster than food, and 1.6 times quicker than both housing costs and household income. Clothing, meanwhile, has become cheaper over that same period.
Nadeem Esmail, co-author of the study, said it’s important for taxpayers to understand how much they’re paying and how quickly those costs are rising in order to evaluate whether the system delivers good value and remains financially sustainable.
The Price of Public Health Care Insurance, 2025
