Group health insurance is a type of insurance coverage purchased by a company as part of their overall employee benefits package. It provides healthcare cover for employees and their dependents, providing peace of mind and support when they need it most.
It is cheaper than personal insurance because the risk to the insurance provider is distributed across multiple policyholders. The employer usually pays part of the insurance premiums, negotiates the terms of the plan, and determines its scope. In Canada, group insurance helps supplement provincial health insurance and pays for medical expenses not covered by it.
Offering group insurance is the best way to promote a healthy workforce, reduce absenteeism, and show employees how much you care about their well-being.
As a business owner, it is good to know the advantages of offering group insurance as a benefit to your employees.
Employer chooses a plan and insurer: The employer selects an insurance carrier and either chooses a pre-designed health plan or customizes one for employees.
Employee Enrollment: Once the plan is finalized, employees are encouraged to enroll themselves; insurers typically require at least 70% participation, and dependents can often be added at no extra cost.
Pay Premiums: Premiums are typically shared between employers and employees, with the employer paying the insurer directly and deducting the employee’s contribution through payroll.
Employee Usage: Once the policy begins, covered individuals can file claims for eligible medical expenses.
Annual Renewal: Every year, employers have to renew their group health insurance plans, and premium rates may change based on insurer’s assessments.
While every group benefits plan is unique, the average plan typically covers:
Prices for group health insurance plans vary greatly depending on many factors, including package type, business type, and number of employees.
70% coverage on prescription drugs
$250 coverage at health practitioners
$250 coverage at counselling services
$60 coverage for eye exams per covered person
Up to $5 million travel medical insurance per person per covered trip
Sample quotes based on an average small business. Actual cost and coverage will vary depending on the circumstance.
Group Life Insurance
Group life insurance provides a lump sum to an employee’s family if they pass away, offering financial security. Employers often cover part or all of the cost, and policies typically require no medical exams, making coverage accessible even for those with pre-existing conditions.
If an employee is unable to work due to injury or illness, group disability insurance provides temporary financial help in the form of regular salary payments. A disabled employee is paid a percentage of their pre-disability salary until the payout term expires or they return to work.
Some insurers let you package critical illness with another insurance product, like life insurance. If an employee is diagnosed with a serious disease, critical illness provides a one-time monetary reward. You can offer group critical illness insurance as a separate benefit or as part of a group life insurance policy.
Group Health Insurance
Group health insurance helps employees cover medical costs that their provincial health plans may not pay for, including, but not limited to, hospital, dental, vision, certain prescription drugs, ambulance and paramedical services.
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage offers financial assistance if tragedy strikes. It pays a lump-sum amount if an employee dies or suffers a loss of limbs or senses due to an accidental injury.
An HSA provides tax-free health and dental benefits with a set dollar limit, covering medical expenses for employees and their dependents. Employers can deduct contributions, and employees receive reimbursements tax-free.
If an employee or his or her dependents face issues related to mental health, this program gives them access to short-term counseling.