How many employees do I need to get group benefits in Ontario?

Most group benefits carriers in Ontario will issue a plan for groups of 2–3 enrolled employees, provided all eligible employees are enrolled. Some carriers offer simplified issue plans for very small groups (2–5 employees) that require no medical underwriting. As a small business owner, you can also include yourself and any family members employed in the business. BrokerUnion works with carriers that specialize in small group plans, making coverage accessible for businesses with as few as 2 employees.

Are Ontario employers required to continue group benefits during parental leave?

Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), if a group benefits plan was in place before an employee began a pregnancy or parental leave, the employer must continue to pay their share of the premiums during the leave — provided the employee continues to pay their share. Discontinuing employer-paid benefits during an ESA-protected leave is a violation of the ESA and can result in a Ministry of Labour complaint.

Can a sole proprietor or self-employed person get group benefits in Ontario?

Yes. Self-employed Ontarians have several options: a sole proprietor group benefits plan (where you are the only member, available from select carriers), a Health Spending Account (HSA) that allows you to claim health expenses as a business expense, or individual health and dental insurance. BrokerUnion's advisors compare all available options for self-employed clients across Ontario.

Group Benefits

Group Benefits for Small Businesses in Ontario

Q: How much do group benefits cost per employee in Ontario?

Basic health and dental coverage for an Ontario employee (no dependants) runs approximately $80–$180/month per person. Family coverage runs $250–$450/month per family. Adding disability insurance typically adds $30–$80/month per employee. A group of 5 employees with single coverage and basic health and dental can expect $400–$900/month total. BrokerUnion compares quotes across multiple carriers annually to ensure you always receive competitive rates.

BrokerUnion Insurance helps Ontario small business owners build practical group benefits plans that support employees, encourage retention and round out a competitive compensation package. Whether you have 2 employees or a growing team, our LLQP-licensed advisors compare options from leading Canadian carriers including Sun Life, Manulife, Blue Cross and other trusted providers.

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Coverage

What group benefits can include

Group benefits plans are modular. You can mix several of the following coverages to suit your team and your budget.

Health benefits

Paramedical services, specialists and extended health coverage.

Prescription drug coverage

Formulary or open drug plans with cost management options.

Dental care

Preventive, basic, major and orthodontic coverage options.

Vision care

Eye exams, lenses, frames and contact lens allowances.

Life insurance

Group life coverage for employees, with optional dependant coverage.

Accidental death and dismemberment

Additional protection for accidental injury or death.

Short and long term disability

Income replacement when employees cannot work due to illness or injury.

Critical illness

Lump sum coverage for a defined list of serious diagnoses.

Employee assistance programs

Confidential support for personal, family and workplace concerns.

Health spending accounts

Flexible, tax effective dollars employees can apply to eligible health and dental expenses.

Wellness and mental health supports

Virtual care, therapy access and broader wellness resources.

Who this is for

Ontario small businesses with 2 or more employees
Growing teams that want to attract and retain talent
Owners adding benefits for the first time
Employers reviewing or replacing an existing plan

How BrokerUnion helps

Review your team, budget and goals in plain language
Compare plan designs from leading Canadian group benefits carriers
Recommend coverage that balances value for employees with cost control for the business
Coordinate enrolment, employee communication and ongoing administration
Provide a single point of contact for renewals, claims questions and plan changes

FAQ

Common questions about group benefits

How many employees do I need to start a group benefits plan?

Many leading Canadian carriers offer plans designed for as few as 2 eligible employees. The right design depends on your team, budget and the coverage you want to provide.

What does a typical small business plan include?

Most plans combine extended health, prescription drugs, dental and basic life insurance. Many employers also add disability coverage, an employee assistance program or a health spending account.

How are premiums determined?

Carriers consider the size of your group, the demographics of your employees, the coverage selected and your industry. We compare quotes and explain what is driving the cost.

Can I choose how much the business contributes?

Yes. Within carrier rules, you can choose the cost share between the employer and employees and tailor the plan to your budget.

Are group benefits taxable?

Tax treatment depends on the type of benefit and how premiums are paid. We can outline general considerations, and we always recommend confirming details with your accountant.

How many employees do I need to qualify for group benefits in Ontario?

Most group benefits carriers in Ontario offer plans for groups of 2 or more enrolled employees. BrokerUnion works with carriers that specialize in small group plans, coverage is accessible for Ontario businesses with as few as 2 enrolled members, including the business owner.

How much do group benefits cost per employee in Ontario?

As a rough guide: basic health and dental coverage for a single employee runs approximately $80 to $180 per month; family coverage runs $250 to $450 per month per family. Adding disability insurance typically adds $30 to $80 per month per employee. A group of 5 with single coverage and basic health and dental can expect $400 to $900 per month total. BrokerUnion compares quotes from multiple carriers to find the most competitive plan for your team.

Are group benefits tax deductible for an Ontario business?

Premiums paid by an employer for group health and dental benefits are generally tax-deductible as a business expense. Employees typically do not pay income tax on employer-paid health and dental benefits, making group benefits a tax-efficient form of compensation. Always confirm the specific tax treatment with your accountant. BrokerUnion's group benefits advisors can outline general considerations during your consultation.

Can I set up group benefits as a sole proprietor or small business owner in Ontario?

Yes. Sole proprietors and small business owners in Ontario have several options: a sole proprietor group plan (available from select carriers), a Health Spending Account (HSA) allowing you to claim health expenses as a business expense, or individual health and dental insurance. BrokerUnion compares all available options and recommends the most cost-effective structure for your situation.

Is BrokerUnion a call centre for group benefits, or do I get a dedicated advisor?

BrokerUnion is not a call centre. You work with a dedicated LLQP-licensed group benefits advisor who designs your plan, compares options from leading Canadian carriers including Sun Life, Manulife, and Blue Cross, manages your renewals, and is available when your employees have coverage questions. This personalized service is what distinguishes BrokerUnion from online group benefits platforms.

Plan availability, eligibility and terms vary by carrier. Group benefits are placed by LLQP-licensed life advisors associated with BrokerUnion Insurance and are regulated in Ontario by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). This page is educational and is not a substitute for the wording of your group benefits contract.

Guides

Learn more before you decide

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Tell us a little about your team and we will follow up with quotes and plan designs from the carriers that fit best, usually within one business day.

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