Group Benefits
Group Benefits for Small Businesses in Canada
BrokerUnion Insurance helps Canadian 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 advisors compare options from leading Canadian carriers including Sun Life, Manulife, Blue Cross and other trusted providers.
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
- Canadian 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 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 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.
Plan availability, eligibility and terms vary by carrier. This page is educational and is not a substitute for the wording of your group benefits contract.
Ready to design your plan?
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.