Best Small Business Employee Benefits Companies in Canada (2025)

Managing a small business is not an easy task. Between managing operations, juggling budgets, and building a stellar team, you already have a lot on your plate. But here’s the thing—keeping your best employees around takes more than just fun perks. 

A recent survey found that 73% of employees consider health benefits an essential factor when deciding to stay with a company. In 2024, the expectations for benefits packages have evolved beyond basic offerings, with employees seeking comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.

Our blog gives insight into the best small business employee benefits companies in Canada to stay competitive and support the workforce.

What are employee benefits for small businesses?

Small business employee benefits packages offer a wide range of health and wellness benefits, retirement savings to professional training programs that are not covered by provisional plans. These packages encompass a wide range of offerings designed to support the overall well-being and professional growth of employees. Some employers may provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), and various wellness benefits.

Below are some of the most common types of group benefits offered:

Provincial vs group health insurance in Canada
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What are some common employee benefits offered by small businesses in Canada?

Common employee benefits offered by small businesses in Canada include:

  • Health and dental insurance
  • Vision care
  • Life insurance
  • Disability benefits
  • Retirement savings plans (such as RRSPs)
  • Paid time off

Some businesses also offer wellness programs, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements as part of their benefits packages.

Which are the best small business employee benefits companies in Canada?

Blue Cross, Sun Life, Desjardins, Equitable Life of Canada, Green Shield, Canada Life, and Empire Life are some of the best companies offering employee benefits in Canada. Refer to the table below to see the strengths of each company and our ratings.

Company Best for… Rating
Blue Cross Travel coverage 5/5
Equitable  Standardized plan designs 5/5
Canada Life Extensive nationwide coverage 5/5
Sun Life High dental and vision coverage 4.5/5
Empire Life Price stability 4.5/5
Manulife Innovative and flexible plans 4.5/5
GreenShield Affordability and flexibility 4/5
Desjardins Paramedical coverage (physiotherapy, massage, chiropractors) 4/5

Learn more about employee benefits in Canada

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best for travel coverage

AM Best Rating N/A

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1. Blue Cross

Overview: Medavie Blue Cross three plans Entry, Essential, and Enhanced that are designed for businesses with at least two employees and have been operational for a minimum of six months. Eligible individuals include Canadian residents under 75, with full-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. 

Medavie Blue Cross emphasizes member well-being through robust plans that include no waiting periods for active employees. Their core benefits include life, accidental death and dismemberment, extended health coverage, along with dental and vision care. They also have additional benefits like health spending accounts, personal spending accounts and long-term disability.

PolicyAdvisor Rating: 5/5

What they cover

Core benefits:

  • Basic and dependent life insurance coverage
  • Accidental death and dismemberment
  • Extended healthcare
  • Prescription drugs 
  • Dental care
  • Worldwide travel insurance

Additional benefits:

  • Long-term disability
  • Health spending account
  • Personal wellness account

What we like:

  • Their HealthConnected plan includes a Health Risk Assessment and a robust Wellness Portal
  • With BluAdvantage, members can save up to 20% on medical, health, and wellness expenses
  • Their Connected Care service provides access to cutting-edge digital health solutions
  • Their 360° Total Care program offers Health Coaching and Chronic Disease Management for conditions like asthma, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and more
  • The super-fast online enrolment process takes only a few minutes and is signed electronically
  • Comprehensive coverage for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, along with live, online, and text-based counseling

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best for standardized plan designs

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2. Equitable Life

Overview: Equitable offers group benefits that really stand out for businesses. Their plans can cover everything from dental and vision care to life insurance and even mental health support. Their health coverage includes up to 80% for prescription drugs and paramedical services like physiotherapy, chiropractic, and massage therapy. Employees also get access to dental plans covering up to 100% of basic services, along with mental health support.

PolicyAdvisor Rating: 5/5

What they cover:

  • Vision
  • Hospital accommodation
  • Paramedical practitioners
  • Disability management
  • Healthcare spending account
  • Life accident and critical illness
  • EZBenefits for small business (A mix of life, health and dental coverage)
  • Dental care
  • Taxable Spending Account (TSA)

What we like:

  • 24/7 access to medical professionals via Virtual Healthcare (Dialogue).
  • Counseling services through phone, web, or in-person via the Employee and Family Assistance Program (Homewood Health).
  • Online wellness resources for health and financial challenges (Homeweb).
  • Self-guided mental health support using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best for extensive nationwide coverage

AM Best Rating N/A

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3. Canada Life

Overview: Canada Life’s group benefits plan for small businesses, known as Freedom at Work, offers tailored benefits and savings packages for businesses with up to 75 employees. It covers essentials like prescription drugs, dental, vision, paramedical services, and disability. The plan is affordable, typically costing around 1-5% of payroll, and helps businesses attract and retain top talent while supporting employees’ health and financial well-being​.

PolicyAdvisor Rating: 5/5

What they cover:

  • Life and accident insurance
  • Critical illness 
  • Disability management program
  • Prescription drugs
  • Dental care
  • Health care spending accounts

What we like: 

  • Provide flexible options that fit your organization.
  • A dedicated service team with in-depth knowledge of your specific benefits plan.
  • Comprehensive digital experience for submitting and tracking claims, along with personalized notifications about your benefits.
  • Access to digital tools for health information, participate in individual wellness challenges, and connect with a virtual health coach.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best for high dental and vision coverage

AM Best Rating N/A

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4. Sun Life

Overview: Sun Life’s, SunAdvantage group benefits plan is designed for small businesses with 3 to 49 employees, offering a customizable and affordable benefits package. The coverage amount for the plan ranges from $25,000-$50,000. Their standard coverage includes life insurance, dependent life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. While the additional options include dental care, health spending account, short and long-term disability and more.

To be eligible the plan requires permanent employees if they actively work at least 20 hours per week; temporary employees working at least 20 hours per week, for a minimum of 12 months. They have a compliance support which ensures legal requirements are met, making Sun Life a valuable partner in protecting and empowering small business workforces.

PolicyAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

What they cover

Standard coverage

  • Life insurance 
  • Dependent life insurance
  • Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance

Additional options:

  • Short-term disability and long-term disability
  • Extended health care
  • Dental care
  • Health spending account
  • Employee assistance program
  • Stress management and well being
  • Critical illness insurance

What we like: 

  • Flexible benefit plans tailored to meet employee needs while staying within budget.
  • Clear, easy-to-understand communications to help employees maximize their benefits from day one.
  • A comprehensive range of insurance products designed to help small businesses achieve long-term financial and health security.
  • Fast claims processing with direct deposits into employees’ bank accounts within 24 to 48 hours for approved claims.
  • User-friendly administrative tools like sponsor kits, a dedicated website, and toll-free access to a personalized customer service administrator.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best for price stability

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5. Empire Life

Overview: Empire Life offers flexible group benefits designed to support the well-being of employees and their families. Their plans include a range of health, dental, life, and disability coverage options, customizable to fit your company’s unique needs.

With a strong focus on affordability and ease of administration, Empire Life provides valuable tools like online benefits management, helping employers streamline processes. Plus, employees can enjoy reliable access to health services, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to prioritize employee care.

PolicyAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

What they cover:

  • Accidental death and dismemberment coverage (AD&D)
  • Life insurance (basic and dependent) 
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Extended healthcare (Paramedical, drug, vision, travel emergency assistance)
  • Dental
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Assist Now
  • Telemedicine

What we like:

  • Offers unique and flexible solutions, such as a $7,500 drug pooling plan and incidental health expenses
  • Continually evolving with digital connectivity and innovation
  •  Known for their personal touch and commitment to customer service
  • Their cost-effective innovative and flexible products such as mental health navigator and teladoc services
  • Their Retirement and Savings Tool helps assess whether you’re on track to reach your savings goals and effectively plan for retirement
  • Quick claim submissions with Equitable EZClaim via secure web portal or mobile app.Provides long-term price stability in health and dental benefits.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best for innovative and flexible plans

AM Best Rating N/A

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6. Manulife

Overview: Manulife’s group benefits are a great option for businesses looking to offer comprehensive health and wellness coverage to their employees. They provide a range of services, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability and critical illness coverage.

Their health plans can cover up to 80% of prescription drug costs and offer $350 annually for paramedical services like physiotherapy. With flexible options, Manulife makes it easy to customize a benefits package that fits your team’s needs perfectly. 

PolicyAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

What they cover:

Core benefits:

  • Prescription drugs
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Healthcare spending account
  • Basic accidental & dismemberment insurance
  • Employee & family assistance program
  • Paramedical practitioners

Additional benefits:

  • Optional life insurance
  • Long-term (mandatory) enhanced long-term with COLA (optional)
  • Optional accidental & dismemberment insurance

What we like:

  • Provides centralized and easy access to all of Manulife’s pharmacy-related resources and programs including industry-leading drug lookup tools.
  • Allows employees to use web-enabled devices to easily submit claims, review recent claims/claim details.
  • Specialty Drug Care Program that manages specialty drugs to save costs and improve health outcomes
  • DrugWatch, a rigorous oversight program designed to ensure plan sponsors are getting value for the dollars they spend as drug costs increase.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best for affordability and flexibility

AM Best Rating N/A

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7. GreenShield

Overview: GreenShield offers the Honeybee Select group benefits plan for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This digital solution provides essential coverage options, including health, dental, and travel insurance, along with mental health support from Inkblot Therapy.

Employers can choose from three standardized plan designs (Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 3), with a guaranteed quote available within 24 hours. The plan also includes add-on allowance accounts for customizable coverage options, making it an innovative solution for small businesses new to employee benefits.

PolicyAdvisor Rating: 4/5

What they cover:

  • Pet insurance (Pet grooming, Pet food)
  • Health Assist ZONE plans (Routine medical and dental expenses, emergency medical travel protection)
  • Health and dental insurance
  • Vacations, volunteer work, adventure & sports activities
  • Fitness, sports & equipment benefits
  • Travel insurance
  • Claims management assistance
  • Charitable donation and charitable leave expenses

What we like:

  • Customizable plans that align with your company’s needs, with scalable pricing to grow with your organization.
  • Health Care Spending Accounts (HCSA) allow for employee-directed spending without premiums.
  • Transparent “pay for what you use” model through their Administration Services Only (ASO) feature.
  • Lifestyle benefits for modern workplaces, like fitness and wellness programs.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best for paramedical coverage

AM Best Rating N/A

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8. Desjardins

Overview: Desjardins’ customizable solution, PerformPlus, is designed for companies with 3 to 49 employees, providing options such as life, disability, extended healthcare, and dental care insurance. Their PerformPlus plan generally ranges from $420 to $580 per month per employee, depending on the specifics of the coverage. 

Plan is available for small businesses employing permanent staff working at least 10 hours per week, as well as temporary employees on fixed contracts of 35 hours per week or with one year of service. Whether you’re looking to enhance employee well-being, increase satisfaction, or attract top talent, their group insurance plan supports the health of both your employees and your organization. 

PolicyAdvisor Rating: 4/5

What they cover

  • Life insurance 
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health Spending Account (HSA) and wellness account
  • Coverage for expats and temporary residents
  • Gender affirmation surgery and procedures
  • Dental care
  • Travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance
  • Short and long-term disability insurance
  • Vision care options

What we like:

  • Their Health is Cool 360° online platform offers reliable health information, prevention tips, and treatment advice
  • They have a Health Risk Assessment in place that identifies organizational health risks and provides personalized reports to employees
  • The Health PACT grants employees access to licensed healthcare professionals for early chronic illness intervention
  • Their Assistance Programs provide professional support for employees and managers during difficult times
  • They provide Insurance Conversion options to allow employees to switch to Health Track Insurance® when leaving or retiring.
  • They have tools to control drug costs, including a cost simulator
  • Gender affirmation coverage includes surgeries and treatments not covered by public health insurance, plus a workplace support kit
  • The Omni mobile app allows employees to submit claims, access wellness resources, and manage retirement plans on their devices
  • IntelliFlex automates employee enrollment and streamlines plan management for easier administration

Group health companies cost comparison

Category Blue Cross Desjardins Equitable Empire Life Green Shield Sun Life Manulife Canada Life
Health
Drug maximum – Entry: $3,000

-Essential: $5,000

-Enhanced: $20,000

An amount of your choice between $2,000 and $15,000 per insured per year, in increments of $1,000 -Bronze: $5,000/year 

-Silver- $25,000/year.

-Gold: $100,000/year 

-Platinum: $100,000/year

Varied by plans -$3,000/person

-$10,000/person

Vary depending on the drug

formulary selected

$2,000 per year – the maximum you pay annually. Coverage then increases to 100% Varies
Drug coinsurance 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 50% to 100% 100% 100%
Paramedical services Varies Varies -Bronze: No coverage.

-Silver: $300/practitioner/year

-Gold: $500/practitioner/year

-Platinum: $500/practitioner/year

$500 -$300/practitioner -$500/practitioner $100 to $1,000, or $1,250 combined $350 maximum per calendar year for each practitioner Varies
Vision care (frame lenses and eye exams) – Entry: No coverage

– Essential: $200 per 24 months for frames and lenses

-Enhanced: $300 per 24 months

Maximum: $100 to $500 in increments of $25, in any 12-month period No coverage in bronze and Silver.

-Gold: $200/year 

-Platinum: $250/year

$200 every 24 months – $150/24 months/person 

– $250/24 months/person

$75 to $500 $200 per 24 months -$200 every 24 months -$250 every 24 months
Vision coinsurance 80% Varies 100% 80% 80-100% 100% 70-100%
Dental
Basic dental maximum – Entry: $1,000

-Essential: $1,500

-Enhanced:$1,500

From $500-

$4,000,

or unlimited

No coverage in bronze

-Silver: $1,500/year

-Gold: $2,000/year

-Platinum: $2,500/year

$1500 -$750/person – $15,00/person $2,500 $3,000 per person, per calendar year Varies based on the province of your residence
Basic dental coinsurance 80% Varies 70-90% 80% 80% 50% to 80% 80% 80%
Recall exam Three choices: Every 6, 9 or 12 months Varies Varies 1 every 6 months Varies Varies Yes
Pooled benefits (as requested)
Life insurance Entry: $25,000

– Essential and enhanced: $50,000

–Minimum $10,000

–Maximum $1,000,000 (in combination with plan member’s optional life insurance)

-Bronze and silver: $25,000 

– Gold: $50,000

– Platinum: $75,000

$30,000 Yes -$20,000 to $750,000 Up to $1,000,000 100% of annual salary to a maximum of $1,250,000
Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) – Entry: $25,000

– Essential and Enhanced: $50,000

Maximum $1,000,000 Same as life insurance $30,000 Up to $10,000 for repatriation and rehabilitation Up to $50,000 Same as life insurance
Short-term disability benefits Varies Up to $2,000 (without evidence of insurability) Varies Varies Up to $1750 per week (20+ lives) Depends on the plan 100% of your weekly salary for the first week; 75% for the next 15 weeks
Long-term disability benefits – Entry: No coverage

-Essential and Enhanced- $4,000

Depending on group size, up to $14,000 (with evidence of insurability) Varies Varies Up to $12,000 per month $12,000 $25,000
Added benefits
Hospitalization – Essential: No coverage.

– Essential and enhanced: $200 per day for semi-private and private rooms

Semi-private 100% coverage for semi-private accommodation Semi-private or private 100% coverage for semi-private or private room Semi-private room
Health Spending Account (HSA) Yearly allocation choices of $200, $500 or $700 $250 per plan member Plan sponsor choice Varies based on admin fees As requested Same number of credits for all employees -Full-time employees: $100/year 

-Part-time employees: $50/year

Varies based on admin fees
Travel Insurance -$5,000,000 per person, per incident in all 3 plans. – Medical emergency expenses: 100% up to a lifetime maximum of $5 million Varies based on the travel benefits Not specified; varies by plan Yes Varies Varies Varies

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How much does a small business employee benefits package cost in Canada?

Employee benefits packages for small businesses typically cost between $80 and $350 per employee per month. However, the costs can greatly vary depending on the number of employees, the type of coverage offered, employee demographics, and other factors.  

Average monthly cost per employee for a small business group health plan

Plan Type Average cost of coverage per employee per month
Basic $80/mo
Standard $92/mo
Enhanced $135/mo

*Please note, these are average costs for one employee per month, pricing may vary based on factors like company demographics, employee’s age, health status, etc.

Read more about the cost of small business group health insurance in Canada

Who pays for group health benefits in small businesses?

In small businesses, group health benefits are typically shared between the employer and employees. The employer usually pays a significant portion of the premium, while employees contribute a part of the cost through payroll deductions. 

The employer’s contribution is often designed to make the benefits affordable and competitive. The exact cost-sharing arrangement can vary depending on the business’s budget and the specific health insurance plan. 

In some cases, employers may choose to cover the full premium as an added benefit to attract and retain employees. The contribution structure and coverage options are customizable based on the business’s needs.

How can small businesses provide employee benefits while managing costs?

Small businesses can manage employee benefits costs by choosing cost-effective health plans, offering a mix of fully insured and self-funded options, and sharing premium costs with employees.

They can also explore wellness programs, which can help reduce long-term healthcare expenses, and look for group benefit plans that provide comprehensive coverage at competitive rates.

How to choose the best employee benefits plan for small businesses in Canada?

In general, choosing the best employee benefits plan for small businesses in Canada involves several critical steps. You need to start by assessing employee requirements through surveys to understand what they value most in a benefits package. Once you have this information, set a budget that reflects what your organization can afford while ensuring financial stability. 

Consider offering flexible benefits plans, which allow employees to select the benefits that resonate with them, fostering satisfaction and retention. Prioritize core benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, as these are often essential to employees. 

At PolicyAdvisor, our insurance experts are here to help you find the best employee benefit plans. They’ll guide you through coverage options, premiums, and additional benefits you can offer your employees. Trust us to find the best fit for your business! Schedule a call with our team today!

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Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for employee benefits in Canada?

Eligibility for employee benefits typically requires employees to be Canadian residents or temporarily working abroad, provided their Government Pension Plan and Health Insurance remain active. Employers may also set specific criteria, such as length of service or job classification, to determine benefit eligibility within their organizations.

How much do employees pay for benefits in Canada?

In Canada, employees typically contribute between $1,500 and $4,000 annually towards their benefits. These contributions can vary based on the specific benefits package offered by the employer, including health, dental, and other coverage options, influencing the overall cost for both the employee and the organization.

What benefits do employees value most in Canada?

In Canada, employees highly value health and dental coverage, retirement plans, and work-life balance. Additionally, paid time off for new parents is a significant benefit. These offerings enhance overall job satisfaction and contribute to a positive workplace culture, making them essential for attracting and retaining talent.

What are the mandatory benefits for employees in Canada?

In Canada, mandatory benefits for employees include the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and workers’ compensation. These benefits ensure financial security for workers during retirement, provide support during periods of unemployment, and offer protection in case of workplace injuries, forming a critical safety net for all employees.

Can an employer force you to take benefits in Canada?

In Canada, employers cannot compel employees to accept benefits. However, they can require certain benefits as part of the employment package, particularly if outlined in the employment contract or collective agreements. This ensures clarity and consistency in the benefits offered while allowing employees to make informed choices.

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GreenShield Group Benefits for Small Businesses: A Comprehensive Review

GreenShield group benefits for small business is a trusted option for companies seeking comprehensive and affordable health coverage for their employees. Designed specifically for companies with fewer than 50 employees; it offers flexible plans that ensure both employers and their teams are well-supported. 

From health and dental coverage to wellness programs and access to exclusive partnerships, GreenShield provides small businesses with a range of options to meet their unique needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and reasons why GreenShield group benefits could be an excellent choice for your small business.

What are the key features of GreenShield’s group benefits for small businesses plan?

GreenShield’s Honeybee Select plan covers businesses with 2-50 employees. Generally, all full-time and part-time employees are eligible for coverage. This plan has no waiting period depending upon the terms of the plan.

Key features of GreenShield’s Honeybee Select plan for small businesses

Category Details
Minimum group size 2 employees
Maximum group size 50 employees
Employee eligibility All full-time and part-time employees are generally eligible
Participation basis Offers four set plan designs. with three options that do not require underwriting
Cost sharing Plan offers 2 cost sharing options: Health Spending Account and Administrative Services Only
Waiting period Waiting periods may apply depending on the terms of the plan
Termination age Typically the plan terminates when the employee reaches 65 or upon retirement

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What are the eligible expenses under  GreenShield’s Honeybee Select plan for small businesses?

GreenShield’s eligible expenses include financial services like RRSP contributions, transportation, travel and entertainment, and more. It also covers kids’ and pet insurance, ensuring comprehensive support for both family and personal needs with flexible options designed to promote overall well-being and financial security.

Below is the GreenShield allowances chart for your reference:

GreenShield’s Honeybee Select employee benefits eligible expenses

Category Eligible expenses
Wellness – Vitamins & nutritional supplements

– Weight loss programs

Art and athletic therapy

– Counselling therapist, food & supplements

– Holistic healing, marriage and family counselling

– Therapist, meditation, non-traditional healing

– Nutritionist

– Osteopathy personalized medicine

– Professional prostheses, registered psychiatric nurse

– Life Coaching, health coaching, midwife

– Oral health, cosmetic dentistry

Kids & pets – Pet Insurance, Pet day care & walking, pet grooming, pet food

– Child care services, activities & programs

– Tutoring services

Fitness, sports & equipment – Gym membership, gym equipment

– Bicycles or personal non-motorized transportation, leagues

– Lessons, programs, sporting goods(excluding clothing and shoes)

– Group classes, personal training

– Pilates, yoga, athletic shoes

– Athletic clothing

Transportation – Public transit, Uber/ride sharing

– Parking car share program

– Arrive alive (don’t drink & drive)

– Taxi/cab, cas, bike share program

Time savers – Jiy home repair, grocery delivery (Service Fees)

– Retail delivery(Service Fees)

– Meal delivery & take out

Education – Conferences & seminars

– Training & course fees

– Continuing education, tuition, reimbursement

– Language lessons & instructional

– Financial literacy

– Public speaking, Professional dues

Travel & entertainment – Movie theater, theater tickets, meals, Social clubs

– Personal travel expense

– Lodging, sporting

– Event

– Art lessons

– Concerts

Additional protection – Life insurance

– Travel insurance

– Home/renters insurance

– Auto insurance

Vacation fund – All vacations,

– Volunteer, humanitarian/charity work

– Adventure, sports & activities

Charity – Charitable donation (Individual)

– Charitable leave expenses (travel, accommodation, etc,)

– Disaster relief donation

Financial services – Student loan repayment

– TFSA, RRSP, Resp contribution

– Financial

– Planning, wills and estate planning

– Credit counseling

What is Honeybee by GreenShield? 

Honeybee allows for plan members themselves to choose the level of health and/or dental coverage that makes the most sense for their personal circumstances. Depending on what the plan members choose, more or less money can be made available for them to use in a flexible Health Spending Account.

With Honeybee’s user-friendly app employees can submit claims from anywhere. at any time, view their claims history and coverage details. and access their benefits card on-the-go. Additionally, they can take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts. all in one easy-to-use platform.

Below is an example of how a Honeybee account works:

How Honeybee account works

What is GreenShield Honeybee Select?

Honeybee Select is a digital benefits solution designed for small businesses in Canada with less than 25 employees. Benecaid and GreenShield collaborated to create the Honeybee Select platform to simplify how small businesses offered employee benefits. 

With Honeybee Select, small business teams get the advantage of Honeybee’s cutting-edge digital platform, providing a smooth and simple benefits experience from start to finish.

Why consider Honeybee Select for your small business?

✅ Simple, user-friendly digital benefits

 

✅ Pick the standardized plan that fits your needs

 

✅ Add Allowance Accounts for additional coverage

 

✅ Exceptional experience for plan members

 

✅ Access to exclusive partner services

 

✅ Pooled benefits available upon request

 

✅ Get a guaranteed quote within 24 hours

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What are the different Honeybee Select coverage plans for small businesses?

Honeybee Select include 3 plan options, i.e. Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 3. Below is a straightforward set of plan options that provide coverage for both employees and their dependents.

Honeybee Select plan options for small businesses in Canada

Coverage Plan 1 Plan 2 Plan 3
Drug maximum $3.000/person $5.000/person $10.000/person
Drug coinsurance 80% 80% 100%
Paramedical maximum $300/practitioner $300/practitioner $500/practitioner
Paramedical coinsurance 80% 80% 80%
Vision maximum $150/24 months/person $250/24 months/person
Vision  coinsurance 80% 80%
Basic dental maximum $750/person $1.000/person $1.500/person

(combined with Major

Dental)

Basic dental coinsurance 80% 80% 80%
Recall exam 1 every 9 months 1 every 6 months 1 every 6 months
Major dental maximum $1.500 (combined with

Basic Dental)

Major dental coinsurance 50%
Pooled benefits As requested As requested As requested
Health spending account As requested As requested As requested
Allowance Account As requested As requested As requested
Travel insurance Yes Yes Yes
Inkblot access Yes Yes Yes

Learn more about the cost of employee benefits for small businesses in Canada

How GreenShield+ enhances healthcare and benefits experience?

GreenShield+ is an integrated healthcare solution that redefines the benefits experience for Canadians, leveraging over 65 years of expertise in insurance and health services. It provides seamless access to telemedicine, pharmacy services, and mental health support through a user-friendly app. 

It helps users to:

  • Connect with healthcare professionals
  • Get prescription medicines delivered to their doorstep
  • Access therapy services 
  • Easily get reimbursed through an automatic reimbursement form without paperwork

GreenShield+ emphasizes better access, integration, convenience, and health outcomes, aiming to enhance the overall well-being of Canadians while reducing sick days and improving work-life balance. This innovative platform is designed to meet the evolving needs of the workforce by offering comprehensive health solutions in one accessible location.

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How does GreenShield assist in processing claims?

GreenShield offers a streamlined process for submitting claims, making it easier for members to access their benefits. The key methods range from online claims submission, direct billing and manual claim submission. Below are the methods through which GreenShield assists in processing claims:

  • You can submit claims via the GSC Everywhere portal or mobile app, allowing for faster processing and often same-day adjudication for eligible claims
  • Many healthcare providers can submit claims directly to GSC at the time of service, eliminating the need for upfront payments
  • For manual submissions, members can mail original receipts and a completed claim form to GSC. Claim forms are available online or through customer service

Claims are processed within two weeks, with direct deposit options available for faster payment (often within 24 hours of approval).

Who is eligible for GreenShield Honeybee Select’s employee benefits for small businesses?

Companies with 25 or fewer employees, self-employed individuals, freelancers, and seasonal workers are eligible for GreenShield’s Employee benefits for small businesses. Employees must be Canadian residents with valid provincial health insurance to qualify for the benefits.

Does GreenShield cover private hospital rooms in Ontario?

Yes, GreenShield offers coverage for private hospital rooms in Ontario. Their plans include optional benefits that pay for the difference between standard ward charges and semi-private or private accommodations, allowing for up to 30 days of coverage per year.

What we like about GreenShield’s employee benefits for small businesses plan?

GreenShield’s Employee Benefits for small businesses plan includes its full customization options, digital administration and scalable pricing. Here are some offerings that we like: 

  • Full customization: Employee benefits shouldn’t be the same for everyone. Create a plan that fits both your company and your employees’ unique needs
  • All-in-one digital administration: GreenShield easy-to-use platform gives you a complete overview of all your employee benefits. You can quickly add or remove employees and manage everything in one place
  • Consistent pricing: As your company grows, your benefits plan should too. Green Shield offers consistent pricing and flexibility. scalable approach to meet your changing needs
  • Administration services only (ASO): Businesses only pay for what employees actually use, enhancing cost-effectiveness. It features risk mitigation with stop-loss pricing starting as low as $1,000 and a fair, transparent renewal process

How to get the best employee benefits rates from GreenShield?

To secure the best employee benefits rates from GreenShield, it is advisable to speak to our Policy Advisor experts who can provide insights into various plans and options available for your business.They will also help you submit your health insurance application whenever you’re ready to go ahead with the plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does GreenShield offer benefits plans for retired employees or losing their jobs?

Yes, GreenShield offers benefits plans for retired employees or losing their jobs. They provide a range of conversion products designed to ensure continued coverage, including options that cater specifically to individuals transitioning from group benefits. This includes health and dental plans that cover pre-existing conditions, ensuring peace of mind during these transitions.

Are there any underwriting requirements?

Yes, for underwriting requirements employers are required to provide information about their workforce, including the number of employees and any relevant health history. This data helps assess risk and identify suitable coverage options. The process ensures that the benefits package is tailored to meet the needs of both the business and its employees.

What are add-on allowance accounts?

Add-on allowance accounts provide extra coverage options that employers can choose through the Honeybee Select platform. These accounts enable businesses to offer flexible spending accounts for various employee needs, including healthcare spending accounts (HCSAs) and lifestyle benefits. This level of customization allows companies to tailor their benefits packages to better address the specific demands of their workforce.

Can small businesses customize their benefits package?

Yes, small businesses can customize their benefits packages using the Honeybee Select platform. This platform enables employers to select standardized plans and add-on options, to create a benefits structure that aligns with their budget and meets employee needs. This flexibility is especially advantageous for companies with fewer than 25 employees.

How does Honeybee Select support employee mental health?

Honeybee Select supports employee mental health by incorporating mental health coverage into its standard offerings. This coverage is facilitated through partnerships with organizations like Inkblot Therapy, providing access to licensed mental health professionals.

Are there any additional costs associated with the add-on allowance accounts in Honeybee Select?

Yes, there are additional costs associated with add-on allowance accounts in GreenShield’s Honeybee Select. The base plan comes with a monthly fee of $10 per employee, while employers must fund these accounts according to their chosen amounts. As a result, total costs will vary based on the contributions made to the accounts.

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Call us at 1-888-601-9980 or book time with our licensed experts.
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