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- Canada Life’s group plans are accessible to even very small teams, with eligibility starting at just 2–3 employees
- Tools like DrugSolutions and disability management help control costs while maintaining quality care
- Features like Consult+ virtual health care, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and mental health resources enhance accessibility and employee well-being
Canada Life’s small business benefits for employees stand out as a strategic investment in workforce well-being. With a track record of supporting over 27,000 employers, the company also provides a straightforward process for setting up coverage.
Canada Life’s Freedom at Work and Selectpac plans for small businesses are an effective way to attract and retain top talent. These plans typically provide coverage for dental and vision care, disability, paramedical services, life insurance, and more. This guide provides detailed insights into what Canada Life group insurance covers, its features, reasons to choose it, and the cost.
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Canada Life group benefits at a glance
Here is a quick glance at Canada Life’s small business benefits for employees:
| Category | Details |
| Minimum group size | Selectpac: 3 employees
Freedom at Work: 2 employees |
| Core benefits |
|
| Spending account |
|
| Wellness and employee assistance program (EAP) |
|
| Key strengths |
|
What do Canada Life employee benefits cover?
Canada Life offers a comprehensive coverage package that includes essential life and disability insurance options, healthcare benefits, and support for dental and vision care. The coverage amount of basic life insurance goes up to up to $1.25 million. The coverage amount of Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance goes up to a maximum of $500,000. With additional options for spouse and child coverage, businesses can tailor their benefits to meet employee needs effectively.
Sample plan design for Canada Life’s group benefits solutions
| Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 | |
| Benefit amount | 100% of annual salary to a
maximum of $1,250,000 |
200% of annual salary to
a maximum of $1,250,000 |
300% of annual salary to a
maximum of $1,250,000 |
| Termination | Age 65,
You retire or your employment ends, whichever is earlier. |
||
Optional life insurance
| Employee | $10,000 units to a maximum of $500,000 | ||
| Spouse | $10,000 units to a maximum of $500,000 | ||
| Child | Available in $5,000 units to a maximum of $25,000 | ||
| Combined maximum | $1,500,000 | ||
| Termination | Age 65 | ||
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
| Employee | $10,000 units to a maximum of $500,000 | ||
| Spouse | $10,000 units to a maximum of $500,000 | ||
| Child | Available in $5,000 units to a maximum of $25,000 | ||
| Termination | Age 65 | ||
Short-term disability
| Maximum benefit period | 17 weeks (including waiting period) | ||
| Amount | 100% of your weekly salary for the first week; 75% for the remainder of the period | ||
| Termination | Age 65 | ||
| Waiting period | Injury: 7 calendar days
Disease: 7 calendar days |
||
Long-term disability
| Option 1 | Option 2 | |
| Waiting period | 17 weeks | 17 weeks |
| Monthly amount | -50% of the first $2,500 of monthly
salary. -42% of the next $3,500. -35% of the remainder to a maximum benefit of $25,000 |
-62% of the first $2,250 of monthly salary
-54% of the next $3,000 -40% of the remainder to a maximum benefit of $25,000 |
| All source maximum | 80% of your pre-disability take-home pay | 85% of your pre-disability take-home pay,
whichever is less |
Extended healthcare
| Coverage type | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 | Option 4 |
| Vision care | Not covered | $200/24 months | $75-$200/24 months | $75-$250/24 months |
| Prescription drugs | Not covered | 70% until $6,000 out-of-pocket, then 100% | 80% until $4,000 out-of-pocket, then 100% | 95% until $1,000 out-of-pocket, then 100% |
| Hospital | Not covered | Semi-private room | Semi-private room | Semi-private room |
| Home nursing care | Not covered | $10,000/year | $20,000/year | $25,000/year |
| Paramedical expenses | Not covered | $600/year | $1,000/year | $1,500/year |
| Out-of-country emergency | $5,000,000 lifetime | $5,000,000 lifetime | $5,000,000 lifetime | $5,000,000 lifetime |
| Out-of-country non-emergency | Not covered | Not covered | $50,000 lifetime | $50,000 lifetime |
Dental care – Endodontic and periodontal, oral surgery except denture-related stents and others.
| Coverage | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 | Option 4 |
| Basic coverage | Not covered | 60% | 80% | 100% |
| Major coverage | Not covered | Not covered | 50% | 50% |
Who is eligible for Canada Life’s group benefits plan?
To be eligible for Canada Life’s group benefits plan, here are the criteria that the employer and employee must meet:
For employer:
- Have at least two employees
- Contribute a minimum of 25% toward plan costs
- Maintain financial stability
- Have low employee turnover
- Employ a limited number of workers in high-risk occupations
For employee:
- Full-time employees must work a minimum of 24 hours per week
- Seasonal workers must work at least 9 out of 12 months
What is the cost of group insurance from Canada Life?
Canada Life’s group benefits will depend on the type of coverage you include. Here’s a sample illustration for a single employee in Ontario:
Cost of group insurance from Canada Life:
| Coverage | Monthly premium |
| Life + AD&D | $15 – $30 |
| Extended Health + Vision | $120 – $180 |
| Dental (Basic + Major) | $80 – $130 |
| Short-term disability | $25 – $50 |
| Long-Term disability | $40 – $75 |
| Critical illness insurance | $20 – $40 |
| Total | $300 – $500/month per employee |
Note: Premiums are based on coverage levels, industry risk level, employee age, and location.
What we like about Canada Life’s employee benefits for small businesses plan?
Canada Life offers a wide range of personalized services and digital tools that enhance employee well-being. Let’s look at why we recommend their small business employee benefits from Canada Life:
- DrugSolutions program: Balances health needs with cost-effective drug options, including support for specialty medications
- Disability management: Short- and long-term disability programs for proactive intervention and smooth return-to-work support
- Digital health tools: Access to Health Connected for wellness resources and Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
- Personalized service: Dedicated account managers and online tools help manage group benefits, claims, and billing
- PlanDirect: This is a retiree benefit plan that provides access even after you retire
How does Canada Life’s Freedom at Work program benefit small businesses?
Canada Life’s Freedom at Work program helps small businesses by offering affordable benefits and savings plans tailored to their size and budget. These plans, which typically cost 1-5% of payroll, allow businesses to attract and retain talent.
Options include health benefits like prescription drugs, dental care, and disability coverage, along with savings options such as Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). The program is flexible, providing solutions for companies with up to 75 employees.
What are Canada Life’s Consult+ virtual healthcare services?
Consult+ enables plan members to connect with healthcare professionals through a secure mobile app or website, available 24/7 in English and French. This service is available to plan members and their dependents, provided they have health coverage through their Canada Life benefits plan.
Key features
Members can use Consult+ for various services, including:
- Consultations: Speak with healthcare professionals about non-urgent conditions that do not require a physical exam, such as common infections or minor injuries
- Prescriptions: Obtain prescriptions or refills for most medications, which are sent electronically to the member’s pharmacy (delivery charges may apply)
- Referrals: Receive referrals for lab work when medically indicated
- Mental health support: Access self-led therapy for mild to moderate depression and anxiety, as well as find specialists like psychologists, dietitians, and work and life coaches
- Account history: View account history, including chats, prescriptions, referrals, and care plans
Access to healthcare professionals
Through a partnership with Dialogue, Consult+ offers virtual access to a qualified medical team, including:
- Doctors
- Nurses (nurse clinicians, practitioners, etc.)
- Care coordinators
- Psychologists
- Dietitians
- Work and life coaches
Privacy and confidentiality: All information shared through Consult+ is kept private, accessible only to the participating healthcare professionals, similar to visiting a family doctor.
Self-led therapy: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is available for individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. After completing a health questionnaire, members receive suggestions for modules they can complete at their own pace, providing a convenient and timely way to access support.
Additional services: Members have the option to add an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health services (MHS) to their plan for an additional cost. Dependents aged 14 and older can also register for their own Consult+ accounts.
How to get the best employee benefits rates from Canada Life?
To get the best employee rates from Canada Life, it is best to speak to one of our licensed insurance advisors who can help you navigate the options available and build a plan that fits your budget and meets the unique needs of your employees.
Frequently asked questions
What retirement and savings plans are offered by Canada Life for small businesses?
Canada Life offers two key retirement and savings plans for small businesses: a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and a Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP). The RRSP encourages employees to save for retirement, while the DPSP allows employers to share profits with employees. Both plans can be supplemented with an optional Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).
How long does Canada Life take to process claims?
Canada Life group benefits for small businesses plan is typically processed within seven calendar days after receiving all required information. For simpler claims, particularly those from providers already in their system, payments can often be issued within 24 to 48 hours. However, processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the claim and potential backlogs, which could result in longer wait times in some instances.
What happens to my benefits if I leave my job?
When you leave your job, your group benefits typically end immediately. However, Canada Life offers options to extend coverage through individual plans or conversion options. This allows former employees to maintain some insurance without needing medical underwriting, helping them retain coverage during the transition.
How can small businesses customize their benefits packages with Canada Life?
Small businesses can customize their benefits packages with Canada Life by selecting from base and specialty benefits, bundling plans for potential discounts, and incorporating savings options like RRSPs, TFSAs, and DPSPs. These flexible options help businesses tailor coverage to their specific needs while also managing costs.
What specific mental health resources are included in the Freedom at Work program?
Canada Life’s Freedom at Work program includes a range of mental health resources designed to support employee well-being. These resources feature access to face-to-face counselling, virtual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and stress and health coaching. The program also offers digital tools such as the Workplace Strategies for Mental Health platform, providing workshops, team activities, and assessments. These tools are accessible at no cost to employees and employers, helping businesses create a healthier and more supportive workplace.
Can part-time or contract workers be included in Canada Life’s Employee Benefits?
Yes, Canada Life’s group life insurance plan can include part-time employees, zero-hour contract workers, fixed-term contract employees, and temporary staff. However, eligibility for coverage depends on the specific policy terms and how the plan is designed for each business.
Canada Life’s Freedom at Work program offers small businesses an affordable way to attract and retain top talent. This comprehensive plan includes essential health coverages, retirement savings options, and access to Consult+ virtual healthcare services, ensuring a healthier, more productive workforce.
