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- Desjardins’ PerformPlus plan covers health, dental, life, and critical illness insurance
- Desjardins offers health and wellness features like Health PACT and Employee Assistance Programs
- Employers can adjust coverage options, including critical illness and Health Spending Accounts, to suit their business needs
- Employee benefits plans from Desjardins typically cost between $420 to $580 per month per employee, depending on plan design
Desjardins offers the PerformPlus employee benefits plan, specifically designed for small businesses with 3 to 49 employees. This plan offers flexible coverage options with a focus on cost control and employee well-being.
In this article, we will take you through the key features of Desjardins employee benefits for small businesses plan, the different benefits offered, the cost of offering these benefits, and more.
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Desjardins group benefits at a glance
Here’s a quick glance at Desjardins small business benefits package:
| Category | Details |
| Core benefits |
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| Minimum coverage amount |
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| Spending account |
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| Wellness and employee assistance program (EAP) |
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| Optional benefits |
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| Key strengths |
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What does Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan cover?
Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits for small businesses plan covers expenses for health and dental care, vision care, prescription drugs, and travel.
| Benefit category | Details |
| Basic life insurance (Mandatory) |
|
| Dependent life insurance | Spouse: Fixed amount (50% or equal to spouse’s insurance, max $25,000), no reduction, and termination with plan member’s basic life insurance
Dependent children: Fixed amount (max $25,000), no reduction, and termination with plan member’s basic life insurance (Newborn coverage from birth or 20 weeks gestation) |
| Optional life insurance | Plan member/spouse: Multiples of $10,000 (min $20,000, max $1,000,000), termination at age 71 or retirement
Dependent children: Multiples of $1,000 or fixed amount (max $25,000) |
| Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance | Plan member: Equal to basic life insurance (max $1,000,000), termination at age 71 or 75
Spouse & dependent children: Equal to dependent life insurance amount |
| Short-term disability insurance | Percentage of salary: 55-75% (taxable) or 55-66 2/3% (non-taxable) of weekly earnings
Max benefit up to $2,000 or Employee Insurance (EI) maximum |
| Long-term disability insurance |
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| Critical illness insurance |
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| Extended healthcare insurance (drugs) |
amount equal to the pharmacist’s dispensing fee
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| Hospitalization expenses | Hospital: Reasonable and customary charges for a semi-private room (unlimited days)
Palliative care: Reasonable and customary charges for a semi-private room up to $40 per day (lifetime maximum of 60 days) Convalescent/rehabilitation center: Reasonable and customary charges for a semi-private room up to $40 per day (maximum 180 days per stay) |
| Diagnostic services | A combined maximum of $1,000 per year for imaging and tests |
| Home nursing care | Maximum coverage of $10,000 per year |
| Detoxification treatment | Maximum $80 per day, lifetime maximum of $2,500 |
| Eye care | Coverage for eye exams and lenses (max $200/year for intraocular lenses, limits on orthopedic shoes, hearing aids, etc.) |
| Travel insurance | Medical emergency expenses up to $5 million lifetime maximum |
| Survivor benefits | 24 months of coverage without premium payment in case of the plan member’s death |
| Health and travel assistance services | Included as part of the plan |
| Vision care options | Coverage for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and laser surgery with varying maximums and reimbursement percentages |
| Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) | Choice of deposit frequencies: Annually, bi-annually, quarterly or monthly:
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Who is eligible for Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses?
Companies with 3 to 49 employees are eligible to enroll in Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits plan.
- Permanent employees in a small business are eligible if they work a minimum of 10 hours per week
- Temporary employees qualify if they have a fixed contract of 35 hours per week or have completed one year of service
What is the cost of employee benefits for small businesses from Desjardins?
The cost of employee benefits for small businesses from Desjardins typically ranges between $420 and $580 per month per employee. However, this varies based on the level of coverage. employee age and demographics, and the types of benefits included.
| Benefit | Coverage Amount | Estimated Monthly Cost (Per Employee) |
| Medical insurance | Prescription drugs: 80% coverage, up to $5,000/year | $250 |
| Paramedical services: 80% coverage, up to $500/year | ||
| Emergency care: 100% coverage | ||
| Dental insurance | Preventive care: 100% coverage (2 exams/year) | $50 |
| Basic restorative: 80% coverage, up to $1,500/year | ||
| Vision care | Eye exams: up to $100/year | $40 |
| Glasses/contacts: up to $250 every 2 years | ||
| Life insurance and AD&D | Life Insurance: 1x annual salary | $50 |
| AD&D: 1x annual salary | ||
| Short-Term Disability (STD) | 66.7% of weekly income, up to 26 weeks | $40 |
| Long-Term Disability (LTD) | 60% of monthly income, up to $5,000/month | $40 |
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Counselling services, legal/financial advice | $30 |
What we like about Desjardins’ Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan
Desjardins offers several benefits like the Health PACT, the IntelliFlex® platform, drug cost management, fraud protection, and client relations support for small businesses. Here are some of the features that we like:
- Health PACT provides employees access to licensed healthcare professionals at the early signs of chronic illness, ensuring timely care and support
- IntelliFlex® platform that simplifies employee enrollment and plan management with an automated, user-friendly system for easier administration
- Drug cost management to help manage drug costs efficiently for both employees and the organization with tools like a drug cost simulator and pharmacy value finder
- Fraud protection that offer safeguards against fraud and abuse with proactive claim monitoring, verification, and a watchlist to maintain plan integrity
- Disability cost prevention through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) reduces absenteeism, potentially saving $2,000 to $3,500 per employee
- Omni mobile app that allows employees to submit claims, access wellness resources, and manage group retirement plans conveniently from their mobile devices
- The Client Relations Centre (CRC) offers prompt, personalized support to both plan administrators and employees, ensuring quick assistance
Best for employers:
- Who wants flexible and customizable coverage
- Who prioritize employee wellness with built-in tools like EAPs, Health PACT, and health assessment
- Who seek digital tools and easy plan management with platforms like IntelliFlex and mobile claims support
Pros and cons of Desjardins group health insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible plans | Higher premiums |
| Strong wellness support | Strict underwriting and approval criteria |
| Extended rate guarantee and renewal caps | Limited geographic focus |
| Second medical opinion program | |
| TELUS Health virtual healthcare: | |
| Comprehensive coverage across health, dental, and disability |
Does Desjardins offer any health and wellness benefits for small businesses?
Yes, Desjardins provides a range of health and wellness benefits tailored for small businesses, including the Health is Cool 360° online platform, a risk assessment questionnaire, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Here are some key features of Desjardins group medical insurance:
- Health is Cool 360°: This online platform offers a wealth of reliable information and advice on health, prevention, illnesses, and treatments
- Health risk assessment: An online questionnaire designed to identify and address health risks within your organization. Employees and their dependents can also receive a health status assessment, a personalized report, and useful advice, serving as a foundational step toward a successful wellness program
- Health PACT: This program allows your employees to consult with a licensed healthcare professional as soon as they notice symptoms of a chronic illness
- Employee and Manager Assistance Programs: These programs provide professional advice and easy access to dependable resources for employees facing challenging situations
Does Desjardins cover critical illness for employees in a small business?
Yes, Desjardins offers critical illness coverage for employees in small businesses through the PerformPlus plan. Employers can choose between two options:
- Basic coverage, which includes 4 illnesses (11 for children), or,
- Enhanced coverage, which covers 31 illnesses (38 for children)
Both the basic and enhanced plans offer coverage for multiple occurrences and cancer recurrence, although limitations apply. Additional features include an individual insurance conversion privilege and a 30-day survival period for heart conditions and surgeries.
There’s a 90-day waiting period for cancer claims, and medical definitions are subject to limitations and exclusions. This plan’s coverage terminates at age 65 or 70, or upon retirement, whichever comes first.
How to get the best employee benefits rates from Desjardins
To get the best employee benefits rates from Desjardins, it’s recommended to speak with one of our experienced advisors. They can help you compare different plans, get instant quotes, and find the most suitable employee benefits package for your small business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How flexible is Desjardins’ PerformPlus plan for small businesses?
Desjardins offers a highly customizable plan where employers can adjust coverage across health, dental, disability, and add-ons like Health Spending Accounts or critical illness insurance.
What are the wellness benefits offered by Desjardins?
For small businesses, Desjardins offers built-in wellness tools like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), Health PACT, and health risk assessments. These benefits support employees’ mental and physical well-being and can improve productivity at work.
How do I check the status of my Desjardins claim?
To check the status of your Desjardins employee benefits claim, you can contact your claims advisor directly for updates, or call Desjardins’ toll-free customer service line for support. For those enrolled in the Desjardins online services, claims statuses can be checked through their secure portal, which provides real-time updates on submitted claims. This online platform also allows you to view payment details, manage account information, and even receive notifications when your claim has been processed, ensuring a seamless experience.
Does Desjardins cover vaccines?
Yes, Desjardins provides vaccine coverage under its extended health care plan. Preventive vaccinations are covered at 75% reimbursement, with a maximum payout of $100 per year for eligible expenses. This coverage is part of their group health benefits plan, designed to help small businesses support employee wellness by covering costs that aren’t typically reimbursed by provincial healthcare plans. Vaccines such as flu shots, travel vaccines, and other preventive immunizations can be included in the coverage, making it easier for employees to stay healthy and protected.
Who is eligible for Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits plan?
Desjardins’ PerformPlus employee benefits plan is available for small businesses with 3 to 49 employees. To qualify, permanent employees must work at least 10 hours per week, while temporary employees are eligible if they have a 35-hour contract or have completed at least one year of service. This plan is customized to meet the needs of small businesses by offering flexibility in coverage and eligibility, making it easier for employers to provide comprehensive health benefits to their workforce. The plan includes essential benefits like medical, dental, and disability coverage, which helps businesses attract and retain talented employees.
Desjardins offers the PerformPlus employee benefits plan designed for small businesses with 3 to 49 employees. With basic life insurance as the core coverage, the plan provides a variety of customizable options, including health, dental, and critical illness insurance. It emphasizes wellness programs, drug cost control, and flexible coverage, making it a great choice for small businesses.
