Healthcare workers are getting hurt on the job, and it’s costing more than we think. In 2022, a total of 39,465 work-related injuries were reported by Canadian healthcare workers, with nearly 2.4 billion hours of duty performed by federally regulated employees. This is why group benefits for healthcare workers should be tailored, keeping in mind the unique healthcare needs of these heroes who save our lives!

In this blog, we’ll explore how specialized group benefits plans can meet the specific medical needs of healthcare workers. Whether you’re managing a hospital or running a private medical center, offering the right group insurance coverage will strengthen your entire healthcare organization and protect its reputation.

Why do healthcare workers in Canada need specialized group insurance plans?

Healthcare workers in Canada, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff, require specialized group insurance plans. This is primarily due to the unique nature of their work and the limitations of Canada’s provincial healthcare coverage. 

 Medical professionals often face higher occupational risks, greater physical and mental stress, and irregular work schedules. These factors make supplemental group benefits for healthcare workers essential in Canada.

Limitations in provincial healthcare coverage

Each Canadian province offers basic health insurance coverage, but none of these plans covers all the healthcare needs of working professionals, especially those in the medical field.

For instance, Ontario’s provincial healthcare coverage, also known as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), does not cover:

• Prescription drugs for individuals under 65 (unless enrolled in the Ontario Drug Benefit program)
• Dental care, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions
• Vision care (eye exams, glasses, contact lenses) for adults aged 20–64
• Paramedical services such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, or acupuncture
• Mental health counselling and therapy by non-physicians

For healthcare professionals, who are often exposed to physically demanding environments and infectious diseases, these gaps can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. Without group benefits for healthcare workers in Ontario, they will have to bear the full cost of these necessary medical services. 

Occupational hazards faced by medical professionals

Healthcare workers routinely face higher occupational hazards compared to employees in many other industries. These risks include:

• Exposure to infectious diseases such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, and hepatitis
• Musculoskeletal injuries from patient handling or repetitive strain
• Burnout and mental health challenges from long shifts and emotional trauma
• Higher likelihood of disability, either short- or long-term, due to physical demands or stress-related conditions

Due to these occupational hazards, many employers and hospital management offer enhanced disability insurance, critical illness coverage, and mental health support to their employees. These services can be provided as part of comprehensive employee benefits plans for healthcare professionals in Canada.

Need for supplemental coverage and employee wellness-focused plans

Supplemental group insurance plans ensure that Canadian healthcare workers receive the full spectrum of care they need to maintain both physical and mental wellness. Group benefits for healthcare workers typically include:

• Extended health care (EHC): Covers prescriptions, vision, and paramedical services not paid for by provincial plans
• Dental insurance: Includes preventive care, fillings, root canals, and major procedures
• Health Spending Accounts (HSA): Offer tax-free reimbursement for eligible medical expenses beyond core plan limits
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Provide access to mental health support, crisis counselling, legal advice, and financial planning

What is included in a group benefits plan for healthcare professionals in Canada?

Group benefits for healthcare workers in Canada provide comprehensive coverage (such as extended healthcare, dental and vision coverage, wellness plans, mental health support, etc) that goes beyond provincial healthcare. These plans help manage both expected and unforeseen health expenses, support mental wellness, and improve work-life balance for healthcare professionals.

Below is a comprehensive list of coverages typically included in group benefits plans for Canadian healthcare professionals:

1. Extended health insurance

• Covers prescription medications not funded by public drug plans (e.g., antibiotics, insulin, ADHD meds)
• Pays for eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses (e.g., $150–$300 every 24 months).
• Reimburses laser eye surgery like LASIK up to the plan maximum
• Includes paramedical services like physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, and naturopathy (e.g., $500–$1,000 per year per service)
• Offers ambulance services, including ground and air transportation in emergencies
• Covers private or semi-private hospital rooms during inpatient stays
• Pays for medical aids and equipment such as crutches, walkers, orthotics, and CPAP machines
• Includes hearing aids and related audiology services
• Covers vaccinations and immunizations not provided by the public health system (e.g., travel vaccines, shingles vaccine)

2. Dental coverage

• Covers basic dental care like exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions
• Pays for major dental services such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals
• Includes orthodontic treatment (e.g., braces and Invisalign) for children and sometimes adults, often up to $2,000–$3,000 lifetime
• Offers periodontal and endodontic services, such as gum surgery and treatment for tooth infections

3. Mental health support and counselling benefits

• Includes psychologist and therapist consultations (e.g., $500–$1,500 annually)
• Covers clinical social worker and psychotherapist services
• Provides access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for 24/7 crisis counselling, stress management, and trauma support
• Supports treatment for burnout, anxiety, depression, and workplace PTSD, which is common among frontline medical staff

4. Virtual healthcare services and 24/7 access

• Provides on-demand access to doctors, nurses, and specialists via phone, video, or app
• Allows prescription renewals, lab requests, and medical notes without visiting a clinic
• Offers mental health support, dietitian consults, and health coaching virtually
• Reduces time off work with faster access to care, especially helpful for shift workers

5. Short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Replaces income if illness or injury prevents work for weeks or months
• Critical for frontline workers at higher risk of physical or mental health leave

6. Critical illness insurance

• Provides a tax-free lump sum (e.g., $10,000–$50,000) on diagnosis of major illnesses like cancer, stroke, or heart attack
• Supports recovery time, out-of-pocket medical expenses, or lifestyle adjustments

7. Health Spending Accounts (HSA)

• Gives a tax-free allowance (e.g., $500–$2,000 annually) for eligible health and dental expenses not covered by the base plan
• Popular among self-employed medical professionals and clinic owners

8. Travel medical insurance

• Covers emergency medical costs when travelling outside the province or country
• Often includes trip cancellation, baggage loss, or medical evacuation

9. Wellness and preventive health programs

• Includes coverage for smoking cessation, fitness programs, dietitian consults, and health coaching
• Some plans offer reimbursements for gym memberships, fitness trackers, or meditation apps

How much do group benefits cost for healthcare workers in Canada?

The monthly cost of group benefits for healthcare workers depends on the level of coverage selected (which includes Basic, Standard, or Enhanced coverage) as well as the provider, number of employees, and plan structure. 

On average, the monthly cost of group health insurance for healthcare workers may range between $75 to $300 per employee per month. The cost may go even higher based on the individual’s current health condition, number of dependents, and more.

Cost of group insurance for medical professionals

What factors affect the cost of group benefits for healthcare workers?

Group insurance premiums for healthcare workers are influenced by several factors, including workforce demographics, type of coverage selected, claims history, employer contribution and more.

• Number of employees: The number of employees on the plan directly impacts the cost, with larger healthcare teams typically benefiting from lower per-member rates
• Scope of coverage: Plans that include dental, vision, mental health, or paramedical services cost more than basic group health coverage for medical professionals
• Occupational risk level: Group insurance premiums are higher for roles involving greater physical risk, such as nurses, paramedics, or ER doctors
• Age and health of employees: Older or less healthy employees increase the risk for insurers, which raises group insurance costs for clinics and hospitals
• Claims history: A history of frequent or high-value claims within the group can drive up future insurance premiums for healthcare staff
• Custom add-ons: Adding optional benefits like critical illness insurance or private hospital rooms increases the cost of customized group plans
• Employer contribution: The more an employer contributes toward premium payments, the higher the overall cost of offering group insurance benefits
• Geographic location: Healthcare providers in different provinces or regions may face varying premium rates due to local healthcare costs and regulations

Which are the best group benefits providers for healthcare workers in Canada?

Selecting the right group benefits provider is essential for healthcare organizations of all sizes, from large hospitals to small family practices. In Canada, leading insurers such as Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins, Empire Life, Equitable Life and GreenShield offer the best group benefits plans for healthcare workers.

Best group benefits providers for medical professionals in Canada

Can healthcare workers keep their employee benefits after leaving a job?

Whether employees can keep their group benefits after leaving a job depends on the type of coverage and the provider’s policy. Most traditional group health insurance plans for healthcare workers end once employment terminates. However, some plans offer conversion options or continuation coverage for a limited time. 

Employees may be able to convert their group life insurance to an individual policy or pay to extend health benefits temporarily. This is often called the portability of group benefits. It’s important to review your plan details or speak with an insurance advisor (such as our experts at PolicyAdvisor) to understand post-employment benefit options in Canada.

Do part-time healthcare workers qualify for group benefits?

Part-time healthcare workers may qualify for group benefits, depending on the employer’s policy and the insurance provider’s eligibility rules. Some hospitals and clinics offer group health insurance for part-time medical staff, especially if they work a minimum number of hours per week. 

The group insurance coverage for medical professionals may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, though benefits could be limited compared to full-time plans. Employers may offer prorated premiums or reduced coverage. It’s important to check the specific group benefits eligibility for part-time healthcare workers when joining a practice or facility.

How to build a customized employee benefits plan for healthcare workers in Canada?

Designing a customized employee benefits plan for healthcare workers in Canada requires a thoughtful approach. To build the right plan, assess the needs of your employees, include core coverage, add optional benefits, and also educate your employees about their benefits. Offering tailored group benefits helps improve retention, reduce burnout, and support the overall well-being of your employees.

• Start with a needs assessment: Evaluate the roles, risk levels, age groups, and work hours of your healthcare staff to identify key coverage priorities
• Include core health coverage: Offer essential group benefits such as extended health, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Add optional protection for high-risk roles: Supplement core benefits with critical illness, disability, or life insurance for staff in demanding or high-risk positions
• Incorporate mental health and wellness support: Provide access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), therapy sessions, and stress management tools
• Offer flexibility through HSAs or WSAs: Introduce healthcare or wellness spending accounts to help employees pay for services not covered under the main plan
• Design modular or tiered benefit options: Let employees choose between different levels or types of coverage based on their personal needs and family status
• Ensure plan portability and continuity: Allow for benefit conversion or continuation if employees leave the organization, retire, or change roles
• Educate employees about their benefits: Conduct onboarding sessions, distribute plan summaries, and offer ongoing support to boost understanding and usage
• Work with a licensed group benefits insurance advisor: Partner with a licensed insurance broker to compare providers, customize coverage, and manage compliance

How to get the best group benefits quotes for healthcare workers in Canada?

To get the best group benefits quotes for healthcare workers in Canada, it’s important to compare plans from multiple top-rated insurance providers. At PolicyAdvisor, we work with leading group insurance companies in Canada to help both hospital administrators and independent doctors or clinic owners find affordable, tailored coverage based on workforce size, job risk, and staff needs.

Whether you run a large hospital or a small practice, our experienced advisors will guide you through plan selection, explain benefit options, and provide free, no-obligation group insurance quotes. We also offer dedicated after-sales support to ensure your team’s coverage remains up-to-date and effective as your organization grows.