Best Group Insurance in Manitoba

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Comprehensive group health insurance in Manitoba

Manitoba is home to over 43,000 businesses with employees, 98% of which are small businesses. For them, offering employee benefits isn’t just a perk, it’s a strategic investment in their future. With group benefits, they can attract and retain top talent, reduce financial risks, and support employee well-being through health, critical illness, disability, and life insurance coverage.

Why offer group benefits in Manitoba?

The numbers speak for themselves. When given the choice between higher pay or health benefits, Canadian small business employees revealed:

  • 50% would choose benefits over a $10,000 raise
  • 41% would pick benefits over a $25,000 salary increase
  • Over a third would still prefer benefits even with a $40,000 raise on the table

In Manitoba’s competitive job market, fueled by labour shortages and strategic job creation initiatives, small businesses can’t afford to lose top talent. With group benefits, they gain a crucial edge that helps improve employee retention while reducing recruitment costs.

Manitoba group insurance

Small business group benefits in Manitoba

For Manitoba’s small businesses, an effective group benefits plan provides employees with essential coverage while allowing employers to manage costs efficiently. 

At PolicyAdvisor, our experts help you compare and customize the best plans starting at just $80 per month, from over 30 top Canadian providers to find coverage that fits your budget and workforce needs. 

How to set up employee benefits in Manitoba?

Setting up a small business benefits plan is a simple process that includes the following steps:

  • Sign-up & setup: Complete and sign documents with your advisor; setup takes up to two weeks
  • Employee enrollment: Employees receive an activation email to enroll
  • Billing: The first billing statement is issued after employee enrollment
  • Plan activation: Employees can start using their benefits
  • Administrator access: Credentials provided for the admin portal, with insurer guidance

I need group insurance. Where do I start?

Our calculator gets you the right quotes and the lowest rates.

Average cost of benefits per employee in Manitoba

The average cost of employee benefits in Manitoba varies based on employee demographics, desired coverage levels, employer contribution, company size, and policy terms and conditions. Typical monthly costs per employee range from:

  • $80-$200/month for a basic plan
  • $100-$250/month for an enhanced plan
  • $150-$350/month for comprehensive coverage
Factors affecting the cost of group benefits in Manitoba
Factor Impact on cost
Business size Larger groups benefit from lower per-employee costs
Plan type Basic plans are more affordable; comprehensive plans cost more
Employer contribution Employers typically cover 50% to 100% of premiums
Employer demographics Older or higher-risk employees may increase premium costs
Industry risk level High-risk industries (e.g., construction) often face higher group benefit rates

Customizable group benefits for Manitoba businesses

Small businesses in Manitoba have several options to create a group benefits plan that meets their industry’s needs. They can start with a basic plan covering prescription drugs and dental care or choose a more comprehensive package that includes health and dental, vision care, disability, critical illness insurance, life insurance, and more.

Alternatively, employers can look into Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), which:

  • Fix employer contribution to employee’s health expenses
  • Do not incur monthly premiums
  • Ensure employers only pay for benefits employees actually use
Sample plan for small business employee benefits
Coverage/Plan Basic Standard Enhanced
Health (Single) $50/month $70/month $92/month
Health (Family) $110/month $170/month $195/month
Dental (Single) $30/month $60/month $81/month
Dental (Family) $170/month $200/month $250/month
Life Insurance & AD&D ($25,000/$50,000/$75,000) $12/month $18/month $26/month
Total (20 employees) $3,000/month $4,100/month $5,500/month
Cost per employee $150/month $205/month $275/month

What do employee benefits plans in Manitoba cover?

Small business employee benefits in Manitoba typically cover a range of health-related expenses, including prescription drugs (from 70% up to 100% coverage, depending on the plan), health practitioners like physiotherapists or chiropractors, counselling services, and vision care.

Most plans also include travel insurance with unlimited trips of up to 90 days and $5 million in emergency medical coverage. Coverage levels and monthly premiums vary by plan type and family status, with costs ranging from $35 to $324 per employee each month.

How to get a free group quote in Manitoba?

Looking for a free Manitoba group benefits quote? Reach out to our team of licensed group insurance advisors at any time. We’re happy to help walk you through it or find the best plan for you!

Looking for affordable employee benefits?

Call us at 1-800-601-9980 to speak with our licensed advisors right away, or schedule a time with them below.

Who is eligible for small business employee benefits in Manitoba?

Small businesses of all sizes can apply for group benefits in Manitoba. At PolicyAdvisor, we provide group health coverage for groups as small as 2 members.

To qualify, businesses must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Have at least 2-3 full-time employees (including owners)
  • Maintain stable revenue to support contributions
  • Contribute 50% or more to premiums

Benefits of group health insurance for small businesses in Manitoba

A Canada Benefits survey reveals that 79% of employees prefer benefits over a pay raise! So, as a small business, offering group benefits helps:

  • Attract and retain talent
  • Save costs due to risk pooling 
  • Improve employee retention  
  • Provide financial security
  • Save on tax-deductible premiums
  • Boost productivity, morale, and overall wellness

Why PolicyAdvisor?

PolicyAdvisor makes finding group health insurance simple. Compare quotes, get expert advice, and find the best policy for your needs-all in one place.

  • Save time: Get instant quotes from Manitoba’s top group insurance companies
  • Save money: Compare multiple quotes to find the best price
  • Shop anywhere: Use our online tools to compare quotes from your phone or computer
  • Personalized service: Receive expert advice from a dedicated group insurance advisor

Get affordable group insurance, online, and in minutes!

Frequently asked questions

What factors should I consider when choosing a group health insurance plan in Manitoba? Toggle Icon
When choosing a group health insurance plan in Manitoba, consider: Company size and employee demographics: Larger groups generally have lower per-employee costs, while older workforces may face higher premiums due to increased health risks Budget: Ensure you can sustain contributions, as employers typically cover 50% or more of the premium Coverage options: Determine the right coverage (basic, advanced, or premium) for your employees’ needs Customization: Explore additional benefits, such as life, disability, and critical illness insurance, to customize coverage Administration: Look for a provider with an online portal for easy onboarding, employee enrollment, and claim submissions
Is group health insurance mandatory for small businesses in Manitoba? Toggle Icon
No, group health insurance is not mandatory for small businesses in Manitoba. However, by offering insurance small businesses can easily attract and retain top talent while reducing recruitment costs — which is especially beneficial in Manitoba's competitive job market.
Can I include contractors or seasonal employees in our group health insurance plan? Toggle Icon
It depends on your plan and insurer. While group benefits typically cover full-time employees, some plans also extend coverage to seasonal workers and contractors. To learn more about eligibility requirements, schedule a free consultation with our licensed experts.