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- Manulife’s group plan offers extensive benefits, including health, dental, and professional services, ensuring employees receive the support they need for their health
- Businesses can customize coverage amounts from a minimum of $10,000 for basic life insurance (optional) up to $1.5 million, providing flexibility based on group size and needs
- Features like Workplace Advisor and the Resilience program provide mental health support, enhancing overall employee well-being
Manulife is one of Canada’s largest and most established insurance providers, offering one of the most flexible group benefit solutions to business owners. Manulife’s group benefits plan is designed for small businesses with 2 to 50 employees.
Manulife employee benefit plans provide coverage for drug costs, extended health care, vision care, dental care, short- and long-term disability, and additional features such as health spending accounts. The insurer also offers the benefit of wellness programs, including Workplace Advisor, Health eLinks®, Health Service Navigator®, and Enhanced Wellness.
In this article, we’ll explore the key features of Manulife’s group benefits plan, available benefits, the costs associated with offering these benefits, and other details.
Manulife group benefits plan at a glance
Here’s a quick look at Manulife’s employee benefits plan:
| Category | Details |
| Eligibility |
|
| Core benefits |
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| Spending accounts |
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| Wellness and employee assistance program (EAP) |
|
| Optional benefits |
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| Key strengths |
|
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What does Manulife’s employee benefits plan for small businesses cover?
Manulife’s group benefits plan for small businesses offers extended healthcare coverage, day-to-day care with flexible drug reimbursement options, professional services from chiropractors to dieticians, dental, and vision care.
Manulife’s employee benefits plan details
| Benefits/coverage | Details |
| Drug coverage |
|
| Vision care |
|
| Extended health care |
|
| Income replacement |
|
| Dental care |
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| Spending account |
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| Wellness program coverage |
|
Who is eligible for Manulife’s group benefits plans?
Manulife’s group benefits plans are designed for businesses with 2 to 50 employees. To qualify, employees must be actively working for the policyholder or any associated company on a full-time basis at their usual place of work in Canada. Full-time status is defined as a normal work schedule of at least 20 hours per week.
The eligibility criteria also include various waiting periods of up to 12 months, allowing businesses the flexibility to select the option that best suits their needs. Additionally, there are five employee classes available within the plans, all of which are subject to Manulife’s underwriting guidelines, ensuring that the coverage is tailored to meet the diverse requirements of small businesses.
Manulife group plan participation requirements:
Manulife’s group plan participation requirements
| Group size | Cost paid by | Minimum participation requirement (%) |
| 2 – 9 employees | Employer | 100% |
| Employer and Employee | 100% | |
| 10 – 50 employees | Employer | 100% |
| Employer and Employee | 75% |
What is the cost of Manulife’s group benefits plans?
The cost of employee benefits for small businesses from Manulife is approximately $4,525 per month for a small business with 19 employees. However, the actual cost may vary depending on the specific benefits chosen and employee demographics.
Sample plan for a small business with 19 employees
| Benefit | Volume | No. of lives | Rate | Premium |
| Life | ||||
| Basic Life | $462,500 | 19 | $0.119 | $55.04 |
| Non-evidence Limit | $25,000 | |||
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) | $462,500 | 19 | $0.060 | $27.75 |
| Extended Healthcare | ||||
| Single | 5 | $63.79 | $318.95 | |
| Couple | 8 | $151.88 | $1,215.04 | |
| Family | 6 | $155.79 | $934.74 | |
| Total Extended Healthcare | 19 | $2,468.73 | ||
| Dental care | ||||
| Single | 5 | $58.23 | $291.15 | |
| Couple | 8 | $113.15 | $905.20 | |
| Family | 6 | $129.51 | $777.06 | |
| Total Dental | 19 | $1,973.41 | ||
| Total | 19 | $4,524.93 | ||
*Indicative costs. Actual costs may vary based on industry specifics, employee demographics, and final plan design chosen.
How does Manulife’s employee and family assistance program work?
Manulife’s Employee Assistance Program consists of two key offerings: Workplace Advisor and Resilience. Workplace Advisor is for small businesses with 2 to 50 plan members, providing unlimited access to short-term counselling for employees and their eligible dependents.
This program focuses on addressing personal and workplace issues, allowing employees to seek help as needed. Additionally, it offers toll-free manager coaching, equipping business leaders with the tools to effectively handle employee concerns. With an online Human Resource library and courses for both leaders and employees, Workplace Advisor aids a supportive work environment.
Resilience is designed for larger organizations, requiring a minimum of 25 plan members. This program expands upon the services provided by Workplace Advisor, offering comprehensive, confidential counselling (mental health support) and health management services to managers, employees, and their families. Resilience ensures that support is accessible no matter where employees live, work, or travel across Canada, emphasizing convenience and accessibility.
Why should you choose Manulife group insurance for a small business?
Some of the benefits our advisors recommend for Manulife’s small business group benefits are:
- Flexible plans: Employers can tailor coverage limits to fit budget and employer needs
- Wellness programs: Includes employee assistance and drug management programs. Additional benefits, such as Workplace Advisor, Health eLinks, Health Service Navigator, and the Resilience program, make Manulife one of the most reliable group health insurers in Canada
- Comprehensive health support beyond basics: Manulife group benefit plans also provide coverage for surgical stockings, orthopedic shoes, hearing aids, travel assistance, vision care, and more
- Cost management options: Let you manage costs effectively through spending accounts: a lifestyle spending account and a health spending account
- Optional benefits: Combines life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment for employees
Manulife’s group benefits are best for:
- Businesses looking for customizable plans
- Growing small businesses
- Employers who value wellness and mental health support
Pros and cons of Manulife employee benefits for small businesses
| Pros | Cons |
| High flexibility in plan design | Some benefits, like life insurance and critical illness insurance, are optional |
| Strong wellness and mental health support | Costs increase with optional benefits |
| Manulife mobile app for easy plan management | |
| Specialty Drug Care program to save on drug costs |
How to get the best employee benefits rates from Manulife?
To get the best employee benefits rates from Manulife, we recommended speaking with one of our experienced advisors. Our licensed advisors can help you compare different coverage options from Manulife, get instant quotes, and find the most suitable employee benefits package for your small business.
Frequently asked questions
Is dental care available to all Manulife group health plan members?
Yes, dental care is available to all plan members, offering options for both basic and major services coverage. However, to access orthodontic services specifically, the group must have at least 3 members enrolled with family coverage. This requirement ensures comprehensive support while providing flexibility based on the group’s size and coverage needs.
How can I check the status of my Manulife claim?
To check the status of your claim with Manulife, you can log in to your Manulife account on their official website, where you can view the real-time status of your claims. Alternatively, you can use the Manulife mobile app, which allows you to access your claim information, submit new claims, track their progress, and receive notifications about updates. If you prefer direct communication, you can also contact Manulife’s customer service for assistance.
What does Manulife’s group benefits plan for small businesses cover?
Manulife’s group benefits plan includes extended health care, dental care, and income protection (short- and long-term disability). The plan can also be customized with features like Health Spending Accounts (HSA), wellness programs, and additional insurance coverage, such as life and critical illness.
Who is Manulife’s small business benefits plan best suited for?
Manulife group plans are best suited for small businesses (2–50 employees) that want flexible coverage. They are ideal for those looking for strong health coverage and wellness support, and who are willing to actively customize their plan.
Can employees customize their coverage under Manulife employee benefits plans?
Yes, Manulife group plans are highly customizable plans. While employers design the base plan, employees can often access flexible options like Health Spending Accounts (HSA) and purchase additional voluntary coverage to suit their individual needs.
Manulife’s Group Benefits plan for small businesses with 2 to 50 employees offers a range of essential coverage options including extended healthcare, vision and dental care, and features like Health Spending Accounts. The plan provides flexibility in coverage amounts, with life insurance coverage options starting at a minimum of $10,000 and extending up to $1.5 million. Key benefits include comprehensive day-to-day care, professional services, and out-of-Canada treatment, alongside income replacement through short- and long-term disability.
