5 things to know before switching group benefits providers in Canada

Most companies stick with their benefits provider longer than they should. Not because the plan is amazing. Because switching feels like it will be a mess.

It’s usually not. Here’s what matters.

• You have no idea what you’re paying for – and your broker can’t explain it without “checking on that.”
• Your broker is MIA – they show up at renewal, and that’s it.
• Nobody’s using the plan – or people don’t even know what’s covered.
• The price makes no sense – you’re paying over $150/month for single coverage that’s basic at best.
• Your team has grown, but the plan hasn’t changed – and no one’s suggested it should.

• You’re mid-fundraising, hiring spree, or some other all-consuming project.
• Your benefits are tied to payroll or finance tools and pulling them apart would cause more problems than it solves right now.
• You’d end up paying two providers at once because you’re inside your cancellation window.

• Notice period – most are 30 days, some are 60 or 90.
• Auto-renewal – easy to miss, but it can lock you in.
• Discount tie-ins – lower rates in exchange for multi-year commitments.
• Extras – things like HSAs or critical illness coverage that could get disrupted.

If you’re with a third-party admin like League, make sure you can even bring in a new provider. Some lock you into their network.

If you’re moving to Alan, it looks like this:

1. Share your company info.
2. Pick your new plan and sign.
3. Cancel your old plan in writing.
4. Wait out the notice period.
5. You and your team get onboarded. New coverage starts the day the old one ends.

Will there be a gap in coverage? No. You set the dates so they line up.

What about claims still in progress? Your old provider handles them.

Do we have to wait until renewal? No, unless your contract says otherwise.

What if someone’s on leave or in treatment? They stay covered. We make sure their needs are met.

Can we keep our HSA? Yes, but it might need to move or run separately.

• No brokers
• No hidden fees
• Plans from $107/month
• Onboarding takes minutes
• Support that actually responds

Quick checklist:

• Read your contract
• Confirm notice period and renewal date
• Pick your new plan
• Give written notice
• Align start date to avoid gaps