1st Time Buyers Guide to Group Benefits
A one-stop guide for companies buying health insurance
As a tech founder, CEO or Head of HR, you're focused on hiring top talent and scaling fast. And when it comes to employee benefits, you might be asking
🤔 Do I need to offer group benefits at this stage? 💡 What options are available for a fast-growing tech startup? 🚀 How can I set up benefits without wasting time on paperwork?
Let’s break it down
What Are Group Benefits? 🏥
Group health insurance in Canada is your competitive edge in the tech market. Public healthcare doesn’t cover essentials like:
🦷 Dental & Vision – Cleanings, exams, glasses.
🧘♂️ Mental Health Support – from therapy & wellness options.
💊 Prescription Drugs – Critical medications at a lower cost.
🩺 Paramedical Services – Chiropractors, physiotherapists, and more.
✈️ Hospital & Travel Coverage – Semi-private hospitalization, private duty nursing, and emergency travel insurance.
Why Startups Need Group Benefits Early On 💡
In today's competitive landscape, benefits give you a hiring advantage. Here’s why startups shouldn’t wait:
🌟 Attract & Retain Talent – Employees expect benefits. Without them, you risk losing top candidates.
⚡ Boost Productivity – Healthy employees take fewer sick days and perform better.
📄 Tax Advantages – Many group benefits are tax-deductible, reducing business expenses.
📈 Scalability – Start with a lean plan and upgrade as your team grows.
🤝 Company Culture – Benefits show you care, setting the tone for long-term growth.
Build the best team with modern group benefits
Providing benefits isn't just about healthcare; it's a strategic move to attract, retain, and empower top talent while boosting overall productivity. 🚀
of Canadians say their benefits impact their health and well-being—and it remains a key factor in career decisions.
Canadian small business owners spend per year on administrative tasks, away from their business & teams.
on average, for traditional claim reimbursement processes in Canada leave employees waiting far too long for the essential benefits they rely on.
of Canadian employees report that traditional group benefits don’t fully meet their evolving needs.Traditional Benefits Solutions 🕰️
Most group benefits in Canada still run on outdated systems, making the process slow and frustrating.
📚 Cumbersome Paperwork – Manual forms, slow approvals.
⏳ 4–8 Week Setup – Long delays due to administrative inefficiencies.
💸 Hidden Costs & Upsells – Brokers earn commissions, sometimes recommending unnecessary add-ons.
🔍 Non-Transparent Pricing – Initial costs may seem low, but hidden costs & renewal increases catch businesses off guard.
👥 Difficult Admin Management – Manual updates make adding/removing employees time-consuming.
Where Can You Buy Group Benefits? 🇨🇦
🐌 Traditional Route: Go through a group benefits broker. This works for custom plans but can be slow and opaque.
🚀 Modern Alternative: Digital platforms provide transparent pricing, instant quotes, and fast sign-up—perfect for busy founders.
Note: In Ontario, a minimum of 3 full-time employees is required to qualify for most group plans.
Hidden Risks to Watch Out For ⚠️
📆 Annual Lock-Ins – Some plans lock you in for a year, making it hard to switch.
🚧 Non-Transparent Renewals – Prices may spike in year two without warning.
⛔ Broker Upselling – Brokers earn commissions, sometimes adding features your team won’t use.
🗂️ Manual Admin Work – Traditional plans require manual updates, wasting valuable time.
Look for a digital-first provider that offers transparent pricing, flexible plans, and easy employee management—saving you time and money.
Invest in Your Team's Well-Being
Group benefits are not just an expense—they’re an investment in talent retention, productivity, and company culture. By choosing a digital-first, startup-friendly provider, you can avoid the headaches of traditional benefits and focus on growing your business. 🚀
💡 Ready to explore modern group benefits? Find a simple, scalable plan that works for your startup—without the paperwork hassle.