Group insurance is part of the benefits package employers provide to their employees to cover expenses not covered by the government, such as death, disability or medical care.
What Are the Different Types of Group Insurance?
The different types of group insurance include :
- Insured plans (or traditional plans): the risk is assumed 100% by the insurer.
- Self-insured plans: the employer is responsible for a portion of claims.
- Flex Account or Health Management Account: the employee is reimbursed in part or in full from a health account for the portion of expenses normally borne by the employee.
What Is Covered by Group Insurance?
Group insurance can cover a multitude of situations, depending on the employer’s needs. For example, an employer may offer its employees :
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Dental care
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Is Group Insurance Compulsory?
Whether group insurance is compulsory or not depends on local regulations. In Quebec, employers are not obliged to offer group insurance to their employees as part of a benefits policy.