Beneplan Voluntary Benefits: Evolving to Meet the Needs of Canadians

For more than 35 years, Beneplan has listened to what Canadian employers and employees need from the benefits industry — and developed solutions to meet those needs.

Founded in 1989 as a bulk purchasing group for Canadian employee benefits and private group health insurance, Beneplan has continuously evolved alongside the changing needs of Canadian businesses and workers.

In the 1990s, the market demanded Health Spending Accounts. We listened.

In the 2000s, customers wanted refundable health insurance. We delivered it.

In the 2010s, clients needed solutions to help manage the rising cost of prescription drugs. We responded.

Now, we're evolving again.

The Needs of Canadian Workers Are Changing

Canada's universal health care system is something we can be proud of. But Canadians are also facing longer wait times, rising costs and increasing pressure on their household budgets.

At the same time:

Employers are under increasing financial pressure.
Businesses need to manage costs while continuing to provide meaningful benefits to their employees.

Employees are busier than ever.
Many Canadians are balancing multiple jobs and responsibilities, leaving little time to navigate complicated benefit plans and insurance options.

Employees want more choice.
Many workers want the ability to purchase additional insurance at their own cost, but traditional options can be expensive and difficult to understand.

Access to timely health care matters.
Canadians understand that those who can afford private options may have access to faster services, while employees who need support the most may not be able to afford those costs.

The cost of living continues to put pressure on families.
Employees increasingly need affordable ways to protect their health, income and families without taking on significant out-of-pocket expenses.

These challenges require a different approach.

Introducing the Beneplan Voluntary Benefits Program

The Beneplan Voluntary Benefits Program gives employees access to additional health and insurance products that they can choose to purchase at their own cost.

The program combines:

• A dedicated enrollment concierge
• Modern enrollment technology
• One-on-one support from a specialized benefits coach
• Affordable products through Beneplan's purchasing power
• Portable coverage options
• Guaranteed-issue products during eligible enrollment periods

Our goal is simple: make additional benefits easier to understand, easier to access and more affordable.

What's Available?

The first products available through the Beneplan Voluntary Benefits Program in 2026 include:

Additional Life Insurance

Guaranteed Issue Additional Life Insurance provides employees with an opportunity to increase their life insurance protection beyond their existing workplace coverage.

Critical Illness Insurance

Guaranteed Issue Additional Critical Illness Insurance is available for employees and their families, helping provide additional financial protection following a covered critical illness.

Global Private Health Insurance

Guaranteed Issue Global Private Health Insurance through VUMI provides access to additional health care options and international medical coverage.

Faster Diagnostic Imaging

Guaranteed Issue Faster Diagnostic Imaging Services provide employees with access to faster diagnostic services when they need them.

Telemedicine

Affordable Telemedicine Services provide employees and their families with convenient access to health care from virtually anywhere.

All products are subject to the eligibility requirements, terms and conditions of the applicable insurance carrier or service provider.

No Mandatory Employer Contribution

One of the most important features of the Beneplan Voluntary Benefits Program is that employers are not required to contribute to the cost of these voluntary benefits.

Employees can choose the additional coverage they want and pay the associated premiums themselves.

This gives employees greater choice while allowing employers to expand their benefits offering without adding mandatory costs to their existing benefits plan.

How Does Enrollment Work?

Each employer selects an open enrollment period for their organization.

During this period, employees can:

• Learn about their existing benefits
• Explore available voluntary benefits
• Speak with a benefits coach
• Ask questions privately and confidentially
• Choose the coverage that makes sense for them and their families

When eligible products are purchased during an applicable open enrollment period or following a qualifying life event, medical underwriting may not be required, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable product.

After the initial enrollment period, employees may also be able to enroll following an eligible life event, loss of equivalent coverage or during a future enrollment period.

Employees who do not enroll during an eligible period may be required to complete medical questionnaires, examinations and underwriting for certain products.

Benefits for Employers

Employee Education

Benefits can be complicated. Simply providing employees with a benefits booklet doesn't always mean they understand their coverage.

Through the Beneplan Voluntary Benefits Program, employees have access to one-on-one education sessions, either virtually or in person, with a benefits coach.

Greater Awareness

Employees have an opportunity to understand their existing benefits and learn about additional ways they can protect themselves and their families.

No Mandatory Employer Contribution

Employers can offer additional benefits without being required to pay the premiums.

This provides greater flexibility while keeping the employer's existing benefits budget intact.

Benefits for Insurance Advisors

The program also provides value for advisors and their clients.

Greater Peace of Mind

Advisors can feel confident knowing their clients' employees have been given an opportunity to learn about and access additional coverage.

Protecting the Client-Advisor Relationship

Beneplan's enrollment and education support complements the existing advisor relationship rather than replacing it.

Professional Employee Education

Employees receive access to knowledgeable benefits professionals who can explain available options and answer questions.

Benefits for Employees

Affordable Coverage

Beneplan's bulk purchasing power can provide access to competitive rates that employees may not be able to obtain independently.

No Medical Underwriting During Eligible Enrollment

When eligible products are purchased during an applicable open enrollment period, employees may be able to obtain coverage without medical underwriting or an exam, subject to carrier requirements.

Personalized Support

Employees don't have to navigate complicated insurance products alone.

A benefits coach is available to answer questions and help employees understand their options.

More Choice

Every employee and family has different needs.

Voluntary benefits allow employees to choose the additional coverage that makes sense for their individual circumstances.

Beneplan Is Evolving — Again

For more than three decades, Beneplan has evolved by listening to what Canadian employers and employees need.

From Health Spending Accounts to refundable insurance solutions and prescription drug savings, we've continued to develop solutions that respond to a changing Canadian benefits landscape.

The Beneplan Voluntary Benefits Program is the next step.

More choice.
More education.
More access.
More affordable options.

All while giving employers the flexibility to offer additional benefits without a mandatory employer contribution.

Beneplan will continue to provide affordable group insurance solutions for Canadian businesses, including the refundable premiums available through the co-operative.

Ready to Get Started?

Interested in setting up a voluntary benefits enrollment period for your organization?

Contact Diane Carvalho at diane@beneplan.ca to learn more about the Beneplan Voluntary Benefits Program and how to get started.

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