Group benefits refer to employee benefits provided by employers to their employees as part of a group insurance plan. These benefits offer several advantages to both employees and employers. Here are some key benefits of group benefits

 1.Comprehensive Health Coverage: Group benefits typically include health insurance coverage, which provides employees with access to essential medical services. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, paramedical services (such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy), and other healthcare needs. Having comprehensive health coverage helps employees manage their healthcare costs and ensures timely access to necessary medical treatment.

2. Extended Health Services: Group benefits often include coverage for additional health services that may not be covered under provincial healthcare plans. This can include vision care (eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses), dental care (preventive, restorative, and orthodontic treatments), and other paramedical services like psychologists or naturopaths. These extended health services provide employees with enhanced wellness and preventive care, promoting overall health and well-being.

3. Income Replacement: Group benefits typically include short-term and long-term disability insurance, which provides income replacement for employees who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or disability. This coverage ensures that employees have a source of income during periods of absence from work, helping them manage their financial obligations and maintain their standard of living.

4. Life and Accidental Death Coverage: Group benefits often include life insurance coverage, providing financial protection for employees' dependents in the event of their death. Additionally, accidental death and dismemberment coverage may be included, which provides benefits in case of accidental death or severe injuries resulting in permanent disability. These coverages offer peace of mind and financial security to employees and their families.

5. Employee Retention and Attraction: Offering comprehensive group benefits is an effective tool for attracting and retaining talented employees. In a competitive job market, quality benefits can differentiate employers and make their job offers more attractive. Employees value the security and peace of mind that comes with having access to health coverage, disability protection, and other benefits. It also demonstrates that employers care about their employees' well-being, fostering a positive work environment and increasing employee loyalty.

6. Cost Savings for Employees: Group benefits often provide more cost-effective insurance coverage compared to individual plans. Employers negotiate group rates with insurance providers, resulting in lower premiums for employees. Additionally, group benefits often cover pre-existing conditions without exclusions or waiting periods, which may be a limitation in individual insurance plans.

7. Tax Advantages: Group benefits can provide tax advantages for both employers and employees. In Canada, group benefit premiums paid by employers are typically tax-deductible as a business expense. For employees, the premiums paid towards group benefits are often made on a pre-tax basis, reducing their taxable income and resulting in potential tax savings.

It's important for both employers and employees to carefully review and understand the specific terms, coverage limits, and exclusions of the group benefits plan to ensure it meets their needs. Consulting with Aurora can help in selecting and customizing the right group benefits plan for the organization and its employees.