Extended Health Benefits for Small Businesses

Provincial health plans like OHIP only cover the basics. Most everyday healthcare costs are not included. Information is available to help support your team and your family with EHB options.

Attract Talent

Compete with larger players for top talent.

Employee Morale

Show real commitment to well-being.

Tax Free

Benefits are often 100% tax-free for emps.

The Foundation of Employee Wellness

Extended Health goes beyond provincial programs to cover the medical services your team uses every single day.

Prescription Drugs

Covers most prescription medications, chronic management, and specialty drugs.

Pro Tip: Prescription coverage is the most utilized and valued benefit by Canadian employees.

Paramedical Services

Licensed professionals: Physiotherapy, Massage, Chiropractic, Naturopathy, and more.

Vision Care

Eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. Perfect for digital teams.

Mental Health

Coverage for Psychologists, Counsellors, and modern online therapy sessions.

Travel Medical

Emergency medical coverage for business or personal travel outside your province.

Medical Equipment

Coverage for hearing aids, braces, orthotics, and other essential medical devices.

Hypothetical Cost Considerations

Premiums are scalable based on your specified budget. Even a basic plan can significantly transform your employee retention.

Coverage Level	Hypothetical Monthly Cost
Basic EHB	$80 – $150
Enhanced EHB	$150 – $300+
Combined with IFA	Flexible / Customizable

*Hypothetical scenarios for illustrative purposes in 2026.

Employer Tax Advantage

Premiums are generally 100% tax-deductible costs.
Reimbursements can be structured as tax-free benefits.
Alternative to salary increases.

Why Pair with IFA?

Many small businesses combine Extended Health with an Individual Flex Account (IFA) for maximum flexibility. This allows you to provide a solid baseline of protection while giving employees freedom in how they apply their benefits.

Learn about IFA Options

EHB vs Traditional Plans

Feature	Extended Health	Traditional Group Plan
Core Focus	Prescription, Dental, Vision	All-in-one bundle
Flexibility	High (Customizable)	Moderate
Scalability	Ideal for 1-20 employees	Better for larger teams
Cost Control	Scalable based on budget	Fixed premiums

Key Considerations

Minimal Coverage

Reducing cost so much that the benefit provides no real value to employees.

Ignoring Trends

Not reviewing claims annually to see which services are actually needed.

OHIP Reliance

Assuming provincial healthcare is sufficient for modern family needs.

Poor Education

Failing to educate employees on how to actually use their eligible benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not legally mandatory in Canada. However, it is highly recommended to remain competitive in recruitment and talent retention, as provincial plans like OHIP leave many healthcare gaps.

Yes. Many Canadian insurers provide specialized solutions for very small teams, often referred to as 'pooled' or 'mirco-group' plans.

Yes. In most cases, the premiums paid by an employer for an Extended Health Benefit plan are considered a 100% tax-deductible business expense.

Typically, yes. Most plans allow employees to add their legal spouses and dependent children to the coverage.

Explore Your Workplace Options

Ready to empower your team with medical protection options? Engage with professionals to discuss your 2026 benefits options today.