I have coverage under my spouse do I need group coverage?
Yes. Although you may be covered under your spouse for health and dental benefits you DO NOT have coverage under your spouse for a disability . Which means if you get sick or hurt and can't work you will not be able to earn an income. If you have disability coverage (your coverage is 24 hours a day - 7 days a week) and if you become injured or sick the insurance company will pay you a disability income until you recover or reach the maximum benefit period of your plan.
If you have health & dental coverage under your spouse you can choose to (opt out) or not take the health and dental part of this plan. This means that you would only have to pay premiums for the life and disability portion of the plan.
*Note: The majority of disability claims are illness related.

I don't need disability coverage but I want the health and dental coverage is that possible?
Yes. You can take Extended Health and Dental Coverage without having to take Disability Income Insurance. You are still required, however, to take a minimum amount of basic life insurance coverage.

How much will my monthly premiums be?
The rate for health & dental benefits is based on the bought design you choose and the number of employees in your firm. The cost of disability and insurance benefits varies because it is based on your age and the earnings that you declare to determine your disability benefits. By completing a quote request form we can calculate your individual monthly premiums.

If I have questions or need help with a claim who do I talk to?
We are the local marketing agency for the benefit plan. Our office is located in Port Coquitlam. Our Group Plan Administrator Denise Allan can answer any questions or help with any claims that you may have.

Does this plan include B.C. Medical?
No. B.C. Medical is completely separate from this benefit plan. You still have to continue paying your B.C. Medical insurance premiums. This benefit plan covers most of the expenses NOT covered by B.C. Medical i.e. prescriptions, chiropractor user fees, physiotherapy, ambulance rides, semi-private hospital room, out of country medical insurance etc.

Do I pay the dentist or can my dentist directly bill the insurance company?
Most dentists will provide direct billing services. This means that you only have to pay the cost for benefits not covered by your dental plan.

Are my benefit premiums tax deductible?
Yes. All premiums paid are deducted business expenses and as of January 1, 1998 premiums paid for benefits can also be deducted by sole proprietors.

If I have to collect a disability benefit will the benefit be taxable?
Only if you deduct the disability portion of the premium as a business expense. If you use "Taxed Income" to personally pay the premiums for the disability benefit any benefits you receive are NOT taxable. Make sure the premium for the disability portion of your plan is not deducted as a business expense!

I have been self-insuring, why would I want to start paying premiums?
By personally paying your benefit costs as they occur (self- Insuring) you may be spending more money than you realize. PREMIUMS for Health and Dental Benefits are 100% deductible. When you self-insure you are paying your costs with after tax (non-deductible dollars). You are also giving up the "Insurance" safety net that would protect you in the event of a catastrophic injury or illness such as cancer. If you could not work for 6 months due to a cancer-related illness, you would not have the income to self-insure and the cost of your cancer medication could be very high.

If I have to collect a disability benefit what do I need to do?
You will need to complete a Weekly Indemnity Claim form for Short Term Disability. This form has 3 sections to be completed, one by the employer, one by the employee and the third by the physician. If you have any questions or need help completing the forms our Group Plan Administrator, Denise Allan, will be more than happy to help you through the process.

Do I have to belong to a Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade to have access to this plan?
Yes. The Chamber's Group Insurance plan is only available to Chamber members. But it is easy to join!

Where do I send my completed disability claim form?
To help expedite your claim we suggest that you send your claim form to our local office in Port Coquitlam. Our Group Plan Administrator will go over the claim forms to make sure all the required information is on the form. Your claim will then be sent to the correct department by courier.