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GROUP PLANS
Supplementary health insurance coverage is most commonly available under
group insurance plans. Group plans cover all members of a specific group and
their eligible dependents. If you or your spouse/partner are employed, you probably
have an insurance plan sponsored by your employer or your union as part of your
employee benefits program. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase group
insurance through a professional association or group such as an alumni association.
Under employer- and union-sponsored plans, the employer or union typically pays
all or part of the cost of the premiums. Under an association plan, though, the
members pay the full cost. Nevertheless, the cost of such coverage is usually lower
than it would be if purchased under an individual contract, because administration
costs are less for group plans.
TIP: Extended health and dental insurance for which your employer pays are
non-taxable benefits, except in Québec • If you are self-employed, you can deduct
part of your group or individual health, dental and drug plan premiums – and, under
some circumstances, premiums you pay for your employees
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