Why Smart Employers Are Choosing Private Coverage Over Provincial Plans For Their Foreign Workers
Have you ever wondered what might happen if your foreign employee needs dental work, but can’t afford it? What about if they need new glasses in order to operate that heavy agricultural machinery properly?
These scenarios aren't hypothetical. They actually play out daily in Canadian workplaces that rely on hardworking foreign employees. And they’re creating hidden costs and risks that might threaten your operational stability and reputation.
Here’s the truth that many businesses are learning the hard way: Provincial health plans leave dangerous gaps in coverage that can directly impact your business performance and worker retention.
Employers in Canada are learning that private coverage isn't just a "nice extra". It's the essential protection that can protect business investment in foreign workers – but only if you take the right step to find the best plan.
Coverage Gaps That Could Be Costing You Right Now
Provincial health plans were designed with basic healthcare needs in mind.
But ask yourself: Are your foreign workers' needs just "basic"?
Provincial plans often leave critical gaps that directly affect your workers' ability to perform at their best. These gaps can seem small at first, but over time, they create problems that slowly erode your productivity (and your employer brand).
Think about some of these critical services that provincial plans often don't cover:
Dental care that goes beyond emergencies – leaving workers with painful conditions that distract from work and can lead to more severe health issues.
Vision care, such as eye exams and glasses, which can potentially compromise safety for those who can’t see properly.
Mental health services with psychologists and counselors, even though 80% of foreign workers report struggling with adjustment challenges
Prescription drugs that may be essential for managing chronic conditions that affect work performance
Paramedical services like physiotherapy that could speed recovery and return-to-work after injuries
Each of these gaps represents a potential crisis waiting to happen in your workforce. When workers can't access these services, the consequences can show up in reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and safety risks that you can’t afford to carry.
The question isn't whether these gaps will affect your business. It's when, and how severely.
The Hidden ROI of Private Coverage
While some may see private health coverage as just another expense on their yearly budget, others are finding that it’s an investment with a high return. The data tells the tale:
88% of employees with benefits plans report that these plans have saved them money, with average annual savings of $913 on prescriptions, $816 on dental, and $339 on eye care
73% of workers would stay with their employer for the benefits, even if offered more money elsewhere
76% of employees without health benefits would leave for a job with better coverage
While you might save money in the short term with provincial plans, there’s a chance that you’re risking much more down the line.
Increased turnover and higher recruitment costs will quickly eat up any savings you’re enjoying once employees start opting for companies that are committed to health and wellness.
The Language and Cultural Barriers You Haven't Considered
We’ve looked at the risks and benefits to your company – but have you stepped into your foreign worker’s shoes?
You’d be surprised to find that many provincial healthcare systems weren't designed with foreign workers in mind. Navigating these systems can be overwhelmingly complex (even for native English or French speakers), let alone for workers new to Canada with limited language access!
Barriers like this aren’t just inconvenient. They can quickly impact your operations through employee frustration, especially when health issues are left untreated and employees forgo essential healthcare.
What’s the alternative? Rather than leave individuals to fend for themselves, private insurance through FWCHP addresses these challenges directly with:
Multilingual support services that help workers navigate the healthcare system in their native language
Simplified claims processes designed for foreign workers
Cultural competency training for healthcare providers in our network
Personal assistance in finding appropriate healthcare providers
Prescription guidance to ensure workers can obtain and properly use needed medications
These services go far in eliminating a major source of stress and frustration for your workforce, allowing them to focus on what matters most: contributing to your business success.
Why FWCHP is the Smart Choice for Foreign Worker Coverage
Not all private insurance is created equal, especially when it comes to the unique needs of foreign workers. At FWCHP, we’ve spent years building specialized coverage designed for the challenges these workers and their employers face in the modern market.
Our approach is different from many provincial and private options, offering:
Day-one coverage that eliminates the provincial waiting period gap, protecting your business from day one
Comprehensive benefits including dental, vision, prescription drugs, and mental health services
Multilingual support that helps workers navigate the healthcare system in their native language
Simplified administration with single-point management that reduces your HR burden
Group rates that make comprehensive coverage affordable for businesses of all sizes
Specialized understanding of foreign worker needs and challenges gained through years of experience
We've built our entire program around a simple truth: your foreign workers are essential to your business success, and their health directly impacts your bottom line.
Don't wait for a health crisis or worker departure to reveal the gaps in provincial coverage. Take the steps necessary now to secure the protection your business and your workers deserve:
Request a side-by-side comparison of provincial coverage versus FWCHP's comprehensive protection to identify specific gaps that could affect your workforce and operations.
Calculate your actual turnover costs over the past year and compare them to the investment in comprehensive coverage. Most employers are surprised to discover how quickly private coverage pays for itself!
Implement FWCHP protection before provincial coverage gaps affect your workers' health, your operational continuity, or your ability to maintain a stable workforce.
Ready to join the smart employers discovering the advantages of comprehensive coverage? Contact FWCHP today for a personalized consultation about how we can help protect your business and your workers.
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
