How to Compare Employee Health Insurance Plans: A Guide for HR Managers

Claire Bennet
SEO strategist
August 28, 2025
12 min read

Discover how HR managers can compare employee health insurance plans effectively. Learn key factors, pros and cons, and practical strategies to maximize healthcare benefits, ensure compliance, and deliver tailored solutions for your workforce.

Employee health insurance is at the heart of a competitive benefits package. For HR managers, the task is not just selecting a plan, but regularly comparing and optimizing options to ensure the coverage meets both employee needs and business objectives. Whether you’re evaluating new health coverage for employees in North America, updating corporate employee health benefits in Toronto, or searching for business health insurance solutions globally, understanding how to compare employee health insurance plans is fundamental to your strategic role. Employee health insurance remains at the heart of a competitive benefits package. A strong 81% of employees say that their employer’s benefits package including health coverages an important factor in whether they accept a job

Introduction

For HR managers, employee health insurance is more than a compliance checkbox it’s a strategic tool for building a healthier, more productive, and loyal workforce. In 2025, with healthcare costs rising and employee expectations shifting, the challenge is no longer whether to offer health insurance, but how to design a benefits strategy that truly works for both the business and its people.

Employees are demanding more flexibility and holistic coverage that includes not just doctor visits and prescriptions, but also mental health services, telemedicine, fitness, and preventive care. At the same time, HR leaders are under pressure to control costs and reduce administrative complexity.

This guide breaks down how HR managers can compare employee health insurance plans, what to look for in terms of cost and coverage, and why modern digital platforms like GoKlaim are helping companies of all sizes build smarter benefits strategies.

Why Employee Health Insurance Matters More in 2025

Employee health insurance has always been important, but the landscape has shifted dramatically over the past few years. Rising healthcare costs, workforce changes, and new regulations mean HR managers must be more strategic than ever.

Why it matters:

  • Attraction & Retention: According to a 2024 survey by Mercer, nearly 70% of employees said benefits quality is a top factor in choosing an employer.
  • Rising Costs: Premiums for employer-sponsored coverage are projected to rise by 5–7% annually through 2025, making affordability a concern for small and mid-sized companies.
  • Employee Wellbeing: Hybrid work and post-pandemic challenges mean employees expect mental health support, telehealth, and wellness perks as part of their coverage.
  • Compliance: Regulations in Canada require clearer benefit disclosures and stronger employee protections, making HR compliance more complex.

In summary: Employee health insurance is no longer optional for companies that want to remain competitive. HR managers must design plans that are cost-effective, flexible, and aligned with workforce needs.

Key Factors HR Managers Should Compare

When comparing employee health insurance plans, HR managers must evaluate several critical factors. Each factor has direct implications for both company finances and employee satisfaction.

1. Premiums & Employer Contribution

Premiums are the monthly or annual costs of maintaining coverage. Employers typically contribute a percentage, while employees pay the rest.

  • Considerations:
    • What share of the premium will your company cover?
    • Are premiums affordable for employees, especially entry-level staff?
    • Can the business sustain these costs as the workforce grows?

Tip: Benchmark your premiums against industry standards. On average, small businesses in Canada pay $2,000–$4,500 annually per employee.

2. Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Costs

Lower premiums often mean higher deductibles, which can discourage employees from seeking care.

  • Considerations:
    • Are deductibles reasonable given your workforce’s average salary?
    • What’s the balance between premiums and out-of-pocket costs?
    • Do employees have co-pays for basic services like doctor visits?

Tip: Plans with moderate premiums and moderate deductibles often strike the best balance for both employer and employee.

3. Provider Network & Accessibility

Employees value choice when it comes to healthcare providers. Limited networks can lead to dissatisfaction.

  • Considerations:
    • Does the plan include a wide range of hospitals, specialists, and pharmacies?
    • Is telemedicine included for remote or hybrid employees?
    • Are out-of-network costs manageable?

Tip: Always check whether plans cover virtual care and mental health services, as these are highly valued in 2025.

4. Coverage Breadth & Benefits

Modern employees expect more than just basic healthcare.

  • Core Coverage: Hospitalization, prescriptions, emergency care.
  • Extended Coverage: Dental, vision, physiotherapy.
  • Wellness Add-ons: Mental health therapy, gym memberships, nutrition coaching.

Tip: Consider flexible plans or HSAs that allow employees to allocate funds to their own priorities.

5. Flexibility & Customization

One-size-fits-all plans no longer work. Employees expect personalized coverage that adapts to their needs.

  • Considerations:
    • Can employees choose between multiple plan options?
    • Does the plan offer flexibility for single vs. family coverage?
    • Can employees use funds for wellness or preventive services?

Tip: Flexible health spending accounts (HSAs) offered through platforms like GoKlaim are increasingly popular in 2025.

6. Claims Process & Technology

The way claims are managed can make or break an employee’s experience.

  • Considerations:
    • Is the process digital-first or still paper-heavy?
    • How quickly are reimbursements processed?
    • Does the platform offer self-service dashboards for employees and HR managers?

Tip: AI-powered claims (like GoKlaim provides) reduce delays and administrative burdens.

Traditional Health Insurance vs Flexible Benefits

In 2025, HR managers must choose between traditional group insurance plans and flexible digital solutions.

Traditional Group Plans:

  • Offer standardized coverage for all employees.
  • Higher administrative load for HR managers.
  • Limited customization and often rising costs.

Flexible HSAs via GoKlaim:

  • Employees decide how to spend their allocated funds.
  • Coverage includes traditional healthcare plus wellness, mental health, and lifestyle perks.
  • Easier digital claims and lower administrative work.

Comparison Table

Feature Traditional Group Plan Flexible HSA via GoKlaim
Cost Fixed premiums, rising costs Budget control, pay only for usage
Employee Choice Limited Full customization
Coverage Standardized Includes wellness + lifestyle
Admin Burden High Low (digital-first)
Scalability Rigid Scales easily with company growth

Steps for HR Managers to Compare Plans

When evaluating employee health insurance plans, HR managers should follow a structured process.

  1. Assess Workforce Needs
    • Run surveys or focus groups to learn what employees value most.
    • Younger employees may prioritize wellness and fitness; families may prioritize dental and child coverage.
  2. Set a Realistic Budget
    • Decide what percentage of premiums the company will cover.
    • Ensure sustainability for future years.
  3. Shortlist Multiple Plans
    • Compare at least 3–5 providers.
    • Evaluate based on cost, coverage, and provider networks.
  4. Evaluate Add-ons & Perks
    • Look for mental health support, telemedicine, preventive programs.
  5. Check Administration & Claims
    • Choose plans with digital tools and simple claims processes.
  6. Ensure Compliance
    • Verify that plans meet Canadian regulations and tax benefit requirements.

Why HR Managers Choose GoKlaim in 2025

GoKlaim is transforming how HR leaders manage employee health insurance and benefits.

Advantages of GoKlaim:

  • Customizable Benefits: Tailor coverage to employee needs with flexible HSAs.
  • AI-Powered Claims: Faster processing and fewer errors.
  • Cost Transparency: Real-time dashboards to track spending.
  • Scalability: Works for both small startups and large enterprises.
  • Employee Satisfaction: Employees feel empowered with choice and flexibility.

In short: GoKlaim helps HR managers design benefits that attract talent, reduce costs, and streamline administration.

Conclusion: Building a Smarter Benefits Strategy

For HR managers, comparing employee health insurance plans in 2025 requires a mix of financial analysis, employee engagement, and technology adoption. The goal is not just to provide coverage, but to create a benefits strategy that attracts top talent, supports employee wellbeing, and stays sustainable as the company grows.

Traditional group plans may still have a place, but flexible, digital-first solutions like GoKlaim are the future. They offer employees more choice while giving HR leaders more control and transparency.

Ready to design smarter employee benefits? Partner with GoKlaim to deliver flexible, digital, and affordable healthcare coverage for your workforce.

FAQ Section

How does employee health insurance work?
Employee health insurance provides medical coverage for staff, usually through employer-sponsored group plans where costs are shared between the employer and employee. According to recent studies, these employment-based plans cover a majority of working families' healthcare expenses.

What are employee health benefits?
Employee health benefits include all medical, dental, vision, and wellness perks offered by employers to support physical and mental well-being.

Why offer health insurance to employees?
Offering health insurance attracts and retains talent, improves productivity, and may be required by law for larger businesses. It's a key part of a competitive compensation package.

How much do employers pay for employee health insurance?
Employer contributions vary but typically cover a significant portion of premiums. Figures depend on the region, company size, and plan design. For example, some businesses may cover 70-80% of the premium costs.

Can employees choose their health care plan?
Some employers offer multiple plan options, allowing employees to pick the best fit for their needs and family situation. This flexibility is a growing trend in modern benefits packages.

What is covered under employee health insurance?
Plans typically cover doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, and preventive care. Many plans, like those offered through GoKlaim, also offer supplemental benefits like dental, vision, and mental health coverage.

How to maximize employee health benefits?
Educate employees on plan features, encourage the use of preventive services, and offer supplementary benefits like wellness allowances and health spending accounts.

Which companies offer the best employee health plans?
Top providers are recognized for broad coverage, strong networks, competitive pricing, and tech-enabled administration. It's best to review ratings and local options to find what works for your team.

Is health insurance mandatory for employees?
In the USA, companies with 50+ full-time staff must offer health insurance. Rules vary in Canada, the UK, and globally. Government statistics show that medical care benefits are available to a large percentage of workers in both private and public sectors.

How to get health insurance as an employee?
Employees enroll through employer-sponsored plans during onboarding or open enrollment periods. Alternatives include private or marketplace options if employer-sponsored plans are not available.