How Comprehensive Health Coverage Could Help You Attract and Retain Top Foreign Workers in 2025
Canadian employers were approved to hire 239,646 temporary foreign workers in 2023 - more than double the number from just five years ago. The competition for skilled international talent has never been more intense, and companies that look for innovative ways to support team members stand to thrive.
As your business grapples with labor shortages and rising recruitment costs, you're likely discovering that simply offering the minimum required benefits is no longer enough to attract and retain the workers you need.
The New Reality of Foreign Worker Recruitment
The landscape has shifted dramatically. Recent data shows a 120% increase in temporary foreign worker approvals since 2018 across all sectors - from food service to construction.
But here’s the problem: while the talent pool has grown, so has the competition. With new government regulations restricting hiring and workers having more choices than ever, employers need an edge to stand out.
Consider this: 60% of foreign workers rank family considerations as equally important as financial opportunities when choosing an employer. Yet many employers still offer only the basic provincial health coverage, leaving workers exposed during waiting periods and making them pay out-of-pocket for family health needs.
Knowing What Workers Really Need – and How To Serve Them Best
Foreign workers face unique healthcare challenges that basic provincial coverage may not address. These gaps not only create anxiety for your workers but can lead to increased turnover and recruitment costs for your business:
Initial Waiting Periods
Most provinces have a 3 month waiting period before provincial health care coverage kicks in, leaving new arrivals exposed during their most critical first few months in Canada. Without comprehensive coverage, a single medical emergency during this period can wipe out a worker’s finances.
Coverage Gaps for Family Members
As we’ve already seen, 60% of foreign workers rank family considerations as a top priority. As a result, basic coverage falls short. Family members have their own waiting periods and coverage limits, forcing workers to choose between career opportunities and family health security.
Emergency Medical Costs
Medical emergencies can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Without proper coverage, workers have to choose between getting the care they need and protecting their savings, potentially leading to delayed treatment and longer time off work.
Limited Supplementary Services
Basic provincial plans don’t cover essential services like dental care, prescription drugs, and paramedical services. These out-of-pocket expenses add up quickly and impact worker satisfaction and the ability to be at their best for work.
What Are the Advantages of Comprehensive Coverage?
Leading employers are finding that comprehensive health coverage delivers multiple business benefits:
Improved Recruitment Success
Strong health benefits show your commitment to worker wellbeing from day one. FWCHP’s coverage starts immediately upon arrival, so workers aren’t worried about healthcare gaps during provincial waiting periods.
Enhanced Retention Rates
Workers are more likely to complete their contracts and renew when they feel protected. Comprehensive coverage gives them a sense of security that basic plans can’t match.
Reduced Administrative Burden
All-inclusive plans streamline healthcare management:
Single point of contact for claims
Simplified documentation
Coordinated coverage transitions
Integrated family benefits
Future-Proof Your Business with FWCHP: The Strategic Advantage
Forward-thinking employers need more than basic health coverage to stay ahead of the curve. With temporary foreign worker approvals only going up, businesses must adjust their healthcare strategy for tomorrow’s challenges.
FWCHP helps you navigate these changes by offering coverage that fits your industry.
1. Regulatory Compliance and Adaptability
When doing business in an industry with increased scrutiny, FWCHP keeps you compliant:
Automatic updates to match changing regulations
Full documentation for LMIA applications
Expert advice on compliance requirements
Proactive coverage changes as rules evolve
2. Worker-Centric Coverage Design
With workers having more choices than ever, FWCHP helps you differentiate:
Customizable family coverage options
Digital claims processing
Support in multiple languages
Annual coverage reviews and updates
3. Financial Predictability
You need to trust that your insurance is operating faithfully within your estimated budget. That’s why FWCHP helps you control healthcare costs without compromising quality:
Locked-in rates for the duration of the contract
Transparent fee structure with no surprises
Volume pricing discounts
Customizable cost sharing
Take Your Next Steps For New Year Success
Now is the time to prove your healthcare strategy in the future. Don’t wait for a healthcare crisis or lose workers to competitors. Contact FWCHP to book your appointment. Let us help you turn health care from a nice to have into a competitive advantage.
Whether you need guidance on how to update your foreign worker insurance protections or want to take a look at your current coverage, reach out today.
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
