Group Benefits Designed for Indigenous Communities
Tailored health and wellness coverage that honours tradition, supports families, and serves every member of your workforce.
Discounts to Help You Save
Custom Group Plans for First Nations Employers & Members
Tribal Custom Insurance offers comprehensive Group Benefits Plans created specifically for First Nations employees and communities across Ontario – in proud partnership with Life Benefit Solutions Inc. Whether you’re a Band Council, a community organization, or a business employing Indigenous individuals, our plans are designed to provide inclusive, equitable benefits for both status and non-status employees. We also have extensive experience in funding programs available to the First Nation communities (Band Employee Benefits).
What’s Included in Our Group Benefits Plan
No matter your living situation, TCI offers tailored insurance solutions for:
Health & Dental Coordination
Benefits that complement NIHB coverage, avoiding duplication and lowering costs for status employees.
Disability Coverage
Income protection with 75% disability benefits for eligible status employees.
Family Inclusion
Add grandchildren and extended dependents with no legal documentation required.
Access to Traditional Healers & Elders
Honour traditional practices through Employee Family Assistance Plans that include Indigenous healing methods.
Tailored to Status or Non-Status Employees
Tailored to employees working in the same environment ensuring that NIHB coverage is not duplicated.
Honorarium Coverage
Insurance solutions for Chief & Council or Board members earning honoraria.
Community-Wide Coverage
Extended Health Care, Vision, and Dental benefits available to the broader community—not just employees.
Pension Tax Exemption
Streamlined processes for tax-exempt pension contributions for Indigenous participants.
Partnering with Canada’s trusted insurance companies.
Why Choose TCI for Your Benefits Plan?
With over 30 years of experience and a strong commitment to Indigenous communities,
TCI offers:
Built for First Nations Communities
Every plan is designed with cultural sensitivity and community values in mind.
Inclusive for All
Expert-Led Support
Flexible for Your Needs
Cost-Efficient Solutions
Group Benefits FAQs
Whether you’re new to insurance or comparing providers, we’re here to make things clear and simple.
Do your plans cover both status and non-status employees?
Yes. TCI’s group benefits plans are designed to provide equitable coverage for both status and non-status employees working within the same environment. We understand that many Indigenous organizations include a diverse workforce, and our plans are structured to meet the needs of all team members, regardless of their legal status. Our goal is to ensure consistency, fairness, and inclusivity in coverage—offering the same core benefits while allowing for customizations that align with your community’s priorities and values.
Can we include Traditional Healers in our Employee Assistance Program?
Absolutely. TCI’s Employee and Family Assistance Plans (EFAP) are culturally aligned and customizable, allowing for coverage that includes Traditional Healers and Elders. We recognize the importance of traditional healing practices in Indigenous communities, and our benefits structure makes it possible to integrate these services into mental health and wellness programs. By honouring traditional knowledge alongside modern services, we support a more holistic and respectful approach to employee well-being.
How does your coverage align with NIHB benefits?
Our group benefits plans are specifically structured to coordinate with NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) for status First Nations individuals. This alignment helps avoid duplication of benefits and significantly reduces costs for employers and employees alike. By supplementing what NIHB already covers—such as dental, drug, and vision care—our plans ensure that both status and non-status employees receive comprehensive care without overlap. This coordinated approach to health and dental benefits leads to better value, lower premiums, and broader access to essential services.
What are the tax advantages for Indigenous employees?
For eligible status employees, there are significant tax advantages on pension and group benefits contributions when plans are structured in compliance with federal tax guidelines. TCI ensures that our group benefits plans follow proper protocols to maintain tax-exempt status where applicable, particularly when the employment meets the conditions outlined under Section 87 of the Indian Act. This means pension growth and benefit contributions can remain tax-free—maximizing savings and long-term financial security for Indigenous employees and their families.