Effective October 1, 2021 Delta Airlines will raise health insurance premiums for unvaccinated employees by $200 USD a month to cover higher COVID-19 related costs incurred by the organization. The U.S. decision has led some to consider similar policies in Canada. Although Canadian employers may make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory, medical exceptions and alternative arrangements should be considered.
With so many variables at play, no Canadian employer or carrier has established premium surcharges for group or individual coverage for the unvaccinated.
Currently, Empire Life will not implement premium surcharges for unvaccinated persons with group or individual coverage plans. Empire Life fully supports government-approved vaccines. We continue to follow guidance from the Canadian government, while closely monitoring guidelines established by Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) and the marketplace.
We continue to monitor this situation and will communicate any changes to policies or regulations.
