FAQ

If you are applying for COHIP membership to obtain insurance coverage as an individual, couple, or family – please refer to ‘FAQ for INDIVIDUALS’.   If you are applying to register your company or organization to provide your members with access to COHIP benefits, please skip to ‘FAQ for GROUPS’.

 

FAQ for INDIVIDUALS

 

Am I eligible to apply for COHIP benefits?

COHIP is available to all artists, musicians, freelancers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, students, independent workers, and / or part-time workers living in Canada, as well as their families. Our goal is to bring COHIP to anyone who wants coverage, and we are able to accommodate most individual and group applications.  Tell us more about your needs and we will find a way to make COHIP accessible to you.

 

How much does it cost to join COHIP?

If your organization or coworking space is listed on our website, your COHIP Application fee will be waived and you are automatically eligible to apply for insurance coverage.

Any individual can join for a one-time, $35 COHIP Application fee.
Any couple or family can join for a one-time, $50 COHIP Application fee.

Once you are a COHIP Member, you can purchase any COHIP insurance package that meets your needs and budget.

 

How much does it cost for the average insurance package?

Because every COHIP member will customize their own insurance package, the monthly premiums can vary significantly from person to person.  Our insurance broker will work with you to ensure the plan you choose will cover exactly what you and your family need.  Travel packages can begin as low as $20 / month, while full family benefits can average $150 / month. Every COHIP member and package is unique. Ask us for a quote!

We leverage our national collective buying power to negotiate group rates for our COHIP members, who typically report premiums cost around 15% less than what independent workers and small businesses can negotiate alone.  Plus, we’ve done the work for you!  We are always searching for the best rates and package options for our members.

 

I’m not yet sure if I want to join COHIP. Can I just get an insurance quote?

We do not charge individuals or families any COHIP Application fees unless they decide to proceed with the purchase of an insurance policy.  To obtain a quote, simply complete the COHIP Application Form to access our group benefits , and select ‘Yes, please contact me to discuss insurance options’.  Our insurance broker will be in touch to discuss your unique needs and insurance policy options.

 

Can you answer my questions regarding specific insurance policy details?

COHIP staff members do not process, retain or discuss personal medical or insurance information.  We will put you directly in touch with our licensed insurance broker.  Complete the COHIP Application Form to access our group benefits, and select ‘Yes, please contact me to discuss insurance options‘.  Our policy expert will be in touch to discuss your unique needs and insurance options.  Please note: we do not charge individuals or families any COHIP Application fees unless they decide to proceed with the purchase of an insurance policy.

 

Does COHIP retain or share my medical information?

COHIP does not process, retain, or share member medical or insurance information.
All medical and insurance information is managed by a licensed insurance broker.

 

Do you offer any other products or services for COHIP members?

COHIP is expanding again!  We are always working to provide additional discounts, products and services for our members across Canada.  When you apply for COHIP Membership, let us know which benefits are most important to you!

 

I belong to a coworking space or collective that isn’t listed on your website. Can we apply as a group?

If you belong to a coworking space or collective and your organization is not yet listed, ask the owner, operator or group organizer to register your group for COHIP.  It’s a simple process and it will allow members of your space or collective to become eligible to participate in COHIP without any application fees.

 

Membership rates listed are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
All applicable taxes included.

 


FAQ for GROUPS

 

Is our organization eligible to apply for COHIP membership?

We are looking to collaborate with established organizations and companies as well as collaborative spaces, emerging collectives and informal networks of individuals.

Our goal is to bring COHIP to anyone who wants coverage, and we are able to accommodate most individual and group applications.  Tell us more about your ‘group’ and we will find a way to make COHIP affordable and accessible for your members.

 

How do I make COHIP benefits available to my group or members?

Step One:  Complete the COHIP Application Form for your organization

Step Two:  Choose the annual membership level that best suits your group

Step Three:  Review the COHIP group information kit and promotional materials

Step Four:  Individual COHIP Application fees are waived for your group members

Step Five:  Your group members can customize and purchase their own insurance packages

 

Do we have to pay for our member’s insurance benefits?

Group members typically customize and purchase their own insurance packages, maintaining maximum independence and flexibility.  Your organization’s participation in COHIP waves the application fee for your members, making COHIP benefits even more accessible for your members.

Some groups or small businesses may also wish to contribute towards, or cover insurance premiums for their group members. This option is also available.  Contact us to discuss your group’s needs.

 

Can our members customize their own insurance packages?

Every COHIP member can customize their own insurance package.  Our licensed insurance broker works with each member to create a package that best meets their needs, and then we leverage our collective buying power to negotiate group rates for our COHIP members.

 

How much does it cost for the average insurance package?

Group members typically pay for their own insurance packages. Because your group members will customize their own insurance packages, the monthly premiums can vary significantly from person to person. We leverage our national, collective buying power to negotiate group rates for our COHIP members, who typically report premiums that are around 15% less than what independent workers and small businesses can negotiate alone.

We are always working to improve the COHIP offering, and as more members join the plan across Canada, new rates, products and services can become available to the group.

 

What is required of our organization? Is there a lot of administrative work?

All of the insurance and administrative work is covered by COHIP and our team of insurance brokers. You do not need to manage any member applications or monthly payments – we’ve got you covered.

Your organization only needs to apply for COHIP Membership once.  Each year you will get to decide if you want to renew access for your members or change membership levels.  Once you are listed on the website, we take it from there.

We can lead a COHIP information session for your members, and /or provide you with promotional materials.

Once a month, a COHIP representative may email to confirm group membership if anyone has applied for benefits through your organization.

 

Do you offer promotional materials or COHIP information sessions for my group members?

Once you register your organization, you will receive a COHIP group information kit and access to promotional materials for your members.  Our COHIP team is also available to lead information sessions for your members, online or in your space.  Contact us to discuss what’s best for your organization.

 

What happens if a member leaves the group? Do they keep their benefits?

Once a member has applied for a COHIP policy and been confirmed as part of your group, there is no need for the member to maintain an active membership in your group to maintain COHIP benefits.  Once the original application is made using the COHIP group rates, the insurance policy and payment arrangements are maintained directly between the individual and the insurance provider.

Insurance coverage will always stay with the individual so long as they maintain the policy premiums.  This feature helps to accommodate previously ineligible digital nomads, part-time workers and freelancers working with multiple organizations.

 

Does COHIP retain or share my group member or medical information?

COHIP does not process, retain, or share member medical or insurance information.
All medical and insurance information is managed by a licensed insurance broker.

 

What are the group membership options and rates for 2020?

Individual applicants must pay $35, and a couple or family application costs $50 to process. By registering your organization for COHIP, all COHIP Application fees are waived for your members, and your members will customize and purchase their own insurance packages, utilizing our discounted collective rates.  Contact us if you would like help navigating which membership level best suits your group.

 

Small Groups – COHIP Application
Max. 20 people
$100 CAD, one-time group application fee

Made for Small Businesses, Artist Collectives, new or informal organizations.
Valid for one year, up to 20 individual COHIP applications.

 

Collaborative Spaces – COHIP Membership
Max. 150 members
$150 CAD annual COHIP membership fee, per location

Ideal for coworking spaces, artist studios, and shared offices.
Valid for one year, up to 150 new COHIP applications per location.

 

Collective, Organization or Company – COHIP Membership
Max. 250 members
$250 CAD annual COHIP membership fee, per location

Great for organizations in multiple locations or cities, and collaborative spaces.
Valid for one year, up to 250 new COHIP applications per location.

 

Collective, Organization or Company  – COHIP Membership
Max. 500 members
$450 CAD annual COHIP membership fee, per location
Great for large organizations in multiple locations or cities, and collaborative spaces.
Valid for one year, up to 500 new COHIP applications per location.

 

Large Group – COHIP Membership
Max. 1000 members

$850 CAD annual COHIP membership fee
Perfect for large groups, national organizations or collectives.
Valid for one year, up to 1000 new COHIP applications per organization.

 

Large Group  – COHIP Membership
Max. 2500 members

$1500 CAD annual COHIP membership fee
Perfect for established groups, national organizations or collectives.
Valid for one year, up to 2500 new COHIP applications per organization.

 

Membership rates listed are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
All applicable taxes included.