Group benefits are insurance plans provided by an employer, union, or association to a group of members. They typically include extended health (drugs, paramedical, vision), dental, life insurance, and sometimes disability insurance. Group plans are generally more affordable than individual plans because the risk is spread across many members and the employer often pays a portion of the premium. Most group plans do not require individual medical underwriting — you are covered simply by being a member of the group. However, group benefits are not portable: they end when you leave the group. Many group plans include a conversion privilege that allows departing members to convert to an individual plan without medical questions. Group benefits are the most common form of health insurance for employed Canadians.