How to Choose Between ClearOne, ClearGroup, and Custom 20+

Choosing a group benefits plan is not just about getting a quote. The better question is: which benefits structure actually fits your business?

At ClearBenefits.ca, we help Canadian small businesses, advisors, and distribution partners start with the right path before moving into plan design, quoting, onboarding, service, and renewal support.

For most businesses, the right starting point falls into one of three ClearBenefits.ca paths:

ClearOne for 1–2+ lives and non-traditional small-business situations.

ClearGroup for traditional small businesses with 3–20+ lives.
Custom 20+ for larger or more complex groups that need tailored plan design.

Each path serves a different purpose.

ClearOne: access for 1–2+ lives and non-traditional fits

ClearOne is designed for situations where a conventional group benefits plan may not be the right fit.

This may include:

• - self-employed professionals;
• - incorporated individuals;
• - contractors;
• - owner-operated businesses;
• - small teams with 1–2+ lives;
• - businesses with non-traditional workforce needs;
• - situations where portability or simplified access is important.
• ClearOne can be especially helpful when a business is too small for a traditional group plan or when the workforce does not fit a standard group benefits structure.

The key idea is access. ClearOne provides a benefits path for eligible smaller and non-traditional business situations that may otherwise struggle to find the right solution.

ClearGroup: pooled stability for 3–20+ groups

ClearGroup is the pooled benefits path for traditional small businesses with 3–20+ lives.

For many small employers, the biggest concern is not only the first-year price. It is what happens at renewal.

A low first-year quote can be attractive, but if the renewal becomes unpredictable, the plan may become difficult to sustain. ClearGroup is built around pooled purchasing power, rate stability, and long-term plan sustainability.

ClearGroup is designed for small and growing businesses that want a more stable benefits structure supported by advisor guidance, program management, and renewal-focused thinking.

Most plans show you a quote. ClearGroup shows you long-term results.

Custom 20+: tailored solutions for larger or complex groups

Custom 20+ is for larger groups, or for groups that need a more tailored approach.

This may include businesses with:

• - 20+ employees;
• - more complex plan design needs;
• - claims-sensitive situations;
• - budget-specific requirements;
• - multiple employee classes;
• - a need for more flexible plan architecture;
• - a desire to compare pooled and experience-rated options.

Custom 20+ is not simply about being bigger. It is about needing a more customized benefits strategy.

This path allows the advisor and employer to look more carefully at plan design, claims experience, funding structure, budget, employee needs, and long-term goals.

How to think about the right fit

A simple way to start is to ask four questions:

1. How many people need coverage?

A sole business owner counts as one person. A business with 1–2+ lives may fit ClearOne. A traditional business with 3–20+ employees may fit ClearGroup. A larger or more complex group may need Custom 20+.

2. What type of workforce do you have?

Traditional employees, contractors, owner-operators, part-time staff, and mixed workforces may require different solutions.

3. What is the main goal?

Some businesses need access. Others need renewal stability. Others need custom plan design.

4. Is the plan meant to be simple, stable, or highly tailored?

ClearOne is generally the simpler access path. ClearGroup is built around pooled stability. Custom 20+ is built around tailored design.

The ClearBenefits.ca approach

The ClearBenefits.ca process starts with fit.

Rather than forcing every business into the same benefits structure, we help identify which path makes the most sense before moving into quoting and implementation.

That means the conversation is not just:

“What is the lowest quote?”

It becomes:

“Which structure gives this business the best chance of long-term value, sustainability, and fit?”

Final thought

The right benefits plan should match the business you are today and support the business you are becoming.

ClearOne, ClearGroup, and Custom 20+ are designed to give small businesses and advisors a clearer way to start that conversation.

Not sure which path fits? Talk to a ClearBenefits.ca advisor or use the Plan Finder to start with the right structure.