The holiday season in Western Canada is a whirlwind of activity. Between navigating snowy commutes in Calgary, attending festive markets in Vancouver, or preparing for a quiet family gathering in Regina, it is easy for your health and dental benefits to slip to the bottom of your to-do list.
However, for most employees across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, December 31 is not just the end of the year; it is the deadline for your 2025 benefits. Most group insurance plans operate on a use it or lose it basis. If you haven’t maximized your annual limits for dental cleanings, massages, or vision care, those dollars often vanish when the clock strikes midnight.
Here is your essential year-end checklist to ensure you are getting the full value of your coverage before the 2026 reset.
1. The Dental Deadline
Dental benefits are almost always the first to reset. Most plans have an annual maximum (often between $1,500 and $2,500). If you have only used half of that amount this year, the remaining balance does not roll over.
If you have been putting off a routine cleaning or a minor filling, now is the time to book. Dental offices in cities like Edmonton and Victoria get incredibly busy in the final two weeks of December for this exact reason. If you require a more significant procedure, such as a crown or bridge, you may even be able to split the treatment across December and January to utilize two years’ worth of maximums.
2. Paramedical Wellness and the Winter Grind
Western Canadian winters can be physically demanding. Shovelling heavy prairie snow or dealing with the damp cold of the coast can take a toll on your body. Most plans include a specific allotment for paramedical services like:
- Massage Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic Care
- Naturopathy
Check your balance for these services. If you have $500 in coverage and have only used $100, you are essentially leaving a wellness gift on the table. A massage or a physio assessment in late December can be a great way to recover from holiday stress and start 2026 feeling physically refreshed.
3. Vision Care and the New Year Look
Does your plan provide a vision care allowance every 24 months? Many employees forget when their eligibility window opens. If you are eligible for new prescription glasses or contact lenses in 2025, you should secure your purchase before year-end. With the low winter sun in the West, investing in a high-quality pair of prescription sunglasses is also a smart use of remaining vision funds.
4. Travel Insurance for the Holiday Getaway
Many Western Canadians head south to the US or across provincial lines to visit family during the holidays. Before you purchase separate travel insurance, check your group benefits booklet. Most comprehensive plans in BC, AB, and SK include out-of-province emergency medical coverage.
Knowing your plan details—such as whether you have a 60-day trip limit or a $5 million lifetime maximum—can save you significant money on travel premiums. Just remember to pack your benefits card or have the digital version ready on your phone before you head to the airport.
5. Clearing the HSA and LSA Balance
If your employer provides a Health Spending Account (HSA) or a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA), this is your last chance to spend those tax-free dollars. HSAs can cover the co-pay portions of your dental or drug claims, while WSAs are often more flexible, covering things like gym memberships, fitness equipment, or even mental health apps.
A Message for Employers
For employers, encouraging your team to use their benefits in December is more than just a nice gesture. It is a strategic move. Utilizing paramedical services for mental health or physical therapy can reduce the risk of more costly long-term disability claims in the future. It also reinforces the value of the total compensation package you provide, which is essential for retention as we move into 2026.
Don’t let your hard-earned benefits go to waste. Take thirty minutes this week to log into your carrier’s portal, check your balances, and book those final appointments.