Question 1

What is a Health Spending Account (HSA) in Canada?

Accepted Answer

A Canadian Health Spending Account is an arrangement (a type of Private Health Services Plan, or PHSP) that lets an incorporated business reimburse employees for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. When structured according to CRA rules, the reimbursement can be a deductible business expense and a non-taxable benefit to the employee. A Canadian HSA is different from a U.S. HSA, which is a personal savings and investment account.

Question 2

How is a Canadian HSA different from a U.S. HSA?

Accepted Answer

A U.S. HSA is an individual, tax-advantaged savings account tied to a high-deductible health plan. A Canadian HSA is an employer-funded reimbursement arrangement for CRA-eligible health expenses. Wellnex operates a Canadian HSA only.

Question 3

What expenses are eligible?

Accepted Answer

Eligible expenses generally include CRA-approved medical, dental, and vision costs for covered employees and their dependants — for example prescriptions, dental work, eyewear, physiotherapy, and many paramedical services. Eligibility ultimately depends on CRA rules and your documentation.

Question 4

Who can open a Wellnex HSA?

Accepted Answer

Two main groups: (1) an incorporated individual or self-employed owner whose corporation has at least one arm’s-length employee on payroll, and (2) any business with one or more employees on payroll. Eligibility depends on your structure and CRA rules.

Question 5

Are dependants covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each covered employee’s eligible dependants can be reimbursed for eligible expenses under the employee’s annual limit, with no extra per-dependant fee.

Question 6

Do you cover claims outside Canada?

Accepted Answer

Eligible medical expenses incurred abroad can be reimbursed, subject to plan design and CRA rules.

Question 7

How much does Wellnex cost?

Accepted Answer

Membership is $150 per year plus $50 per employee per year. Your first calendar year is free ($0). There are no setup fees, no per-employee onboarding fees, and no hidden charges.

Question 8

Are there taxes on top of the fees or claims?

Accepted Answer

Applicable provincial taxes may apply depending on your jurisdiction — to claim amounts and, from the next calendar year onward, to membership fees. Use the calculator to estimate your situation. This is not tax advice.

Question 9

What happens after the first free year?

Accepted Answer

After the first calendar year, standard membership pricing applies ($150 per year plus $50 per employee). You stay in control and can adjust your plan or leave at any time.

Question 10

How do employees submit claims?

Accepted Answer

Employees submit claims online or through the mobile app, attaching receipts. Approved claims are processed within 24 hours and reimbursed from your company pool.

Question 11

How fast are reimbursements?

Accepted Answer

Approved claims are processed within 24 hours. Reimbursement timing to the employee then depends on standard banking transfer times.

Question 12

How is my data protected?

Accepted Answer

Wellnex keeps health and claim data on Canadian infrastructure with role-based access controls and an audit trail on administrative actions.

Health Spending Account questions

Health Spending Accounts in Canada

Eligibility

Pricing and fees

Claims and platform

Ready to give your team pre-tax health benefits?