FAQs
Questions?
We've got answers
Getting Started & Pricing
How does the flat-fee pricing work compared to traditional %-based providers?
Most providers charge a percentage (usually 5–15%) on every single claim. Hiveworks charges one flat annual fee ($299 for the first user, $199 per additional employee). You get unlimited claims and absolute cost certainty. See Pricing Details.
Is there a setup fee or a per-claim transaction fee?
There are no hidden setup fees or per-claim transaction costs. Your annual fee covers full administration. Ontario businesses have an 8% RST and 2% Insurance Premium tax added to claim amounts.
Do I need to "pre-fund" an account?
No. We don't hold your funds. When a claim is approved, we invoice your business and you fund that claim at that time, after which we complete reimbursement.
Do you support Quebec corporations?
At this time we cannot support corporations registered in Quebec.
How do I share this with my accountant?
Simple. Just send them this technical guide. It covers how the Hiveworks HSA works and how it complies with CRA eligibility rules.
Plan Types: HSA vs WSA vs FlexWorks
What is the difference between an HSA and a WSA?
An HSA (Health Spending Account) is for CRA-eligible medical necessities (dental, vision) and is 100% tax-free. A WSA (Wellness Spending Account) is for lifestyle perks (gyms, gear) and is a taxable benefit for the employee.
Are WSA reimbursements tax-free?
No. Wellness reimbursements (like gym memberships) are a taxable benefit. The amount reimbursed must be reported as part of the employee's income.
What is FlexWorks?
FlexWorks allows the employer to set one total budget (e.g., $2,000), and the employee chooses how to split it. For example, they can put $1,500 in their HSA and $500 in their WSA. Explore FlexWorks.
Can I offer a WSA only to some employees?
Yes. You can define different "classes" of employees and offer different plan types to each, provided the structure is reasonable and consistently applied.
For Incorporated Individuals
Can I have an HSA if I am the only employee of my corporation?
Yes. As an incorporated individual, you are technically an employee of your own company, making you eligible for an HSA.Guide for Incorporated Individuals.
Do I have to pay myself a salary, or are dividends enough?
To be considered an employee of your business, you need to be receiving a T4 salary, with the HSA being an employment benefit.
How much can I "reasonably" set as my limit?
The amount must reflect your compensation and job role, to a maximum of $15,000. Industry guidance suggests the benefit should fall within 10 - 15% of your salary and be consistent with what a comparably paid employee in another corporation might receive.
Can't my business pay my health expenses directly?
Personal health expenses must be reimbursed through a Private Health Services Plan (PHSP) to be deductible to the business and non-taxable to you.
A PHSP requires:
A defined plan with a fixed annual limit
The individual to pay the expense personally
Reimbursement only after an eligible expense is incurred
Expense eligibility confirmation against CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit rules
Paying the expense directly from the business does not meet these requirements, so the payment does not qualify for PHSP treatment.
In Ontario, approved PHSP reimbursements are subject to 8% Retail Sales Tax and 2% Insurance Premium Tax, which must be calculated, charged, and remitted by the business. An HSA administrator typically does this on your behalf.
A business can technically self-administer a PHSP, but it must apply all PHSP rules correctly and remains fully responsible for compliance, including any required provincial tax remittance.
Are my spouse and children also covered?
Yes. Your spouse and eligible dependants are covered within your annual limit and within the one annual fee we charge.
For Businesses with Employees
Can I give different amounts to managers vs other staff?
Yes. You can create "Classes" (e.g., Management gets $3,000, Staff gets $1,000), provided everyone within the same class is treated equally.
Do I have to offer benefits to all employees?
If you offer a benefit to one person in a class, you must offer it to everyone in that same class to ensure the plan is non-discriminatory and compliant.
Can't my business pay my employees health expenses directly?
Employee health expenses must be reimbursed through a Private Health Services Plan (PHSP) to be deductible to the business and non-taxable to the employee.
A PHSP involves:
A defined plan with a fixed annual limit for each employee
Consistent application of PHSP rules across all employees
Eligibility confirmation against CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit rules
Proper claim review and reimbursement records
Paying the expense directly from the business does not meet these requirements, so the payment does not qualify for PHSP treatment.
In Ontario, approved PHSP reimbursements are subject to 8% Retail Sales Tax and 2% Insurance Premium Tax, which must be calculated, charged, and remitted by the business. An HSA administrator typically does this on your behalf.
A business can technically self-administer a PHSP, but it remains fully responsible for applying all PHSP rules correctly, remitting any required provincial taxes, and managing employee health information in a compliant and privacy-safe way.
Is there "Premium Creep" with Hiveworks?
No. Unlike traditional insurance where premiums can jump 15–20% annually, an HSA gives you 100% cost control. Your budget only changes if you decide to change the contribution limits.
Health Spending Account Eligible Expenses
What kinds of doctors and health practitioners are eligible?
Eligible practitioners are those recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the purpose of the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). In general, that includes most licensed and regulated professionals such as Chiropractors, Dentists, Optometrists, Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists and many others. See our Eligible Expenses Guide.
What types of expenses are eligible?
Eligible medical expenses are those recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the purpose of the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). They include prescription medications, dental work, vision care, physiotherapy, and more. If you have group health benefits, you can claim the portion not covered by your plan. See our Eligible Expenses Guide.
Are braces / orthodontics an eligible expense?
Yes, orthodontic work like braces is eligible as long as it’s for medical reasons and performed by a licensed medical practitioner.
Are massages an eligible expense?
Yes. Massages are eligible if they’re performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in the following provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
Can I claim premiums I pay for group health and dental benefits?
Yes. If you or your spouse personally pay for group health or dental insurance premiums (not your corporation), you can claim them through your Hiveworks HSA. These premiums are eligible for tax-free reimbursement as long as the insurance plan provides eligible health coverage under CRA rules. Keep in mind:
You're submitting premiums paid by you or your spouse personally, not those paid directly by your corporation (those are already tax-deductible).
Only premiums for qualifying health coverage (like medical, dental, vision, or drug plans) are eligible.
Premiums for non-health insurance (like life, disability, or critical illness) and provincial or territorial health plans are not eligible.
Health Spending Account Ineligible Expenses
If my practitioner is on the authorized list, are all their services and products covered?
No. This is the most common misconception we see. It's important to understand the following:
The Purpose: The service must be diagnostic, therapeutic, or rehabilitative, focused on managing a specific medical condition. "Restorative" or "preventive" wellness (like a vitamin IV drip for "cold prevention") is typically viewed as a personal choice and denied.
The Service: The consultation fee for an authorized practitioner (like a Naturopath, Dietitian, or Acupuncturist) is generally eligible.
The Product: Retail items sold at the clinic - such as supplements, vitamins, herbs, diet plans, pillows - are almost always ineligible.
See our Ineligible Expenses Guide.
Are "Cosmetic" versions of medical services covered?
No. This is a common point of confusion for services like Dermatology or Dentistry. If a procedure is purely for "aesthetic" purposes (like teeth whitening, skin treatments, or laser hair removal), it is ineligible.
Does it matter when I paid for the service?
Yes. Eligibility is based on the date of service, not the date of payment. If you prepay for a "10-session package" in December, but you don't actually go to the appointments until January, you cannot claim the full amount in December. You must submit the claims as the services are actually performed. Similarly, if you have a treatment before your HSA plan was active, it cannot be reimbursed even if you pay for it later.
Can I claim the fee if I miss an appointment or cancel late?
No. While your clinic might charge you a $50 "no-show" fee, this is considered an administrative penalty, not a medical service and is ineligible.
Submitting and Managing Claims
How do I submit a claim?
Log into your Hiveworks account, select New Claim, upload an image of your receipt, and complete a simple claim form. Our platform makes it quick and easy to submit claims.
Can I submit multiple claims at once?
Yes! Use our Multi-Claim Submission feature to submit as many claims as you need to in one go. Simply upload the receipts for each expense and submit them individually or together.
Is there a maximum number of claims I can submit?
No, there is no limit to the number of claims you can submit as long as the expenses are eligible. You can submit claims as frequently as necessary.
What if I submit an ineligible claim?
If your claim doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria, we will notify you and provide an explanation. You can then resubmit an adjusted claim as needed.
Reimbursements and Funding
Why does my company have to send money for an expense I already paid personally?
Your corporation, as the plan sponsor, must be the one reimbursing the expense, not paying it directly. You pay out-of-pocket first, then your company reimburses you, the plan member, through your company-funded HSA.
How long does it take to get reimbursed?
It typically takes 5 - 7 business days which includes receiving your claim, reviewing it, receiving funds from your corporation and dispersing funds to your personal account.
Money Back Guarantee
What is the 30-day money-back guarantee?
Hiveworks gives you flexibility if something changes after you sign up.
If you decide Hiveworks isn’t the right fit within 30 days of your plan signup date, you can cancel and receive a full refund of your subscription fee, provided no claims have been submitted through the platform.
To request a refund, contact our support team at support@hiveco.ca.
