Canadian IMCIF member Beneva has announced it is expanding its group insurance health coverage by adding a new gender-affirming clause. To that effect, the mutual will now reimburse the eligible expenses of surgery performed by a doctor to change the sex characteristics so that they correspond to the person’s gender identity.

“This new clause reflects Beneva’s fundamental values of equity, diversity and inclusion. We are proud to support plan members who are transitioning. Since our objective is to provide plan sponsors and members with the best coverage possible, it’s important for us to adapt our offering to meet their needs,” said Éric Trudel, Executive Vice-President of Group Insurance at Beneva.

This new clause covers expenses from sex reassignment surgery that are not covered by the public option. To be eligible, an insured must first be diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

Beneva says it chose to make this announcement during Pride Month, which is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ2S+ community’s resilience and diversity. In a statement issued on 15 June 2022, Beneva affirmed its belief that soon every Canadian citizen, regardless of sex, race, gender identity, religion or other label, will be treated fairly.

A donation for equity, diversity and inclusion

Beneva also took the opportunity to make a CAD 50,000 donation to the Centraide of Greater Montreal’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Fund. The purpose of this new fund is to continue Centraide’s efforts towards living together. Marginalised groups, like the LGBTQ2S+ community, will benefit from this initiative thanks to the efforts Centraide makes with disenfranchised youth.