In August 2020, RGA Group Reinsurance conducted a survey of the Canadian insurance market to assess the growth in group optional premiums over the past five years.

Thirteen carriers participated in the survey, providing feedback on group optional products for employees and dependents between 2015 and 2019. Results showed that while optional premium growth remained relatively flat for both life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) products, optional critical illness premiums increased substantially. Contributing factors to these trends may offer insurers insights into strategies for future product development.