Manulife Group Benefits Insurance Reviews

I've been covered under different insurance plans such as Great West Life and Equitable in the past, and I have never in my life been given as much hassle as I have with Manulife. They won't allow me to submit claims online - I have to physically mail in my receipts - only to have them rejected for arbitrary reasons a few weeks later. The company I was with previously​ reimbursed me for the exact same service within a day or two of online submission.

I opted in through my group program to get basic benefits. When the company I got glasses, dental, and health benefits from sent in claims, it was great and hassle free. The moment I tried contacting them, it drove me crazy. There is no email for the group program without signing up, and that sign up takes several days before it can be approved to create one to do so. I have tried calling, but it's either busy or it's too late to do so.

My employer switched from GWL to Manulife a few months ago for benefits coverage. Apparently Manulife was significantly cheaper for the employer and nothing would change in terms of our benefits. This has not been true. From my perspective and based on my terrible experiences thus far, the reason that they are cheaper is because the employees are now paying for the difference. For example, Manulife has disallowed registered massages because the massage therapist obtained their certification in BC instead of in AB where they practise. This was frustrating because Manulife and my employer did not document this absurd requirement anywhere and now. My employer indicated that they were not aware of this policy so they actually refunded me for the massage. They have told me to get all of the details regarding the Reg Massage Therapist before I book a massage which is such a pain and creates extra stress. In addition, Manulife's website is down on weekends. On Sat, you cannot submit claims after 8pm and Sun, after 5pm. As a parent that works fulltime, it is very difficult to make time to process these claims except on weekends after my young kids have gone to bed. For me, I have actually stopped using my benefits because the thought of trying to process the claim and what Manulife will come back with causes me instant anxiety. Ugh

My fiance has a policy through her work. Last year she had hernia surgery because of her job. Her claim took a long time to process Manulife "didn't receive" the forms that were faxed/emailed to them even though there were confirmations of the forms being sent 2 or 3 times. After her surgery and some healing time, she was forced back to work to early. Her surgeon's and general practitioner's reports stated she was not ready to return to work. Manulife's docotor (who only read reports) overrode these reports stating he saw no reason for her to be off work so Manulife cut her benefits. As a result of all this, not even a year later she is once again off work and looking forward to another surgery for a repeated tare and additional tares to the same spot. As mentioned by others on this site, Manulife is not interested in their customers wellbeing. They are only interested in taking your money and paying out as little as possible. Bottom line: If you have a choice, look elsewhere. The only way you'll be happy with this company is if you never have to file a claim.

My employer changed the insurer to Manulife a few years ago. In that short time, I have noticed a HUGE difference in service and eligibility. I had some major dental work done (3 Dental Implants) and the first was completed under the previous insurer with no problems. The next two were under Manulife who was been a nightmare with constant delays and complications. I spoke with the employees at two different dental offices who deal with submitting claims and BOTH said that MANULIFE WAS THE WORST to deal with of all the insurers without question.

I went for a massage as per my package that I purchased, it says that it covers 80% of my massage plane. When I submitted my claim, I only received 35%. I called customer service to resolve the issue and they said: “we cannot cover the total 80% of your bill, As we only cover 80% of the first $100 only for massage”. My reason of frustration is that I went with my coworkers, we all have the same group benefit plan, and they have covered the total 80% for everybody but me. It’s an unfair move and after I mentioned it to the escalation team, it has not been resolved. I will move myself and my family to a different company that will not hustle us like this.

My extended medical changed to Manulife this year and it’s been errors, frustration and miscalculations ever since. How does a big company like Manulife not know how to add simple math folks. They even cut us off with no notice! This is serious because we pay out about $600 month to prescription.... many phone conversations trying to figure out why with a person on the other end of the phone I couldn’t understand because of her accent... Philippine maybe? They do not reimburse us at the percentage we’re supposed to be reimbursed at. We lose money every month. Still emailing and phoning.. they ignoring me. This is unacceptable! I think they think people will just get so frustrated and just give up. Rip off!

Denied my wife's claim for 6 months. 3 appeals later and the final appeal was denied as well. This was for work (manufacturing). She claimed she was more than capable of her regular duties at work despite multiple letters from her OB. This might be the WORST insurance company. I would not recommend for any kind of service. I wouldn't let them insure a bicycle let alone anything to do with my family.

I am shocked to read similar experiences from other reviewers and it just helps me understand the extent of their excuses to evade their obligation to work with affected employees and arsenal of gimmicks to shut down a valid case - after of course - taking their sweet time - is astonishing... Although I have 5 year+ of direct experience as frontline CS representative - my current job with up to 100 calls per shift with mostly unhappy folk you try to work with - will curb your enthusiasm even if you are tenured professional with accolades for exceptional service. After six months with my present company, I have developed tinnitus in my left ear - which according to my employer could at best be a case for a work accommodation claim... However, pressures of a toxic work environment that come from poor systems and indifferent and incompetent management led me to a meltdown by the end of the first year. It took me another 6 months of this abusive situation to finally understand I am developing full-blown anxiety and depression... Upon submitting a claim with Manulife - getting my attending physician to share his findings, and extend the initial 2-week absence by another 2 weeks - I get to talk to 3rd Case Manager - who flatly during our phone call ( I encourage anyone to decline the "all calls are recorded" disclosure and insist to meet in person with someone from Manulife so they cannot twist your input around ) - advised me that unfortunately, Manulife cannot support my claim - due to my symptoms being directly worked place related (!?!) - which is outside of their scope... The person half my age with no medical training whatsoever and zero empathy - made me feel insignificant for a brief instant - while I was processing the shock. This was an expensive way for me to learn what a pathetic scam this is... If you value your time - steer clear of Manulife. There are plenty of better alternatives out there.