What is happening?
On May 1 of each year, the University of Waterloo’s extended health, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability (LTD) benefits are typically subject to a contract renewal. Where applicable, new rates are applied, and employee deductions processed.
How are new rates calculated?
The rates for extended health and dental benefits are confirmed annually based on our expected claims for the upcoming year, plus taxes and GreenShield's charges for administration.
The rates for Life and LTD are established each year based on Sun Life Financial’s requirements for providing this insurance, in accordance with claims experience and agreements in place.
What will the new benefits rates be?
The table below reflects the rates effective May 1, 2026.
|
Benefit |
Effective May 1, 2026 |
Change from Last Year |
Cost Sharing |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Life Insurance (Basic and Additional Basic coverage*) |
$0.184 per $1,000 of coverage |
Increase of 8.9% |
1 x earnings is paid by the university, 2 and 3 x earnings is 66.7% paid by the University |
|
Long-Term Disability** |
1.389% of insured earnings |
Increase of 19.0% |
100% employee paid |
|
Extended Health |
$99.79 single $318.41 family |
Increase of 17.6% |
100% university paid (shared if part-time) |
|
Dental |
$65.78 single $197.97 family |
Increase of 2.6% |
100% university paid (shared if part-time) |
*Optional life insurance premium rates remain unchanged
**Maximum insured earnings will increase from $208,428 to $213,847 effective May 1, 2026
Note: participation in the University’s benefits program is mandatory for all eligible employees.
Questions? Please visit the Human Resources website to understand more about your benefits arrangements. For questions regarding these rates, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca.