Retiree benefits

Learn about what benefits you have as a retiree of the University of Waterloo 


Eligibility:

Employees are eligible for post-retirement benefits (i.e., extended health, life insurance, tuition benefit) if they were participating in the benefits program for at least ten continuous years immediately before the date of their retirement and decided to commence an immediate pension from the University of Waterloo. Those employees who decide to defer their pension to a later date forfeit their eligibility for post-retirement benefits.  
Current coverage is as follows:
Life insurance Extended health
  • Flat benefit of $6,500 for those retiring on or after January 1, 2024
  • Amount is set at date of retirement
  • Within 31 days of retirement, conversion of group life insurance to an individual policy is available and may be of interest
  • Same coverage as for active employees with the exception of out of country coverage limited to 60 days per trip

Questions about coverage or claim assessments should be directed to GreenShield at 1-888-711-1119. 

To make changes to your extended health coverage (marital status, registration of dependents or student dependent status), please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or Human Resources reception at extension 45935. 

FYI: The dental benefit ceases at retirement.

To find out more about dental coverage for retirees (not affiliated with the University), please visit the Retirement Management Services website. The University of Waterloo does not sponsor or pay the premium associated with this coverage. 
 


Retiree benefit maximum

The Pension & Benefits Committee reviewed the maximum corresponding with the extended health benefit provisions and approved the following changes effective January 1, 2024:

Benefit

Those who retired after June 6, 2000

Those who retired between January 1, 1996 to June 5, 2000

Those who retired prior to January 1, 1996

Annual Benefit Maximum, Effective January 1, 2024

Out-of-Pocket Max - Single

$143

$143

$62

Out-of-Pocket Max - Family

$288

$288

$124

Hearing Aids

$841

$841

$735

Massage

$841

$841

$615

Chiropractor

$841

$841

$615

Naturopath

$841

$841

$615

Osteopath

$841

$841

$615

Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist

$841

$841

$735

Athletic Therapist $841 Not Applicable Not Applicable

Podiatrist

$841

$841

$615

Private Duty Nurse

$25,478

$25,478

$12,260

Psychologist (including registered

social workers and

psychotherapists)

$1,067

$841

(Psychotherapists not eligible)

$615

(Psychotherapists not eligible)

Speech Therapist

$841

$841

$735

GreenShield Benefit Booklet for Retirees

In the GreenShield benefit booklets, you will find more information relating to your extended health benefit coverage. Retirees can access their booklet through GSC everywhere.

If you cannot locate your benefit booklet, or it is failing to load, copies of the booklets are available here:

Considering working past age 65? 

For regular employees working beyond age 65, learn more about how benefits will continue.