Benefits

General information

The University has an agreement with The Great-West Life Assurance Company whereby the University has full liability for Healthcare (other than Global Medical Assistance) and Dental care benefits outlined on this website and the Pension and Benefits Booklet (PDF). This means that the University has agreed to fund these benefits and they are, therefore, uninsured. All claims will, however, be processed by Great West-life.

To find out what is covered under your benefit contract, or for any issues with claim payments, please contact Great-West Life directly or login to your GroupNet account:

Plan #: 57130
1-800-957-9777
www.greatwestlife.com

Your benefits at a glance

Extended healthcare

Extended health care benefit is designed to help cover the cost of necessary health care expenses which are not covered by OHIP. Benefit includes prescription drug coverage, paramedical services, hospital/ambulance coverage and medical equipment/supplies. View the Extended healthcare benefit page for more information on out-of-pocket cap, drug coverage, and predetermination of coverage.

Need assistance on understanding your drug card? View The Assure Card web page.

Out of country

Provided you have the extended health care benefit, you and your insured dependents are covered while travelling out of the country for emergency medical services. View the Out of country benefit page for more information on emergency contacts, coverage, and information on travelling to Cuba.

Note: You must contact Great-West Life in the event of an emergency while traveling out of country.

Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Employee & Family Assistance Program – Eligible employees of the University of Waterloo and their dependents may utilize the Employee & Family Assistance Program as provided by Homewood Health. To access this program, individuals can call 1.800.663.1142 or visit the homeweb website.

Dental

Dental benefit is designed to help cover the cost of necessary dental care expenses. Benefit includes basic, major restorative and orthodontic services. View the Dental benefit page for more information.

Disability

Disability benefits are designed to provide you with income continuation during periods of illness or injury. View the long-term disability rates.

Life insurance

Life insurance provides protection and security for you and your family in event of death. Coverage includes basic life and optional life for employees, and Optional Spousal Life. View the Life insurance page for more information on coverage, beneficiary designation, and death benefits.

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

UHIP is the University Health Insurance Plan in effect at Ontario universities. The plan provides medical coverage comparable to that received by Ontario residents. This coverage is an OHIP replacement. Premiums will be deducted directly from your pay for employees; other covered individuals pay with cheque.

Visit the UHIP web page for more information on enrolment and dependents, documents required, and information about Sun Life's website. For cost information, visit the All about UHIP page on UHIP.ca.

Tuition Benefit

This benefit provides encouragement and financial assistance to employees and eligible retirees wishing to take education programs for themselves or their eligible children. Benefits are available to regular full time and part time staff members with an appointment duration of two years or more. Visit the Tuition benefit web page for more details or Finance's website to apply.

Related policies:

Retiree Benefits

Retiree benefits are available to employees who have 10 years of continuous regular employment service (with participation in the full benefits program during that time) at the time of their retirement if an immidiate pension is elected. Benefits include extended health care and life insurance. Some benefit provisions change for employees at certain ages prior to retirement.

For more information on eligibility, the retiree benefit maxima, and information on working beyond age 65, visit the Retiree benefits page.

Contact hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or ext. 35935 for any questions.