Extended Health Plan Comparison – Green Shield vs BCRTA

Below is a brief summary and comparison of benefits offered by:

  • Green Shield Canada (sponsored by Teachers’ Pension Plan), and
  • the Johnson-Belair (EHC available with Prestige Travel insurance) a plan designed and sponsored by the BC Retired Teachers’ Association.

Note: This is a general summary only. Always contact the provider to confirm the details of the plan as they apply to you.

(Print)

See Communique from Teachers’ Pension with changes effective January 1, 2025 to GSC ( 2025 EHC monthly premiums expected to increase by 9%) 

Data is current as of September 1, 2024

Green Shield
(TPP default)
BCRTA Johnson
(Member Benefit)
Plan Percentage80% (1st $1,000); 100% thereafter
After Jan.1/25
80% (1st 2,000)100% after
80%

See note in Prescription
Drugs below.
Deductible$200 per person per calendar year / $400 per coupleNone
Lifetime Maximum$200,000$250,000
Prescription Drugs
Choice of Annual Calendar year Maximum: of $2000 or $4000 per year

Plan 2 (if you & your spouse were born 1940 or later):
  • Option A: $2,000 per household - Plan pays 80% first $2,000
  • Option B: $4,000 per household - Plan pays 80% of first $1750 then 100% to the $4000 maximum
Plan 1: If you or your spouse were born in 1939 or earlier please contact Johnson
Directly for drug coverage limit options and an accurate premium quote.
8% mark-up limit8% mark-up limit
$10 dispensing fee cap per script$10 dispensing fee cap per script
Pharmacare Low-Cost Alternative (LCA) & Reference Drug Program (RDP) pricing

GSC Formulary
Pharmacare Low-Cost Alternative (LCA) & Reference Drug Program (RDP) pricing

BC provincial formulary (Pharmacare)
Contact BC Pharmacare
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/contact-us
Not coveredVaccines ($100 per calendar year)
Express Scripts Pharmacy
(Voluntary/Optional benefit)
  • $8.99 dispensing fee
  • Free Delivery
  • 24/7 access to a clinical pharmacist
  • 90-day medication supply
Health EducationNot Covered$100 per calendar year
NEW Pharmacogenetic Testing (see conditions in policy for details of coverage)
Hearing Aids$1,400 per 4 calendar years
After Jan. 1/25
$2,000 every FIVE years
$1,400 per 4 calendar years
Paramedical ServicesCombined $1,000 per calendar year
Jan.1/25 $1500 combined per year
Combined $1,000 per calendar year
Chiropractor, Chiropodist/Podiatrist, Registered Massage Therapist, Naturopath, Physiotherapist, Psychologist/Master of Social Work or Social Worker/Counsellor, Acupuncturist Same paraprofessionals as GSC as well as Athletic therapist, osteopath, clinicial counsellor, social worker,speech therapist,
dietician/nutritionist
NEW – includes Registered Shiatsu Therapists (RST)
Vision Care$400 per 2 calendar years
Includes eye exam
$300 per 2 calendar years
(eye exams included in vision care maximum)PLUS 1 exam per 2 calendar years up to $100
NEW – lens implants $200 per 2 calendar years & provides coverage for intraocular lens after ANY type of surgery
TravelOut-of-Province (in Canada only)Optional Add-On:
  • Unlimited number of trips in Canada of any duration
  • Unlimited number of trips outside Canada of up to 62 or 93 consecutive days (depending on your selection)
  • Prestige Travel
NEW – $10,000,000 Emergency Medical Coverage
$8,000 Trip Cancellation, Interruption & Delay Insurance
No stability clause (sudden & unforeseen medical emergencies)
No Health Option Questionnaire (if joining from a group plan)
Deductible Option: $1,000 deductible (save 10% on Base Plan premiums)
Baggage & Personal Effects Benefits
Additional 5% Home insurance discount for travel insurance policyholders

Real World Experience

To see the experience of people on each of these plans, visit the EHC Satisfaction Survey conducted by BCRTA.

View Survey