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.

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Data is current as of September 1, 2023

Green Shield
(TPP default)
BCRTA Johnson
(Member Benefit)
Plan Percentage80% (1st $1,000); 100% thereafter80%
Deductible$200 per person per calendar year / $400 per coupleNone
Lifetime Maximum$200,000$250,000
Prescription DrugsPharmacare Low-Cost Alternative (LCA) & Reference Drug Program (RDP) pricing
Choice of Annual Calendar year Maximum

Plan 2 (if you & your spouse were born 1940 or later):
  • Option A: $2,000 per household
  • Option B: $4,000 per household
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
BC provincial formulary (Pharmacare)
Pharmacare Low-Cost Alternative (LCA) & Reference Drug Program (RDP) pricing
Vaccines ($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
Hearing Aids$1,400 per 4 calendar years$1,400 per 4 calendar years
Paramedical ServicesCombined $1,000 per calendar yearCombined $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$300 per 2 calendar years$300 per 2 calendar years
(eye exams included in vision care maximum)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