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Frequently Asked Questions - Retiree Health Insurance - General
What is RTIP (Retired Teachers Insurance Plan)?
RTIP (Retired Teachers Insurance Plan) is a comprehensive health care plan designed with the unique needs of education employees in mind. There are four plan options, which include health benefits with deluxe travel coverage, semi-private hospital protection and optional dental benefits.
- RTIP Gold Elite: new coverage for "catastrophic" health care expenses
- RTIP Plus: highest prescription drug maximum, with unlimited semi-private hospital accommodation built into benefits
- RTIP Gold: flexible two-tiered plan with options for economical coverage
- RTIP Basic: highly affordable, straightforward benefit plan
Why isn't belonging to a provincial health plan enough to protect your health and financial well-being?
Many Canadians assume their medical expenses will be paid for by their provincial health plan, which isn't always the case. Each year, millions of Canadians rely on extended health care insurance plans like RTIP, to pay for medical costs not covered by their provincial health insurance plan. These costs include a multitude of common medical expenses that may regularly affect you and your family, such as prescription drugs, dental care and eyeglasses.
How do I determine my insurance needs?
Having a clear understanding of your health care coverage needs will help you choose a plan that's right for you. Consider the following:
- What are my present coverage needs?
- Do I want assurance of knowing unforeseen health care costs won't be a problem?
- What can I afford? How much am I willing to pay for health care protection?
Can I add dental or hospital accommodation coverage to my RTIP plan when I join or at a later date?
Dental coverage can be added to any RTIP plan at any time. Please note, if you choose to add the dental coverage to your plan, you must maintain the coverage for 12 months. After 12 months, you can terminate your dental coverage; however, you will not be able to add it again for 24 months.
If you forgo the hospital coverage under RTIP Gold or RTIP Gold Elite at enrollment, evidence of insurability is needed to add hospital coverage at a later date.
How do I know what level of hospital coverage to choose?
Before you decide on a specific level of hospital accommodation coverage, find out what the hospitals in your area charge. Knowing how much you'll be expected to pay for hospital accommodation is the best way to ensure your hospital stays are comfortable and adequately covered.
When a semi-private room is not available, the RTIP plans offer a hospital cash benefit which will provide $10 per day to a maximum of $100 per stay to cover expenses such as telephone and television rentals and parking.
Do I have to add provincial sales tax to the premiums?
Provincial sales tax is not applicable to RTIP premiums.
What payment methods are available?
There are three convenient payment options available to you:
- OTPP Deduction – If you are receiving a pension from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, you may choose to have your RTIP premium deducted directly from your pension cheque at the end of each month.
- Pre-Authorized Chequing – You can choose to join our convenient pre-authorized monthly payment plan. There is no charge for this service, which takes an automatic monthly withdrawal directly from your account at any Canadian bank, trust company, credit union or other financial institution on the first day of each month.
- Annual Premium – You may choose to enclose a cheque for your annual premium with your application. Future payments would be made on an annual basis.
Will I receive a premium statement for medical tax expenses?
To receive a statement of premiums paid, simply check the tax receipt box on your application form.
If you are already a member of an RTIP plan and would like to start receiving a statement of premiums paid, please call 1-877-260-3892, extension 520 or e-mail taxreceipts@otip.com.
Do you have someone I can speak to locally?
OTIP holds retirement seminars across Ontario during the school year. Our representatives are happy to share retirement planning tips and resources with all education employees thinking about or approaching retirement.
What is Edvantage?
Edvantage is a rewards program created for Ontario's education community with many exciting discounts, special offers, benefits and contests. All RTIP members receive an Edvantage card giving them access to exclusive offers from businesses and retailers throughout Ontario.
How do I change my coverage from one plan level to another?
Please call OTIP benefits services at 1-866-783-6847 to discuss your options and the application process.
If you want to decrease your coverage, your change can take effect only on January 1 of each year. If you want to increase your coverage, you can do so with the change effective the first day of the month, subject to evidence of insurability.
If you don't see the answer to your question, please contact us.
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