Life events: Public service group insurance benefit plans

This page contains life event information for specific audiences. Navigate within your audience type to learn about the impact of life events on your benefits.

Active member

Find information on your public service group insurance benefit plans as an employee of the federal public service. Learn about how your benefits may be affected by life events throughout your career.

New to the public service

  • What group insurance benefits are available to you?

    The following group insurance benefit plans may be available to you:

  • What is the Public Service Health Care Plan?

    The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) is an optional health care plan for federal public service employees and their dependants. It is designed to supplement provincial health insurance plans. The PSHCP provides:

    1. Supplementary Coverage intended for members who are covered under a provincial/territorial health insurance plan. It provides participants with health coverage to ’supplement’ the coverage provided under the provincial/territorial plan in the member’s province/territory of residence.
      • The PSHCP covers expenses for a range of health care services and supplies such as, prescription drugs, vision care and the services of various medical practitioners under its Extended Health Provision.
      • The PSHCP also includes three levels of hospital benefits under the Hospital Provision that provide reimbursement up to a specific dollar amount in excess of standard ward charges.
    2. Comprehensive Coverage intended for members and their eligible dependants who are residing outside of Canada and who are not covered under a provincial/territorial health or hospital insurance plan.

    For more information on the PSHCP, refer to the PSHCP Directive.

  • What is the reimbursement percentage under the Public Service Health Care Plan?

    For your Extended Health Care Provision (for both Supplementary and Comprehensive coverage), the Plan generally pays 80% of eligible expense(s) or of stated maximums, if any. For example, prescription drugs are reimbursed at 80% with no annual or lifetime maximum. However, psychological services are reimbursed to a maximum of 80% of $2000 per calendar year. Note: some services and medical supplies require a physician’s referral/ prescription.

    Refer to the Summary of Maximum Eligible Expenses for a list of eligible expenses.

    For your Hospital Provision (for both Supplementary and Comprehensive coverage), the PSHCP includes three levels of hospital benefits that provide reimbursement for the cost of semi-private or private rooms in excess of standard ward charges. Level I pays a maximum of $90 per day, Level II a maximum of $170 per day and Level III a maximum of $250 per day.

  • What is the cost of the Public Service Health Care Plan coverage?

    The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) monthly contribution rates are comprised of two components, the cost associated with the Extended Health Provision and the cost for the Hospital Provision. These components have different cost sharing arrangements between you and your employer (Government of Canada).

    • As an employee of the federal public service, the Government of Canada pays the full cost of the Extended Health Provision and Hospital Level I coverage (for both Supplementary and Comprehensive coverage). If you choose Level II or III hospital coverage, you are responsible for 100% of the additional expense for this coverage. See Employee Monthly Contribution Rates for more details.
    • If you are a member of the Executive Group or other designated groups, you may be eligible for Full Employer-Paid Coverage. See Becoming an executive for details.
    • If you take a leave of absence from the public service, you will need to make a decision about your group benefit plan contributions and premiums. See Taking a leave of absence for more details.
    • As a retired member under the PSHCP you will have different contribution rates. See Preparing for retirement.
  • How do you apply for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan?

    The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) is a voluntary plan. Employees must apply. There are two steps in applying for coverage.

    1. Registration with your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre:

      To register you must complete and submit either an electronic application form using the secure online Compensation Web Applications (CWA) or submit a paper application form (PDF, 95 KB). Once your application is approved, you will receive your plan and certificate number.

    2. Complete positive enrolment with Canada Life:

      Positive enrolment must be completed either online through the Canada Life Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) Member Services website (you must create an account), or a paper form. You can obtain a paper form from the PSHCP Member Services website or by calling Canada Life.

      Note: By completing positive enrolment, you provide consent for Canada Life to use your personal information to process your claims.

      To receive your PSHCP benefit card and have your claims paid under the PSHCP for yourself or covered dependant(s), you must complete this process.

      Once enrolled with Canada Life, you can print your PSHCP Benefit Card through the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website or , if you completed positive enrolment on paper, Canada Life will mail you your paper PSHCP benefit card.

  • Are you covered under the Public Service Health Care Plan if you need medical or hospital services while travelling outside your home province or outside of Canada?

    Under Supplementary coverage, you and your eligible dependants are covered by the Emergency Travel Benefit. This benefit provides reimbursement for up to $1 Million (CAD) per covered person in eligible emergency medical expenses incurred while travelling. This amount is in excess of what is covered by your provincial/territorial health insurance. Coverage continues for up to 40 days after your departure from your province/territory of residence.

    For more information and to obtain the emergency assistance contact information, refer to the Public Service Health Care Plan Travel and Emergency Assistance Benefits section.

  • What is the Public Service Dental Care Plan?

    The Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) is a mandatory plan that provides members and their dependants with coverage, up to certain limits, for specific dental services and supplies not covered under a provincial health or dental care plan.

    Note: Benefits are only payable after a waiting period of three months from the day you become a member of the PSDCP.

  • What is the reimbursement percentage under the Public Service Dental Care Plan?

    Reimbursement is 90% for basic services, and 50% for major services and orthodontics, after the annual deductible is satisfied. The annual deductible is $25 for one covered person, or $50 for more than one covered person.

    Refer to Eligible Dental Services for a list of eligible dental services.

  • What is the cost of the Public Service Dental Care Plan?

    The Government of Canada pays 100% of the cost of your dental care coverage except while on certain types of Leave without pay.

  • How do you apply for coverage under the Public Service Dental Care Plan?

    The Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) is a mandatory Plan, no application is required.

    You will automatically be registered under the Plan after a 3 month waiting period from the day you are employed in the federal public service as a full-time or part-time employee appointed for more than 6 months (part-time employees must work more than 1/3 of the normal work week) or have completed 6 months of continuous employment.

    Once you are eligible for the PSDCP, you will need your Plan Number and Certificate/ ID Number to register for the PSDCP Member services website.

    Plan Numbers by group:

    • Plan 55555 – National Joint Council Component
    • Plan 55666 – Public Service Alliance of Canada
    • Plan 55777 – Canadian Armed Forces Dependants’
    • Plan 55888 – Royal Canadian Mounted Police Dependants’
    • Plan 55999 – Canadian Armed Forces Reserves

    Locate your Certificate/ ID Number:

    • On your PSDCP benefit card
    • Through the Phoenix Pay System application, if you have access to the Compensation Web Applications (CWA)
    • By contacting the Public Service Pay Centre or your departmental compensation unit
    • On an Explanation of Benefits statement sent to you by Canada Life
    • By contacting Canada Life

    Should you have any questions regarding the PSDCP Member services website or how to register, please call Canada Life at 1-855-415-4414.

  • What is the Disability Insurance Plan?

    The Disability Insurance (DI) Plan is a mandatory plan that provides a 70% income replacement when you are unable to work for long periods due to a totally disabling illness or injury.

  • What is the cost of Disability Insurance?

    The Government of Canada pays 85% of the premium and you pay the remaining 15%. Refer to the Disability Insurance (DI) Premiums Rates section for more information.

  • How do you apply for coverage under the Disability Insurance Plan?

    The Disability Insurance (DI) Plan is a mandatory Plan, no application is required.

    You will automatically be registered under the Plan if you are employed in the federal public service as a full-time or part-time employee appointed for more than 6 months (part-time employees must work more than 1/3 of the normal work week) or have completed 6 months of continuous employment.

  • What is the Public Service Management Insurance Plan?

    The Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) provides mandatory Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance and optional Life insurance for federal public service employees who are excluded from collective bargaining and executives.

    The PSMIP-LTD is a mandatory Plan that provides a 70% income replacement when you are unable to work for long periods due to a totally disabling illness or injury.

    The PSMIP Life insurance is voluntary and includes: Basic Life Insurance, Supplementary Life Insurance, Dependants’ Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment.

  • What is the cost of Public Service Management Insurance Plan?

    Public Service Management Insurance Plan Long-Term Disability (PSMIP-LTD) insurance:

    If you are an employee excluded from collective bargaining, the Government of Canada pays 85% of the premium and you pay the remaining 15%.

    If you are an executive, the Government of Canada pays 100% of the premium.

    There are provisions for leave without pay for both excluded employees and executives.

    Refer to the Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) Premium Rates section for more information.

    Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) Life Insurance:

    If you are an employee excluded from collective bargaining, you pay 100% of the premiums for Basic, Supplementary, Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Dependants’ life insurance.

    If you are an executive, the Government of Canada pays 100% of the premium for Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Dependants’ and Post-Retirement Life insurance and you pay 100% of the premiums for Supplementary Life Insurance.

    There are provisions for leave without pay for both excluded employees and executives.

    Refer to the PSMIP Premium Rates section for more information.

  • How do you apply for coverage under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan?

    The Public Service Management Insurance Plan Long-Term Disability is mandatory, no application is required. You will automatically be enrolled once you become eligible for the Plan.

    The Public Service Management Insurance Plan Life insurances are optional. To apply for coverage, contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

  • Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan – Life insurance, how do you name a beneficiary?

    To designate or change a beneficiary under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) Life, you must complete the PWGSC-TPSGC 2028-1 – Public Service Management Insurance Plan form.

  • How do you submit a claim under the group insurance benefit plans?

    The procedure for submitting claims varies by plan. Refer to Submitting a benefit claim for detailed information on the procedures and services available.

  • Who do you contact if you have questions about your group insurance benefit plans?

    For information on the benefits available under each group insurance benefit plan, refer to the Contacts section.

  • What online services are available to group insurance benefit plan members?

    Public Service Health Care Plan

    As a member of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP), you can access your account online.

    The following features are available on the Canada Life PSHCP Member Service website.

    • Complete or update your personal account (“positive enrolment”) information.
    • View drug coverage and learn what is covered under the PSHCP quickly and conveniently.
    • Submit electronic claims, track claims progress and view claims history for you and your dependants.
    • Sign up for direct deposit or update your banking information.
    • Coordinate benefits claims between two Canada Life plans or submit the remaining balance of a claim already processed through another insurer.
    • Locate health care providers using the "provider search" feature.
    • Print or save your PSHCP benefit card to your mobile device.
    • Attach receipts, photo receipts and other supporting documents to claims for expenses such as lab tests, equipment, and medical supplies.
    • Attach documents requested by Canada Life, such as referrals, proofs of payment, estimates and drug forms, to recently completed claims.
    • Use Two-Step Verification to verify your identity and protect your personal information.
    • Access to de-listed providers

    Public Service Dental Care Plan

    As a member of the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP), you can access your account on the PSDCP Member services website and the mobile app. When you access your account online, you can submit claims, review your coverage, access your PSDCP benefit care, and more!

    Disability Insurance Plan

    As a member of the Disability Insurance (DI) plan, you can consult the Sun Life website to help you with the claim submission process. Here you will find the DI claim forms, the Employee DI claim guide, the manager’s or supervisor’s DI plan guide, and additional resources.

  • How do you register for the online services?

    Public Service Health Care Plan

    You will need to complete positive enrolment. Once completed, you can create your account on the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSCHP) Member Services website.

    You will need your plan and certificate numbers to complete your registration. For security purposes, an email will be sent to you with an activation code to complete the registration process.

    Public Service Dental Care Plan

    Once you are eligible for the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP), you will need your Plan Number and Certificate/ ID Number to register for the PSDCP Member services website.

    Plan Numbers by group:

    • Plan 55555 – National Joint Council Component
    • Plan 55666 – Public Service Alliance of Canada
    • Plan 55777 – Canadian Armed Forces Dependants’
    • Plan 55888 – Royal Canadian Mounted Police Dependants’
    • Plan 55999 – Canadian Armed Forces Reserves

    Locate your Certificate/ ID Number:

    • On your PSDCP benefit card
    • Through the Phoenix Pay System application, if you have access to the Compensation Web Applications (CWA)
    • By contacting the Public Service Pay Centre or your departmental compensation unit
    • On an Explanation of Benefits statement sent to you by Canada Life
    • By contacting Canada Life

    To access the PSDCP Member services website mobile app for PSDCP members, download the Canada Life mobile app for iPhone and Android devices from the App Store or Google Play.

    • You must first register an account before you are able to sign in. To register, you must enter your member ID (certificate number) and plan number provided to you on your PSDCP benefit card.
    • Sign into the app using your email address and password.
    • Select “Make claim”, then select “Start online claim”.
    • Select your claim type and follow the steps to submit your claim.

    Should you have any questions regarding the PSDCP Member services website or how to register, please call Canada Life at 1-855-415-4414.

    Disability Insurance plan

    To access the claim submission process, visit the Sun Life website.

Getting married or reaching common-law status

  • Is your new spouse or common-law partner eligible for coverage under your group insurance benefit plans?

    Yes. Your new spouse or common-law partner may be covered under the following plans:

    In general, an eligible spouse or common-law partner means:

    • the person to whom you are legally married or your common-law partner (i.e. the person with whom you have lived with for a continuous period of at least one year and with whom you continue to live in a conjugal relationship).
  • How can you apply for group insurance benefits for your new spouse or common-law partner?

    To apply for:

    • The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP):
      1. You must apply for coverage for your new eligible spouse or common-law partner within 60 days following his/her eligibility date (the date you are legally married or you reach common-law status) for coverage to be effective as of that date; otherwise, there is a three month waiting period.
      2. Complete and submit either an electronic application to amend your coverage type using the secure online Compensation Web Applications (CWA) or, you can complete and submit a paper application form to the Public Service Pay Centre or your departmental Compensation services.

        If your PSHCP coverage type is already Family because you have dependant children covered under the PSHCP, an amendment application is not required.

      3. You must then update your positive enrolment information under your profile with Canada Life to include your spouse or common-law partner.

        Note: none of your new spouse or common-law partner’s claims can be paid until you have updated your positive enrolment information under your profile. Changes can be made by visiting the Canada Life PSHCP Member Service website. Alternatively, you can print a paper positive enrolment form from the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website or request the form by contacting Canada Life and submit it by mail.

    • The Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP):
      1. Amend your coverage type with Canada Life by contacting the dedicated Customer Contact Services phone line toll free or submitting a paper application form.
    • The Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) Dependants’ Life insurance:

      If you are member of the PSMIP, you can apply for Dependants’ Insurance (life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage) for the person to whom you are legally married or for the person with whom you have lived for a continuous period of at least one year and with whom you continue to live in a conjugal relationship. To do so, contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

      In the event of your death, your spouse or common-law partner may be entitled to receive Basic Life, Supplementary Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurances under the PSMIP if you designate them as your beneficiary. To designate a beneficiary under the PSMIP, complete and submit Form 2028-1 – PSMIP (Change of Name or of Beneficiaries) PWGSC PSMIP form.

  • Can you claim under two plans (coordinate benefits) if you and your spouse or common-law partner are covered under more than one group health or dental care plan?

    If you and your dependant spouse or common-law partner are covered under more than one group health or dental care plan, you may coordinate benefits for up to 100% for actual eligible expenses. In situations where coordination of benefits is allowed, the combined reimbursement from all Plans cannot exceed the expenses incurred.

    Coordination of benefits between two Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) members and two Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) members is allowed.

  • Are the children of your new spouse or common-law partner eligible for coverage under the group insurance benefit plans?

    The children of your new spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) or the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) if they qualify as eligible dependant children under the applicable Plan. See Becoming a parent for more information.

Becoming a parent

  • Are your children covered under your group insurance benefit plans?

    Yes. Your children may be covered under the following plans:

    In general, an eligible child includes an unmarried child of a member, of the member’s spouse or of the member’s survivor (if the survivor is entitled to an ongoing public service pension plan benefit), including a stepchild, an adopted child and a foster child for whom the member stands in place of a parent.

    To be dependant, the child must be:

    • under 21 years of age;
    • under 25 years of age and attending an accredited school, college or university on a full-time basis; or
    • incapable of engaging in self-sustaining employment by reason of mental or physical impairment and is primarily dependant upon the member, provided such impairment occurred by the ages indicated above.
  • How can you apply for group insurance benefits for your child?

    To apply for:

    • The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP):
      1. You must apply for coverage for your eligible child within 60 days following his/her eligibility date (the date your child is born, becomes a stepchild, an adopted child or a foster child) for coverage to be effective as of that date; otherwise, there is a three-month waiting period.
      2. Complete and submit either an electronic application to amend your coverage type using the secure online Compensation Web Applications (CWA) or, you can complete and submit a paper application form (PDF, 95 KB) to the Public Service Pay Centre or your departmental Compensation services. If your PSHCP coverage type is already Family because you have a dependant spouse/common-law partner or other children covered under the Plan, an amendment application is not required.
      3. You must then  log into your the PSHCP Member Services website and update your positive enrolment information under your profile with Sun Life Canada Life to include your eligible child.

        Note: None of your child’s claims can be paid until you have updated your positive enrolment information under your profile. Changes can be made by visiting the Canada Life PSHCP Member Service website. Alternatively, you can print a paper positive enrolment form from the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website or request the form by contacting Canada Life and submit it by mail.

    • The Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP):
      1. Amend your coverage type with Canada Life by contacting their dedicated Customer Contact Services phone line toll free. Coverage starts immediately for new dependants.
    • The Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) Dependants’ Life Insurance:

      If you are member of the PSMIP, you can apply for Dependants’ Insurance (Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage) for your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner. To do so, contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

      To be eligible as a dependant child under the PSMIP, the child must be over 14 days of age, unmarried, not employed on a regular, full-time basis and dependent on you for support. The child must also be either under the age of 21, or under the age of 25 and a full-time student enrolled in a school or university.

      If you apply to cover your dependant child within 60 days of the child becoming eligible, no statement of health will be required, and coverage will start on the date you acquire your eligible child. If you do not apply within 60 days, coverage starts the first of the month following the date your application form is received. Note: A statement of health is required for the new dependant in this instance, and coverage can be denied.

      In the event of your death, your spouse or common-law partner may be entitled to receive Basic Life, Supplementary Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurances under the PSMIP if you designate them as your beneficiary. To designate a beneficiary under the PSMIP, complete and submit Form 2028-1 – PSMIP (Change of Name or of Beneficiaries) PWGSC PSMIP form.

  • What happens to your group insurance benefit plan coverage when you take a leave of absence to care for a child?

    If you take a leave of absence without pay to care for a child, your coverage under the following group insurance benefit plans continues in most situations:

    Note: there are differences in the requirement for the payment of contributions or premiums for each Plan.

    For details on available premium or contribution payment options contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

    For more information, please refer to your collective agreement.

Divorce or separation

  • How are your insurance benefit plans affected?

    Your spouse or common-law partner is no longer eligible for coverage under the following plans when he or she stops being your spouse (divorce) or common-law partner (no longer living together). Benefits can continue for a separated spouse (legally married).

    If you have both a spouse (i.e. separated spouse) and a common-law partner, you may cover only one of them.

  • Who should you inform?

    You should inform your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre and the plan administrations/insurers. They can advise you of the impacts on your group insurance benefits.

  • Should you change your coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan and Public Service Dental Care Plan?

    If there are no dependant children covered under your Public Service Health Care Plan and Public Service Dental Care Plan, you should change your coverage type from Family to Single. If you do not amend your coverage type from Family to Single and claims continue to be submitted by your ineligible former spouse or common-law partner, you may be responsible for the repayment of these claims.

  • How do you change your coverage type under your Public Service Health Care Plan and Public Service Dental Care Plan?

    To amend your coverage from Family to Single:

    • The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP):
      1. Complete and submit either an electronic application to amend your coverage type using the secure online Compensation Web Applications (CWA) or, you can complete and submit a paper application form (PDF, 95 KB) to the Public Service Pay Centre or your departmental Compensation services.
      2. Once your coverage status has been updated, you must then log into the PSHCP Member Services website and update your positive enrolment information under your profile with Canada Life to remove your spouse or common-law partner. Changes can be made by visiting the  Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website. Alternatively, you can print a paper positive enrolment form from the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website or request the form by contacting Canada Life and submit it by mail.
    • The Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP):
      1. Amend your coverage type with Canada Life by contacting the dedicated Customer Contact Services phone line, toll free.
  • What happens to the Public Service Management Insurance Plan Life insurances?

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Dependants’ Life Insurance, if your spouse or common-law partner stops being your spouse (divorce) or common-law partner (no longer living together), he/she cannot continue to be insured. In the event of their death, no benefit is payable. You should inform your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre to stop premium payments.

    You may also wish to update your beneficiary under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan Basic Life, Supplementary Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurances. You can designate a new beneficiary by completing a new PWGSC-TPSGC 2028 – PSMIP form.

    Note: If your beneficiary is irrevocable, contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre for instruction.

Taking a leave of absence

Disability

  • What type of leave can you take if you become disabled or suffer from a long-term illness?

    If you have any paid sick leave remaining, you must first use that leave. Once your paid sick leave is exhausted, you can take a period of sick leave without pay. You may then be eligible for benefits under the Disability Insurance (DI) Plan or the Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) Long-Term Disability. Both plans provide a 70% income replacement when you are unable to work for long periods due to a totally disabling illness or injury.

    For more information on these disability benefits, consult Disability Insurance Plan summary or PSMIP Long-Term Disability summary.

  • How do you apply for disability insurance benefits?

    If you think your total disability will exceed 13 continuous weeks you should:

    Disability Insurance Plan

    Notify your direct supervisor or manager, who will take care of the next steps with the Public Service Pay Centre (Pay Centre) or departmental compensation services. If your direct supervisor or manager is not available, your senior manager can take care of the next steps on their behalf.

    The forms that you, your employer and your doctor (attending physician) must complete and the Employee DI claim guide can be found on Sun Life DI webpage.

    Sun Life is the insurer for the Disability Insurance (DI) Plan.

    Public Service Management Insurance Plan Long-Term Disability

    Notify your direct supervisor or manager, who will take care of the next steps with the Public Service Pay Centre (Pay Center) or departmental compensation services. If your direct supervisor or manager is not available, your senior manager can take care of the next steps on their behalf.

    The forms that you, your employer and your doctor (attending physician) must complete can be found on the Industrial Alliance PSMIP – LTD website, along with a checklist to assist in the application process.

    Industrial Alliance is the insurer for the Public Service Management Insurance Plan Long-Term Disability (PSMIP-LTD).

  • Is there a deadline for submitting your claim forms?

    The completed claim forms and supporting documentation must be received by the insurer at least two months prior to the end of the 13-week elimination period and no later than 90 days after the end of the elimination period to avoid any delay in the payment of benefits to which you may be entitled.

  • Who determines if you qualify for disability insurance benefits?

    The insurers of each Plan determine if you meet the definition of total disability (incapacity due to illness or injury) and are prevented from performing all duties of your regular occupation.

  • What group insurance benefit plans can you retain if you become eligible for disability insurance benefits?

    If you are a member of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and you become disabled, your coverage under the PSHCP will continue. You will only be required to pay your own contributions (such as contributions associated with Hospital Levels II and III).

  • What group insurance benefit plans can you retain if you retire on grounds of disability?

    If you retire on grounds of disability, you may be eligible for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) as a retired member.

    If you are entitled to Post Retirement Life Insurance refer to Becoming an executive.

    Public Service Health Care Plan:

    If you retire on grounds of disability and are entitled to receive an immediate ongoing pension benefit, under the public service pension plan, based on a minimum of six years of pensionable service, you will be eligible for Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage. Refer to Preparing for Retirement for more information.

    Contribution rates for retired members are different from those for active employees.

    Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan:
    If you retire on grounds of disability, coverage under the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) immediately stops. However, if you retire with an immediate pension benefit under the public service pension plan, you may have the option to enrol in the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP). For details on eligibility and how to enrol, refer to the PDSP Enrolment Information and Plan Summary Booklet.
  • Are you entitled to leave if you become disabled due to an occupational illness or accident?

    Yes. You may be entitled to Injury-on-Duty Leave with full normal pay for such reasonable period as is determined by your employer, where the disability is confirmed by a Provincial Workers’ Compensation Board pursuant to the Government Employees Compensation Act.

Becoming an executive

  • What group insurance benefit plans are available to executives?

    As an executive, if you meet the eligibility criteria under each plan, you are eligible for 100% employer-paid coverage (Government of Canada) under the following group insurance benefit plans:

    1. Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) including Hospital Level III

      If you are not already a Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) member when you become an executive, your coverage will be effective the first day of the month following the date you become eligible. For enrolment information refer to New to the public service.

      If you are already a member of the PSHCP when you become an executive, your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre will stop your contributions, if any.

    2. Public Service Dental Care Plan

      The Government of Canada pays 100% of the cost of your dental care coverage.

    3. Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) Long-Term Disability and Life (excluding Supplementary Life)

      The Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) provides 100% employer-paid Long-Term Disability, Basic life, Accidental death and dismemberment and Dependants’ life insurance.

      Executives pay 100% of the premiums for Supplementary Life insurance.

      For details on the employer-paid PSMIP benefits that are available to executives, refer to the PSMIP Executive Plan Member Booklet.

      If you are not already a PSMIP member when you become an executive, your coverage will be effective the first day of the month following the date you become eligible. For enrolment information refer to New to the public service.

      If you are already a PSMIP member when you become an executive, your departmental Compensation services or Public Service Pay Centre will stop your contributions. 

  • Does employer-paid coverage continue during periods of Leave without pay?

    Under the Public Service Health Care Plan, employer-paid coverage continues during all periods and types of Leave Without Pay.

    Under the Public Service Dental Care Plan, employer-paid coverage may continue depending on the type of Leave without pay.

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan, employer-paid Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) coverage continues during all periods and types of Leave without pay. Note: For Supplementary Life insurance you must make arrangements to pay your premiums directly to Industrial Alliance (the Insurer) to maintain coverage.

  • Are employer-paid contributions/premiums taxable?

    Under the Public Service Health Care Plan and the Public Service Dental Care Plan, employer contributions are a taxable benefit to residents of Quebec.

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan, all employer-paid life and long-term disability premiums are a taxable benefit under the Income Tax Act. This means the employer-paid premiums are considered part of your income for federal income tax purposes. This is also the case for Quebec provincial income tax purposes, if applicable. 

  • Can employer-paid coverage be refused?

    Yes. You can refuse the employer-paid Public Service Health Care Plan by sending a written request to your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

    The Public Service Dental Care Plan is a mandatory dental care plan for all employees. For more information, contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

    Yes. You can decline employer-paid Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) coverage by obtaining a waiver form from your departmental compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre by completing, signing and submitting the form. It is important to note that there will be a five year waiting period should you later decide to cancel the waiver and have your PSMIP coverage reinstated.

  • Are you eligible for employer-paid coverage if you are temporarily working in an executive position?

    If you are temporarily performing the duties of a position to which employer-paid coverage applies, you are not entitled to employer-paid coverage.

  • What happens if you transfer to a position where employer-paid coverage does not apply?

    Under the Public Service Health Care Plan you can continue Hospital Level III coverage and pay the appropriate monthly contributions or amend your coverage.

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan:

    1. Your employer-paid Basic life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Dependants’ Life insurance coverage stops immediately, and the employer premiums payable for these lines stop immediately.
    2. Your employee-paid Basic life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Dependants’ Life insurances commence immediately. The employee premiums for these insurances will begin on the first of the month following the date of change.
    3. You will begin to pay the employee share of premiums for PSMIP-LTD insurance effective the first of the month following the date of change.
    4. If you had both employer-paid Basic Life of two-times salary and Supplementary Life equal to salary, you may, within 31 days of the date of change, convert the difference between employer-paid Basic Life and employee-paid Basic Life (one times salary) to a private policy with Industrial Alliance at commercial rates without proof of insurability.
  • Does employer-paid coverage continue when you retire?

    Under the Public Service Health Care Plan employer-paid coverage stops when you retire but you can choose to continue the coverage without interruption when you complete your retirement documents. You will be responsible for your own contributions as a retired member. See Preparing for retirement for more information.

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan, Long-Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage stops when you retire.

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan, Basic life, Supplementary Life and Dependants’ Life coverage will continue for a 31 day extension period. During that period, you can convert your coverage to a private life insurance policy without being required to provide evidence of insurability (i.e. no medical requirements regardless of the state of your health). You must make your own arrangements directly with Industrial Alliance.

  • What is the Post-Retirement Life Insurance Plan under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan?

    The Post-Retirement Life Insurance Plan under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan provides employer-paid life insurance coverage after retirement. It is available to executives who were entitled to employer-paid coverage on their last day of employment and who are entitled to receive an immediate ongoing public service pension.

    During your first year of retirement, your life insurance will be equal to your adjusted final salary to the next highest multiple of $250. Coverage reduces 25% annually, to a final 25% of your insured salary thereafter for life.

    The employer-paid premiums are a taxable benefit under the Income Tax Act. This means the employer-paid premiums are considered part of your income for federal income tax purposes. This is also the case for Quebec provincial income tax purposes, if applicable.

  • Can Post-Retirement Life Insurance under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan be cancelled?

    Yes. You can cancel your Post-Retirement Life Insurance coverage at any time by notifying the Government of Canada Pension Centre in writing. Your coverage stops on the first day of the month following the month in which your written request was received.

    Note: If you cancel this insurance, you will never be able to reinstate it – cancellation is irrevocable.

  • What happens to the Post-Retirement Life Insurance under the Public Service Management Insurance if you become re-employed in the public service?

    If you become re-employed in the federal public service and become eligible as an active employee for insurance under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan and/or become again a contributor under the public service pension plan, your Post-Retirement Life Insurance will be suspended until you retire a second time. When your coverage resumes, it will do so at the level of benefits (100%, 75%, 50% or 25% of adjusted final salary) in effect when it was suspended, however, it will be based on the higher of your first and your second final salaries.

    If you become a member of the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ask your new departmental Compensation services to explain to you how your re-employment will affect your life insurance.

Working past age 65

  • What happens to your Public Service Health Care Plan and Public Service Dental Care Plan coverage if you work past age 65?

    There are no age restrictions on participation under either the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) or the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP). As long as you remain an eligible employee, you can retain your coverage.

    Important note for residents of Quebec

    If you are a Quebec resident, you are automatically covered by law under the prescription drug insurance plan of the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) once you reach the age of 65.

    In July 2001, the Superior Court of Quebec determined that the province of Quebec cannot exclude federal employees from RAMQ and that federal employees could have coverage under both RAMQ and the PSHCP.

    For further information on coverage under the RAMQ plan or to find out how to cancel your enrolment in that plan, please refer to the RAMQ site.

  • If you become eligible for prescription drug coverage under your provincial/territorial health insurance plan, are your prescription drug expenses still covered under the Public Service Health Care Plan?

    Eligible prescription drug expenses which are covered under a provincial/territorial drug plan (whether or not you participate in that provincial or territorial plan) are not eligible expenses under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP).

    Prescription drug expenses not covered by your provincial/ territorial drug plan may be eligible under the PSHCP.

  • Will you still be covered by the Disability Insurance Plan or the Public Service Management Insurance Plan Long-Term Disability after age 65?

    No. The Disability Insurance Plan and the Public Service Management Insurance Plan Long-Term Disability coverage is not available once you have reached age 64 and 9 months and your premiums will stop.

    If you are already in receipt of disability benefits prior to age 64 and 9 months, your benefits will continue to age 65.

  • How is your coverage under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan – Life insurances affected if you continue to work past age 65?

    Basic and Supplementary Life continue as long as you remain an active employee. However, coverage amounts for both Basic and Supplementary Life will be reduced at a rate of 10 per cent per year starting at age 66 to a minimum of no less than 10 per cent of your adjusted annual salary.

    The age-related reduction at age 66 does not apply to executives under the Basic Life coverage.

Preparing for retirement

  • What group insurance benefits are available to retired members of the federal public service?

    The following group insurance benefit plans may be available to you:

  • Does your Public Service Health Care Plan coverage continue after retirement?

    Your Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage can continue after you retire if you are entitled to receive an immediate public service pension based on a minimum of six years of cumulative pensionable service. The minimum six years of pensionable service requirement will not apply if:

    • You are a retired member of the PSHCP before April 1, 2015
    • You are entitled to a deferred pension benefit immediately before April 1, 2015
    • You receive an ongoing pension benefit as a result of disability
    • You are the survivor of a plan member or of an individual who was eligible to be a member of the PSHCP at the time of death, and you are in receipt of a survivor pension (even if the plan member did not have six years of service)
    • You are eligible for an ongoing pension benefit but you are no longer employed by the federal public service as a result of Work Force Adjustment
    • You are a member of the Veterans Affairs Canada Client Group, or a survivor of such a member
    • You are eligible for a pension (as a pensioner or survivor) under the Judges Act, the Governor General’s Act or the Lieutenant Governors Superannuation Act
  • How do you apply for Public Service Health Care Plan coverage as a retired member?

    The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) is a voluntary plan. Members must apply. There are two steps in applying for coverage.

    1. Registration with the Government of Canada Pension Centre:
      • If you are currently a Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) member, when you retire you will be asked to sign a PWGSC-TPSGC 1422 – Deductions From Annuity or Annual Allowance form, to confirm whether you want to continue the same level of PSHCP coverage and to authorize deductions from your monthly pension payment. If you want to amend your level of PSHCP coverage, you will need to complete and submit a PSHCP Pensioner Application form (PDF, 91 KB) to the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

        Your PSHCP plan and certificate number will not change when you retire.

        There may be an administrative delay while your pension and PSHCP files are updated. This means that you may not be able to use your PSHCP benefit card temporarily and your claims may be rejected during this period. Keep your receipts and submit them to Canada Life once your PSHCP deductions are confirmed.

      • If you are not currently a retired PSHCP member, you can apply for PSHCP coverage at any time. If you meet the eligibility criteria, your coverage will start the first day of the fourth month following the date your PSHCP Pensioner Application form (PDF, 91 KB) is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre.
    2. Positive enrolment with Canada Life:
      • You will have to complete your positive enrolment with Canada Life if you hadn’t already done so as an active employee or need to update your positive enrolment information, under your profile.
      • To complete positive enrolment, you must complete and submit either an electronic positive enrolment form through the Canada Life PSHCP Member Service website  (you must create an account), or a paper form. You can obtain a paper form from the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website or by calling Canada Life. You will be asked to provide information about yourself, your spouse/common-law partner and each eligible child and consent to the use of your personal information for the purpose of processing claims.
  • When does Public Service Health Care Plan coverage start after retirement?

    If you retire with an immediate public service pension with at least six or more years of pensionable service and you confirmed your ongoing participation and authorized deductions from your pension, your Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage as a retired member will start on your retirement date.

    If you retire with an option for a deferred annuity based on six or more years of pensionable service, you can apply for PSHCP coverage once your pension becomes payable. If you apply for coverage within 60 days of the date your pension becomes payable, and if you were a PSHCP member while employed, PSHCP coverage will start the first of the month following the date your PSHCP Pensioner Application form (PDF, 91 KB) is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre. If you were not a member while employed, or if you apply for PSHCP coverage more than 60 days after your pension becomes payable, coverage will start the first of the fourth month following the date your application is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

  • Does the cost of Public Service Health Care Plan coverage change on retirement?

    Yes. Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) contribution rates for retired members are different from those for active employees.

    As a retired member of the federal public service, you and the Government of Canada share the cost of the Extended Health Provision and Hospital Level I coverage under the Hospital Provision for both Supplementary and Comprehensive coverage. If you choose Hospital Level II or III coverage, you are responsible for 100% of the additional expense for this coverage.

    Information on contributions for retired members, the cost-sharing ratio with the employer, and the PSHCP Relief Provision can be found in Schedule V of the PSHCP Directive.

  • Does your Public Service Dental Care Plan coverage continue as a retired member?

    No. If you retire from the public service, coverage under your Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) stops on your last day of employment. However, if you retire with an immediate public service pension, you may have the option to enrol in the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP).

  • How do you apply for the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan on retirement?

    To apply for the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan you must complete and submit the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan Enrolment Form to the Government of Canada Pension Centre. This form is part of the documentation provided to you by the Government of Canada Pension Centre in your retirement package. If your completed Enrolment form is received within 60 days of when your pension becomes payable, coverage will begin on the date of your retirement.

    If your completed Enrolment form is received later than 60 days from the date your pension becomes payable, coverage will begin on the first day of the second month following the date of receipt.

    For additional information on enrolment and benefits, please refer to the PDSP Enrolment Information and Plan Summary Booklet.

  • What is the cost of the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan?

    You and the Government of Canada share the cost of PDSP coverage equally. The cost varies depending on the category of coverage you select. Refer to PDSP contribution rates for detailed information.

  • Does your Disability Insurance Plan coverage continue as a retired member?

    No. Your Disability Insurance (DI) Plan coverage stops on your last day of employment.

    If you are in receipt of benefits under the DI plan when you retire, benefits will continue to age 65 as long as you remain totally disabled.

    Note: It is important to report your public service pension income to Sun Life as soon as possible to avoid disability insurance benefit overpayments.

  • Does your Public Service Management Insurance Plan coverage continue as a retired member?

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan Basic life, Supplementary life and Dependants’ life, coverage will continue for a 31 day extension period. During that period, you will have the opportunity to convert your coverage to a private life insurance policy without being required to provide evidence of insurability (i.e. no medical requirements regardless of the state of your health). You must make your own arrangements directly with Industrial Alliance.

    Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance under the PSMIP cannot be converted to private policies, and coverage stops on your last day of employment.

    If you are in receipt of benefits under the PSMIP-LTD when you retire, benefits will continue to age 65 as long as you remain totally disabled.

    Note: It is important to report your public service pension income to Industrial Alliance as soon as possible to avoid disability insurance benefit overpayments.

    If you are an executive, please see Becoming an executive for post-retirement life insurance information specific to you.

Terminating employment

  • Who should you notify if you plan to terminate employment with the federal public service?

    If you plan to terminate your employment with the federal public service, once you have chosen your termination date, you should notify the following:

    1. Your immediate supervisor
    2. Either your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre
    3. The Government of Canada Pension Centre

    This should be done three months in advance of your termination date, if possible.

  • Are you still covered under the public service group insurance benefit plans?
    Public Service Health Care Plan:

    If you leave the public service, coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan will stop at the end of the month following the month of your last contribution payment.

    If you are entitled to receive an immediate ongoing pension benefit refer to Preparing for retirement.

    Public Service Dental Care Plan:

    If you leave the public service, coverage under your Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) stops on your last day of employment. Certain treatments if started before your termination date may be covered for a period of 31 calendar days.

    If you are entitled to receive an immediate ongoing pension benefit, refer to Preparing for retirement.

    Disability Insurance Plan:

    If you leave the public service, coverage under the Disability Insurance Plan stops on your last day of employment. If you are in receipt of benefits under the DI plan, benefits will continue to age 65 as long as you remain totally disabled.

    Public Service Management Insurance Plan:

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan, Basic life, Supplementary life and Dependants’ life coverage will continue for a 31 day extension period. During that period, you will have the opportunity to convert your coverage to an private life insurance policy without being required to provide evidence of insurability (i.e. no medical requirements regardless of the state of your health). You must make your own arrangements directly with Industrial Alliance.

    Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurances under the PSMIP cannot be converted to private policies, and coverage stops on your last day of employment. If you are in receipt of benefits under the LTD plan, benefits will continue to age 65 as long as you remain totally disabled.

    If you are part of the Executive Group, please see Becoming an executive for information specific to you.

  • What happens if you have not finished paying your group insurance benefit plan contributions for your period of leave without pay when you terminate employment?

    Any insurance benefit premiums or contributions still owing for a period of leave without pay have to be paid when you leave the public service. Contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre for further information.

Work force adjustment

  • What is Work Force Adjustment?

    For information about the Work Force Adjustment (WFA) process and particular WFA situations visit the WFA – Policies and Guidelines page.

  • How are my group insurance benefits affected if I am in a work force adjustment situation?

    Your Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) will be affected as follows:

    • If you are laid-off under a Work Force Adjustment (WFA) situation and have a lay-off priority status (unpaid), meaning you have not received a reasonable job offer and have come to the end of your 12-month paid surplus period
      • You will be eligible to maintain your PSHCP and PSDCP coverage for up to a one (1) year period by paying both the employee and employer share of the PSHCP contributions and the PSDCP contributions.
    • If you resign and accept a Transitional Support Measure, a lump sum payment based on your years of service in the public service,
      • Your PSHCP and PSDCP benefit entitlements will stop on the day you stop being employed in the public service.
    • If you accept a Transitional Support Measure, a lump sum payment based on your years of service in the public service, plus up to $11,000 for tuition and other related fees for up to two (2) years,
      • You are deemed to be on Leave without Pay and can continue your PSHCP and PSDCP coverage by paying both the employee and employer share of the PSHCP contributions and the PSDCP contributions. Following these 2 years, if you do not receive a reasonable job offer, you will be eligible to maintain your PSHCP and PSDCP coverage for up to one (1) year by paying both the employee and employer share of the PSHCP contributions and the PSDCP contributions.
    • If you are eligible to receive an immediate public service pension benefit at retirement age,
      • You may apply to continue your coverage under the PSHCP as a retired member.
      • You may also apply for coverage under the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) as a retired member when in receipt of your immediate public service pension benefit. Visit Preparing for retirement for more information.

    Your Disability Insurance (DI) Plan and Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) will be affected as follows:

    • Coverage under the DI Plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) of the PSMIP will stop on the day you stop being employed in the public service or on the date you start a period of unpaid priority status.
    • If you are in receipt of either DI or LTD benefits when laid-off under a WFA situation,
      • Your entitlement will not end as long as you continue to meet the definition of totally disabled under the Plans. Benefits will stop on the earlier of your recovery, reaching age 65 or death.
    • If you are covered under PSMIP Life and choose to leave the public service or retire and are in receipt of an immediate public service pension benefit,
      • You may convert your life insurance and the life insurance of your dependants to an individual private life insurance policy. To do so you must make your own arrangements directly with Industrial Alliance within 31 days of retirement.
      • Your Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance and that of your dependants cannot be converted to private policies. Coverage stops upon termination of employment or on the date you start a period of unpaid priority status.
  • Who do contact if I have more questions?

    If you are in a Work Force Adjustment (WFA) situation, your department must assign a counsellor to work with you throughout the process. Please contact your employing department.

When death occurs

  • What should your survivors do in the event of your death?
    1. Your survivors should notify the Government of Canada Pension Centre and your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre immediately.
    2. If your survivor is eligible to receive a survivor public service pension benefit recognized under the group insurance benefit plans, they will be counselled on the plans they may be eligible to continue and/or how to apply.
    3. Your survivors should send your death certificate to the Government of Canada Pension Centre.
      • A death certificate is required to pay any survivor pension or death benefits. Your pension number should be clearly indicated on all correspondence and documents your survivors send to the Pension Centre.
  • Do any of your group insurance benefit plans continue for your survivors after your death?

    In the event of your death, the coverage provided to your eligible family members ends. However, your survivors may be eligible to apply/enrol for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) in their own right as the member.

    Public Service Health Care Plan:

    Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage does not automatically continue. If your survivors are entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit, they may be eligible to apply for coverage.  

    Even if you were not a member of the PSHCP, your survivor may be eligible to apply for PSHCP coverage in their own right. 

    Your survivor must contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre to obtain an application form. If approved for PSHCP coverage as a survivor, they must complete positive enrolment.

    Your survivor can complete positive enrolment online on the Canada Life PSHCP Member Service website. Alternatively, they can print a paper positive enrolment form from the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website or request the form by contacting Canada Life and submit it by mail.

    Coverage then continues for as long as the survivor remains entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit and the required contributions are paid.

    Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan:

    If your survivors are entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit, they may be eligible to apply for Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan coverage.

    Your survivor must contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre. Enrolment information can be found in the PDSP Enrolment Information and Plan Summary Booklet.

    Coverage then continues for as long as the survivor remains entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit and the required contributions are paid.

  • Can your survivors use your Public Service Health Care Plan benefit card?
    • No. In the event of your death, Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage provided to your eligible family members ends. If your survivors are eligible for coverage under the PSHCP as a member in their own right, they will need to apply and register for the PSHCP and complete positive enrolment with Canada Life. A PSHCP benefit card can be either printed through the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website or mailed to the survivor’s address if positive enrolment was completed by paper form.

    In Canada

    • Once your survivor has their PSHCP benefit card, they can buy eligible prescription drugs and certain medical supplies at the pharmacy by presenting the card with their prescription. The PSHCP benefit card enables real time electronic processing of claims for eligible drugs and medical supplies.

      In addition, your survivor, as a member of the PSHCP, can present their benefit card to a registered health care provider (e.g. massage therapist, physiotherapist) for electronic claim submission on the member’s behalf. Health care providers can visit Telus Health for information on how to register.

    • PSHCP members residing in Canada can submit their health claims, including non-emergency claims incurred outside of Canada or province/territory of residence, through the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website, or by mail using a paper claim form.

    Outside of Canada

    • PSHCP members residing outside of Canada with Comprehensive coverage and members with Supplementary coverage who have eligible out-of-province Emergency Benefit claims can submit their claims to MSH International on the MSH PSHCP Member Portal or by mail to:

      MSH International - PSHCP 
      PO Box #4903 STN A 
      Toronto, ON, Canada 
      M5W 0B1 

      For more information on how to submit Comprehensive coverage claims and Supplementary coverage Emergency Benefit claims to MSH International, please visit www.pshcp-msh.ca.

  • Can your survivors access Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan online services?

    Yes. Once your survivor is enrolled in either the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) or Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) as a member in their own right, they can create an account for each Plan by visiting:

    For security purposes, a password will be sent separately to you by mail.

  • How do your survivors claim my Public Service Management Insurance Plan Life Insurances?

    Your survivors should notify the Government of Canada Pension Centre and your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre immediately for instruction.

Part-time employment

  • What group insurance benefits are available to part-time employees of the federal public service?

    If you meet a plan’s eligibility criteria, the following group insurance benefit plans may be available to you:

  • What is the cost of coverage for the group insurance benefit plans?

    Contribution rates for all members of the health and dental plans are the same, regardless of full or part-time employment status.

    Premiums for members of the disability and life insurance plans are based on the annual salary of each employee.

  • Are you covered under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) as a part-time employee?

    The PSHCP is a voluntary plan. If you choose to apply, your eligibility is dependent on one of the following criteria:

    • you are employed for a term of more than 6 months (you would join the PSHCP on the day you are employed in the federal public service); or
    • you are employed for a term of 6 months or less and are later appointed:
      • to another term of 6 months or less (you would join the PSHCP the day following the day on which you complete 6 months of continuous employment);
      • to a term of more than 6 months (you would join the PSHCP on the date you are appointed to a term of more than 6 months).

    Note: A term employment period that is less than 6 months can be used to meet the 6-month criteria if a second eligible term is extended without a break in service or if the break in service is 7 days or less.

    Information on how to apply is available in the New to the public service section of Canada.ca/pension-benefits.

    For  details about eligibility, limits, restrictions or exclusions, please refer to the PSHCP Directive or the PSHCP Administration Authority website; or contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

  • Are you covered under the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) as a part-time employee?

    Your PSDCP eligibility is dependent on one of the following criteria:

    • your schedule is more than 1/3 of the normally scheduled hours of a full-time employee in the same occupational group; or
    • you are employed for a term of 6 months or more of continuous employment in the federal public service.

    Where your initial employment is for a term of 6 months or more, you will automatically be registered in the PSDCP after a 3-month waiting period from the day you are employed. Where multiple term appointments are required to meet the 6‑month criteria, the 3 month waiting period will not be applied until the day following the day on which you complete 6 months of continuous employment.

    Note: A term that is less than 6 months can be used to meet the 6‑month criteria if a second eligible term is extended without a break in service or if the break in service is 7 days or less

    For information about eligibility, limits, restrictions or exclusions, please refer to New to the public service, the PSDCP Rules or PSDCP Member Booklet; or contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

  • Are you covered under the Disability Insurance (DI) Plan as a part-time employee?

    If you are a represented employee, you will automatically be registered under the DI Plan if you are employed in the federal public service as a part-time employee.

    To be considered a part-time employee, you must:

    • work more than 1/3 of the normally scheduled hours of a full-time employee in the same occupational group; and
    • have completed 6 months or more of continuous employment in the federal public service.

    For more information on the DI plan, please refer to New to the public service, the DI Plan document or DI Member booklet; or contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

  • Are you covered under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP) as a part-time employee?

    Your eligibility for coverage under the PSMIP is dependent on one of the following criteria:

    • you are excluded from collective bargaining; or
    • you are an executive and you are appointed for an indeterminate period, or for a term longer than 6 months.

    To be considered a part-time employee, you must:

    • work more than 1/3 of the normally scheduled hours of a full-time employee in the same occupational group; and
    • have completed 6 months or more of continuous employment in the federal public service.

    Complete the application form and return it to your Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre for eligibility confirmation and premium processing.

    For information about eligibility and other provisions of the plan, excluded employees should refer to New to the public service, and the PSMIP – Main plan booklet and executives should refer to the PSMIP – Executive plan booklet; or contact your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre.

  • Who do you contact if you have questions about your group insurance benefit plans?

    Contact information for each group insurance benefit plan is in the Contacts section of the Canada.ca website.

Retired member

Find information about your public service group insurance benefit plans as a retired member of the federal public service. Learn about how your benefits may be affected during retirement.

Newly retired

  • What group insurance benefits are available to retired members of the federal public service?

    The following group insurance benefit plans may be available to you:

  • Does your Public Service Health Care Plan coverage continue now that you are retired?

    You can choose to continue Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage as a retired member. However, you must be entitled to receive an immediate public service pension based on a minimum of six years of cumulative pensionable service. Some exceptions apply, see Preparing for retirement for information.

  • How do you apply for Public Service Health Care Plan coverage as a retired member?

    The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) is a voluntary plan. Members must apply. There are two steps in applying for coverage.

    1. Registration with the Government of Canada Pension Centre:

      To register as a retired member, you must complete and submit a Public Service Health Care Plan – Pensioner Application Form, to the Government of Canada Pension Centre. Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of the Pensioner Application form from the Pension Centre.

      If you were a member of the PSHCP as an active employee, you will maintain the same plan and certificate number.

      There may be an administrative delay while your pension and PSHCP files are updated. This means that you may not be able to use your PSHCP benefit card and temporarily pay for expenses out-of-pocket during this period. Keep your receipts and submit them to Canada Life once your PSHCP deductions are confirmed.

      If you are not currently a retired PSHCP member, you can apply for PSHCP coverage at any time. If you meet the eligibility criteria, your coverage will start the first day of the fourth month following the date your PSHCP Pensioner Application form is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

    2. Positive enrolment with Canada Life:
      • You will have to complete your positive enrolment with Canada Life, if you hadn’t already done so, as an active employee or if you wish to update your positive enrolment information, under your profile.
      • To complete positive enrolment you must complete and submit either an electronic positive enrolment form through the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website, (you must create an account), or a paper form. You can obtain a paper form on the PSHCP Member Services website or by calling Canada Life. You will be asked to provide information about yourself, your spouse/common-law partner and each eligible child as well as provide consent to the use of your personal information for the purpose of processing claims.
  • When does Public Service Health Care Plan coverage start for retired members?

    If you were a Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) member when you retired, coverage will start on your retirement date if you apply for coverage within 60 days of your retirement. If you apply after that 60 day period, or if you were not a member of the PSHCP before retirement, your PSHCP coverage will take effect the first day of the fourth month following the date your application is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

  • What is the cost of the Public Service Health Care Plan?

    Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) contribution rates for retired members are different from those for active employees.

    The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) monthly contribution rates are comprised of two components, the cost associated with the Extended Health Provision and the cost for the Hospital Provision. These components have different cost sharing arrangements between you and the Government of Canada.

    You and your employer (the Government of Canada) share the cost of the Extended Health Provision and Hospital Level I coverage for both Supplementary and Comprehensive coverage. If you choose Hospital Level II or III coverage, you are responsible for 100% of the additional expense for this coverage. 

    Information on contributions for retired members, the cost-sharing ratio with the employer, and the PSHCP Relief Provision can be found in Schedule V of the PSHCP Directive.

  • Does your Public Service Dental Care Plan coverage continue now that you are retired?

    No. Your Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP) stops on your last day of employment. However, if you are entitled to receive an immediate public service pension, you may have the option to enrol in the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP).

  • How do you apply for the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan?

    If you are already retired, you can obtain the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan Enrolment Form from the Government of Canada Pension Centre. Part A of the form will be pre-filled by the Pension Centre. You must complete Part B and return it to the Pension Centre.

    If your completed enrolment form is received within 60 days of when your pension becomes payable, coverage will begin on the date of your retirement.

    If your completed enrolment form is received later than 60 days from the date your pension becomes payable, coverage will begin on the first day of the second month following the date of receipt.

    For additional information on enrolment and benefits, please refer to the PDSP Enrolment Information and Plan Summary Booklet.

  • What is the cost of the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan?

    You and the Government of Canada share the cost of PDSP coverage equally. The cost varies depending on the category of coverage you select. Refer to PDSP Contribution Rates for detailed information.

  • What online services are available to retired plan members?

    As a member of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) you can access your account online.

    The following features are available on the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website:

    • Complete or update personal account (“positive enrolment”) information.
    • View drug coverage and learn what is covered under the PSHCP quickly and conveniently.
    • Submit electronic claims, track claims progress and view claims history for you and your dependants.
    • Sign up for direct deposit or update your banking information.
    • Coordinate benefits claims between two Canada Life plans or submit the remaining balance of a claim already processed through another insurer.
    • Locate health care providers using the "provider search" feature.
    • Print or save your PSHCP benefit card to your mobile device.
    • Attach receipts, photo receipts and other supporting documents to claims for expenses such as lab tests, equipment, and medical supplies.
    • Attach documents requested by Canada Life, such as referrals, proofs of payment, estimates and drug forms, to recently completed claims.
    • Use Two-Step Verification to verify your identity and protect your personal information.
    • Access to de-listed providers

    As a member of the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan (PDSP), you can access your account on the PDSP Member Services website.

    The following features are available:

    • sign up for direct deposit and paperless Explanation of Benefits (i.e. claim statement)
    • obtain your coverage information
    • download and print personalized claim forms
    • view the status of your claims and print details of past claims
    • determine eligibility for the next oral exam
    • view and elect for paperless PDSP Communiqués and email notification
  • How do you register for the online services?

    An Access ID and password is necessary to enter each of the websites. These can be obtained by registering online at:

    • Public Service Health Care Plan Member Services website - click on “Register for or sign in to your PSHCP Member Services account”. For security purposes, an activation code will be emailed to you to complete the registration process.

    • Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan Member Services website – click on Register now.

      For security purposes, a password will be sent separately to you by mail.

  • Does your Disability Insurance Plan coverage continue now that you are retired?

    Your coverage under the Disability Insurance (DI) Plan stops on your last day of employment.

    If you are in receipt of benefits under the DI plan when you retire, benefits will continue to age 65 as long as you remain totally disabled.

    Note: It is important to report your public service pension income to Sun Life as soon as possible to avoid disability insurance benefit overpayments.

  • Does your Public Service Management Insurance Plan Life and Long Term Disability coverage continue now that you are retired?

    Under the Public Service Management Insurance Plan Basic life, Supplementary life and Dependants’ life coverage will continue for 31 day extension period.  During that period, you will have the opportunity to convert your coverage to a private life insurance policy without being required to provide evidence of insurability (i.e. no medical requirements regardless of the state of your health).  You must make your own arrangements directly with Industrial Alliance.

    Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurances under the PSMIP cannot be converted to private policies, and stops on your last day of employment.

    If you are in receipt of benefits under the PSMIP-LTD when you retire, benefits will continue to age 65 as long as you remain totally disabled. 

    Note: It is important to report your public service pension income to Industrial Alliance as soon as possible to avoid disability insurance benefit overpayments.

    If you were part of the Executive Group, please see Becoming an Executive for post-retirement life insurance information specific to you.

  • Where can retired members find information on post-retirement living?

    Government of Canada

    Government of Canada/Programs and Services for Seniors
    The ESDC website includes information on the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and benefits for caregivers, as well as detailed information on health, safety, finances and other issues of interest to seniors.

    Government of Canada/Seniors’ Health
    The Health Canada/Public Health Agency of Canada website includes information and advice on seniors’ health issues including nutrition, fall prevention, disability, mental health, oral health, vision care and work-life balance.

    External Organizations

    Association of Public Service Alliance Retirees
    ASPAR provides information and advocacy relating to public service pensions for retired Public Service Alliance Canada members and active members over 50.

    Canadian Association of Professional Employees
    Canada’s third-largest public service union has a focus on advocacy and provides benefits such as preferential insurance rates, discounts on several services such as airfare, hotels, mobile phone plans, and rental cars to active and retired (“associate”) members.

    National Association of Federal Retirees
    The National Association of Federal Retirees promotes retirees’ financial security, health and well-being as the largest national organization representing active and retired members of the federal public service, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and retired federally appointed judges, as well as their partners and survivors.

    RCMP Veterans’ Association
    The RCMP Veterans’ Association promotes the physical, social and economic welfare of its members and their families and ensures that the entitlements earned during service are honoured.

Re-employment after retirement

  • What happens to your group insurance benefit plans if you become re-employed in the federal public service after you have retired?

    If you become re-employed in the federal public service but continue to receive your monthly public service pension, your group insurance benefit plan coverage will not be affected.

    If you stop receiving your monthly public service pension because you started contributing to the plan as an active employee again, the following plans will be affected:

    • Public Service Health Care Plan
    • Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan
    • Post Retirement Life Insurance Plan – For retired executives
    Public Service Health Care Plan:

    If your public service pension is stopped, you cannot pay any further Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) contributions as a retired member. Your coverage will stop at the end of the month following the date you are re-employed in the public service.

    To maintain PSHCP coverage, you must re-apply as an active employee. See New to the public service on how to apply for PSHCP coverage.

    If you apply within 60 days of your re-employment date, your coverage will start the first of the month following the date your completed application form is received by your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre; otherwise, there is a three month waiting period.

    Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan:

    If your public service pension is stopped, you cannot pay any further Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) contributions as a retired member. Your coverage will stop at the end of the month following the date you are re-employed in the public service.

    As a public service employee, you may be eligible for coverage under the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP).

    The PDSCP is a mandatory plan, no application is required. Benefits can be paid after a waiting period of 3 months of coverage. See New to the public service for more information.

    Post Retirement Life Insurance Plan:

    If you retired from an executive position and have coverage under the Post Retirement Life Insurance Plan (PRLIP), it will be suspended when you are re-employed in the federal public service.

    As a public service employee, you may also be eligible for coverage under the Disability Insurance (DI) Plan or Long-Term Disability (LTD) plan, refer to New to the public service for more information.

  • Can you apply for Public Service Health Care Plan coverage once you again retire?

    When you again retire, you can apply for Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage if you meet the eligibility requirements in effect on your most recent retirement date.

    Prior to , if you were receiving an immediate public service pension benefit based on at least two years of pensionable service, you could apply for PSHCP coverage.

    Effective , to be eligible for coverage under the PSHCP, you must be entitled to receive an immediate public service pension benefit based on a minimum of six years of cumulative pensionable service. This eligibility rule applies if you are re-employed. Some exceptions apply, see Preparing for retirement for details.

    If you apply for coverage within 60 days of the date your pension becomes payable, your PSHCP coverage will start the first of the month following the date your PSHCP Pensioner Application form (PDF, 91 KB) is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre. Otherwise there will be a three month waiting period.

  • Can you apply for Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan coverage when you again retire?

    When you again retire, if you are in receipt of an immediate public service pension benefit, you can re-apply for Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) coverage. Refer to Preparing for retirement for information on how to apply.

    If your completed Enrolment form is received within 60 days of when your pension becomes payable, coverage will begin on the date of your retirement.

    If your completed Enrolment form is received later than 60 days from the date your pension becomes payable, coverage will begin on the first day of the second month following the date of receipt.

  • How is Post Retirement Life Insurance Plan coverage affected by re-employment in the public service?

    When you again retire, your Post Retirement Life Insurance will resume at the level of benefits (100%, 75%, 50% or 25% of adjusted final salary) in effect when it was suspended but it will be based on the higher of your final salaries.

    Should you enter service with the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ask your new departmental Compensation services to explain to you how your employment will affect your Life Insurance.

Getting married or reaching common-law status

  • Is your new spouse or common-law partner eligible to be covered under your group insurance benefit plans?

    Yes. Your new spouse or common-law partner may be covered under the following plans:

    In general, an eligible spouse or common-law partner means:

    • the person to whom you are legally married or your common-law partner (i.e. the person with whom you have lived with for a continuous period of at least one year and with whom you continue to live in a conjugal relationship).
  • Can you claim under two plans (coordinate benefits) if you and your spouse or common-law partner are covered under more than one group health or dental care plan?

    If you and your dependant spouse or common-law partner are covered under more than one group health or dental care plan, you may coordinate benefits for up to 100% of the actual eligible expenses. In situations where coordination of benefits is allowed, the combined reimbursement from all plans cannot exceed the expenses incurred.

    Coordination of benefits between two Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) members is allowed.

    Coordination of benefits between two Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) members is not allowed.

  • Are the children of your new spouse or common-law partner eligible for coverage under the group insurance benefit plans?

    The children of your new spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) or the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) if they qualify as eligible dependant children under the applicable Plan. See Becoming a parent for more information.

  • How can you apply for group insurance benefits for your new spouse or common-law partner?

    To apply for:

    • The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP):
      1. You must apply for coverage for your new eligible spouse or common-law partner within 60 days following his/her eligibility date (the date you are legally married or you reach common-law status) for coverage to be effective as of that date; otherwise, there is a three month waiting period.
      2. Complete a new PSHCP application form and submit it to the Government of Canada Pension Centre. If your PSHCP coverage type is already Family, you don’t need to amend your coverage type, however, you will need to update your positive enrolment information with Canada Life to include your spouse.

        Note: none of your new spouse’s or common-law partner’s claims can be paid until you log into the PSHCP Member Services website and update your positive enrolment information under your profile.

      3. Changes can be made to your positive enrolment information, under your profile by visiting the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website. Alternatively, you can print a paper positive enrolment form from the PSHCP Member Services website or request the form by contacting Canada Life and submit it by mail.
    • The Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP):
      1. Complete a PDSP application form, available from the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

        Coverage will be effective on the first day of the second month following the date the Government of Canada Pension Centre receives your completed and signed PDSP form.

Divorce or separation

  • How are your group insurance benefit plans affected?

    Your spouse or common-law partner is no longer eligible for coverage under the following plans when he or she stops being your spouse (divorce) or common-law partner (no longer living together).  Benefits can continue for a separated spouse (legally married).

    If you have both a spouse (i.e. separated spouse) and a common-law partner, you may cover only one of them.

  • Who should you inform?

    You should inform the Government of Canada Pension Centre and the plan administrations/insurers. They can advise you of the impact to your group insurance benefits.

  • Should you change your coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan?

    If there are no dependant children covered under your Public Service Health Care Plan, you should change your coverage type from Family to Single. For the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan, you should change your category of coverage depending on how many dependants are covered. Your contributions will be adjusted accordingly.

    If you do not amend your coverage and claims continue to be submitted by an ineligible former spouse or common-law partner, you may be responsible for the repayment of these claims.

  • How do you change your coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan?

    To amend your coverage from Family to Single:

    • The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP):
      1. Obtain a new PSHCP application form (PDF, 91 KB), either online or by contacting the Government of Canada Pension Centre and submit the completed form to the Pension Centre.
        • Once your coverage status has been updated, you must then update your positive enrolment information, under your profile with Canada Life to remove your former spouse. Changes can be made by visiting the  Canada Life PSHCP Member Service website. Alternatively, you can print a paper positive enrolment form from the PSHCP Member Services website or request the form by contacting Canada Life and submit it by mail.
    • Under the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP):
      1. Obtain, complete and submit a new PDSP application form, available from the Government of Canada Pension Centre.
  • Are Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan benefits payable when you are separated from your married spouse?

    When you separate from your legal spouse, you may continue your spouse’s Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan coverage until the divorce is finalized.

    Note: Only one individual can be covered under the Plans as a spouse/ common-law at any given time.

Living outside of Canada

  • What do you do if you move outside of Canada?

    Contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre without delay to:

    • provide your new address;
    • find out whether your move will impact your group insurance benefits plan coverage.
  • Does your Public Service Health Care Plan coverage continue now that you are living outside of Canada?

    Yes. A retired member who lives outside of Canada and is not covered by a provincial or territorial health insurance plan is eligible for Comprehensive coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP).

    To apply for Comprehensive coverage, complete a Pensioner application form to ensure coverage is continued at the desired level. Alternatively, you can contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre to obtain the required documentation.

    Claims will be paid in the currency of the country where you reside. Claims must be submitted using the PSHCP Out-of-Country Claim Form.

    Additional information on Comprehensive Coverage is in the PSHCP Directive . You can also contact MSH International.

    Your Comprehensive Coverage will continue when you return to Canada, until you again become eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance.

  • When does Comprehensive coverage start for Retired Members?

    If your application to transfer from Supplementary to Comprehensive coverage is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre within 60 days of the date you are no longer covered by your provincial/territorial health insurance plan, coverage is effective the first of the month following the date of receipt. Otherwise, there is a three month waiting period.

  • Is Public Service Health Care Plan coverage the same for Canadian residents and non-residents?

    No. There are differences in the level of Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage available to Canadian residents and those living outside Canada.

    The cost of coverage for those living abroad is higher than it is for Canadian residents. Additionally, retired members are not eligible for coverage for certain provisions under Comprehensive coverage. This includes the Out-of-Province Provision (available only under Supplementary coverage) and the Hospital Expense (outside Canada) Provision, which covers expenses normally paid by your provincial/territorial health care.

    Retired members are still covered by the Hospital Provision, however, it is important to remember that this provision provides reimbursement only for hospital room and board expenses beyond standard ward charges (up to specified dollar amounts), and not for any services rendered in a hospital. It is recommended that retired members living abroad obtain coverage for emergency medical services from a third party provider.

  • Does your Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan coverage continue now that you are living outside of Canada?

    Yes. Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) coverage will continue provided, you continue to pay your contributions. Dental expenses reimbursed under the PDSP will be based on reasonable and customary charges in the area where the services were performed and paid in Canadian funds.

  • Can reimbursements for expenses covered by the Public Service Health Care Plan or the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan be deposited directly into your non-Canadian bank account?

    If you live outside of Canada, eligible Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan expenses will be reimbursed by cheque. Payment can be made by direct deposit only into Canadian bank accounts.

  • What online services are available to retired plan members?

    As a member of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) you can access your account online.

    The following features will be available on the Canada Life PSHCP Member Service website :

    • Complete or update personal account (“positive enrolment”) information.
    • View drug coverage and learn what is covered under the PSHCP quickly and conveniently.
    • Submit electronic claims, track claims progress and view claims history for you and your dependants.
    • Sign up for direct deposit or update your banking information.
    • Coordinate benefits claims between two Canada Life plans or submit the remaining balance of a claim already processed through another insurer.
    • Locate health care providers using the "provider search" feature.
    • Print or save your PSHCP benefit card to your mobile device.
    • Attach receipts, photo receipts and other supporting documents to claims for expenses such as lab tests, equipment, and medical supplies.
    • Attach documents requested by Canada Life, such as referrals, proofs of payment, estimates and drug forms, to recently completed claims.
    • Use Two-Step Verification to verify your identity and protect your personal information.
    • Access to de-listed providers

    As a member of the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan (PDSP), you can access your account on the PDSP Member Services website.

    The following features are available:

    • sign up for direct deposit and paperless Explanation of Benefits (i.e. claim statement)
    • obtain your coverage information
    • download and print personalized claim forms
    • view the status of your claims and print details of past claims
    • determine eligibility for the next oral exam
    • view and elect for paperless PDSP Communiqués and email notification
  • How do you register for the online services?

    An email address/Access ID and password are necessary to enter each of the websites. These can be obtained by registering online at:

When death occurs

  • What should your survivors do in the event of your death?
    1. Your survivors should notify the Government of Canada Pension Centre immediately.
    2. If your survivor is eligible to receive a survivor public service pension benefit recognized under the group insurance benefit plans, they will be counselled on the plans they may be eligible to continue and/ or how to apply.
    3. Your survivors should send your death certificate to the Government of Canada Pension Centre.
      • A death certificate is required to pay any survivor benefits or the Supplementary Death Benefit. Your pension number should be clearly indicated on all correspondence and documents your survivors send to the Pension Centre.
  • Do any of your group insurance benefit plans continue for your survivors after your death?

    In the event of your death, the coverage provided to your eligible family members ends. However, your survivors may be eligible to enrol for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) in their own right as the member.

    Public Service Health Care Plan:

    Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage does not automatically continue. If your survivors are entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit, they may be eligible to apply for coverage

    Even if you were not a member of the PSHCP, your survivor may be eligible to apply for PSHCP coverage in their own right.

    Your survivor must contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre to obtain an application form. If approved for PSHCP coverage as a survivor, they must complete positive enrolment.

    Your survivor can complete positive enrolment online on the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services  website. Alternatively, they can print a paper positive enrolment form from the PSHCP Member Services website or request the form, by contacting  Canada Life and submit it by mail.

    Coverage then continues for as long as the survivor remains entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit and the required contributions are paid.

    Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan:

    If your survivors are entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit, they may be eligible to apply for Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan coverage.

    Your survivor must contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre. Enrolment information can be found in the PDSP Enrolment Information and Summary Booklet.

    Coverage then continues for as long as the survivor remains entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit and the required contributions are paid.

  • Can your survivors use your Public Service Health Care Plan benefit card?

    No. In the event of your death, Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage provided to your eligible family members ends. If your survivors are eligible for coverage under the PSHCP as a member in their own right, they will need to apply and register for the PSHCP and complete positive enrolment with Canada Life. A PSHCP benefit card can be either printed through the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website or mailed to the survivor’s address if positive enrolment was completed by paper form.

    Once your survivor has their PSHCP benefit card, they can buy eligible prescription drugs and certain medical supplies at the pharmacy by presenting the card with their prescription. The PSHCP benefit card enables real time electronic processing of claims for eligible drugs and medical supplies.
    In addition, your survivor, as a member of the PSHCP, can present their benefit card to a registered health care provider (e.g. massage therapist, physiotherapist) for electronic claim submission on the member’s behalf. Health care providers can visit Telus Health for information on how to register.

    Online

    • PSHCP members residing in Canada with Supplementary coverage, are able to submit claims, including non-emergency claims incurred outside of Canada or province/territory of residence, online on the PSHCP Member Services website.
    • PSHCP members residing outside of Canada with Comprehensive coverage or PSHCP members with Supplementary coverage who have eligible out-of-province Emergency Benefit claims can submit their claims to MSH International on the MSH PSHCP Member Portal.

    Mail

    • PSHCP members with Supplementary coverage can also submit their claims by mail to Canada Life using a completed PSHCP Claim Form.
    • PSHCP members with Comprehensive coverage can also submit their claims by mail to MSH International using a completed PSHCP Claim Form for Out-Of-Country Claims.
  • Can your survivors access Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan online services?

    Yes. Once your survivor is enrolled in either the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) or Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) as the member in their own right, they can register personal accounts for each Plan. They can register online at the following websites:

  • How do your survivors claim your Public Service Management Insurance Plan Life Insurances?

    Your survivors should notify the Government of Canada Pension Centre and your departmental Compensation services or the Public Service Pay Centre immediately for instruction.

  • How do your survivors claim your Civil Service Insurance policy?

    If you had a Civil Service Insurance policy, your survivors should contact the Civil Service Insurance program.

Prospective employees

Are you thinking about joining the federal public service? As a federal public service employee, you may be entitled to group insurance benefits. Knowing more about these Plans will give you a better understanding of what is offered to federal public service employees.

Survivor and dependants

Learn about the group insurance benefits available to you as a survivor or dependant of a deceased public service pension plan member.

Becoming a survivor

  • What should you do in the event of a plan member’s death?
    1. You should notify the Government of Canada Pension Centre immediately.
    2. If you are eligible to receive a survivor public service pension benefit recognized under the group insurance benefit plans, you will be counselled on the Plans you may be eligible to continue and/ or how to apply.
    3. You should send the members’ death certificate to the Government of Canada Pension Centre.
      • A death certificate is required to pay any survivor pension or death benefits. The deceased plan member’s pension number should be clearly indicated on all correspondence and documents you send to the Pension Centre.
    4. If the plan member was still employed, you should contact his/her departmental Compensation services or Public Service Pay Centre for information on other possible pay-related benefits that may be payable.
  • Following a plan member’s death, who is entitled to benefits and what are the benefits?

    If the member was covered by the Public Service Management Insurance Plan (PSMIP), the designated beneficiary under the PSMIP will receive any applicable Life Insurance and Accidental Death or Dismemberment insurance amounts payable in a lump sum.

  • Are you, as a survivor, eligible for the public service group insurance benefit plans?

    In the event of the public service pension plan member’s death, you and your eligible family members may be eligible to apply/register for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) in your own right as the member. If there is no surviving spouse, eligible children (including full-time students), who are entitled to a child allowance, are generally eligible for coverage under both Plans.

    Participation in these plans is optional.

    Public Service Health Care Plan:

    Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage does not automatically continue for a survivor. If you are entitled to an ongoing survivor public service pension benefit or child allowance, you may be eligible to apply for coverage.  

    Even if the member was not in the PSHCP, you may be eligible to apply for the PSHCP in your own right. 

    You must contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre to obtain an application form. If approved for PSHCP coverage as a survivor, you must complete  positive enrolment

    Coverage then continues for as long as you remain entitled to an ongoing public service pension benefit or child allowance and the required contributions are paid.

  • When does group insurance benefit plan coverage take effect?
    Public Service Health Care Plan:

    If the deceased plan member had family level coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP), coverage will be continuous if you apply within 60 days of the member’s death.

    If the deceased plan member was not covered by the PSHCP or did not have family level coverage, your coverage will take effect three months after your application is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

    Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan:

    If you apply for the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) within 60 days of the member’s death, your coverage will take effect the day following the members’ death. Otherwise, your coverage will take effect on the first day of the second month following the date the Government of Canada Pension Centre receives your application.

    You can be covered by the PSHCP and the PDSP even if you do not reside in Canada. For more information, contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

    Important note for residents of Quebec

    If you are a Quebec resident, you are automatically covered by law under the prescription drug insurance plan of the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) once you reach the age of 65.

    In , the Superior Court of Quebec determined that the province of Quebec cannot exclude federal employees from RAMQ and that federal employees could have coverage under both RAMQ and the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP).

    For further information on coverage under the RAMQ plan or to find out how to cancel your enrolment in that plan, please refer to the RAMQ site.

  • Does the Public Service Health Care Plan continue to cover the same expenses as those covered before the plan member’s death?

    Coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) is the same as when the member was alive. For information on covered benefits, refer to the PSHCP at a Glance.

  • Does the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan continue to cover the same expenses as those covered before the plan member’s death?

    If the member was still employed at the time of his or her death, your coverage as a dependant would have been under the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP). A different plan, the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) is available to you as the member’s survivor(s). Consequently, the expenses covered, the percentages and the reimbursement maximums may be different. For information on covered benefits, refer to the PDSP at a Glance.

    If the member was retired and covered by the PDSP, the coverage remains the same.

  • When does coverage under the group insurance benefit plans stop?

    A person receiving a survivor public service pension benefit remains covered by the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) as long as he or she continues to receive a survivor pension and pays the required contribution rates. Refer to the PSHCP Pensioner Monthly Contribution Rates and the PDSP Contribution Rates for information on the applicable contribution rates.

    Children (including a full-time student) receiving a child allowance remain covered by the PSHCP and the PDSP as long as they are eligible children and the required contributions are paid.

Living outside of Canada

  • What do you do if you move outside of Canada?

    If you are in receipt of a survivor public service pension benefit and enrolled in the group insurance benefit plans as a retired member in your own right, contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre without delay to:

    • provide your new address;
    • find out whether your move will impact your group insurance benefits plan coverage.
  • Does your Public Service Health Care Plan coverage continue if you live or move outside of Canada?

    Yes. A retired member who lives outside of Canada and is not covered by a provincial or territorial health insurance plan is eligible for Comprehensive Coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). Note: A survivor is considered a retired member under the Public Service Health Care Plan.

    To apply for Comprehensive coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan complete a Pensioner application form to ensure coverage is continued at the desired coverage level. Alternatively, you can contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre to obtain an application form.

    Claims will be paid in the currency of the country where you reside. Claims must be submitted to MSH International online on the MSH PSHCP Member Portal or by mail using the PSHCP Out-of-Country Claim Form.

    Additional information on Comprehensive Coverage can be found in the PSHCP Directive. You can also contact MSH International.

    Your Comprehensive Coverage will continue when you return to Canada, until you again become eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance.

  • When does Comprehensive coverage start?

    If your application to transfer from Supplementary to Comprehensive coverage is received by the Government of Canada Pension Centre within 60 days of the date you are no longer covered by your provincial/territorial health insurance plan, coverage is effective the first of the month following the date of receipt. Otherwise, there is a three month waiting period.

  • Is Public Service Health Care Plan coverage the same for Canadian residents and non-residents?

    No. There are differences in the level of Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage available to Canadian residents and those living outside Canada.

    The cost of coverage for those living abroad is higher than it is for Canadian residents. Additionally, retired members, including survivors, are not eligible for coverage for certain provisions under Comprehensive Coverage. This includes the Out-of-Province Provision (available only under Supplementary Coverage) and the Hospital Expense (outside Canada) Provision, which covers expenses normally paid by your provincial/territorial health care. 

    Retired members are still covered by the Hospital Provision, however, it is important to remember that this provision provides reimbursement only for hospital room and board expenses beyond standard ward charges (up to specified dollar amounts), and not for any services rendered in a hospital. It is recommended that retired members living abroad obtain coverage for emergency medical services from a third party provider.

  • Does your Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan coverage continue if you live outside of Canada?

    Yes. Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) coverage will continue, provided you continue to pay your contributions. Dental expenses reimbursed under the PDSP will be based on reasonable and customary charges in the area where the services were performed and reimbursement will be paid in Canadian funds.

  • Can reimbursements for expenses covered by the Public Service Health Care Plan or the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan be deposited directly into your non-Canadian bank account?

    If you live outside of Canada, eligible Public Service Health Care Plan and Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan expenses will be reimbursed by cheque. Payment can be made by direct deposit only into Canadian bank accounts.

  • What online services are available to plan members?

    Members of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) can access, via the internet, their personal accounts, including claims information.

    The online services available include the ability to:

    • sign up for direct deposit and paperless Explanation of Benefits (i.e. claim statement)
    • update positive enrolment information (PSHCP)
    • obtain coverage information
    • download and print personalized claim forms
    • download and print the PSHCP benefit card
    • view the status of claims and print details of past claims
    • determine eligibility for the next vision care claim (PSHCP)
    • determine eligibility for the next oral exam (PDSP)
    • view and elect for paperless PSHCP Bulletins and PDSP Communiqués with email notification
  • How do you register for the online services?

    Register online at:

Remarrying or reaching common-law status

  • Is your new spouse, common-law partner and/or dependant child eligible to be covered under your group insurance benefit plans?

    If you have opted for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) or the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) as a survivor, you can apply for coverage for your new eligible spouse, common-law partner and/or dependant children.

    In general, an eligible spouse or common-law partner means:

    • the person to whom you are legally married or your common-law partner (i.e. the person with whom you have lived with for a continuous period of at least one year and with whom you continue to live in a conjugal relationship).

    In general, an eligible child includes an unmarried child of a member, of the member’s spouse or of the member’s survivor (if the survivor is entitled to an ongoing public service pension plan benefit), including a stepchild, an adopted child and a foster child for whom the member stands in place of a parent.

    To be dependant, the child must be:

    • under 21 years of age;
    • under 25 years of age and attending an accredited school, college or university on a full-time basis; or
    • incapable of engaging in self-sustaining employment by reason of mental or physical impairment and is primarily dependant upon the member, provided such impairment occurred by the ages indicated above.
  • How can you apply for group insurance benefits for your new spouse, common-law partner and/or dependant child?

    To apply for:

    • The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP):
      1. You must apply for coverage for your new dependant(s) within 60 days following his/her eligibility date for coverage to be effective as of that date; otherwise, there is a three-month waiting period. The eligibility date is the date you are legally married, you reach common-law status, or the date your child is born, becomes a stepchild, an adopted child or a foster child.
      2. Complete a new PSHCP application form (PDF, 91 KB) and submit it to the Government of Canada Pension Centre. If your PSHCP coverage type is already Family, you don’t need to amend your coverage type, however, you will need to update your positive enrolment information with Canada Life to include you new dependant(s). Note: no claims can be paid for any of your dependants until you have updated your positive enrolment information.
      3. Changes can be made by logging into your PSHCP Member Services website and updating your positive enrolment information, under your profile. Alternatively, you can print a paper positive enrolment form from the PSHCP Member Services website or request the form by contacting Canada Life and submit it by mail.
    • The Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP):
      1. Complete a PDSP application form, available from the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

    Coverage will be effective on the first day of the second month following the date the Government of Canada Pension Centre receives your completed and signed PDSP form.

  • Can you claim under two plans (coordinate benefits) if you and your spouse or common-law partner are covered under more than one group health or dental care plan?

    If you and your dependant spouse or common-law partner are covered under more than one group health or dental care plan, you may coordinate benefits for up to 100% of the actual eligible expenses. In situations where coordination of benefits is allowed, the combined reimbursement from all Plans cannot exceed the expenses incurred.

    Coordination of benefits between two Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) members is allowed. However, there is no coordination of benefits between two members of the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP).

Death of a survivor

  • Does your group insurance benefit plan coverage continue for any surviving children upon your death?

    In the event your death, your surviving child(ren) may be eligible to apply/ register for coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) in their own right as the member.

    Public Service Health Care Plan:

    Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) coverage does not automatically continue. If your surviving child(ren) are entitled to a child allowance from the public service pension plan, they may be eligible to apply for coverage.

    Your surviving child(ren) must contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre to obtain an application form. If approved for PSHCP coverage, they must complete positive enrolment.

    Your survivor can complete positive enrolment online on the Canada Life PSHCP Member Services website. Alternatively, they can print a paper positive enrolment form from the PSHCP Member Services website or request the form by contacting Canada Life and submit it by mail.

    Coverage then continues for as long as the eligible child remains entitled to the child allowance and the required contributions are paid.

  • Does your group insurance benefit plan coverage continue for your new spouse or common-law partner?

    If you have remarried or established a common-law relationship prior to your death, your new spouse or common law-partner’s health and dental care coverage stops immediately upon your death.

Visit Public service pension plan for information on pensions.

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