Health care benefits after you retire

When you retire directly from active employment to a pension, you and your dependants may be eligible for retiree extended health care coverage through WorkSafeBC.


When you retire, your health care coverage as a WorkSafeBC employee will end. As a retired employee of WorkSafeBC, some health care costs will still be covered by the extended health care benefits for employees who retire directly from active employment to a pension.

You can also apply for optional dental coverage; however, you are responsible for paying the monthly premiums.

Retiree health benefits are contingent; that is, they are not guaranteed and coverage may be changed.

Eligibility requirements

You are eligible for extended health care coverage immediately after you retire if you:

  • Were covered by WorkSafeBC’s group benefit plans as an active plan member immediately before you began receiving your WorkSafeBC pension
  • Retired directly from active employment (including long-term disability) to a pension
  • Have medical coverage under the government plan in your province of residence

If you deferred your pension, you are not eligible for extended health care benefits. However, you can apply for voluntary dental coverage.

Medical coverage in retirement

Your extended health care plan covers some medical costs. Specific services and supplies are subject to a maximum coverage, and you may need to pay a deductible.

The amount of coverage depends on your employee group. Please refer to the booklet specific to your employee group for details about eligible expenses, maximum reimbursement and deductibles. Your booklet also describes how to submit claims for your eligible expenses.

What is the cost for this coverage?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, WorkSafeBC will pay the monthly premiums for your extended health care coverage. These premiums are not a taxable benefit.

Dependants and your health benefits

Coverage for your dependant is the same whether you are retired or an active employee. However, after you retire, you cannot add new dependants for benefit coverage.

Depending on the pension option you chose at retirement, your dependants may need to seek benefit coverage from another provider when you die.

How to enrol for retirement health benefits

Apply directly with WorkSafeBC Total Rewards when you apply for your pension.