Optional Upgrade Package three-month premium holiday begins August 1

Beginning August 1, a three-month premium holiday for your Optional Upgrade Package (OUP) plan will go into effect as utilization was lower than expected in 2022-2023. No action is required.

As communicated to you by the Government of Ontario in the April 2023 mailing, a three-month temporary premium holiday (a break from paying your monthly OUP premiums) will be implemented for the retiree-paid Emergency Out-of-Country plan (OUP) from August 1to October 31, 2023.

Retirees who elect to participate in the OUP plan during this premium holiday will not pay the monthly premiums during this three-month period but will continue to have access to this coverage. During this period, the Government of Ontario will pay for your premiums. You will receive an adjusted statement of earnings and deductions that will show the change in your monthly pension.

OUP premiums will resume on November 1, 2023 and will be reflected in that month’s pension statement.

If you are not currently enrolled in the OUP, you can enrol at any time after your pension has started by submitting a OPB1121 - Insured Benefits Optional Upgrade Package Application (PDF) through your e-services account(opens in a new tab) or by mail. For more information about OUP, refer to the 'Insured benefits' page on OPB.ca. However, if you decide to terminate the OUP coverage, you must provide Ontario Pension Board (OPB) one month’s notice in writing by submitting a OPB1137 - Supplementary Life Insurance and Optional Upgrade Package Change form (PDF) through your e-services account(opens in a new tab) , or by mail. Once terminated, you will not be able to re-enrol in OUP in the future.