member

Benefits are a key part of any employee’s compensation package. And they are something Canada’s education sector workers want to continue to enjoy after retirement, according to Jim Grieve, chief executive officer of RTOERO.

“Many of our over 83,000 members across the country join for the exceptional group health insurance,” he said, “and are surprised to find more than 100 benefits and perks open to them – plus the invaluable experience of being part of an engaged and incredible community.”

RTOERO is for everyone who has worked in education, whether in public, private, First Nations or religious-affiliated schools. This includes educators at all levels, as well as the broader education community such as school board employees, bus drivers, custodial staff, education support staff, early years, trustees and beyond.

In short, no matter where you live in Canada or the role played in education, you can benefit from membership with RTOERO.

HERE ARE THE TOP FOUR REASONS TO JOIN: Easy to join

You can join at any time before or after your retirement date; simply fill out the form online and submit it. The full range of services and benefits becomes open to you once you retire. But Grieve feels joining five-to-10 years before retirement is a good idea. You will have access to vital information and resources, including the quarterly lifestyle magazine, Renaissance. And you can attend some of the events held in your local RTOERO district (there are 51 RTOERO districts across Canada), to start engaging with the community.

“Being a member of RTOERO, the most valuable aspect is the ease of use,” said James Barnes, RTOERO member.

Great benefits

Unique travel experiences still top many retirees’ wish lists. As a member, you have access to exclusive travel discounts with Merit Travel, a preferred travel sponsor with RTOERO since 2006. You can save on car rentals and hotels, as well as vacation packages and cruises.

RTOERO members also save up to 40% on home and car insurance with Johnson Insurance Inc. Your auto insurance might include a host of desirable features like first accident forgiveness and roadside assistance, while your home could be protected with over 20 cost-free benefits, including identity theft protection.

And the road ahead will look clearer – literally – when you take advantage of the IRIS opticians perks open to our members. They include a $150 discount on eyewear and prescription sunglasses at one of over 300 locations across Canada.

Like to dine out? See a show? Or need a new wardrobe?

RTOERO members can save more than $200 per year with Venngo MemberPerks. You also can pay less on personal devices, health and wellnesss, and much more with this worldclass discount program. Venngo MemberPerks allows users to look up discounts locally, so no matter where you go, you can search for them in the area.

Exceptional group insurance plans

“We are the largest provider of health insurance in the education retiree sector across Canada,” Grieve said.

More than 100,000 retired education-sector workers in Canada are covered by the member-owned RTOERO insurance plan. And many cite the non-profit group health insurance offered as a main reason to join. It pays for eligible expenses not usually covered by your government health insurance plan, things like extended and convalescent healthcare, dental and hospital services or supplemental travel.

Community

Wherever you are on your retirement journey, RTOERO is there. It helps you keep in touch with colleagues and make new connections, to be part of a community. There are plenty of opportunities to attend social events with like-minded retirees or hit the road through day trips and group excursions.

“Travel groups, hiking groups… We even have a new rockclimbing group for seniors,” said Kay Jeffery, RTOERO member.

As well, 70% of members are active volunteers in RTOERO and their local communities. The organization is active in every province and territory. With both anglophone and francophone districts, services and resources are offered in both English and French.

The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of not only its members, but all older adults in Canada. Among the many initiatives, each year it donates $100,000 to local communities and funds research into healthy active living for older adults. As well, it advocates with all levels of government across the country on issues like a national healthcare strategy for seniors.

“RTOERO is here for you with all the benefits and activities and inspiration you would hope to have in retirement,” Grieve said. “And for those who want to give back, we can help them do so in fun and fulfilling ways.”

For more information about RTOERO, visit rtoero.ca. 