{"id":1391,"date":"2026-08-25T18:13:32","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T18:13:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/benefits.aecom.com\/en-ca\/?page_id=1391"},"modified":"2026-09-03T17:19:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T17:19:51","slug":"benefits-glossary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/benefits.aecom.com\/en-ca\/benefits-glossary\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits Glossary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The right benefits choice looks different for everyone. This glossary is designed to help you understand key benefits terms and what they mean in real life, so you can confidently evaluate your options and select the coverage that’s right for you and your family.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This glossary provides general explanations of common benefits and financial wellness terms used in Open Enrolment and AECOM Benefits. Definitions may vary by plan, carrier, program, or applicable regulations. For plan-specific details, please refer to the applicable plan documents, carrier resources, or official government definitions.<\/em>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Health plan<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Retirement<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Health spending accounts<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Health plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Term<\/strong> <\/th>Definition<\/th>Why it matters<\/strong> <\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Benefit year<\/strong> <\/td>The period during which your expenses and benefit maximums are tracked. Under the AECOM health plan, the benefit year runs from January 1 to December 31. <\/td>Many coverage limits and reimbursement maximums reset each January. <\/td><\/tr>
Coinsurance<\/strong> <\/td>The percentage of eligible expenses paid by the plan after any deductible has been satisfied. For example, many services are covered at 80% under Module B and 90% under Module C.   <\/td>Determines how much you pay out of pocket when receiving care. <\/td><\/tr>
Coordination of Benefits (COB)<\/strong> <\/td>A process that allows eligible expenses to be submitted to more than one benefits plan, such as your spouse’s plan.  <\/td>Can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs by increasing reimbursement up to 100% of eligible expenses. <\/td><\/tr>
Deductible<\/strong> <\/td>The amount you must pay before the plan starts reimbursing eligible expenses. Module A includes a $1,000 annual deductible per person.  <\/td>Plans with a deductible may have lower payroll costs but higher expenses when you need care. <\/td><\/tr>
Dependent<\/strong> <\/td>An eligible spouse or child covered under your benefits plan. Certain children may remain eligible while attending school full-time or if disabled.  <\/td>Understanding dependent eligibility helps ensure your family remains covered. <\/td><\/tr>
Diagnostic services<\/strong> <\/td>Medical tests such as laboratory tests, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, and mammograms used to diagnose health conditions.  <\/td>Some diagnostic services are covered only under specific modules and may have annual maximums. <\/td><\/tr>
Dispensing fee<\/strong> <\/strong> <\/td>The fee a pharmacy charges for preparing and dispensing your prescription medication. Under the AECOM Canada plan, eligible dispensing fees are limited to $10 per prescription or refill.  <\/td>If your pharmacy charges more than $10, you may be responsible for the difference unless you use your Health Spending Account (HSA) to cover the excess cost. Comparing pharmacy dispensing fees can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.   <\/td><\/tr>
Drug card<\/strong> <\/td>A card that allows eligible prescription drug claims to be processed directly at participating pharmacies.  <\/td>Simplifies prescription purchases and reduces the need to submit claims manually. <\/td><\/tr>
Drug Identification Number (DIN)<\/strong> <\/td>The unique Health Canada number assigned to approved prescription medications. Many covered drugs must have a DIN to be eligible.  <\/td>Helps determine whether a medication qualifies for reimbursement. <\/td><\/tr>
Drug substitution<\/strong> <\/td>Coverage is generally based on the lowest-cost equivalent medication, often a generic drug.  <\/td>Choosing a higher-cost brand medication may result in additional out-of-pocket expenses. <\/td><\/tr>
Eligible expense<\/strong> <\/td>A health, dental, or medical expense that qualifies for reimbursement under the plan. Eligible expenses must generally be medically necessary and reasonable. <\/td>Only eligible expenses can be reimbursed by the plan or Health Spending Account. <\/td><\/tr>
Emergency Travel Assistance (ETA)<\/strong> <\/td>Travel support services available when you experience a medical emergency outside your province of residence.   <\/td>Provides access to assistance, transportation support, medical referrals, and emergency coordination while travelling. <\/td><\/tr>
Emergency services<\/strong> <\/td>Medically necessary treatment required because of a sudden illness or injury while travelling.  <\/td>Emergency services must meet plan requirements to be reimbursed. <\/td><\/tr>
Extended Health Care (EHC)<\/strong> <\/td>Coverage for eligible medical expenses not typically paid through provincial healthcare plans, including prescriptions, vision care, paramedical services, and medical equipment.  <\/td>This is the core healthcare coverage provided through your AECOM health plan. <\/td><\/tr>
Health care module<\/strong> <\/td>One of AECOM’s three health care coverage options: Module A, B or C. Each provides different levels of coverage and costs.  <\/td>Choosing the right module helps balance payroll deductions with expected healthcare expenses. <\/td><\/tr>
Out-of-province emergency coverage<\/strong> <\/td>Coverage for eligible emergency healthcare services received while travelling for pleasure of business outside your home province or Canada.  <\/td>Out-of-province\/country medical emergency coverage<\/a> under the Sun Life plan covers personal travel, unlike the global Business Travel Accident (BTA)<\/a> benefit. <\/td><\/tr>
Paramedical services<\/strong> <\/td>Coverage under a health benefits plan for services provided by licensed or regulated health practitioners who are not physicians such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, psychologists, and other eligible practitioners, up to the limits specified in your benefits plan.    <\/td>Can support physical and mental wellbeing and may be covered up to annual maximums. Module B and C have a higher limit for mental health. <\/td><\/tr>
Prior Authorization (PA)<\/strong> <\/td>A process requiring approval from Sun Life before certain medications are eligible for coverage. Refer to the prior authorization drug list<\/a> for more information  <\/td>Obtaining approval before filling certain prescriptions can prevent claim denials. <\/td><\/tr>
Qualified practitioner<\/strong> <\/td>A healthcare professional who meets licensing and regulatory requirements recognized by Sun Life.   <\/td>Claims may be denied if services are provided by someone who does not meet qualification requirements. <\/td><\/tr>
Reasonable and customary charges<\/strong> <\/td>Fees typically charged for similar services within a geographic area and considered appropriate by Sun Life.  <\/td>If a provider charges more than the reasonable and customary amount, you may need to pay the difference. <\/td><\/tr>
Reimbursement level<\/strong> <\/td>The percentage of an eligible expense paid by the plan.  <\/td>A higher reimbursement level generally means lower out-of-pocket costs. <\/td><\/tr>
Telehealth (Lumino Virtual Health)<\/strong> <\/td>Virtual access to healthcare services through Lumino Health Virtual Care powered by Dialogue.  <\/td>Allows convenient access to care without visiting a clinic. <\/td><\/tr>
Travel card<\/strong> <\/td>A card containing information and phone numbers needed to access Emergency Travel Assistance services. You can obtain a copy of the card on your online Sun Life account.  <\/td>Important to carry when travelling outside your province or country. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Retirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Term<\/strong> <\/th>Definition<\/th>Why it matters<\/strong> <\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Beneficiary<\/strong> <\/td>The person or people you designate to receive certain insurance or  benefits if you pass away.   <\/td>Keeping beneficiary information up to date helps ensure your wishes are followed. <\/td><\/tr>
Defined Contribution (DC) Pension Plan<\/strong> <\/td>A registered pension plan where contributions are made as a percentage of the employee’s earnings.  <\/td>Helps build retirement savings through both employee and employer contributions. <\/td><\/tr>
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)<\/strong> <\/td>A program that allows employees to purchase shares of their employer’s company at a 12% discount through payroll deductions.  <\/td>Provides an opportunity to invest in AECOM and build long-term wealth. <\/td><\/tr>
Employer match<\/strong> <\/td>Matching contributions provided by AECOM when employees contribute to the pension plan, subject to plan rules.  <\/td>Employer contributions can significantly boost retirement savings. <\/td><\/tr>
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)<\/strong> <\/td>An employer-sponsored retirement savings program that allows employees to contribute to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) through payroll deductions. Contributions and investment earnings grow on a tax-deferred basis until withdrawn. <\/td>Helps employees save for retirement while reducing taxable income. <\/td><\/tr>
Investment contributions<\/strong> <\/td>Money employees contribute to retirement plans or savings accounts through payroll deductions.  <\/td>Regular contributions can help grow savings over time. <\/td><\/tr>
Payroll deduction<\/strong> <\/td>An amount automatically deducted from your paycheque to cover benefit premiums, retirement savings contributions, taxes, or other authorized deductions. <\/td>Makes saving convenient and consistent. <\/td><\/tr>
Retirement and Savings Plan<\/strong> <\/td>AECOM Canada Retirement and Savings Plan, administered by Sun Life Financial, includes the Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (Group RRSP), and a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).   <\/td>Provides multiple ways to save and invest for retirement goals. <\/td><\/tr>
Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)<\/strong> <\/td>A registered savings account available to Canadian residents aged 18 and older that allows investments to grow tax-free <\/td>Offers flexible savings that can be used for retirement or other financial goals. <\/td><\/tr>
Vesting<\/strong> <\/td>Your ownership of retirement savings accumulated through the plan. <\/td>Understanding vesting helps you know what benefits you can keep if you leave AECOM. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Health spending accounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Term<\/strong> <\/th>Definition<\/strong> <\/th>Why it matters<\/strong> <\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Allocation<\/strong> <\/td>The decision you make during enrolment about how much of your annual spending account contribution goes to your Health Spending Account (HSA) versus your Personal Spending Account (PSA). No matter which health care module you choose, AECOM will contribute to a spending account that you can use to pay for health and wellbeing expenses for yourself and your dependents.   <\/td>Choosing the right allocation can maximize the value of your benefits based on your expected needs. <\/td><\/tr>
Eligible expense<\/strong> <\/td>An expense that qualifies for reimbursement under your Health Spending Account (HSA) or Personal Spending Account (PSA). Eligibility depends on CRA guidelines for HSAs and Sun Life guidelines for PSAs.  <\/td>Knowing what’s eligible can help you get maximum value from your spending accounts. <\/td><\/tr>
Health Spending Account (HSA)<\/strong> <\/td>An employer-funded account to pay for eligible health and dental expenses not fully covered by your benefits plan or another plan.  <\/td>Helps reduce your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses while providing tax advantages in most provinces. <\/td><\/tr>
HSA tax advantage<\/strong> <\/td>HSA reimbursements are generally not considered taxable income (except in Quebec).  <\/td>Makes the HSA one of the most valuable ways to pay for healthcare expenses. <\/td><\/tr>
Personal Spending Account (PSA)<\/strong> <\/td>An employer-funded account that can be used for eligible wellness, personal, lifestyle, financial, and work-life balance expenses.  <\/td>Provides flexibility to support your overall wellbeing, not just healthcare needs. <\/td><\/tr>
PSA taxable benefit<\/strong> <\/td>Reimbursements paid through the PSA are considered taxable income.  <\/td>Understanding the tax implications can help you decide how much to allocate to your PSA. <\/td><\/tr>
Premium reimbursement<\/strong> <\/td>Certain health and dental premiums may be reimbursable through the HSA.  <\/td>May help offset the cost of health coverage for you or your family. <\/td><\/tr>
Spending Account allowance<\/strong> <\/td>The annual amount AECOM contributes based on your coverage level. $175 if you choose Employee + 1, or Employee + 2 or More coverage in a health care module. $150 if you choose Employee Only coverage.  <\/td>Understanding your allowance helps you plan how to use your funds throughout the year.  <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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