Life Insurance

An employee's basic life insurance coverage becomes effective on the first day of employment by the University, or if evidence of insurability is required, the date it is approved by the insurer.

Life Insurance

Group Life Insurance Coverage Details

Eligibility

Employee shall mean a person who is employed on the full-time staff of the employer and is resident in Canada. An employee shall be deemed to be on the full-time staff of the employer if customary employment with the employer is for 30 or more hours per week, excluding any eligible employee not covered on or prior to March 1, 1981. An employee shall also exclude all Faculty and Professional Librarians. If the employer is a partnership, a partner shall be considered to be an employee of the employer for the purpose of this policy if the partner is engaged full-time in the business of the employer. With respect to part-time employees, employee shall mean a person who is employed for a minimum of 17.5 hours per week.

With respect to employees who are under contract with the employer, employee shall mean a person who has completed a minimum of 12 consecutive months of contract employment .

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Evidence of Insurability

Evidence of Insurability is required if:

  • An employee applies for insurance more than 31 days after becoming eligible to apply;
  • An employee reapplies after insurance has terminated due to non-payment of premium; or
  • An employee's amount of insurance exceeds or increases beyond the no-evidence limit.

An employee is eligible for a maximum overall amount of life insurance, including optional life insurance, of $415,000.

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Changing Insurance Amounts

A change in the amount of an employee's insurance coverage shall become effective on the date of change, if the employee is actively at work for that full scheduled working day, otherwise on the first day thereafter on which the employee is actively at work.

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How to Claim

Please contact the Benefits & Pension Consultant

Life insurance claims must be submitted within 15 months following the date the loss is incurred. However, in the event of termination of insurance, a claim must be submitted within 90 days following the date of termination of an employee's insurance or the date following termination of coverage or the policy.

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When Insurance Terminates

Insurance terminates in the event of:

  • non-payment of premium;
  • a change in an employee's classification to one not insured;
  • termination of an employee's employment;
  • termination or amendment of the insurance program by the University;
  • an employee commencing active duty in any armed forces;
  • an employee attaining age 65;
  • an employee retiring;
  • with respect to employees, the June 30th next following attainment of age 65 (July 31st for employees with a June birthday) for basic life, optional life and dependent life. Contact Human Resources for additional Information if continuing to work beyond this date.

Note: In the event an employee is absent from work due to sickness, injury, layoff or approved leave of absence, insurance coverage may continue, subject to payment of premiums. Leave of absence for this purpose shall mean a period of time away from work mutually agreed to by the employee and employer. In the case of maternity leave, the leave shall begin and finish on dates agreed to by the employee and employer or as required by Provincial or Federal law. Please consult Benefits & Pension Consultant for details about continuation of coverage.

See additional information regarding termination of Optional Dependent Life.

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Beneficiary Information

Employees wanting to change their group life insurance beneficiary, must complete the Manulife Beneficiary Designation Form and return to Human Resources.

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Contact us

Human Resources
(902) 496-8116
Mailing address:
Saint Mary's University
McNally South 111
923 Robie Street
Halifax NS B3H 3C3