GNL Summary of Benefits

The information in this website is a summary of the insurance benefits for the information of employees. This should not be used to determine entitlement to coverage, which is solely governed by the express terms of the group insurance policy. Where there is any conflict between this summary and the express terms of the group insurance policy, the express terms of the group insurance policy shall apply. Employees who wish to review the current group insurance policy may do so upon written request to the Director of Benefits Administration.

Employee and Retiree Responsibility

You should note that you have responsibilities to fulfill. Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • For ensuring that you have applied for the coverage you wish to have for yourself on your enrolment forms and your dependents within the appropriate time frames.
  • To change your coverage from single to family within the appropriate time frame. If the coverage is not changed within 31 days of acquiring your first eligible dependent an Evidence of Insurability on Dependents is required for approval.
  • To add a spouse to this plan in the event that he or she loses coverage under another plan within a 31 day period following the loss of coverage to avoid having to provide medical evidence.
  • For examining payroll deductions for each pay period for all group insurance benefits. Examples would include family versus single coverage and optional benefit premiums particularly when you have requested changes in coverage and at the annual renewal date when the premiums are adjusted. This will ensure accuracy and allow for corrections on a timely basis. Coverage details can be confirmed through pay stubs, your plan administrator, employers online benefit statements (where available), and the insurance carrier (by visiting www.CanadaLife.com and signing into Groupnet for plan members or by calling 1-844-349-5656.
  • For amending your coverage to delete any coverage you no longer require. Contributions which you have paid are not refundable if they were consistent with the application on file.
  • For effecting conversion of the coverage eligible to be converted upon the earlier of termination of employment or at age 65.
  • For accurately completing the necessary forms required for continuing benefits while on maternity leave, sick leave, special leave without pay, retirement, etc. It is extremely important these arrangements be made prior to commencing eligible leave. For continuation of group life and health insurance while on temporary lay-off or on unpaid leave you are responsible for the payment of the full premium amount (employer/employee contributions) and failure to remit will result in termination of coverage. You are also responsible for the payment of the full premium amount (employer/employee contributions) if you are a casual/hourly employee and you maintain benefits during a pay period when you have not worked and have not received pay. Failure to remit premiums will result in the termination of coverage.
  • For providing appropriate claim information necessary to process LTD and/or Waiver of Premium claims as well as to ensure notice of claim/proof of claim where necessary has been provided within appropriate time frames as required under the contract.
  • For providing appropriate medical information necessary to add a dependent as functionally impaired to continue their coverage beyond the age a dependent would otherwise terminate based on contract guidelines.
  • For completing the appropriate forms accurately, completely, and within applicable timeframes for such things as change of address, addition or deletion of a dependent, and other significant matters that can change or otherwise affect your coverage.
  • To register overage student dependents between age 21 and 25 at the beginning of each school year. Failure to do so may impact coverage.
  • Reviewing the online employee benefit booklet, contacting the insurance carrier and/or your organization’s plan administrator to ensure you have a sound knowledge of the benefits available, extent of coverage, eligibility criteria, exclusions, restrictions, medical underwriting requirements, conversion options, continuation of benefits, predeterminations and other important requirements of the program.
  • Providing proof of the purchase of pension service that may reduce LTD premiums. Premiums will only be adjusted when the plan administrator has been notified and received verification despite the date the purchase may have occurred.
  • For notifying your plan administrator if the deletion of an overage dependent requires a change in your premiums from family to single coverage.

^ Top of Page

Summary of Your Benefit Program

The following summarizes the various benefits which are available for the security and wellbeing of you and your family, while you are an employee, upon your retirement and in the event of your death before or after retirement.  Please note as this is a “summary” of your benefits, if any discrepancies arise, the wording in the Insurance Contract will prevail.

The benefits are explained in greater detail in this website.

Eligibility for Group Insurance

  • Permanent Full Time Employees are required to participate in the group insurance program from their first day of employment.
  • Temporary Full Time Employees, if hired for a single period of three months plus one day, are required to participate in the group insurance program from their first day of their employment. Employees who are hired for a period of less than three months, who receive notice of extension equal to three months plus a day, are required to participate from the date of notification.
  • Permanent Part Time Employees are required to participate in the group insurance program from their first day of employment. Permanent Part Time Employees must work at least 50% of the minimum hours for a full-time employee on a bi-weekly basis.
  • Seasonal employees are covered under the plan during their term of active employment. During periods of lay-off, provided they do not work for another employer during such lay off, employees have the option to continue their coverage (coverage will not continue unless a “Continuation of Coverage” form is completed, signed, and given to your Administrator prior to your leaving).
  • Temporary Call-In/Casual/Hourly employees are required to participate in the group insurance program on April 1 of each year provided they worked a minimum of 50% of full-time years in the preceding calendar year.

MANDATORY BENEFITS

Basic Group Life Insurance
In the event of your death, an amount of life insurance equal to that described in this website on basic group life insurance is payable to the beneficiary you have appointed on your Group Enrollment Card and must be claimed within 1 year (365 days) from date of death.

Dependent Life Insurance
In the event of the death of your insured spouse or dependent child, an amount of life insurance is payable to you as outlined in this website on dependent life insurance and must be claimed within 1 year (365 days) from date of death.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
In the event of an accidental death, accidental dismemberment, loss of use, paralysis or loss of speech or hearing, within 365 days of an accident, a benefit is payable in accordance with the details outlined in this website.

Supplementary Health Insurance
This plan provides benefits not covered under the Provincial medical services and hospital insurance programs, for you and your insured dependents including:

  • Semi Private Hospital Benefit
  • Extended Health Benefit
  • Prescription Drug Benefit
  • Emergency Ambulance Benefit
  • Out-of-Province Benefit
  • Non-Emergency Transportation Benefit
  • Vision Care Benefit

Group Travel Insurance
This plan covers a wide range of benefits which may be required as a result of an accident or unexpected illness incurred outside the province while traveling on business or vacation.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS

Optional Long Term Disability Insurance
This plan is available to you on an optional and employee-pay-all basis. Long term disability insurance may provide disability benefits for periods of total disability which exceed 119 days. To be eligible for this program, you must be a member of either the Public Service Pension Plan, the Uniformed Services Pension Plan, the Members of the House of Assembly Pension Plan, or the Provincial Court Judges’ Pension Plan. To avoid the underwriting process and medical evidence, LTD must be applied for within thirty-one (31) days of your eligibility to the group insurance plan.

Optional Dental Care Insurance
This plan is available to you and your insured dependents on an optional and employee-pay-all basis and must be applied for within thirty-one (31) days of eligibility to the group insurance plan to avoid the “late applicant” status (see dental plan).

Optional Group Life Insurance
This plan is available on an optional, employee-pay-all basis and you may apply to purchase additional group life insurance coverage for you and /or your spouse. Coverage is available from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $300,000 in increments of $10,000.

For Member Optional Life, if you apply for coverage within 31 days of becoming eligible to participate in the plan, the first $100,000 of Optional Life Insurance will not be subject to evidence of insurability. If you apply for coverage after 31 days of becoming eligible to participate in the plan, up to $100,000 of Optional Life Insurance will not be subject to evidence of insurability upon signing a Declaration of Good Health. If you are unable to sign a Declaration of Good Health, evidence of insurability will be required.

For Spousal Optional Life, at any time, your spouse may apply for up to $100,000 of Optional Life Insurance upon signing a Declaration of Good Health. If your spouse is unable to sign a Declaration of Good Health, evidence of insurability will be required.

If you are covered under this plan as both a member and a spouse, you are limited to the $300,000 maximum.

Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
This plan is available on an optional, employee-pay-all basis and enables you to purchase additional amounts of accidental death and dismemberment insurance on an employee and/or family plan basis. Coverage is available from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $300,000 in increments of $10,000.

Optional Critical Illness Insurance
This plan is available on an optional, employee-pay all basis and enables you to purchase coverage for yourself and your family which will provide a lump sum payment in the event of a “Critical Condition” and you meet the necessary Criteria. Maximum Benefit $25,000 (Employee), $10,000 (Spouse), and $5,000 (Dependent Child). Medical evidence is required.

Change of Beneficiary
You may change your designated beneficiary(ies) at any time subject to any legal requirements affecting such right. For further information, please contact your Administrator.

Continuation of Benefits
Please note that for any employee who retires or is granted a leave of absence, such as maternity leave, education leave, continued absence following exhaustion of sick leave credits, or is suspended for any reason, group insurance coverage will not continue unless a “continuation of coverage” form is completed, signed and given to the Administrator or department head, prior to your leaving, in order that they may arrange for your premium payments during your absence.

Note: If you are granted an unpaid leave of absence and are engaged in any occupation or employment (self employed included) you are not eligible to continue group insurance coverage.

The information contained in this website is important to you and we suggest it be kept in a safe place.
When your insurance terminates you must return your identification card(s) to your Administrator.

Definition of Dependent
For the purpose of the group insurance program, the following definitions of dependents are applicable:

Spouse means a person of the opposite or same sex,

  • who is legally married to the participant, or
  • who is not legally married to the participant (including partners of the same sex) but who has continuously resided with the participant for not less than one full year having been represented as husband, wife or partner, and where there is a mutual agreement between such persons that the relationship is a permanent relationship exclusive of all other such relationships. Discontinuance of cohabitation with the participant will terminate coverage of the “common-law” spouse.

If the participant is legally married but is also cohabitating with an individual of the opposite/same sex, the Spouse will be the individual to whom the participant is legally married, unless the participant has given written notice that the common-law Spouse is to be covered as the Spouse.

At any one time, only one person may be insured as a Spouse of the participant.

Child means an unmarried person who is the participant’s natural, adopted, foster or stepchild (including any child of a minor, unmarried child provided they meet dependent eligibility) who is dependent upon the participant for financial support and maintenance. Such Child must be:

  • under age 21, or
  • under age 25, attending an accredited educational institution, college or university on a full-time basis. A Child who is working more than 30 hours per week will not be eligible for coverage unless the Child is a full-time student, or
  • age 21 or older who, by reason of a mental or physical disability is incapable of self-sustaining employment provided such Child became Totally Disabled while insured under this policy and prior to attaining age 21, and who have been continuously disabled since that time. Children who became Totally Disabled while attending an accredited educational institution, college or university on a full-time basis prior to their attaining age 25 and have been continuously so disabled since that time are also eligible.

A Child of the participant’s Spouse is also eligible provided the Spouse is living with the participant and has custody of the Child.

^ Top of Page

Supplementary Health Insurance

In addition to the benefits available under the provincial government programs, supplementary health insurance is provided to you and your insured dependents as outlined below.

Hospital Benefit
If you or any of your insured dependents are confined in a hospital on the recommendation of a physician, coverage is provided for semi-private hospital room, 100%, to a daily maximum of $85.00.

Prescription Drug Benefit
The program will pay the ingredient cost of eligible drugs (including oral contraceptives and insulin), and the employee/retiree will pay the co-pay, which will be the equivalent of the pharmacist’s professional fee plus any applicable surcharge.

The drug plan provides coverage for most drugs which require a prescription by law, however, some drugs may require special authorization, but does not provide coverage for over-the-counter drugs, cough or cold preparations, nicotine products, etc. Details of the special authorization process are outlined in this website.

Disclaimer: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through a consultation process with the insurer and drug experts, determines the drugs that are covered under the plan, and typically follows the recommendations of The Canadian Expert Drug Advisory Committee. There is no guarantee or obligation expressed or implied that all drugs recommended by physicians will be covered by the plan. The addition or deletion of drugs from the plan is at the sole discretion of government.

Extended Health Benefit
This portion of the program includes coverage for the following. It is important to note that reimbursement under the extended health care benefit is made at 80% of covered eligible expenses up to $5,000; expenses over $5,000 and less than $10,000 are reimbursed at 90%, and expenses over $10,000 are reimbursed at 100% in any calendar year. Eligible expenses are as stated below. Where no maximum eligible expense is noted, reasonable and customary rates will apply.

  • Services of a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nursing Assistant, including Home Health Care Services (excluding a relative), in your home to a maximum covered eligible expense of $10,000 per lifetime. Service must be for active medical care and reimbursement will not be made when the services are custodial in nature. Pre-approval is required.
  • When referred by a physician, services of a qualified massage therapist to an annual covered eligible expense of $500. All referrals must be current within 12 months at the initiation of treatment. New referrals are not required if treatment is ongoing.
  • Services of a qualified speech therapist, physiotherapist/athletic therapist, psychologist/social worker, acupuncturist, occupational therapist, osteopath, chiropractor, naturopath, and podiatrist/chiropodist to an annual covered eligible expense of $500 per practitioner (excluding a relative).
  • Purchase of wheelchair cushions to an annual covered eligible expense of $300.
  • Casts, trusses, braces, crutches, canes, walkers and splints (excluding dental splints)
  • Hearing aids are eligible, one for each ear every three consecutive calendar years. The maximum eligible expense for each hearing aid is $1,000.
  • Artificial limbs, including myoelectrical limbs, along with eyes and other prosthetic appliances including repair and replacement are reimbursed at the usual and customary charges.
  • Rental or purchase of a wheelchair (every five years), hospital bed, iron lung or other durable equipment. Pre-approval is required.
  • Rental or purchase of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS).
  • Jobst burn garments, Jobst sleeves for lymphoedema following mastectomy and Jobst support hose and surgical stockings.
  • Stump socks.
  • Colostomy and ileostomy apparatus.
  • External breast prosthesis, once per calendar year, post mastectomy.
  • Surgical Brassieres, post mastectomy are added as an eligible benefit providing 80% of a maximum eligible expense of $100 per brassiere. The contract will allow up to two brassieres per calendar year.
  • Treatment by x-ray, radium and radioactive isotopes.
  • Oxygen, plasma or blood transfusions.
  • Up to a covered eligible expense of $20 per day for room and board for active treatment or convalescent care in a licensed nursing home supervised by a Registered Nurse on a 24-hour basis. Confinement in the nursing home must be for rehabilitation or convalescent care and not for custodial care.
  • Services of a dental surgeon including dental prosthesis required for treatment of a fractured jaw or for treatment of accidental injuries to natural teeth if reported within six months of the accident where the injury was caused by external, violent and accidental means.
  • Injectable drugs when administered by a physician, (Excludes Vaccines).
  • Insulin syringes and home chemical testing supplies for diabetics including glucometer and supplies. (Note: Insulin is covered under the prescription drugs benefits portion of the plan). Maximum eligible expense per calendar year is $2,170.
  • Insulin pumps are reimbursed at 80% every 60 months. For those 16 years of age or less, the maximum covered eligible expense is $6,000. For 17 years of age or older, the maximum covered eligible expense is $3,125.
  • Up to a covered eligible expense of $500 per year for the services of a speech therapist on the written prescription of a Medical Specialist; and
  • Orthopedic shoes and orthopedic aids to a maximum covered eligible expense of $200 every calendar year, on a written prescription from your attending physician which includes your medical condition. Important: Effective April 1, 2024 only footwear determined to be orthopedic by Canada Life will be eligible for reimbursement. All claims submissions must include the full details including the brand name and model number. Footwear not determined to be eligible as per Canada Life guidelines will not be coverd even if it has been covered previously.

Emergency Ambulance Benefit
Emergency Ambulance Benefit is amended for professional ambulance service, including licensed air ambulance services when certified as immediately necessary by the attending physician. Reimbursement covers transportation to and from the nearest hospital or licensed medical facility able to provide treatment for bodily injury or sickness subject to 80% of a covered eligible expense of $1,000 outside the province and $500 within the province. For employees who are residents of Labrador, the benefit is 80% of a covered eligible expense of $500 outside the province and $1,000 within the province. Further, all eligible amounts are now subject to 80% of the maximum eligible expense applicable per person per calendar year.

Non-Emergency Transportation Benefit

  • Transportation expenses incurred, for non-emergency service on the referral of a physician, to and from the nearest hospital or medical facility which can provide necessary services, including x-rays or examinations, not readily available in the local area to 80% of a covered eligible expense of $300 in respect of all such claims in a calendar year.
  • Expenses for an escort, including the parent if the person requiring treatment is under 15 years of age, up to 80% of a covered eligible expense of $300 for each calendar year.
  • Services must be prescribed by a physician or surgeon. No benefit is payable for aesthetic surgery (cosmetic surgery for beautification purposes); and
  • Any expenses incurred for meals or accommodations will not be considered as eligible expenses.

Note
Benefits for transportation expenses shall be paid only if:

  1. written documentation and confirmation are received from the physician who prescribed the treatment and the hospital or medical facility that rendered the treatment, that such treatment was actually rendered.
  2. the nearest hospital or medical facility able to provide the necessary treatment was at least 80 kilometers or 160 kilometers round trip by the most direct route, from your residence; and
  3. the most economical means of transportation available was used or the physician provides written documentation that an alternate, more expensive means was necessary due to the patient’s medical condition. Where a private vehicle is used, a maximum of $0.125 per kilometer would be paid, but in no event shall this exceed the cost of the most economical means available.

Vision Care Benefit
You and your insured dependents are covered for the following vision care expenses:

  1. Eye examinations, including refractions, when they are performed by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist, and coverage is not available under your public health plan in your province of residence. The maximum covered expense is $70 in a calendar year for a dependent child under age 18 and $70 every 3 calendar years for any other person. Expenses for eye examinations are reimbursed at 80%.
  2. Adults (18+) one pair of glasses/contacts every three calendar years, reimbursed at 100% to a maximum of $250 regardless of lens type.
  3. Dependent Children (17 and under) if there is a change in prescription, one pair of glasses/contacts every calendar year, reimbursed at 100% to a maximum of $250 regardless of lens type.
  4. Coverage for Laser Eye Surgery when performed by a licensed ophthalmologist. Maximum covered expense is $450 in a person’s lifetime.  No benefits will be paid for glasses or contact lenses purchased within 6 calendar years of the date of a claim for laser eye surgery.
  5. Up to 100% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $250 every two calendar years for the purchase of contact lenses prescribed by a licensed ophthalmologist for severe corneal astigmatism, severe corneal scarring, keratoconus or aphakia, provided vision in the better eye cannot be corrected to the 20/40 level by glasses. Dependent children will be eligible for this benefit once in any calendar year, provided that a change in the strength of the prescription is required.
  6. One pair of eyeglasses when prescribed by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician following non-refractive eye surgery, limited to a maximum covered expense of $200 in a person’s lifetime; and
  7. 50% of the cost of visual training or remedial therapy.

Coverage is not provided for sunglasses, safety glasses, repairs and maintenance or vision care services and supplies required by an employer as a condition of employment.

Out-of Province Benefit
Coverage is provided for 80% of expenses incurred outside your home province when the required medical treatment is not readily available in your home province.

If the medical treatment is readily available elsewhere in Canada but you seek treatment outside Canada, benefits will be limited to the reasonable and customary charges of the nearest Canadian medical centre equipped to provide the necessary treatment. It is suggested that you submit a treatment plan so the insurer can advise you of the amount payable before you incur the expense.

Coverage is provided for the following:

  • semi-private hospital accommodation
  • hospital out-patient services
  • physicians’ fees
  • laboratory tests and x-rays; and
  • other eligible expenses that would have been covered in your home province.

COORDINATION OF BENEFITS

Coverage:

  • Benefits for you or a dependent will be directly reduced by any amount payable under a government (federal/provincial) program/ plan.
  • If you or a dependent are entitled to benefits for the same expenses under another group plan or as both a member and dependent under this plan or as a dependent of both parents under this plan, benefits will be coordinated.
  • The employee/retiree group plan is designed using a covered maximum benefit when determining the coordinated benefits between group plans. This means it is the eligible amount that accumulates towards the covered benefit maximum, not the amount of the claim that has been paid.
  • During the coordination of benefits the maximum that will be eligible from the employee/retiree group plan will not exceed the covered maximum benefit (CMB) established in the employee/retiree group plan. The covered maximum benefit includes eligible amounts submitted under both group plans when determining if the maximum limit has been exceeded and if a claim balance will be paid.
  • The plan that pays first will calculate benefits as though duplicate coverage does not exist. In other words, it will process the claim as it would any other claim, considering the CMB.
  • The plan that pays second calculates benefits for each individual item on the claim, based on the lowest of:
    • the amount that would have been payable had it been the first plan, or
    • 100% of the eligible expenses (not paid claims) minus the benefits paid by the first plan.
    • The CMB is determined based on eligible claims from both plans.
  • In some cases, the combined payments from all plans may be less than what you have paid out of your pocket.

Order of Claims

You and your spouse should first submit your own claims through your own group plan. Claims for dependent children should be submitted to the plan of the parent who has the earlier birth date in the calendar year (the year of birth is not considered). If you are separated or divorced, the plan which will pay benefits for your children will be determined in the following order:

  1. the plan of the parent with custody of the child
  2. the plan of the spouse of the parent with custody of the child
  3. the plan of the parent without custody of the child
  4. the plan of the spouse of the parent without custody of the child

You may submit a claim to the plan of the other spouse for any amount of eligible expense which is not paid by the first plan.

Examples

PARAMEDICAL CLAIMS – TWO (2) GNL PLANS

  • John & Mary Smith – Both with Family Health Coverage
  • Physiotherapy Claims for John – Coordinated Between Both GNL Plans
  • GNL Plan – Physiotherapy Covered Maximum = $500 per calendar year (claims paid at 80%)
Date of Service Submitted Amount Covered Amount John’s Plan Pays (primary) Mary’s Plan Pays (secondary)
1/6/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
1/29/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
2/5/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
2/19/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
3/12/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
4/8/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
5/26/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
6/17/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
7/20/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
8/25/2022 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $10.00
Totals $500.00 $500.00 $400.00 $100.00

*No further claims are eligible for reimbursement, under either John or Mary’s plans, as the $500 Covered Maximum has been reached.  It is the submitted amount of each claim that accumulates towards the covered maximum.

PARAMEDICALS CLAIMS– GNL PLAN & OTHER INSURER

  • John Smith – GNL Plan – Family Health Coverage
  • Mary Smith – Other Insurer – Family Health Coverage
  • Massage Therapy Claims for Mary – Coordinated Between GNL Plan & Other Insurer
  • GNL Plan – Massage Therapy Covered Maximum = $500 per calendar year (claims paid at 80%)
  • Other Insurer – Massage Therapy Paid Maximum = $500 per calendar year (claims paid at 80%)
Date of Service Submitted Amount Covered Amount under GNL Plan Mary’s Plan Pays (primary) John’s Plan Pays (secondary)
01/05/2022 $90.00 $90.00 $72.00 $18.00
02/09/2022 $90.00 $90.00 $72.00 $18.00
03/18/2022 $90.00 $90.00 $72.00 $18.00
04/20/2022 $90.00 $90.00 $72.00 $18.00
05/11/2022 $90.00 $90.00 $72.00 $18.00
06/18/2022 $90.00 $50.00 $72.00 $18.00
Totals $540.00 $500.00 $432.00 $108.00

As per CLHIA Guidelines, a secondary plan’s liability is the lesser of:

  • what the secondary plan would have paid had it been the primary payer; or
  • 100% of all eligible expenses reduced by all other insurance.

For the claim above, with a Date of Service of 06/18/2022, the amount that John’s plan pays was determined as follows.

  • If John’s plan was first payer the claim would have been calculated as $50 X 80% = $40
  • The difference between 100% of the eligible expense, which was $90, and the reimbursement from the other insurance, which was $72, is $18.
  • The lessor of $40 and $18 is what John’s plan pays.

*No further claims are eligible for reimbursement, under John’s plan, as the $500 Covered Maximum has been reached.  It is the submitted amount of each claim that accumulates towards the covered maximum.

*Mary can continue to submit claims under her plan until she receives the $500 Paid Maximum eligible under her plan.

Conversion Privilege

If you should terminate employment you may convert to an individual health plan currently offered by the insurer, provided that application is made within 60 days following your date of termination. After 60 days following your date of termination, medical evidence of insurability will be required. For further information, please visit the Canada Life website.

Services not Covered Under the Supplementary Health Insurance Program

You and/or your dependents are not covered for medical expenses incurred as a result of any of the following:

  • injury or illness due to war or engaging in a riot or insurrection.
  • aesthetic surgery (cosmetic surgery for beautification purposes)
    – services required due to an intentional self-inflicted injury.
  • delivery charges.
  • hearing tests.
  • pregnancy tests.
  • injury or illness for which you or your dependents are covered under Worker’s Compensation or a similar program.
  • services or supplies received from a dental or medical department maintained by your employers, a mutual benefit association, labour union, trustee or similar type group.
  • services or supplies which are covered under a government hospital plan, a government health plan or any other government plan.
  • expenses for contraceptives other than oral contraceptives.
  • expenses for vitamins (except injectables), minerals, and protein supplements (other than expenses than would qualify for reimbursement under Eligible Expenses under the Drug Benefit).
  • expenses for diets and dietary supplements, infant foods and sugar or salt substitutes.
  • lifestyle-related expenses such as for smoking cessation or weight loss.
  • expenses for drugs which are used for a condition, or conditions not recommended by the manufacturer of the drugs.
  • expenses for MRIs, X-rays and other diagnostic services.
  • experimental products or treatments for which substantial evidence provided through objective clinical testing of the product’s a treatment’s safety and effectiveness for the purpose and under the conditions of the use recommended does not exist to the satisfaction of the administrator; and
  • expenses for lozenges, mouth washes, non-medicated shampoos, contact lens care products and skin cleaners, protectives, or emollients.

^ Top of Page

Special Authorization Drug Claims

The Special Authorization process has been developed to ensure you have access to a wide range of prescription drug benefits, when you need them. This section has been designed to familiarize you with the Special Authorization process.

How does Special Authorization apply to my prescription drug program?
Your prescription drug program provides you with immediate access to more than 3,000 prescription drugs. Certain other medications require Special Authorization before your prescription is eligible for coverage.

How does Special Authorization affect me?
This new process applies to you if a medication you require falls under the Special Authorization category. It is important to familiarize yourself with these medications and discuss the process with your doctor. Special Authorization is designed to provide you with your required medications as quickly as possible.

Will I need to pay for my prescription myself?
You will only need to pay for your prescription yourself if you purchase the medication prior to receiving Special Authorization approval, or if your request for Special Authorization is denied.

How do I apply for Special Authorization?

  1. If you are currently taking a medication that requires Special Authorization, you should begin the Special Authorization process before your prescription runs out.
  2. Obtain a Special Authorization form by logging onto your Canada Life GroupNet account or by contacting Canada Life at 1-844-349-5656. This form requires your prescribing physician’s signature.
  3. If your current medication, or new prescription, requires Special Authorization, have your doctor complete the form. Any costs associated with completing the form are the responsibility of the patient/subscriber.
  4. Send your completed form to: Canada Life
    Attention: Drug Services
    P.O. Box 6000
    Winnipeg, MN R3C3A5or FAX your form to Canada Life, attention Drug Services at 1-204-946-7664, to our secured facsimiled location which ensures confidentiality. Your dedicated Canada Life Customer Contact Centre may be contacted during regular business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 pm NST by calling 1-844-349-5656.

What happens to my Special Authorization request once I have sent it to the Insurance Company?
Your request will be confidentially reviewed by a medical consultant, after which you will receive written notification of the decision. Normal turnaround for assessment is seven to ten working days.

In cases where a doctor requires an urgent response due to medical condition, every effort will be made to respond the same day. The patient/subscriber may also wish to purchase the prescription before applying for Special Authorization, recognizing that there is no guarantee that Special Authorization will be granted. If information is incomplete and more details are required, turnaround may be delayed.

If your request is approved, the approval will indicate the specified period of time. You will not be required to apply for Special Authorization each time your prescription is filled within that specified time period. Please check your form carefully for the effective and termination date.

How are Special Authorization claims reimbursed?
Once your request has been approved, have your prescription filled. In the unlikely event your pharmacist will not submit your claim to the insurance company; you will need to forward the Special Authorization approval form and your paid-in-full receipts directly to the insurance company. Reimbursement will be mailed to you directly.

Claims for prescription drugs requiring Special Authorization can be paid either through Pharmacies that are on Point of Sale or through Canada Life Claims office in the Customer Service Centre at 15 Hebron Way, Suite 201, St. John’s NL A1A 0M1, or you may forward your claims to the Winnipeg head office (See #4 above).

If you have further questions about Special Authorization, please call your dedicated Canada Life customer contact centre at 1-844-349-5656.

^ Top of Page

Group Travel Insurance

The group travel insurance plan covers a wide range of benefits which may be required as a result of an accident or unexpected illness incurred outside the province or country while traveling on business or vacation (some restrictions may apply). The plan provides coverage for a period of 90 days per trip for travel within Canada and 30 days per trip for travel outside Canada. Proof of departure and return date from province of residence is required.

It is important to note that coverage is provided for emergencies only related to accidents or unexpected illness while traveling outside your province of residence. If you have an existing medical condition, the condition must be stable before traveling to have coverage for that condition. Stable means that in the last 3 months before leaving, there has been no hospitalization, no increase or modification in treatment or prescribed medication dosage or no symptom for which a reasonably prudent person would consult a physician. Stable dosage does not apply if you are a diabetic.

The insurer will pay 100% of the reasonable and customary charges (subject to any benefit maximums) for the following eligible expenses:

  1. Charges of a public general hospital, less the amount allowed under the provincial government health plan for (a) room accommodation (not a suite of rooms), and (b) medically necessary in-patient and out-patient services.
  2. Customary charges by physicians and surgeons for services rendered, less the amount allowed under the provincial government health plan.
  3. Rental of wheelchairs, crutches and canes when required as a result of sickness or accident. This benefit will be payable only when the sickness or accident occurs outside the insured person’s province of residence. Rental expenses must be incurred outside the province of residence and ordered by a physician.
  4. Private duty nursing when ordered by a physician at the usual and customary fee. registered nurses providing the service must not be a relative of the patient or an employee of the hospital.
  5. Charges for normal ambulance service to and from the nearest hospital able to provide the type of care essential to the patient.
  6. Extra costs of return economy fare by the most direct route (air, bus, train) when an illness is such that the patient must return home and be accompanied by a qualified medical attendant (not a relative). Written authorization is required from the attending physician. If returning on a commercial aircraft, this coverage includes:
    • two economy seats by most direct route to the patient’s home city in Canada, one for the covered patient and one round trip fare for a medical attendant;
    • the number of economy seats required to accommodate the covered patient if on a stretcher and one round trip fare for a medical attendant.
  7. The cost of diagnostic laboratory and x-ray services, less the amount allowed under the provincial government health plan, when ordered by the attending physician.
  8. The cost of services provided by Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Chiropodist/Podiatrist and Physiotherapist (not a relative) in excess of payment by a provincial government health plan, excluding charges for x-rays.
  9. Charges for prescription drugs in a quantity sufficient for the period of travel. Payment of eligible drug expenses will be made only when proof of purchase is supplied in the form of an account from a pharmacist, physician or hospital located outside the insured person’s province of residence, showing the name of the preparation, date of purchase, quantity, strength and total cost.
  10. Charges for dental treatment to a maximum of $1,000 in all, when, as the result of accidental injury (direct accidental blow to the mouth), natural teeth have been damaged, or a fractured or dislocated jaw requires setting. Such dental treatment must be rendered or reported and approved for payment by the insurer within 180 days of the accident and be supported by proper certification. When such dental treatment must be deferred because of the age of the patient, or other factors which are justified in the opinion of the insurer within 180 days of the accident, complete details of the required services from the dentist and reason for deferment.
  11. An allowance of up to $500 Canadian for the cost of driving the patient’s vehicle, either private or rental, by commercial agency to the patient’s residence or nearest appropriate vehicle rental agency when the patient is unable to return it due to sickness or accident.
  12. Up to $3,000 Canadian towards the cost of preparation and homeward transportation of the deceased (excluding the cost of a coffin) to the point of departure in Canada by the most direct route in the event of the insured person’s death.
  13. Up to $700 Canadian ($100 per day for seven days) per trip for extra costs of commercial accommodation and meals incurred by the insured person, or by an insured dependent remaining with you or a traveling companion. This must be verified by the attending physician and supported with receipts from commercial organizations.
  14. Return economy fare by the most direct route for transportation costs (air, bus, train) when the insured person has been confined to hospital for seven days or more or has died and the attending physician has advised the necessary attendance of a family member or close friend.
  15. The services of a 24-hour emergency hotline are available to insured persons who need assistance while traveling. By telephoning the appropriate number shown on your Identification Card “Voyage Assistance” when a medical emergency occurs, coverage will be confirmed to the hospital or physician. Payment of medical expenses will be arranged or coordinated on behalf of the insured person.
  16. The patient may call for a list of hospitals or medical facilities and arrangements will be made for:
    • advice from a qualified physician.
    • medical follow-up of the patient’s condition and communication with the insured person’s family.
    • return home or transfer of patient if medically permissible; and
    • transportation of a family member to the patient’s bedside or to identify the deceased.
  17. The patient may call to obtain:
    • An emergency response in any major language.
    • emergency assistance in contacting the family or business; and
    • referral to legal counsel.

Co-ordination of Benefits
Should similar benefits be provided by more than one section of the policy, any claim for these benefits will be assessed by insurance company in a manner which provides the greatest benefit to the participant.

Where compensation for benefits covered under this plan is available to a participant under any other prepaid health service contract or insurance policy, the amount payable under this plan shall be coordinated with such other coverages in accordance with the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) Guidelines so that the total benefits from all plans will not exceed the expenses actually incurred.

Effective April 1, 2010, Co-ordination of Benefits will be allowed between spouses insured under the Plan.

If the other plan does not contain a coordination of benefits provision, then that plan shall be considered first payer.

Limitations and Exclusions
No benefits are payable under the plan for expenses in connection with:

  • Traveling outside the province of residence primarily or incidentally to seek medical advice or treatment, even if such a trip is on the recommendation of a physician.
  • Elective (non-emergency) treatment or surgery.
  • Benefits received from a third party.
  • The abuse of medications, drugs or alcohol.
  • Suicide or attempted suicide; and
  • Criminal acts, wars or other hostilities.

The insurer, in consultation with the attending physician, reserves the right to return the patient to Canada. If any patient is (on medical evidence) able to return to Canada following the diagnosis of, or the emergency treatment for, a medical condition which requires continuing medical services, treatment or surgery, and the insured person elects to have such treatment or services rendered or surgery performed outside of Canada, the expense of such continuing medical services, treatment or surgery will not be covered by this plan.

Coverage is available to all insured employees/retirees as long as they are insured under provincial Medicare programs.

 

^ Top of Page

Basic Group Life Insurance

Life Insurance for Employee
You are insured for a life insurance benefit equal to two times your current annual salary for active employees, and two times your current annual pension for retiree’s up to age 65, rounded to the next higher $1,000, if not already a multiple thereof, subject to a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $1,000,000.

Reduction Clause
In the event you have been insured under this program for a period of five consecutive years immediately prior to your 65th birthday, you may be eligible for a reduced paid-up life insurance policy on the first of the month following attainment of age 65 which will remain in force throughout your lifetime.

Waiver of Premium
While insured under the plan, should you become disabled from engaging in your own occupation, your group life insurance may be continued in force following four (4) months of continuous disability for the duration of such disability without further premium payment up to your attainment of age 65, recovery or death. At age 65, coverage reduces in accordance with the reduction clause. Application must be made in accordance with the group insurance policy.

Beneficiary Designation
In the event of your death, the group life insurance benefit is payable to the beneficiary(ies) you have appointed on your Group Enrollment Card and must be claimed within 1 year (365 days) from date of death.

Termination of Coverage
Your group life insurance terminates on the earlier of termination of employment or on the attainment of age 75.

Conversion Privilege
If your basic life insurance reduces and/or terminates on or prior to your 65th birthday, you may be entitled to convert up to the amount of the basic life insurance to an individual policy. Application for conversion must be made within 31 days of the termination or reduction date, and no medical evidence of insurability will be required. The premium rate will be based on your age and class of risk at that time. For further information, please contact your Administrator.

Conversion for Basic Life at age 65 is only available to retired participants. For participants who continue actively working beyond the age of 65, Basic Life will remain in force and not terminate until you retire, at which time conversion of this insurance will not be available.

^ Top of Page

Dependent Life Insurance

Life Insurance for Dependents (Only applicable with Dependent Medical Coverage)

In the event of the death of your spouse or dependent child from any cause whatsoever while you are insured under the plan, the insurance company will pay you $10,000 in respect of your spouse and $5,000 in respect of each insured dependent child. (See page showing Summary of Your Benefit Program for definition of eligible dependents.)

Waiver of Premium

While insured under the plan, should you become disabled from engaging in your own occupation, your dependent life insurance may be continued in force following four (4) months of continuous disability for the duration of such disability without further premium payment up to your attainment of age 65, recovery or death.

Termination of Coverage

For active employees, Dependent life insurance coverage terminates on the earlier of termination of employment or attainment of age 75. For eligible retirees, benefits terminate at age 65. In respect of dependent children, coverage terminates on the earlier of the date they are no longer eligible, as outlined in the Summary of Benefits, or on your attainment of age 75.

Conversion Privilege

If your dependent life insurance terminates on or prior to your 65th birthday, you may be entitled to convert up to the amount of the dependent life insurance to an individual policy. Application for conversion must be made within 31 days of the termination date, and no medical evidence of insurability will be required. The premium rate will be based on your spouse’s age and class of risk at that time. For further information, please contact your Administrator.

Conversion for Dependent Life is only available to retired participants and only if your spouse is age 65 or younger at the time the insurance terminates. For participants who continue actively working beyond the age of 65, Dependent Life will remain in force and not terminate until you retire, at which time conversion of this insurance will not be available.

^ Top of Page

Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

The plan provides accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage in an amount equal to your basic group life insurance (two times your current annual salary to a maximum of $1,000,000). Coverage is provided 24 hours per day, anywhere in the world, for any accident resulting in death, dismemberment, paralysis, loss of use of, or loss of speech or hearing.

In order to be covered by this benefit, all losses must result directly and independently of all other causes from bodily injuries suffered by accidental, external and violent means. Death caused by accidental drowning shall also be covered. Death or loss must occur within 365 days from the date of the accident causing such loss. In the case of accidental death, the amount of life insurance is payable to the designated beneficiary currently on file and must be claimed within 1 year (365 days) from date of death.

The amount payable shall be the following percentage of the amount of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance for which you are insured on the date of the injury. The maximum amount payable for all losses sustained as a result of the same accident shall not exceed 100% of the amount of insurance. Only one amount, the largest applicable, will be payable for injuries to the same limb resulting from any one accident.

  • Loss of life – 100%
  • Loss of both hands or both feet – 100%
  • Loss of one hand and one foot – 100%
  • Loss of the entire sight of both eyes – 100%
  • Loss of one hand and the entire sight of one eye – 100%
  • Loss of one foot and the entire sight of one eye – 100%
  • Loss of use of both arms or both legs or both hands – 100%
  • Loss of speech and loss of hearing in both ears – 100%
  • Quadriplegia – 200%
  • Parapelgia – 200%
  • Hemiplegia – 200%
  • Loss of or loss of use of one arm or one leg – 100%
  • Loss of or loss of use of one hand or one foot – 100%
  • Loss of the entire sight of one eye – 100%
  • Loss of speech or loss of hearing in both ears – 100%
  • Loss of thumb and index finger on one hand – 66 2/3%
  • Loss of four fingers on one hand 66 2/3%
  • Loss of hearing in one ear – 66 2/3%
  • Loss of all the toes on one foot – 33 1/3%

Loss of a hand or foot means severance at or above the wrist or ankle joint but below the elbow or knee joint. Loss of an arm or leg means severance at or above the elbow or knee joint. Loss of a finger or thumb means severance at or above the metatarsophalangeal joint. Loss of a toe means severance at or above the sophalangeal joint. Severance is defined as the permanent and complete detachment of the affected area.

Loss of use means, with regard to arms, hands and legs, the total loss of ability to perform each and every action and service the arm, hand, or leg was able to perform before the accidental occurred. Loss of use must be total and irrecoverable and beyond remedy by surgical or other means.

Loss of entire sight means that it is total and irrecoverable. Loss of entire sight is also deemed to have occurred if sight cannot be restored to better than 20/20 vision by surgical or other means (i.e. spectacles).

Loss of speech means irrecoverable loss which does not allow audible communication through surgical or other means.

Loss of hearing means irrecoverable loss which cannot be corrected through surgical treatment, hearing aid or device.

Quadriplegia means total paralysis or both the upper and lower limbs. Hemiplegia means total paralysis of the upper and lower limbs on one side of the body. Paraplegia means total paralysis of both lower limbs.

^ Top of Page

Additional Benefits

Exposure and Disappearance
Benefits are payable if, due to an accident, you are exposed to the elements and suffer an insured loss under the policy within 365 days of the accident.

The plan also will pay for a loss of life benefit if due to accidental wrecking, sinking or disappearance of a conveyance in which the insured is riding, and the body is not found within 365 days of the accident and will be presumed dead after one year.

Air Travel Accidents
If you are traveling as a passenger or as a crew member in an aircraft properly licensed and flown by a pilot properly certified to fly such aircraft, you are entitled to the benefits described herein.

Repatriation Benefit
When injury results in your loss of life more than 50 kilometers from your normal place of residence and the death benefit becomes payable under the policy, the actual expenses incurred for the preparation and transportation of the body to the place of burial, in proximity to the normal place of residence, will be paid to a maximum of $20,000 (excluding the cost of a coffin).

Rehabilitation Benefit
In the event you sustain an injury which results in a loss payable under the policy and such injury requires that you undergo special training in order to engage in an occupation in which you would not have engaged except for such injury, the reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred by you for such training will be paid to a maximum of $20,000 as a result of any one accident. No payment will be made for any expense incurred more than three years after the date of the accident, nor for room, board or other living, traveling or clothing expenses.

Education Benefit
In the event of your accidental death, the insurer will pay an education benefit for each dependent child enrolled in a school for a higher learning, or who enrolls in a school for higher learning within 365 days after your death. The benefit is equal to the reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred, subject to the lesser of a maximum of 5% of your principal sum or $5,000 for each year the dependent child continues their education on a full-time basis, not to exceed five consecutive years per child. Payment will not be made for room, board or other living, traveling or clothing expenses.

If you have no dependents eligible for the education benefit, the insurer shall pay an additional amount of $1,000 to the designated beneficiary.

Spousal Retraining Benefit
In the event of your accidental death, the insurer will pay the reasonable and necessary expenses to a maximum of $20,000 actually incurred by your spouse who engages in a formal occupational training program in order to become qualified for employment in an occupation for which they would not otherwise have sufficient qualifications. Payments will not be made for room, board or other living, traveling or clothing expenses.

Seat Belt Benefit
Benefits will be increased by 25% to a maximum of $25,000 if your injury or death results while you were a passenger or driver of an automobile, and your seat belt was properly fastened. Seat belt use must be certified by the investigating officer or verified on the official accident report.

In-Hospital Indemnity
The plan 1% of the benefit payable, up to $2,500 per month, if you are hospitalized for at least four days as a result of injury occurring in a covered accident. The benefit is payable for a maximum of 12 months for confinement due to any one accident. This benefit is reduced by the amount by which this benefit, plus benefits payable under the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador optional long term disability insurance plan, exceed 100% of pre-disability net monthly earnings.

Benefit in the Event of Coma
In the event that you suffer an accidental injury which directly results in a state of coma, the benefit payable will be equal to the amount for which you are insured on the date of the accident.

Family Travel
If an insured Employee suffers a loss covered under the accidental death and dismemberment provision and is hospital confined, or suffers from an illness or injury other than as specified in the schedule of losses which requires hospital confinement of at least four days, and such confinement occurs more than 100 kilometers from his normal place of residence, the plan will pay for the reasonable and necessary traveling expenses or one or more family members to the insured Employee’s place of confinement. The total amount will be $10,000 for hotel accommodation and transportation cost combined. If personal transportation is used in lieu of public conveyance, a rate of $0.20 per kilometer will apply.

Day-Care Benefit
In the event accidental Loss of Life is sustained by an insured person and indemnity for such Loss becomes payable, the plan will pay the Day-Care Benefit below for each of the insured person’s dependent children who:

  1. are enrolled in a day-care centre on the date of such Loss; or
  2. enroll in a legally licensed day-care centre within 365 days after the date of death of the insured Employee; and
  3. is age 12 or younger

The Day-Care Benefit is equal to the reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred, subject to the lesser of a maximum of 5% of the insured person’s Principal Sum or $5,000, which maximum is in combination with the Day-Care Benefit maximum provided under any other policy issued to the Policy holder by the insurer, for each year the dependent child described above is enrolled in a legally licensed day-care, but not to exceed four years, which must run consecutively, with respect to any one dependent child.

The benefit will be paid each year immediately upon receipt of satisfactory proof that the child is enrolled in a legally license day-care centre, but payment will not be made for expenses incurred prior to the death of the insured person, nor for room, board or other ordinary living, traveling or clothing expenses.

In the event the insured person’s dependent child does satisfy the requirement indicated above, the Day-Care Benefit will be payable to the surviving spouse if the spouse has custody of the child. If there is no surviving spouse or the child does not reside with the spouse, benefits payable under this provision will then be paid to the child’s legally appointed guardian. If none of the insured person’s dependent children satisfy the above requirements, the insurer will pay an amount of $2,500 under one of the policies issued to the Policyholder by the insurer to the insured person’s beneficiary.

“Day-Care Center” means a facility which is run according to law, including laws and regulations applicable to day-care facilities and which provides care and supervision for children in a group setting on a regular basis. Day-Care Centre will not include a hospital, the child’s home or care provided during normal school hours while a child is attending grades one through 12.

Home Alteration and Vehicle Modification Benefit
In the event an insured person sustains the Loss of or Loss of Use of Both Feet or Legs or becomes Quadriplegic, Paraplegic of Hemiplegic, for which indemnity is payable in accordance with the terms of the policy, and he/she subsequently requires the use of a wheelchair to be ambulatory, the plan will pay the reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred within three years of the date of the accident causing such loss for:

  1. the cost of alterations to the insured person’s principal residence and/or
  2. the cost of modifications to one motor vehicle utilized by the insured person, when such modifications are approved by licensing authorities where required, for the purpose of making them wheelchair accessible.

The total of all expenses incurred by or for any insured person will not exceed $20,000 in three (3) years as the result of any one accident, nor will this benefit be payable under more than one of the policies issued to the policyholder.

Waiver of Premium
While insured under the plan, should you become disabled from engaging in your own occupation, your accidental death and dismemberment insurance may be continued in force following four (4) months of continuous disability.

For the duration of such disability without further premium payment up to your attainment of age 65, recovery or death. Application must be made in accordance with the group insurance policy.

Termination of Coverage
Your accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage terminates on the earlier of termination of employment or on the attainment of age 75. Coverage may be continued during early retirement provided you are in receipt of a pension from either the Public Service Pension Plan, the Uniformed Services Pension Plan or the Members of the House of Assembly Pension Plan, or the Provincial Court Judges’ Pension Plan but not beyond your 65th Birthday.

General Limitations
No benefits will be paid for loss resulting from or associated with the following:

  1. suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injury, regardless of the person’s state of mind and whether or not he was able to understand the nature and consequences of his actions.
  2. viral or bacterial infections, except pyogenic infections occurring through the injury for which loss is being claimed.
  3. disease or infirmity.
  4. medical or surgical treatment, except surgical reattachment.
  5. service, including part-time or temporary service, in the armed forces of any country.
  6. war, insurrection, or voluntary participation in a riot.

^ Top of Page

Benefits for Retired Employees

If you are a retiree and are receiving benefits from either the Public Service Pension Plan, the Uniformed Services Pension Plan, the Members of the House of Assembly Pension Plan, or the Provincial Court Judges’ Pension Plan and have elected to continue your group insurance benefit, you are eligible for benefits as outlined below.

Please note: All employees hired on or after April 1, 2020, upon retirement from government, will have different supplementary health coverage. Drug costs will be reimbursed at 70 per cent on ingredient cost only, with dispensing fees paid by members, up to an out of pocket maximum of $4,000 and reimbursed at 100 per cent thereafter. Other non-drug benefits will have a $1,500 maximum coverage.

Employees hired on or before March 31, 2020 will continue to have drugs covered at 100% of ingredient costs for approved drugs and will not be restricted to the $1,500 cap on non-drug benefits in retirement.

Notwithstanding the above, government maintains its right to administer and/or modify the post-employment group insurance programs.

Retirees under age 65
If you retire early (prior to age 65) and are in receipt of a pension from one of the pension plans outlined above, you will be given a one time option at your retirement date to continue your group insurance coverage, without evidence of good health.

The level of benefits will be identical to those offered to active employees (if hired on or before March 31, 2020), with the exception of the basic group life and basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance benefits, which will each be two times your annual pension rounded to the next higher $1,000, if not already a multiple thereof, subject to a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $1,000,000. The amount of life insurance is payable to the designated beneficiary currently on file and must be claimed within 1 year (365 days) from date of death.

The supplementary health drug and non-drug changes (noted above) will apply to all retirees who were hired on or after April 1, 2020.

You may also elect to continue optional dental care, optional group life and optional accidental death and dismemberment insurance during early retirement provided you pay 100% of the premiums. Optional long term disability and critical illness insurance can not be continued in retirement.

Note: If you elect to continue your group insurance coverage during early retirement, a Continuation of Coverage Form must be completed and given to your Administrator prior to your retirement or last day worked.

Retirees over Age 65
All basic and optional life insurance ceases for retirees at age 65.

In the event you have been insured under this program for a period of five consecutive years immediately prior to your 65th birthday, you will be eligible for a reduced insurance policy with no further premium payment on the first of the month following attainment of age 65, which will remain in force throughout your lifetime. The reduced insurance policy is currently at $7,500 and is subject to change. You do not have to be in receipt of a defined benefit pension plan to receive this benefit.

You are also eligible to continue your supplementary health and group travel insurance plans. Dental insurance may also be continued during retirement.

In the event of your death, your surviving spouse, who on the date of your death was insured under the plan, will be given the option of continuing in the group health insurance program if in receipt of a survivor pension. The premium share and the supplementary health coverage will be the same as that of the deceased plan member.

Eligibility Criteria and Premium Share

The group insurance eligibility criteria and premium share in retirement for non-unionized employees is outlined in section 6.1 of the “Other Post-Employment Benefits Eligibility Modification Act” and unionized employees should refers to their respective collective agreements.

 

Retirees should note that certain provisions may vary; however, any questions should be forwarded to:
Benefits Administration – Group Insurance
P. O. Box 8700
Confederation Building
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
Email: groupinsurance@gov.nl.ca

Telephone: (709) 729-2310

Note: In all correspondence, please indicate your name, address and Identification Number.

^ Top of Page

Optional Dental Care Insurance

Dental care insurance is available to all active and retired employees and their eligible dependents (see Summary of Your Benefit Program) on an optional and employee-pay-all basis. In order to be insured for this benefit, you must also be insured under the basic group insurance program.

As of April 1, 2024 coverage will be based on the 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association Fee Guide for general practitioners and specialists in accordance with the following:

Basic Benefits
Eligible expenses will be reimbursed at 80%; there is no annual or overall maximum applicable.

Diagnostic Services

    • Clinical oral examinations (one recall examination every calendar year for adults; every five months for a dependent child age 13 to 17 inclusive)
    • X-ray examinations – full mouth or panoramic films (one set of each in a calendar year) single films (up to ten), occlusal, posterior bitewing or extraoral films (four of each type in five months); and
    • Tests, laboratory examinations and treatment planning.

Preventative Services
Cleaning and polishing, fluoride treatments (once a calendar year for adults; every five months for a dependent child aged 13 to 17 inclusive) nutritional counseling, oral hygiene instruction, pit and fissure sealants, space maintainers and protective athletic appliances (one in 12 months).

Restorative Services
Fillings, recementing inlays and crowns, removal of inlays and crowns and cement restorations.

Endodontic Services
Diagnosis and treatment of the pulp (nerve) and tissue which supports the end of the root, root canal therapy and emergency procedures.

Periodontic Services
Diagnosis and treatment of disease which affects the supporting tissue of the teeth, such as the gums and bones surrounding the teeth.

Prosthodontic Services – Removable
Denture repairs, denture rebasing and relining (once in 24 months) and tissue conditioning.

Surgical Services
Extraction of teeth

Adjunctive General Services
Emergency treatment of pain, local anesthetic or conscious sedation and consultation with another dentist.

Major Restorative Benefits
Eligible expenses will be reimbursed at 70% to a maximum of $1,250.00 per insured person per calendar year.

Extensive Restoratives
Major repairs and restorations, including inlays, onlays and crowns

Prosthodontic Services
Complete dentures, partial dentures, denture adjustments and repairs, pontics, retainers, abutments, crowns and fixed bridges.

This program excludes:

  • replacement of the denture, unless it is at least five years old and cannot be made serviceable; and
  • the replacement of dentures that have been lost, mislaid or stolen.

Major Surgical Procedures
Surgical exposure of the tooth, surgical repositioning or transplantation, cutting of bone to aid in removal of teeth or to permit insertion of a denture, surgical shaping of gum or tissue in order to support teeth and treatment of tumors and cysts.

Note

If you do not apply for optional dental coverage within 31 days of gaining eligibility, you will be considered a late applicant.

If eligible for family dental coverage, you also need to enroll your spouse and/or dependants within 31 days of gaining eligibility or your dependants will be considered late applicants.

Late applicants will be limited to an eligible expense of $100.00 per insured person during their first 12 months of coverage.

Termination of Coverage
Your dental insurance coverage terminates on the termination of employment. Coverage may be continued during early retirement provided you are in receipt of a pension from either the Public Service Pension Plan, the Uniformed Services Pension Plan, the Members of the House of Assembly, or the Provincial Court Judges’ Pension Plan.

^ Top of Page

Optional Long Term Disability Insurance

Benefit Summary

Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage must be applied for within 31 days of eligibility otherwise access to coverage will be subject to medical approval.  See your employer for more details.
Applicable to Employees who participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, Uniformed Services Pension Plan or the Members of the House of Assembly Pension Plan under age 65. (Not Applicable to Casual Employees, Provincial Court Judges, Retirees and Employees participating in the Government Money Purchase Plan – GMPP)
Claim Notification To permit prompt assessment, initial notice of a long term disability income claim must be submitted to Canada Life no later than 10 months after disability starts. See your employer for more details.
Waiting Period 119 days, or all or a portion of your accumulated sick leave, to a maximum of 480 days, whichever you choose
Proof of Claim You must submit proof of claim to Canada Life within 3 months from the date the initial notice of claim was received.
Amount 66 2/3% of your monthly earnings to a maximum benefit of $10,000 or 85% of your pre-disability take-home pay, whichever is less

The plan provides you with regular income to replace income lost because of a lengthy disability due to disease or injury. Benefits begin after the waiting period is over and continue until you are no longer disabled as defined by the policy, the scheduled date of your retirement, or you reach age 65, whichever comes first. Check the Benefit Summary table above for the benefit amount and waiting period.

  • If disability is not continuous, the days you are disabled can be accumulated to satisfy the waiting period as long as no interruption is longer than 2 weeks and the disabilities arise from the same disease or injury.
  • LTD benefits are payable for the first 12 months following the waiting period if disease or injury prevents you from performing the essential duties of your regular occupation, and, except for any employment under an approved rehabilitation plan, you are not employed in any occupation that is providing you with income equal to or greater than your amount of LTD insurance under this plan, as shown in the Benefit Summary table.
  • After 12 months, LTD benefits will continue only if your disability prevents you from being gainfully employed in any job.
    Gainful employment means work:

    • you are medically able to perform,
    • for which you have at least the minimum qualifications,
    • which provides you with an income of at least 60% of your monthly earnings before you became disabled, and
    • that exists either in the province or territory where you worked when you became disabled or where you currently live.
  • Loss of any license required for work will not be considered in assessing disability.
  • After the waiting period, separate periods of disability arising from the same disease or injury are considered to be one period of disability unless they are separated by at least 6 months.
  • Because you pay the entire cost of LTD coverage, benefits will be payable to you on a tax-free basis.
  • Your LTD insurance terminates when you reach age 65 or when you retire, whichever is earlier.

Other Income
Your LTD benefit is reduced by other income you are entitled to receive while you are disabled. Your benefit is first reduced by:

  • disability or retirement benefits you are entitled to on your own behalf under the Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan
  • benefits under any Workers’ Compensation Act or similar law
  • loss of income benefits under an automobile insurance plan, to the extent permitted by law
  • pension benefits due to disability from the Public Service Pension Plan, Uniformed Services Pension Plan or Members of the House of Assembly Pension Plan

There is a further reduction of your LTD benefit if the total of the income listed below exceeds 85% of your monthly take-home pay before you became disabled. If it does, your benefit is reduced by the excess amount.

  • your income under this plan
  • loss of income benefits available through legislation, except for Employment Insurance benefits and automobile insurance benefits, which you or another member of your family is entitled to on the basis of your disability
  • the wage loss portion of any criminal injury award
  • disability benefits under a plan of insurance available through an association
  • employment income, disability benefits, or retirement benefits related to any employment except for income from an approved rehabilitation plan, or employer sponsored short term disability or sick leave benefits (termination pay, severance benefits, and any similar termination of employment benefits, including any salary paid in lieu of notice, are included as employment income under this provision)

The balance of any earnings received from an approved rehabilitation plan is not used to further reduce your LTD benefit unless that balance, together with your income from this plan and the other income listed above, would exceed your monthly take-home pay before you became disabled. If it does, your benefit is reduced by the excess amount.

Cost-of-living increases in the other income listed above, that take effect after the benefit period starts, except for income from an approved rehabilitation plan, are not included.

Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation involves a work related activity or training strategy that is designed to help you return to your own job or other gainful employment, and is recommended or approved by Canada Life. In considering whether to recommend or approve a rehabilitation plan, Canada Life will assess such factors as the expected duration of disability, and the level of activity required to facilitate the earliest possible return to work.

Medical Coordination
Medical coordination is a program, recommended or approved by Canada Life, that is designed to facilitate medical stability and provide you with cost effective, quality care. In considering whether to recommend or approve a medical coordination program, Canada Life will assess such factors as the expected duration of disability, and the level of activity required to facilitate medical stability.

Limitations
No benefits are paid for:

  • Disability arising from a disease or injury for which you received medical care before your insurance started. This limitation does not apply if your disability starts after you have been continuously insured for 1 year, or you have not had medical care for the disease or injury for a continuous period of 6 months ending on or after the date your insurance took effect.
  • Any period after you fail to participate or cooperate in a prescribed plan of medical treatment appropriate for your condition.
    • Depending on the severity of the condition, you may be required to be under the care of a specialist.
    • If substance abuse contributes to your disability, the treatment program must include participation in a recognized substance withdrawal program.
  • Any period after you fail to cooperate in applying for other disability benefits, reapplying for such benefits, or appealing decisions regarding such benefits, where considered appropriate by Canada Life.
  • Any period after you fail to participate or cooperate in an approved rehabilitation plan.
  • Any period after you fail to participate or cooperate in a recommended medical coordination program.
  • Any period after you fail to participate or cooperate in a required medical or vocational assessment.
  • The scheduled duration of a leave of absence.
    • This does not apply to any portion of a period of maternity leave during which you are disabled due to pregnancy.
  • Any period in which you are outside Canada. This exclusion does not apply during the first 30 days of an absence, or if Canada Life pre-authorized the absence prior to your departure.
  • Any period of incarceration, confinement, or imprisonment by authority of law.
  • Disability arising from war, insurrection, or voluntary participation in a riot.

Claim Notification
To permit prompt assessment, initial notice of a long term disability income claim must be submitted to Canada Life no later than 10 months after disability starts. See your employer for more details.

Proof of Claim
You must then submit proof of claim to Canada Life within 3 months from the date the initial notice of your claim was received.

How to Make a Claim

  • To submit claims online, go to, www.CanadaLife.com.
  • To submit paper claims, obtain an Employee Claim Submission Guide (form M4307B) and follow the guide’s instructions.
    You can get this form from your employer, or online from the Canada Life corporate website. To access the form online, go to www.CanadaLife.com.

Conversion Privilege
If you change jobs, you may apply for an individual LTD conversion policy without medical evidence. You must apply and pay the first premium no later than 31 days after you start your new job, and you must start your new job no later than 6 months after you leave your present one. Your application must be acceptable according to Canada Life’s underwriting rules in effect for individual disability insurance conversion policies at the time of application. See your employer for confirmation of benefits and amounts that are eligible for conversion.

^ Top of Page

Optional Group Life Insurance

In order to be insured under this benefit, you must also be insured under the basic group life insurance program.

Amount of Insurance
Your basic group life insurance covers you for two times your current salary. However, additional group life insurance is available over and above what you are covered for under the basic plan. You may apply to purchase, on behalf of your self and/or your spouse, additional group life insurance from $10,000 up to $300,000 in units of $10,000, but not to exceed $300,000 per insured person. For new employees, up to $100,000 is available without medical evidence of insurability if applied for within 31 days of your employment date.

Payment of Benefits
You and/your spouse are covered 24 hours a day and benefits are paid as the result of death from any cause whatsoever.

Beneficiary Designation
You may appoint any beneficiary(ies) to receive the benefits you have selected. You are automatically the beneficiary of any coverage selected for your spouse. The amount of life insurance is payable to the designated beneficiary currently on file and must be claimed within 1 year (365 days) from date of death.

Waiver of Premium
While insured under the plan, should you become disabled from engaging in your own occupation, your optional group life insurance may be continued in force following four (4) months of continuous disability for the duration of such disability without further premium payment up to your attainment of age 65, recovery or death. Application must be made in accordance with the group insurance policy.

Termination of Coverage
You and/or your spouse’s coverage terminates on the earlier of your termination of employment or you/your spouse’s attainment of age 75. Coverage may be continued during early retirement but not beyond your 65th birthday.

Conversion Privilege
If optional life insurance terminates on or prior to you or your spouse turning 65, you and/or your spouse may be entitled to convert the amount of optional group life insurance. Application for conversion must be made within 31 days of the termination date, and no medical evidence of insurability will be required. The premium rate will be based on your and/or your spouse’s age and class of risk at that time. For further information please contact your Administrator.

Conversion for Optional Life is only available to retired participants. For participants who continue actively working beyond the age of 65, Optional Life will remain in force and not terminate until you retire or you or your spouse turn 75, whichever comes first, at which time conversion of this insurance will not be available.

Applying for Coverage

Employee
For new employees, the first $100,000 of optional group life insurance coverage is available without medical evidence if applied for within 31 days of becoming eligible. If the employee selects an amount of insurance over $100,000 an evidence of insurability form must be completed.

Spouse
Employees may select coverage for their spouse up to $100,000 upon the spouse signing a declaration of good health form. For amounts in excess of $100,000 an evidence of insurability form must be completed. If the spouse is not in good health evidence of insurability must be completed for all amounts of insurance. The completed forms must be forwarded to your Administrator for forwarding to the insurance company.

Effective Date of Insurance
For new employees only, the first $100,000 of optional life insurance becomes effective on the date the application is received by your employer but, in no event prior to the commencement of active, regular employment. Optional Group Life Insurance coverage in excess of $100,000 and all amounts for the spouse of an employee will not become effective until the application has been approved by the insurance company. If additional medical information is required, you will be notified accordingly.

^ Top of Page

Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

Amount of Insurance
In order to be insured under this benefit, you must also be insured under the basic group life insurance program.

This plan provides additional accidental death and dismemberment insurance for you, your spouse and dependent children, if desired, on an employee-pay-all basis. You are covered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on or off the job, while traveling or at home.

You may select coverage for yourself or yourself and your family by choosing one of the following plans:

  • Employee Only Plan
    You may purchase, in units of $10,000, any amount of coverage between $10,000 and $300,000.
  • Family Plan
    You may elect to insure your family under the following plan:Your spouse is insured for 40% of the benefit which you have selected and each dependent child is insured for 5% of the selected amount.Where there are no dependent children, the spouse is automatically insured for 50% of the benefit selected.Where there is no spouse, each dependent child will be covered for 10% of your benefit. (Refer to the Benefit Summary for definition of eligible dependents.)

Payment of Benefits
Benefits are payable for injuries or death sustained in an accident occurring while the policy is in force, which results in a loss within 365 days of the accident. Benefits are payable as a percentage of the principal sum in accordance with the schedule applicable to the basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance plan.

Beneficiary Designation
Your loss of life benefit will be paid to the beneficiary(ies) you have named on your Group Enrollment Card and must be claimed within 1 year (365 days) from date of death. All other benefits for you, your spouse and dependent children will be paid to you.

Waiver of Premium
While insured under the plan, should you become disabled from engaging in any occupation for which you are, or may become qualified, by education, training or experience, your optional accidental death and dismemberment insurance may be continued in force following four months of continuous disability for the duration of such disability without further premium payment up to your attainment of age 65, recovery or death. Application must be made in accordance with the group insurance policy.

Termination of Coverage
Your optional accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage terminates on the earlier of termination of employment or on your attainment of age 75. Coverage may be continued during early retirement but not beyond your 65th birthday.

Additional Benefits
The following benefits are covered in addition to the benefits provided under the basic accidental death and dismemberment policy.

Common Disaster Benefit
In the event that you and your insured spouse both suffer loss of life due to injury sustained in the same accident, the principal sum applicable to your insured spouse will be increased to equal the principal sum applicable to you. Both deaths must occur within 90 days of the date of the accident.

Extended Family Benefit
If an insured employee suffers loss of life for which benefits are payable under the schedule of benefits in this policy, the insurance which is in force for the insured spouse and dependents will be continued for a period of six months without payment of premium.

Escalation Benefit
An increase in the Employee’s Principal sum of 3% per year with maximum of 15% will be applied on each and every anniversary date of the policy, up to a maximum of five years, provided the policy remains in effect. The amount of such increase shall not form part of the employee’s principal sum for the purpose of calculating subsequent increases under this provision.

Exclusions
The exclusions applicable to the basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance plan also apply to the optional plan.

Applying for Coverage
You may elect coverage for yourself, or yourself and your family by indicating on your Group Enrollment Card the plan selected and the amount of coverage you want. Your coverage becomes effective on the date the application is received by your employer but in no event prior to the commencement of active, regular employment.

^ Top of Page

Optional Critical Illness Insurance

If you or your dependents are diagnosed with one of the illnesses defined below while insured, Canada Life will pay you the optional critical illness insurance benefit. The benefit is payable after a waiting period of 30 days following the date of diagnosis or at the end of the waiting period, if any, specified for the condition below, whichever is longer.

Amount of Insurance
You may apply to purchase optional Critical Illness insurance, a benefit which pays a lump sum cash payment to cover you and/or your family in the event a Critical Condition strikes and you are saddled with a long recovery period and unexpected expenses. The benefit payable is:

Insured Person Cash Payment
Employee $25,000
Spouse $10,000
Dependent $ 5,000

If you apply for this optional benefit, you will be required to provide proof of insurability satisfactory to Canada Life. Only one critical illness benefit is payable in a person’s lifetime. Once a benefit has been paid, no further critical illness insurance is available for that person.

Your optional critical illness insurance and your child’s optional critical illness insurance will not continue past the end of the day before the date you reach age 65. Spouse coverage will not continue past the end of the day before the date you or your spouse reaches age 65, whichever is earlier.

Covered Illnesses
Any of the following conditions is considered a critical illness if it meets the defined criteria and has been diagnosed by a physician practicing medicine in Canada or the United States who is recognized by the physician’s medical licensing body as a specialist in the field of medicine relating to the applicable critical illness. The diagnosis must be supported by objective medical evidence.

  • “heart attack” – means the death of heart muscle due to obstruction of blood flow, that results in the rise and fall of biochemical cardiac markers to levels considered diagnostic of myocardial infarction, with at least one of the following:
    • heart attack symptoms;
    • new electrocardiogram (ECG) changes consistent with a heart attack; or
    • development of new Q waves during or immediately following an intra-arterial cardiac procedure including, but not limited to, coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty.
  • No benefits will be paid under this condition for:
    • elevated biochemical cardiac markers after an intra-arterial cardiac procedure including, but not limited to, coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty, in the absence of new Q waves; or
    • ECG changes suggesting a prior myocardial infarction, which do not meet the Heart Attack definition as described above.
  • “stroke” – means an acute cerebrovascular event caused by intra-cranial thrombosis or haemorrhage, or embolism from an extra-cranial source, with:
    • acute onset of new neurological symptoms, and
    • new objective neurological deficits on clinical examination,
    • persisting for more than 30 days following the date of the condition.

    These new symptoms and deficits must be corroborated by diagnostic imaging testing.

  • No benefits will be paid under this condition for:
    • transient ischaemic attacks; or
    • intracerebral vascular events due to trauma.

    For greater certainty, lacunar infarcts which do not have the neurological symptoms and deficits set out above, persisting for more than 30 days, do not satisfy the definition of stroke.

  • “coronary artery bypass surgery” – means the undergoing of heart surgery to correct narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries with bypass graft(s). The surgery must be determined to be medically necessary by a specialist.No benefits will be paid under this condition for angioplasty, intra-arterial procedures, percutaneous trans-catheter procedures or non-surgical procedures.
  • “cancer (life-threatening)” – means a tumour, which must be characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of malignant cells and the invasion of tissue.Types of cancer include carcinoma, melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma.No benefits will be paid under this condition for the following:
    • lesions described as benign, pre-malignant, uncertain, borderline, non-invasive, carcinoma in-situ (Tis), or tumors classified as Ta;
    • malignant melanoma skin cancer that is less than or equal to 1.0 mm in thickness, unless it is ulcerated or is accompanied by lymph node or distant metastasis;
    • any non-melanoma skin cancer, without lymph node or distant metastasis;
    • prostate cancer classified as T1a or T1b, without lymph node or distant metastasis;
    • papillary thyroid cancer or follicular thyroid cancer, or both, that is less than or equal to 2.0 cm in greatest diameter and classified as T1, without lymph node or distant metastasis;
    • chronic lymphocytic leukemia classified less than Rai stage 1; or
    • malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and malignant carcinoid tumours, classified less than AJCC Stage 2.

    For purposes of the policy, the terms Tis, Ta, T1a, T1b, T1 and AJCC Stage 2 are to be applied as defined in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) cancer staging manual, 7th Edition, 2010.

    For purposes of the policy, the term Rai staging is to be applied as explained in KR Rai, A Sawitsky, EP Cronkite, AD Chanana, RN Levy and BS Pasternack: Clinical staging of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 46:219, 1975.

    Cancer waiting period

  • No benefits will be paid under this condition if, within the first 90 days following the later of the person’s effective date of insurance or, for an increase, the effective date of the increase, the person has any of the following:
    • signs, symptoms or investigations that lead to a diagnosis of cancer (covered or excluded under the policy), regardless of when the diagnosis is made; or
    • a diagnosis of cancer (covered or excluded under the policy).

    Medical information about the diagnosis and any signs, symptoms or investigations leading to the diagnosis must be reported to Canada Life within six months of the date of the diagnosis. If this information is not provided within this period, Canada Life has the right to deny any claim for cancer or any critical illness caused by any cancer or its treatment.

  • “kidney failure” – means chronic irreversible failure of both kidneys to function, as a result of which regular haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or renal transplantation is initiated.
  • “blindness” – means the total and irreversible loss of vision in both eyes, evidenced by:
    • the corrected visual acuity being 20/200 or less in both eyes; or
    • the field of vision being less than 20 degrees in both eyes.
  • “major organ transplant” – means irreversible failure of the heart, both lungs, liver, both kidneys, or bone marrow, and transplantation must be medically necessary. To qualify under major organ transplant, the person must undergo a transplantation procedure as the recipient of a heart, lung, liver, kidney or bone marrow, and limited to these entities.
  • “dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease” – means dementia, which must be characterized by a progressive deterioration of memory and at least one of the following areas of cognitive function:
    • aphasia (a disorder of speech);
    • apraxia (difficulty performing familiar tasks);
    • agnosia (difficulty recognizing objects); or
    • disturbance in executive functioning (e.g. inability to think abstractly and to plan, initiate, sequence, monitor, and stop complex behaviour), which is affecting daily life.
  • The person must exhibit:
    • dementia of at least moderate severity, which must be evidenced by a Mini Mental State Exam of 20/30 or less, or equivalent score on another generally medically accepted test or tests of cognitive function; and
    • evidence of progressive deterioration in cognitive and daily functioning either by serial cognitive tests or by history over at least a six-month period.

    No benefits will be paid under this condition for affective or schizophrenic disorders, or delirium.

    For purposes of the policy, reference to the Mini Mental State Exam is to Folstein MF, Folstein SE, McHugh PR, J Psychiatr Res. 1975;12(3):189.

  • “Parkinson’s Disease and Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders – Parkinson’s Disease means primary Parkinson’s Disease, a permanent neurologic condition which must be characterized by bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and at least one of:
    • muscular rigidity; or
    • rest tremor.

    The person must exhibit objective signs of progressive deterioration in function for at least one year, for which the treating neurologist has recommended dopaminergic medication or other generally medically accepted equivalent treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.

    Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders mean progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or multiple system atrophy.

    No benefits will be paid under this condition for any other type of parkinsonism.

  • Parkinson’s Disease and Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders waiting period. No benefits will be paid under this condition if, within the first year following the later of the person’s effective date of insurance or, for an increase, the effective date of the increase, the person has any of the following:
    • signs, symptoms or investigations that lead to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, a Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorder or any other type of parkinsonism, regardless of when the diagnosis is made; or
    • a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, a Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorder or any other type of parkinsonism.

    Medical information about the diagnosis and any signs, symptoms or investigations leading to the diagnosis must be reported to Canada Life within six months of the date of the diagnosis. If this information is not provided within this period, Canada Life has the right to deny any claim for Parkinson’s Disease or Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders or, any critical illness caused by Parkinson’s Disease or Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders or its treatment.

  • “paralysis” – means total loss of muscle function of two or more limbs as a result of injury or disease to the nerve supply of those limbs, for a period of at least 90 days following the precipitating event.
  • “multiple sclerosis” – means at least one of the following:
    • two or more separate clinical attacks, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the nervous system, showing multiple lesions of demyelination;
    • well-defined neurological abnormalities lasting more than six months, confirmed by MRI imaging of the nervous system, showing multiple lesions of demyelination; or
    • a single attack, confirmed by repeated MRI imaging of the nervous system, which shows multiple lesions of demyelination which have developed at intervals at least one month apart.
  • “deafness” – means the total and irreversible loss of hearing in both ears, with an auditory threshold of 90 decibels or greater within the speech threshold of 500 to 3000 hertz.
  • “loss of speech” – means the total and irreversible loss of the ability to speak as a result of physical injury or disease for a period of at least 180 days.No benefits will be paid under this condition for all psychiatric related causes.
  • “coma” – means a state of unconsciousness with no reaction to external stimuli or response to internal needs for a continuous period of at least 96 hours, and for which period the Glasgow coma score must be four or less.No benefits will be paid under this condition for a medically induced coma.
  • “severe burns” – means third degree burns over at least 20% of the body surface.
  • “aortic surgery” – means the undergoing of surgery for disease of the aorta requiring excision and surgical replacement of any part of the diseased aorta with a graft. Aorta means the thoracic and abdominal aorta but not its branches. The surgery must be determined to be medically necessary by a specialist.No benefits will be paid under this condition for angioplasty, intra-arterial procedures, percutaneous trans-catheter procedures or non-surgical procedures.
  • “benign brain tumour” – means a non-malignant tumour located in the cranial vault and limited to the brain, meninges, cranial nerves or pituitary gland. The tumour must require surgery or radiation treatment or cause irreversible objective neurological deficits.No benefits will be paid under this condition for pituitary adenomas less than 10 mm.Benign brain tumour waiting periodNo benefits will be paid under this condition if, within the first 90 days following the later of the person’s effective date of insurance or, for an increase, the effective date of the increase, the person has any of the following:
    • signs, symptoms or investigations that lead to a diagnosis of benign brain tumour (covered or excluded under the policy), regardless of when the diagnosis is made; or
    • a diagnosis of benign brain tumour (covered or excluded under the policy).

    Medical information about the diagnosis and any signs, symptoms or investigations leading to the diagnosis must be reported to Canada Life within six months of the date of the diagnosis. If this information is not provided within this period, Canada Life has the right to deny any claim for benign brain tumour or any critical illness caused by any benign brain tumour or its treatment.

  • “heart valve replacement or repair” – means the undergoing of surgery to replace any heart valve with either a natural or mechanical valve or to repair heart valve defects or abnormalities. The surgery must be determined to be medically necessary by a specialist.No benefits will be paid under this condition for angioplasty, intra-arterial procedures, percutaneous trans-catheter procedures or non-surgical procedures
  • “loss of independent existence” – means the total inability to perform, by oneself, at least two of the following six activities of daily living for a continuous period of at least 90 days with no reasonable chance of recovery.Activities of daily living are:
    • bathing – the ability to wash oneself in a bathtub, shower or by sponge bath, with or without the aid of assistive devices;
    • dressing – the ability to put on and remove necessary clothing, braces, artificial limbs, or other surgical appliances with or without the aid of assistive devices;
    • toileting – the ability to get on and off the toilet and maintain personal hygiene with or without the aid of assistive devices;
    • bladder and bowel continence – the ability to manage bowel and bladder function with or without protective undergarments or surgical appliances so that a reasonable level of hygiene is maintained;
    • transferring – the ability to move in and out of a bed, chair or wheelchair, with or without the aid of assistive devices; and
    • feeding – the ability to consume food or drink that already has been prepared and made available, with or without the use of assistive devices.
  • “loss of limbs” – means the complete severance of two or more limbs at or above the wrist or ankle joint as the result of an accident or medically required amputation.
  • “motor neuron disease” – means one of the following: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), primary lateral sclerosis, progressive spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, or pseudo bulbar palsy, and limited to these conditions.
  • “occupational HIV infection” – means infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) resulting from accidental injury during the course of the person’s normal occupation, which exposed the person to HIV contaminated body fluids. The accidental injury leading to the infection must have occurred following the later of the person’s effective date of insurance or, for an increase, the effective date of the increase.Payment under this condition requires satisfaction of all the following:
    • the accidental injury must be reported to Canada Life within 14 days of the accidental injury;
    • a serum HIV test must be taken within 14 days of the accidental injury and the result must be negative;
    • a serum HIV test must be taken between 90 days and 180 days after the accidental injury and the result must be positive;
    • all HIV tests must be performed by a duly licensed laboratory in Canada or the United States; and
    • the accidental injury must have been reported, investigated and documented in accordance with current Canadian or United States workplace guidelines.No benefits will be paid under this condition if:
    • the person has elected not to take any available licensed vaccine offering protection against HIV; or
    • a licensed cure for HIV infection has become available prior to the accidental injury.

    For greater certainty, non-accidental injury including, but not limited to, sexual transmission or intravenous (IV) drug use does not satisfy the definition of Occupational HIV Infection.

  • “bacterial meningitis” – For greater certainty, non-accidental injury including, but not limited to, sexual transmission or intravenous (IV) drug use does not satisfy the definition of Occupational HIV Infection.No benefits will be paid under this condition for viral meningitis.
  • “aplastic anaemia” – means chronic persistent bone marrow failure, confirmed by biopsy, which results in anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia requiring blood product transfusion, and treatment with at least one of the following:
    • marrow stimulating agents;
    • immunosuppressive agents; or
    • bone marrow transplantation.

Limitations
No benefits are paid for a critical illness resulting directly or indirectly from or associated with any of the following:

  • intentionally self-inflicted injury or attempt at suicide, regardless of the person’s state of mind and whether or not he or she was able to understand the nature and consequences of his or her actions
  • war, insurrection or voluntary participation in a riot
  • participation in a criminal offence or provoking an assault
  • use of any drug, poisonous substance, intoxicant, or narcotic, unless prescribed for the person by a licensed physician and taken in accordance with directions given by the licensed physician
  • operating a motorized vehicle while the blood alcohol level is higher than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

No benefits are paid if death or irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain occurs during the benefit waiting period.

How to Make a Claim

  • To claim benefits, obtain a claim form at the Canada Life website www. CanadaLife.com. Complete it and return it to the address shown on the form.
  • Claims should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than 3 months after the end of the benefit payment waiting period or 3 months after the plan terminates, whichever is earlier.

^ Top of Page

How to Submit your Claims

Basic Group Life, Dependent Life, Optional Life, Basic and Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

Life, dismemberment or loss of use claims:
Your Plan Administrator will co-ordinate claim forms and advise procedures.

Waiver of Premium:

  • Notice of Disability/Sickness should be provided to your Plan Administrator no later than 2 months from your last day worked.
  • Once the Plan Administrator and Canada Life have been notified, all forms for application of benefit will be sent to you for completion. Please return these forms to Canada Life in the time frame allowed

Optional Long Term Disability Insurance

  • If you are participating in the long term disability insurance plan and it appears that you will be off work for a period of more than 119 days, you should obtain the appropriate claim forms (Early Notice Form and Proof of Claim) within 2 months from last day worked from your Plan Administrator. Upon completion, all forms must be returned to Canada Life.

Notice and Proof of Claims

  1. Notice of Claim
    To permit prompt assessment of Waiver of Premium and Long Term Disability Benefits and early participation in rehabilitation programs, written notice of claim must be received by the insurance company (Early Notice Form) within ten (10) months from the last day worked.It is recommended that the Notice of Claim (Early Notice Form) be completed within two (2) months from the last day worked and forward to the insurance company.
  2. Proof of Claim:
    Long Term Disability benefits under this Policy will only be payable for periods for which the insurance company has received satisfactory proof that the Employee is entitled to benefits.The claimant must provide information required to prove the Employee’s entitlement to benefits and must also authorize the insurance company to obtain information from other sources for this purpose. Proof of claim must be submitted within six (6) months of receipt of the notice of claim; thereafter, whenever the company requests information or authorization, it must be submitted within six (6) months.Written proof of disability will not be accepted if received by the insurance company more than ten months after the date of disability, or more than six months after termination of the policy. Please note that even if benefits are payable from Workers’ Compensation, which may totally offset the long term disability benefit, a notice of disability should be submitted for long term disability benefits within the specified time period.

Optional Critical Illness
Your Plan Administrator will co-ordinate claim forms and advise on procedures

Supplementary Health Insurance

Hospital Insurance:

  • Present your identification card upon admission to hospital.
  • The hospital will forward your claim directly to the Insurance Company Benefit Payments Office for payment of eligible expenses.

Prescription Drugs:

  • Present your identification card to the pharmacist when purchasing eligible drugs.
  • You pay the pharmacist’s professional fee and any applicable surcharge while the cost of the eligible ingredient is payable under this program.
  • For any prescription drug requiring Special Authorization, please refer to the section titled “Special Authorization” in this website.

Vision Care:

  • Obtain a Claims Submission form from one of the following:
    • Canada Life
      • Website
      • Dedicated customer contact centre (1-844-349-5656)

Extended Health:

  • Obtain a Claims Submission form from one of the following:
    • Canada Life
      • Website
      • Dedicated customer contact centre (1-844-349-5656)

The address of the Canada Life Benefits Payment Offices are:

15 Hebron Way
Suite 201
St. John’s, NL
A1A 0M1
Telephone: 1-844-349-5656
 10 Main Street
Suite 204
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 1B8

^ Top of Page

Frequently Asked Questions for Over-age Dependents – Annual Fall Enrolment for Group Insurance

Q: If my dependents graduated from their program of study last year and are no longer attending a post-secondary institution, will I have to do anything?

A: No. Coverage approved for the past school year will automatically terminate August 31 of the year in which they attended post-secondary as a full time student unless a new form for the upcoming year is registered/submitted.

Q: If my dependent is terminated from my plan automatically on August 31 and this means I have no further need of my family coverage, does this mean that my plan changes from family to single coverage automatically as well? (i.e. I no longer have any active qualifying dependents covered under my family plan)

A: If you no longer have qualifying dependents requiring medical coverage (i.e. you needed family health but now you only need single health) it is your responsibility to contact the HR Client Service Centre to request any changes to your plan or coverage. Your plan will not move from family coverage to single coverage unless/until you submit a signed and completed change form to the HR Client Service Centre.
It is also your responsibility to ensure that the group insurance premiums being deducted from your pay correspond to the coverage indicated on your insurance member card and therefore your employer’s payroll. You are responsible for ensuring that the coverage you have (and are paying for) is up-to-date and reflective of your current insurance needs. To understand your responsibilities for the management of your coverage/group insurance benefits please click the link:Employee/Retiree Responsibilities

Q: What if the post-secondary educational institution my child is attending provides group insurance as well? How can we avoid paying for duplicate coverage?

A: If required, Canada Life can provide a Student Coverage Confirmation Letter to verify that your dependent is covered under your Provincial Government group insurance plan. This will allow your child to opt out of any mandatory medical insurance coverage offered by their post-secondary institution. This confirmation can also be provided for dependents under the age of 21 (and therefore NOT yet required to register as an overage dependent) who are attending a post-secondary institution with mandatory coverage that they do not require.
To request a Student Coverage Confirmation Letter please contact Canada Life directly at: 1-844-349-5656

Q: Where can I get this form or any other type of insurance form that I need (including claims form)?

A: Administrative and claim forms related to the Provincial Government Group Insurance Plan, can be found online at:https://www.gov.nl.ca/exec/tbs/forms/ or at www.CanadaLife.com

To access forms electronically via the Canada Life GroupNet for Plan Members website please follow the steps outlined below:

  • Visit www.CanadaLife.com
  • From this main home page, click the Green “Sign In” Button (located top right corner)
  • From the drop down menu that appears choose GroupNet for Plan Members: Health Insurance & Benefits
    • If you have already registered for Groupnet enter your personal User Name & Password
    • If you have not yet registered for a Groupnet account please click New User to complete the registration process.
  • Once logged in, click Forms & Cards at the top of the page to access the various administration and claim forms available.

^ Top of Page