Coverage

This benefit provides additional amounts of life insurance to offer financial protection in the event of a death.

If a plan member or dependent dies while covered by this benefit, Blue Cross will pay the amount of the optional life benefit in effect at the time of death, subject to the conditions outlined in the group contract.

Amount of Coverage

The benefit is equal to the amount of optional life insurance selected by the plan member for themselves or their dependents, up to the maximum amount specified in the group policy.

Plan members may request a change in the amount of their coverage or their dependent’s coverage at any time. However, requests to increase coverage will not be granted without submission of proof of health.

Payment of Claims

Beneficiary

In the case of the plan member’s death, benefits will be paid directly to their beneficiary. In the case of a dependent’s death, all benefits are payable to the plan member.

Exclusions and Limitations

If the plan member’s or dependent’s death is a result of suicide while an amount of optional life insurance has been in effect for less than 24 consecutive months, the payment will be limited to the return of premiums paid to date.

When Coverage Ends

Coverage ends as specified in the provision of the group contract.

Right to Convert to Individual Coverage

A plan member has the right to purchase an individual life policy from Blue Cross if their optional life coverage terminates before the plan member reaches age 65 due to retirement, termination of employment or termination of coverage for the group or class of employees to which the plan member belongs.

On or before reaching age 65, a spouse residing in any province and a child who is a resident of Quebec also have the right to purchase an individual life policy from Blue Cross if their optional life insurance coverage terminates for one of the following reasons:

• death of the plan member
• termination of the plan member's life or plan member’s optional life coverage for a reason that entitles the plan member to convert their member life benefit to an individual policy or
• the spouse or child is no longer eligible for coverage as a dependent

Full details on terms and conditions of the converted policy may be found in the group contract.