The plan provides an opportunity to purchase group life insurance. The insurance is payable in the event of death from any cause while in Simon Fraser University's employ, other than suicide occurring within two years of the effective date of coverage. There is no cash value upon termination, however, conversion privileges are available. If converting to an individual plan, conversion must be applied for and in place within 30 days of termination of the group coverage.

Who is Eligible to Join?

Both the employee and their spouse (including common-law or same sex spouse after cohabiting for one year) are eligible to apply for coverage providing the employee is continuing and works at least twenty-eight (28) hours biweekly.

Amount of Coverage Available

The insurance is available in units of $25,000 to a maximum of $400,000 for the employee and a maximum of $250,000 for the spouse.

For detailed information on monthly premiums, please refer to Employee and Spouse Optional Group Life Insurance - Monthly Premiums.

How to Apply

Complete the Manulife Group Benefits Application and Evidence of Insurability for Optional Life Insurance form and submit to Manulife Financial.

Will a Medical be Required?

The underwriters of the plan will correspond directly with the employee if a medical record is required.

When will Coverage be Effective?

The date your application is approved by the underwriters of the insurance policy.

How are Premiums Paid?

The premiums will be deducted monthly from the first pay of each month.

How to Qualify as a Non-Smoker

You and your spouse qualify as a non-smoker if you have not smoked in the last twelve months. If you have smoked during this period, but claim otherwise, your insurance will be void. If you or your spouse are paying smoker rates and have not smoked in the last twelve months, please complete the Optional Life Insurance Non-Smoking Declaration form and return to benefits@sfu.ca.

When will Coverage End?

The insurance for the member will cease on the earliest of the following events:

• The date your employment ends
• The last day of the month before the month in which you reach age 70
• The last day of the month in which a premium has been paid

The insurance for the spouse will cease on the earliest of the following events:

• The date your employment ends
• The last day of the month before the month your spouse reaches age 70
  
• The last day of the month in which a premium has been paid

Who Can be Named as Beneficiary?

a) Any person(s) or organization (charity, church, university etc.) can be named as beneficiary. If appointing a beneficiary under the age of majority, a declaration appointing a trustee must also be completed.
b) The member is the designated beneficiary of spousal insurance.