Optional Life Insurance

You have the choice to buy Optional Life Insurance to protect your family and beneficiaries in the event of your premature death.

You are required to pay the cost of any optional life insurance coverage you elect using FlexDollars or by payroll deduction. If your beneficiaries receive insurance proceeds upon a death, the proceeds paid are not taxable.

The cost of optional life insurance for you is based on age-banded, smoker/non-smoker rates. You will see the cost when you enroll online in the flexible benefits program or on your customized enrolment form. Remember that premium rates increase for every 5 year age-band (ex. 45-49), therefore it is advisable to go on the site each year during the annual re-enrolment window.

Evidence Of Insurability

Insurance companies often require medical proof (or “evidence”) that a person is in good health at the time they apply for optional life insurance. Our insurer requires you to submit evidence of good health if:

• You apply for any Optional Life Insurance
• At a subsequent re-enrolment, you elect to increase your coverage amount.

If evidence of insurability is required, you need to complete a form and additional medical evidence may be required. If so, the insurer or one of its chosen medical providers will contact you directly.

Beneficiaries

You must designate a beneficiary for your Optional Life Insurance by completing the Declaration of Beneficiary form available from the Manulife Financial website at the time of enrolment.

On that form, you may designate as your beneficiary your spouse, your child(ren), another person or institution or your estate. You must specify the names of your beneficiaries and their relationship to you fully and clearly, and include their birthdates if there is any possibility of confusion. If you do not nominate a beneficiary, payment will be made to your estate.

It’s up to you to keep your beneficiary form up-to-date. Your current beneficiary designation (last dated form) will not be revoked or changed unless you submit a new form.

You are automatically the beneficiary for any optional spousal life insurance or dependent child life insurance you elect.