ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance FAQs

We've compiled a list of commonly asked questions about ScotiaLife® Critical Illness Insurance. For more details, call us toll free at 1-866-292-3512 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday to Friday.

Questions

1. Who can apply for ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance?
2. What is the definition of spouse?
3. What happens if the insured person passes away?
4. Will I have to complete any medical underwriting before being approved?
5. What is the difference between critical illness insurance and long-term disability insurance?
6. What is the survival period?
7. What if I'm approved for coverage but then decide to cancel?
8. Can I cancel my coverage at any time?
9. When does my ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance coverage become effective?
10. What is not covered by this plan?
11. When will my coverage end?

Answers

1. Who can apply for ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance?
   You are eligible to apply for ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance if:
   
   1. You are at least 18 years of age and under age 65, and
   2. You are a Scotiabank Group customer or the spouse of a Scotiabank Group customer, and
   3. You are a Canadian resident.
2. What is the definition of spouse?
   Spouse means a legally married person of the same or opposite sex with whom you have been cohabiting for at least one year.
3. What happens if the insured person passes away?
   The benefit payout will only be made if the insured person survives 30 days or longer after the date of diagnosis of a Covered Critical Illness and the claim is approved by our underwriter, Sun Life.
4. Will I have to complete any medical underwriting before being approved?
   Yes, ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance coverage is subject to satisfactory proof of good health. You and your spouse, if applying, must complete a medical questionnaire, which will be assessed by our underwriter, Sun Life, to determine if coverage may be issued. A shorter questionnaire is used if you choose the minimum coverage option of $25,000; any higher amount will require answering additional sections on the application.
5. What is the difference between critical illness insurance and long-term disability insurance?
   Critical illness insurance makes a lump-sum payment to an insured person who is diagnosed with one of the Covered Critical Illnesses ( 500 kb). It is a one-time payment of the full benefit amount. Disability insurance is designed to be an income replacement benefit, which is paid over a period of time when an insured person is unable to work due to a disability or illness. Critical illness insurance and long-term disability insurance complement one another rather than replace each other.
6. What is the survival period?
   The survival period is the minimum number of consecutive days immediately following the date of diagnosis or surgery that an insured person must survive before a Covered Critical Illness benefit may become payable. For ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance, the survival period is 30 days.
7. What if I'm approved for coverage but then decide to cancel?
   You can review your new coverage for 30 days with a money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied, for any reason, simply return your Certificate of Insurance within 30 days of receiving your Certificate of Insurance. Any premiums already paid will be refunded - no questions asked.
8. Can I cancel my coverage at any time?
   Yes, coverage can be terminated by submitting a written request to our underwriter, Sun Life. Your coverage will be cancelled effective the first day of the following month after we receive your request in writing, unless we receive your request on the first day of the month, in which case your coverage will be cancelled effective that date.
9. When does my ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance coverage become effective?
   Your ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance coverage comes into effect on the date your application is approved by our underwriter, Sun Life. Billing commences on the first business day of the month following your approval.
10. What is not covered by this plan?
    No benefits are payable under the Group Policy for any illness, disorder or surgery that is excluded or omitted from the Covered Critical Illnesses as contained in the Group Policy. For more information, see the Definitions, Exclusions and Terminations brochure ( 500 kb) or your Certificate of Insurance. In addition, no benefits are payable for claims resulting directly or indirectly from any of the following:
    
    • intentionally self-inflicted injury or attempted suicide, while sane or insane;
    • the hostile action of any armed forces, insurrection or participation in a riot or civil commotion;
    • participation in a criminal offence;
    • use of illegal or illicit drugs or substances, or misuse of drugs or alcohol;
    • the death of the insured person during the required survival period;
11. When will my coverage end?
    Your coverage will end on the earliest of the following:
    
    • the first day of the month coinciding with, or next following, your seventieth (70th) birthday;
    • the date your premium is due, if you fail to pay the premium required to keep your coverage in force, subject to the grace period;
    • the first day of the month coinciding with, or next following, the date we receive your request in writing to cancel your coverage;
    • the date you cease to be a resident of Canada;
    • the date the Group Policy terminates;
    • the date a ScotiaLife Critical Illness Insurance benefit is paid; or
    • the date of your death.