ScotiaLife Hospitalization Insurance FAQs

We've compiled a list of commonly asked questions about ScotiaLife® Hospitalization Insurance. For more details, call us toll-free at 1-800-387-9844 between 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday to Friday.

Questions

1. Who can enrol for ScotiaLife Hospitalization Insurance?
2. What is the definition of dependant child?
3. Won't my provincial health insurance cover me if I'm hospitalized due to an accident or sickness?
4. When does my coverage begin?
5. When does my coverage end?
6. Will my coverage ever be reduced?
7. Is there a total maximum benefit payable?
8. What if I change my mind after buying this insurance?
9. Can I buy ScotiaLife Hospitalization Insurance at my bank branch?
10. What is the definition of spouse?
11. How much does coverage cost?
12. How do I contact Scotia Life Insurance Company?

Answers

1. Who can enrol for ScotiaLife Hospitalization Insurance?
   Scotiabank customers and their spouses who are 18 to 70 years of age and Canadian residents. Coverage for a dependant child is also available.
   
2. What is the definition of dependant child?
   Dependant child means any natural child, stepchild or legally adopted child of an insured or an insured spouse who is residing in Canada and between 30 days and 18 years of age, or 23 years of age if in full-time attendance at an accredited institute, college or university in Canada. A dependant child does not include a person who is married or in any other formal union recognized by law.
3. Won't my provincial health insurance cover me if I'm hospitalized due to an accident or sickness?
   Your provincial healthcare plan will cover your doctor and hospital fees. Hospitalization insurance helps take care of all those other "extra expenses", such as parking, babysitting, telephone, private or semi-private room, or the income you may be losing while you're in the hospital. With ScotiaLife Hospitalization Insurance, you get a cash benefit to spend any way you choose for each day you're hospitalized due to a covered accident or sickness. The benefit is paid up to a maximum of 365 days per incident, with a minimum hospital stay requirement of at least 2 full days (48 consecutive hours).
4. When does my coverage begin?
   Provided your first premium has been paid, your coverage begins on the certificate date stated on your Certificate Schedule, which will be mailed to you upon enrolment. We give you 30 days to review your plan. Should you decide, for any reason, to cancel your coverage within 30 days of receiving your Certificate of Insurance, we will refund any premiums you may have paid.
5. When does my coverage end?
   Your coverage will end on the earliest of the following:
   
   1. the certificate anniversary date on or immediately following your 75th birthday;
   2. the date the group policy terminates;
   3. the date the 30-day grace period expires for an unpaid premium;
   4. the date that we receive your request to cancel your coverage;
   5. for an insured spouse, the date that he or she ceases to be a spouse of the insured;
   6. in respect of a dependant child, when he or she no longer qualifies under the definition of dependant child;
   7. the date that you no longer reside in Canada;
   8. the date of your death.
6. Will my coverage ever be reduced?
   Your daily benefit amount will be reduced by 50% starting on your 65th birthday. For example, a $100 daily benefit amount would be reduced to $50 per day beginning on your 65th birthday.
7. Is there a total maximum benefit payable?
   The maximum benefit payable per incident (including the home recovery benefit) is for 365 days. There is no lifetime maximum.
8. What if I change my mind after buying this insurance?
   To ensure you're 100% satisfied, we give you 30 days after receiving your Certificate of Insurance to review the plan details. If you decide to cancel within this review period, simply inform us in writing. We'll refund any premiums you may have paid – with no hassle and no questions asked. You may also cancel any time after the 30-day review period, but no premiums will be refunded.
9. Can I buy ScotiaLife Hospitalization Insurance at my bank branch?
   No, ScotiaLife Hospitalization Insurance is available only from Scotia Life Insurance Company. It is not available in Scotiabank branches. To obtain a quote or information package, call toll-free 1-800-387-9844, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
10. What is the definition of spouse?
    Spouse means a person who:
    
    1. is legally married to another person; or
    2. is not legally married but resides together with an adult person, regardless of gender, in the same household in a publicly represented conjugal relationship for a continuous period of at least one year, or longer if required by applicable law.
11. How much does coverage cost?
    Rates vary depending on the daily benefit amount chosen ($100, $150, $200 or $250); the type of coverage you select (insured, insured spouse or dependant child); and your age or your spouse's age. For coverage for an insured and insured spouse, premiums are based on the age of the eldest insured person.
    To obtain a quote or information package, call toll-free 1-800-387-9844, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
12. How do I contact Scotia Life Insurance Company?
    

    Phone Toll-Free: 1-800-387-9844
    Fax Toll-Free: 1-800-647-8129
    Mail: Scotia Life Insurance Company
    100 Yonge Street, Suite 400
    Toronto, ON M5H 1H1