General Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I apply for any or all of the PSAC group insurance programs?
To apply for coverage for yourself and your family you must complete, sign and submit the application form available on this site. You have the option of selecting the PSAC Enhanced Coverage application, the PSAC Critical illness application, or the PSAC Free $10,000 application. Be sure to have your PSAC identification number indicated on the application form(s). This will facilitate the processing of your application(s).
2. If I am currently insured through one of the PSAC group insurance programs, how can my family and I benefit from additional coverage?
You can apply for additional coverage or increase your coverage level, provided you are a member in good standing with the union at the time of application. To apply for additional coverage for yourself and/or your family, your must complete, sign and submit an application form relating to the benefit you wish to add or increase. You have the option of selecting the PSAC Enhanced Coverage application, the PSAC Critical illness application, or the PSAC Free $10,000 application. Please note: When selecting an increase in coverage, the total level of coverage desired must be indicated.
3. Who is eligible for the PSAC Free $10,000 life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance?
All members in good standing with the union are eligible to apply for the PSAC Free $10,000 insurance coverage. This coverage is available for the member only; it remains in effect until you retire or leave the union or until you reach the age of 80, whichever occurs first. Be sure to have your PSAC identification number indicated on the application form. This will facilitate the processing of your application.
4. Once I have submitted my application form, how long will it take before my family and I are approved for PSAC Enhance coverage or PSAC Critical illness coverage?
Unless the insurer requests additional medical information, the average insurer response time is four to six weeks.
5. How do I change my beneficiary designation?
To change or add a beneficiary, you must complete and sign the Change of Beneficiary and Name Form. Please note that an irrevocable beneficiary designation requires the beneficiary's written consent prior to assigning a new beneficiary. If you are adding a beneficiary to one or those already elected, please list the names of all the beneficiaries on this form.
6. Once the coverage for my family and myself is approved, will the premiums change over the insured period of time?
For the PSAC Enhanced coverage and the PSAC Critical illness coverage, the premiums will increase when the insured person changes from one age category to another. The child coverage premium remains the same, regardless of the number of children insured.
7. What methods of payment are available?
Members who elect optional life insurance coverage or critical illness insurance coverage can have the premiums conveniently deducted from their pay. If this is not suitable, please contact the plan administrator to make alternative payments through monthly pre-authorized payments or by cheque. Should your payroll deductions cease for any reason, please contact the plan administrator immediately to make arrangements to ensure your coverage is not interrupted.
8. What is the procedure should I elect to cancel or reduce my level of coverage? Are there any cancellation fees associated with this action?
You may cancel or reduce all or part of the coverage for yourself and your family at any time. There is no cancellation fee associated with these types of requests. All requests for cancellations and/or reductions of coverage must be done in writing using the Benefit Change Form. Once completed and signed, the form may be faxed to our office at 613-231-2345 or, alternatively, it can be mailed to the attention of:
Coughlin & Associates Ltd.
PSAC Insurance Trust
PO Box 3518, Station C
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4G1
The change requested will become effective the first day of the month following the receipt of the request.
9. Under what conditions can I change my smoking status or the smoking status for my spouse?
If you or your spouse have not smoked for a period of 12 consecutive months, you are eligible to benefit form the non-smoker rates posted. You will need to complete and sign the Non-Smoking Declaration form found on this web site. Once completed and signed, the form may be faxed to our office at 613-231-2345 or, alternatively, it can be mailed to the attention of:
Coughlin & Associates Ltd.
PSAC Insurance Trust
PO Box 3518, Station C
Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4G1
The change requested will become effective the first day of the month following the receipt of the request.
10. What happens to my coverage if I am on sick leave or other temporary leave of absence? Does my coverage terminate?
In the event of a temporary leave of absence such as maternity leave, education leave or a leave of absence due to illness or injury, you must advise our office of your change in employment status. To maintain your coverage, your premium payments must be sent directly to our office. You will have the option of paying by cheque or by Pre-authorized payment. If you become disabled for a period of at least nine consecutive months, you may be eligible for the waiver of premium benefit offered under this plan. For more information about this benefit, please contact our office.
11. What happens to my coverage if I change employment or retire?
Does my coverage terminate? Once you are a member of the plan, your coverage remains in effect until the termination age set out by plan type (optional life or critical illness), provided the premiums are paid on time and in full. The premium payment must be made directly to our office; the deduction cannot be made through your monthly pension allocation payment. If you retire or leave the union, the PSAC Free $10,000 benefit terminates. Upon retirement, you may maintain the optional coverage level and/or critical illness coverage level. However, you cannot increase coverage for yourself or members of your family, add any dependant coverage or apply for a waiver of premium benefit due to illness or injury.
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