Group CI Coverage

What is group critical illness insurance?

Group critical illness insurance is available to cover a variety of critical conditions.  Each plan provides a one-time, lump-sum payment if a member is diagnosed with one of the covered critical conditions, after the effective date of coverage, and survives a specified amount of time (usually 30 days).  This coverage differs from disability insurance as it is paid to a member regardless of whether he or she is able to work.

What are the features of group critical illness insurance?

• Freedom from spending restrictions - How members spend the benefit payment is entirely up to them. Members may use the benefit to cover expenses not covered by provincial health care or group health care insurance plans, or to help pay for the expense of home modifications or additional medical equipment if needed. They may also use the benefit to supplement income if a loved one needs to take time off work to care for them and their family.

• The coverage is portable - Should your member leave your group plan, in most cases they can maintain up to $100,000 of the group critical illness insurance coverage by notifying the carrier within 30 days of leaving the group plan.

• Living benefit - The lump-sum benefit is paid even if the member makes a full recovery.

• Best Doctors® - Best Doctors is a feature available under most Group Critical Illness Insurance plans.  Adding more value to the plan, Group Critical Illness Insurance can provide the member with a financial benefit payout and access to medical services to help assist members in their assessment and recovery plan.

What is Best Doctors?
Using its global database of over 50,000 peer-nominated specialists, Best Doctors provides insured members, their spouse and dependent children with access to medical knowledge from around the world.
Should a member be diagnosed with, or suspect they suffer from, a serious medical condition1, they will be connected with a Member Advocate, a Registered Nurse, who will be dedicated to their case and will provide support throughout the entire Best Doctors process. Members will have access to the following services:

• InterConsultation™ - an in-depth review of member’s medical files to confirm diagnosis and treatment options. The InterConsultation process can help your member’s treating physician determine the proper course of action.
• FindBestDoc™ - a customized search of the Best Doctors database of 50,000 specialists to refer the best qualified medical expert to help to meet the member’s specific needs. Best Doctors will arrange a referral2, necessary appointments and can help book accommodations if out-of-town travel is required3.
• FindBestCare™ - access to hospital and doctor discounts if out-of-country care is necessary. Best Doctors will ensure vital information is sent to the medical specialist involved and will continually monitor the member’s treatment process to help ensure their medical priorities are met. If the member needs to travel away from home to receive medical treatment, Best Doctors can assist with reservations and accommodations3.
• Best Doctors 360o ™ - a unique program designed to help members navigate the healthcare system by providing one-on-one support, customized advice and guidance personally delivered to each member.