ScotiaLife Accident Hospitalization Insurance FAQs

We've compiled a list of commonly asked questions about ScotiaLife® Accident Hospitalization Insurance.

Questions

1. Who can apply for the ScotiaLife Accident Hospitalization Insurance?
2. I already have accident insurance. Why do I need more?
3. Won't my provincial health insurance take care of me if I'm hospitalized due to an accident?
4. When does my coverage begin?
5. When does my coverage end?
6. Is there a total maximum benefit?
7. Will my rates increase if I've made a claim or my health changes?
8. What if I change my mind after buying this Accident Hospitalization Insurance?
9. Can I buy Accident Hospitalization Insurance at my branch?
10. What is the definition of spouse?
11. How do I contact Scotia Life Insurance Company?

Answers

1. Who can apply for the ScotiaLife Accident Hospitalization Insurance?
   Scotiabank customers and their spouses who are between the ages of 18 and 69, and are Canadian residents.
2. I already have accident insurance. Why do I need more?
   Each year, over 198,000 hospital stays in Canada are due to injuries suffered in accidents (2003 National Trauma Registry Report - Hospital Injury Admissions). Many accident insurance plans will pay a cash benefit if you die as a result of an accident. ScotiaLife Accident Hospitalization Insurance gives you and your family extra protection by paying benefits if you survive a covered accident and are hospitalized for a minimum of 12 consecutive hours up to a maximum of one full year.
3. Won't my provincial health insurance take care of me if I'm hospitalized due to an accident?
   Your provincial healthcare plan will cover your doctor and hospital fees. But what about all those other "extra expenses," such as parking, babysitting, a private or semi-private room, and the income you're losing while you're in the hospital? With ScotiaLife Accident Hospitalization Insurance, you get a cash benefit to spend any way you choose for each day you're hospitalized due to a covered accident. This tax-free benefit is paid up to a maximum of 365 days, with a minimum hospital stay requirement of 12 consecutive hours.
4. When does my coverage begin?
   Provided your first premium has been paid, your coverage begins on the date stated on your Certificate Schedule. 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 insurance is effective until the certificate anniversary immediately following your 80th birthday. However, your benefit is reduced by 25% at age 65 and by 50% at age 70.
   Your coverage will also end automatically on any of the following:
   • the date the 30-day grace period for an unpaid premium expires;
   • for an insured spouse, the date the insured spouse ceases to be a spouse of the insured Scotiabank customer;
   • the date you cease to be a resident in Canada;
   • the date we receive your written request to cancel your coverage; or
   • the date you are notified in writing that the Group Policy is terminated.
6. Is there a total maximum benefit?
   For each Hospital Stay for a covered accident, the total maximum coverage per insured is $300 a day for up to 365 days. The daily benefit is doubled for intensive care stays in Canada (up to 365 days) or for emergency hospitalization (up to 30 days) outside Canada but in the United States, Mexico, Europe or the Caribbean. The maximum amount is reduced to 75% (or $225) at age 65 and to 50% (or $150) at age 70.
7. Will my rates increase if I've made a claim or my health changes?
   No, once you've enrolled, your rates are guaranteed never to increase - regardless of any changes in your health or the number of claims you make.
8. What if I change my mind after buying this Accident Hospitalization 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 tell us in writing, indicating your name, Certificate of Insurance number and the date you wish to cancel your coverage. We'll refund any premiums you've 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 Accident Hospitalization Insurance at my branch?
   No, ScotiaLife Accident Hospitalization Insurance is available only from Scotia Life Insurance Company, not in Scotiabank branches.
10. What is the definition of spouse?
    To be an insured spouse, you must be either legally married to the insured Scotiabank customer, or residing together in a conjugal relationship with the insured Scotiabank customer for at least one continuous year.
11. How do I contact Scotia Life Insurance Company?
    You can contact us toll-free by phone at 1-800-387-9844, or by fax at 1-800-647-8129. Or mail us at:
    

    Scotia Life Insurance Company
    100 Yonge Street, Suite 400
    Toronto, ON M5H 1H1