Continuation of Coverage
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Continuation of coverage for employees who are not at work
Coverage during a layoff or leave of absence
In the event of a layoff or an approved leave of absence, an employee’s group life insurance typically can be continued for up to 3 consecutive months provided the employer pays the required premium when due. Continuation of coverage time periods, insurance benefits and requirements may vary and you should always check the group’s certificate and/or policy for specific information.
If the employee has not returned to active work at the end of the continuation period, the employee’s insurance coverage will be terminated. The employer should stop paying premiums. The employee will have the right to convert their group life insurance to an individual policy, as described in the group’s certificate.
Group life insurance coverages that can be continued during a layoff or leave of absence include group term life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), optional group term life insurance, optional accidental death and dismemberment and group term life insurance for dependents. Generally, a conversion privilege is available only for the term life insurance coverages listed, not for accidental death and dismemberment coverages.
Coverage during a disability
If a covered employee is no longer actively at work due to a sickness or injury, the employee’s coverage under the group plan typically can be continued for up to 6 consecutive months provided the employer pays the required premium when due. Continuation of coverage time periods, insurance benefits and requirements may vary and you should always check the group’s certificate and/or policy for specific information.
If the employee has not returned to active work at the end of the continuation period, the employee’s insurance coverage will be terminated. The employer should stop paying premiums. The employee will have the right to convert their group life insurance to an individual policy, as described in the group’s certificate.
If the employee is totally disabled and the group plan includes waiver of premium benefits for group term life insurance or optional group term life insurance, that life insurance may be continued as described in the group’s certificate. Generally, waiver of premium benefits are available only if the total disability began before age 60.
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