To perform a Spousal Transfer, we require written notification from the member indicating the reason they wish to cancel their spouse from the coverage. If we receive a request to cancel a spouse because of a divorce or separation, we will cancel for the end of the month where all appropriate documentation is received.
The written notification must be sent to Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca and indicate the following information
Policy number
Reason for cancellation
New contact information for both members
If the request is from the Policyholder:
Indicate the spouse will be transferred off the plan once all the above details are received.
If the policy includes dependents, written notification must specifically request their removal if they are to be transferred to the new policy with the spouse that is being split from the policy.
If the request if from the Spouse:
Indicate they will be transferred to their own policy maintaining the same level of coverage once all the required documentation is received.
If the policy includes dependents, written notification must specifically request their removal and must be signed by the Policyholder if they are to be transferred with the spouse. Only mail of fax is acceptable in this circumstance.
Reminders:
If the policyholder pays monthly, a new Pre-authorized Debit Agreement Form and void cheque is required from the policyholder, regardless of whether their banking information has changed during this transition.
If the spouse wishes to pay for their new policy monthly, a Pre-authorized Debit Agreement Form will also be required for them.
Similar to monthly payment, if there is Direct Deposit for claims reimbursement, it will be canceled on the policy and the customer continuing with the policy will need to provide new banking information through a new Direct Deposit Agreement Form and void cheque.
If your client advised you their dependent is no longer a full-time student, enrolled in an accredited education institution please email Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca to advise.
If a policy includes dependents age 18 and over, a members renewal notice will remind them to make any changes if eligibility requirements are no longer met.
Dependents turning 25 will automatically be transferred to their own plan at the next renewal date.
Example:
Dependent’s date of birth is February 4, 1998. On February 4, 2023 the dependent turns 25.
Policy renewal date is April 1.
On the April 1, 2023 renewal, the dependent will automatically be transferred to their own plan. A policy and letter will be generated and mailed to the policyholder of the new plan.
The dependent will have coverage until March 31, 2023.
Student Transfer
The student will be removed from the parent policy at the renewal date following their 25th birthday. At this time, a policy letter will be generated and mailed to the transferring student who would be moved to their own policy, holding the same coverage as was held on their parents’ policy, without medical underwriting. The notice will indicate the required information needed to continue the coverage. If the student is adequately covered under another policy, and they choose to not continue with a Saskatchewan Blue Cross Personal Health Plan, they would be required to contact our office and advise us the coverage is not required.
Remind the student, should they require coverage in the future, they can apply at any time, however, a review of medical history at the time of application would be required, which may result in exclusions, higher ratings or a decline in coverage.
If the dependent is NO LONGER a resident of Saskatchewan
Written notification sent to Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca required to remove the dependent. Coverage will be canceled for the end of the month the written notification is received.
Combining Blue Choice, Conversion or Guaranteed Acceptance Plans
Both policies must be active
Both policies must be the exact same product (Ex. Blue Choice & Blue Choice)
Policyholders must be married or living common-law
If one of the policies has lapsed longer than 60 days or has been canceled, the active Policyholder will have to complete the medical questionnaire and be reviewed in order to add spouse/dependent child(ren) onto the policy.
An application can be completed online to add the individual (see "How to Add a Spouse/Dependent to an Existing Policy").
Both policies must hold the same levels of coverage.
If level of coverage is different, application and acceptance for additional benefits is required prior combining the policies. If any benefits being added are medically underwritten, complete a Personal Health Plan application for coverage for the person to be re-added. The applicant’s medical history will be reviewed in order to add spouse/dependent child(ren) onto the policy.
An application can be completed online to add the individual (see "How to Add a Spouse/Dependent to an Existing Policy").
Send an email to Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca to advise of the combining of policies required.
Re-combining Student/Spouse Transfers (Back to Parent/Spouse Policy)
If the student/spouse’s policy had been lapsed for more than 60 days or was canceled, the parent/spouse will have to complete a Personal Health Plan application for coverage.
If the client requests that a previous dependent child/spouse transferred from their plan be re-combined to their policy as a student dependent/spouse, confirm the following criteria:
Dependent is a full-time student attending 3 of more classes and
Attending courses through an accredited institution
Is unmarried (only applied to a student being re-combined)
Original transfer policy is still active
Both policies must hold the same level of coverage
Send an email to Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca to advise of the combining of policies required.
Termination Request Process – Reminder for Advisors
If a member needs to cancel a policy, remove an optional benefit, take a dependent off their plan, or report a policyholder’s passing, a written request is required. This can be submitted via letter, email or through their members portal or app.
Paper-based requests must include the date the request was written.
Electronic requests (email or digital document submissions) will be considered submitted based on the date they are received.
All termination requests follow the same process. A written request must be sent to our office, and coverage will end at the end of the following month.
This section outlines the steps for assisting a customer who has previously canceled their Blue Choice or Conversion Plan and wishes to reinstate their coverage following their initial decision to cancel.
We are able to reinstate the policy. If the client pays:
With Monthly Payments
A new Pre-authorized Debit Agreement and void cheque is not required unless the banking information has changed.
With Annual Payments
Please contact Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca to determine the number of months left until renewal and confirm payment required.
Contact Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca to reinstate, providing the customer’s name, policy number and contact information.
Contact Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca and advise the customer we will review the possibility of reinstating the policy, and we will contact them back.
Please provide the customers names, policy number, contact information and a brief description that the member is requesting their policy be reinstated.
We are unable to reinstate the policy. Customer will need to reapply for coverage based of their current medical information.
If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact Brokers@sk.bluecross.ca with the client’s name, policy number, contact information and a brief description that the member is requesting their policy be reinstated.
The renewal date is one year from the effective date noted on the client’s identification card or in their online Member Portal. Approximately 45 days prior to the renewal date of the policy, your client will receive a Renewal Notice Letter advising them of the amount owing to renew their Saskatchewan Blue Cross policy.
Annual premium payments can be made online through the clients Member Portal.
Keeping current with your clients
Your clients’ experiences are rapidly evolving. As life changes, so does one’s insurance needs. Touching base and providing meaningful value to your client’s Personal Health Plan is the first step in delivering a superior customer experience.
What’s new? What do your clients need to know? Review the Personal Health Plan Checklist with your client and to ensure they have the right coverage for their needs, life stage, budget and risk tolerance.