Get It Now

Modernist theme

Netus et malesuada fames ac. Eget gravida cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis.

FB. PIN. BE. INST. TW.
Image Alt

Group Insurance

Contract 1011
  |  Group Insurance

AREF is the policyholder of an exclusive group insurance contract with Beneva. AREF membership is mandatory to be covered under this plan.

Overview      *      Enrolment      *      Documents      *      FAQ

Perks

Participatory Management of the Plan

Contract 1011 allows for participatory management where AREF Insurance Committee can periodically consult with the Insurer about contract issues. The committee annually receives a contract review. With the help of an actuary, insurance rates for the new year are negotiated with the Insurer.

The insurance coverage can be modified according to the needs of AREF members, as voiced at the AGM, and taking into consideration the cost it may involve.

Please see “AREF’ Role” for further details.

Representation Before the Insurer

AREF’s Insurance Committee can intervene in case of dispute between a member and the Insurer.

*No other insurance company or contract offer this possibility because the insurance company is sole policyholder and the insured is alone to defend themself.
Reasonable Premiums

The rates for supplementary health benefits are the same for everyone, regardless of age, contrary to most other contracts offered by insurance companies or other associations.

Please see “Overview of the Benefits” for further details.

*Since 2021, AREF has been absorbing a percentage of the premium increase proposed by the Insurer to reduce the impact of the increase on its members.
Long-Term Travel Insurance

Credits cards often cover a very limited time period whereas contract 1011 covers up to 182 days per year, which is the duration of coverage under the Quebec health insurance plan.

Furthermore, the cost of an individual travel insurance plan is by far more expensive than the $30 membership fee of AREF.

*
As of November 2020, coverage is limited to 30 days per trip for destinations covered under an advisory issued by the Government of Canada “to avoid all non-essential travel”. 

role

AREF's Role

AREF’s Insurance Committee is made up of elected members and represents members before the Insurer.

It has the following responsibilities:

・Managing the insurance plan according to the needs expressed by members,  taking into consideration the cost it may involved and the recommandations of an actuary.

・Negotiating insurance premiums with the Insurer on a yearly basis to maintain a reasonable level to all.

・Dealing with contentious cases involving the Insurer.

overview

Overview of the Benefits

Details of coverage and rates can be found in the document “Schedule of coverage and rates“, updated every year.
Health Insurance

Health insurance is supplemental and does not provide for the reimbursement of prescription drugs on the RAMQ list. Everyone who enrols must register with the RAMQ plan.

However, persons under age 65 who are eligible under another group insurance plan (for example spousal coverage) that reimburse prescription drugs on the RAMQ list must participate in that other plan.
*Rates and benefits are the same for everyone, regardless of age. There are but two categories: individual and family.
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is included in the health insurance benefit and cannot be taken out separately. Two travel insurance duration options are offered:

182-Day Option

Insured persons are covered for up to 182 days per trip or for as long as they are covered by the public health insurance plan of their province of residence.

 

60-Day Option

The insured person is covered for up to 60 days per trip.

*Travel insurance services (assistance service for health expenses incurred following an emergency and trip cancellation) are provided by CanAssistance.
Life Insurance

Four benefits are available in life insurance:

・Participant’s Basic Life Insurance

・Participant’s Optional Life Insurance

・Dependents’ Basic Life Insurance

・Spouse’s Optional Life Insurance

*Rates vary according to age group or gender.

situation

Enrolment

Please click on the option that best describes your situation for further details.

The form “Group Insurance Application and Modifications” can be found on Beneva’s website.

You can find details to help you complete each section of the form in this document.

documents

arefneq_assurance-collective_beneva
BENEVA

Group Insurance

Access documents related to the group insurance contract between AREF and Beneva.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility
I retired several years ago and I did not apply for contract 1011 at that time. Am I still eligible?

You cannot enrol in life insurance after the 30-day period after your retirement date.

You may enrol in health insurance if you were insured under another group health insurance contract. However, you must submit your application form within 30 days following the termination of your other group insurance contract.

I am retiring and I am currently covered under my spouse's insurance plan. Will I be eligible for contract 1011 insurance when I will no longer be covered with my spouse?

Yes, you may enrol in health insurance within 30 days following the termination of your spousal coverage. Please note however that you may only enrol in life insurance at the time of your retirement.

I am retiring and I am currently covered under my spouse's insurance plan. May I enrol in group insurance 1011 in addition to my current coverage?

Yes, you may be covered under two different insurance plans. You must submit your application form within 30 days following the date of your retirement and include a copy of recent document confirming your other insurance coverage.

Does my spouse also need to join AREF to benefit from group insurance 1011?

No, only participants must join AREF, not their dependents.

Enrolment
Is it mandatory to enrol in the group insurance plan as a retiree?

No, enrolment in health insurance coverage and life insurance is optional. However, the decision to not enrol is irrevocable.

Do I need my AREF membership number before I can send my group insurance application?

No, you may send both your AREF and group insurance applications at the same time.

Should I send a copy of my application directly to Beneva?

No. Your application must first be signed by an authorized representative of AREF before being forwarded to the Insurer.

Can an electronic signature be used to sign the application form?

Yes, you can use the e-signature option of your PDF reader, an electronic pen, or you can upload an image of your signature.

How can I pay the premiums?

Premiums are paid monthly. There are three options for payment: preauthorized debit agreement, deductions from your pension or payment by cheque. Use the application form (section 10) to select an option.

How long does it take for an application or modifications request to be processed?

The average processing time is 10 to 15 business days. Please note that if you send your request in advance, you will not receive a confirmation prior to the date on which your coverage takes effect.

Will I receive a confirmation of my application or modifications request?

Yes, a written confirmation of coverage issued by the Insurer will be mailed to you when your request has been processed.

Benefits
Does contract 1011 provide for the reimbursement of dental care?

No, the health insurance benefit does not include dental care due to the high premiums associated with this coverage.

Does contract 1011 provide for the reimbursement of eyeglasses and vision tests?

No, the health insurance benefit does not include eyeglasses and vision tests due to the high premiums associated with this coverage. Please note however that vision tests are covered by RAMQ for people 65 years of age and older.

Can I apply for travel insurance only?

No, travel insurance is included in the health insurance benefit and cannot be taken out separately.

I am a member of AREF. Who should I contact if I want to propose changes to contract 1011's benefits?

The AGM is the best place to present your suggestions for insurance benefits improvements, when AREF Insurance Committee presents its annual report.

Your propositions can also be sent in writing (email or mail). They will be discussed and negotiated with the Insurer by the Insurance Committee.

Questions, Comments and Dissatisfaction
Who should I contact if I have questions, comments or dissatisfaction regarding a claim?

Please contact Beneva Customer Service directly: 1 888 235-0606.

If you were not satisfied with the answer you received in the previous step, you can request a review of the decision. Your request will be forwarded to someone who holds a senior position and is tasked with analyzing the situation. This individual will contact you to inform you of the decision.

Visit Beneva’s website for further information regarding their Complaint Handling and Dispute Resolution Process.

Who can I contact about travel insurance?

Please contact CanAssistance directly using the telephone number on the back of your insurance card.

You can also visit their website for travel advice and other useful information.