Your “Savvy Retiree” Newsletter for July 2026

To make it easier to read the articles, click on any of the titles below.

 

Travel Insurance  -  A Few Minutes of Verification Can Help You Avoid Significant Financial Consequences

Our travel insurance plan provides coverage of up to $5,000,000 for emergency medical expenses. While this amount may seem very high, it reflects the actual costs that can be incurred when receiving emergency medical care abroad.

 

For example, a hospital stay of just a few days in the United States following a heart attack can quickly cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In some cases, emergency medical repatriation by specialized air ambulance can also cost tens of thousands of dollars.

 

This is precisely why it is essential to fully understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance.

Real-Life Example

 

A plan member, aware that his health condition no longer met the eligibility requirements for travel insurance, nevertheless chose to travel abroad. During his trip, his condition worsened, and the medical resources available in the country he was visiting were not sufficient to provide the care he needed.

 

After being contacted, the insurer authorized his return to Quebec. However, because the travel insurance eligibility requirements had not been met before departure, the cost of medical repatriation was not covered.

 

The result: his medical repatriation cost nearly $100,000.

Before you travel, always take the time to ensure that your health condition meets the eligibility requirements of your travel insurance. A simple review before departure can help you avoid significant financial consequences.

 

 

A pre-existing medical condition does not necessarily prevent you from travelling.

Having a medical condition does not automatically mean that you cannot travel or that you will not be covered. However, many travel insurance benefits are subject to a medical stability requirement for a specified period before departure. An omission, inaccurate information, or an incomplete answer could result in a partial or complete denial of your claim.

 

The timing of your trip booking also matters.

Trip cancellation insurance is another aspect that is often overlooked.

 

For example, if you are already ill when you book your trip and proceed with the purchase hoping that your condition will improve before departure, your trip cancellation expenses may not be covered if your health does not improve.

 

As a general rule, travel insurance is not intended to cover situations that are already known at the time the trip is booked.

 

Key Takeaways

A pre-existing medical condition does not necessarily prevent you from travelling or from being insured. The key factors are the stability of your health condition, the accuracy of the information you provide, and the timing of your trip booking. These should always be carefully reviewed with your insurer before you travel.

 

If you have any doubts, it is strongly recommended that you contact Beneva before booking your trip or before you depart. Taking a few minutes to verify your coverage in advance can help you avoid significant financial consequences and allow you to travel with greater peace of mind.

Usual and Reasonable Charges: An Important Detail Not to Overlook

For certain expenses covered under the group insurance plan, reimbursement is based on usual and reasonable charges.

 

What Does This Mean?

 

For certain medical products and devices, the insurer determines an amount that it considers representative of the price generally charged in a specific region. Even when the item is covered under the plan, reimbursement is based on this reference amount.

 

Example: You purchase a pair of intraocular lenses or orthopedic shoes that cost more than the amount the insurer considers to be a usual and reasonable charge.

 

Even if the expense is covered under the plan, reimbursement will be based on the insurer's usual and reasonable charge. Any difference between the amount you paid and the recognized amount will remain your responsibility.

 

A Helpful Tip

Before purchasing a product, medical device, or service covered under the plan, it is recommended that you check with Beneva to confirm the amount recognized as the usual and reasonable charge. Taking this step can help you avoid an unexpected out-of-pocket expense when your claim is reimbursed.

 

In addition, whenever this provision applies, it is identified by a note in the At a Glance brochure.

Group Insurance Key Terms: Usual and Reasonable Charges

The Intermediate Plan: An Increasingly Popular Choice

The Intermediate Plan continues to gain popularity among plan members. To date, more than 1,000 members have enrolled in the plan.

 

During the special enrollment campaign, many members under the age of 65 took advantage of the opportunity to enhance their coverage by upgrading from the Basic Plan to the Intermediate Plan. This option was available until March 31.

 

In addition, many members aged 65 and over who were enrolled in the Enhanced Plan also chose to switch to the Intermediate Plan, as it better meets their current needs.

 

Did You Know? This decision is permanent.

Members aged 65 and over who are enrolled in the Enhanced Plan may, at any time, choose to reduce their coverage by switching to either the Intermediate Plan or the Basic Plan.

 

However, it is important to carefully consider the implications of this decision. Choosing to leave the Enhanced Plan is permanent. Once the change has been made, you cannot re-enroll in the Enhanced Plan.

 

Before requesting a change in coverage, take the time to assess your current and future needs, particularly with respect to travel insurance, medical expenses, and the other benefits provided under the plan.

 

If you would like more information before making your decision, do not hesitate to contact Beneva's Customer Service

at 1-888-651-8181.

In the Event of Death: What Happens to Your Spouse's Insurance Coverage?

When a plan member passes away, several administrative steps must be completed during what is already a very difficult time for the family and loved ones.

 

However, an important provision of the insurance plan is often overlooked: coverage for the surviving spouse and eligible dependants does not necessarily end upon the member's death, but prompt action must be taken to maintain that coverage.

A 90-Day Deadline Applies  -  After this deadline, important coverage rights may be lost.

Important Information You Should Know Now

 

If your spouse, dependent children, or a dependent with a functional disability are covered under the plan on the day before your death, it may be possible, depending on the ages of both the plan member and the spouse, to:

  • convert this coverage to an individual Privilège insurance policy;

  • or maintain the existing coverage.

 

However, an application must be submitted to the insurer within 90 days of the member's death.

 

If the deceased plan member was under age 65

The surviving spouse, dependent children, and any covered dependent with a functional disability may apply to convert their coverage to an individual Privilège insurance policy and enroll in the RAMQ prescription drug plan, regardless of age, provided they are not eligible for another group insurance plan.

 

If the deceased plan member was age 65 or older

Two situations may then arise.

If the surviving spouse is under age 65: The coverage may be converted to an individual Privilège insurance policy. The spouse must also enroll in the RAMQ prescription drug plan, regardless of age, provided they are not eligible for another group insurance plan.

 

If the surviving spouse is age 65 or older: The existing coverage may be maintained for all benefits other than those related to prescription drugs covered under the RAMQ drug plan. In this situation, the surviving spouse becomes the new plan member and is responsible for paying the required premiums.

 

Why Is It Important to Know This Now?

In the weeks following a death, family members are often faced with numerous administrative tasks and important decisions. As a result, the 90-day deadline can easily be overlooked.

 

For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you inform your spouse about this provision of the plan today. A simple conversation now could spare them unnecessary worry and additional administrative burdens during an already difficult time.

The CCR Retiree Representatives and your Coordinator wish you a wonderful summer!

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