Your “Savvy Retiree” Newsletter for March 2026
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International tensions and conflicts can evolve quickly and, in a short time, change the travel conditions of a destination. Before booking a trip or leaving the country, it is essential to take a few precautions.
Before booking: check official information
- Consult your travel agency or your carrier to obtain the most up-to-date information on the local situation and entry requirements.
- Check the travel advisories published by the Government of Canada.
- Consult the travel recommendations issued by Global Affairs Canada.
These advisories may highlight risks related to safety, access to health care, or the availability of transportation, including connections and stopovers.
Before departure: understand your travel insurance coverage
- Review the exclusions that may apply in the event of a conflict or an official warning. The table of contents in your group insurance booklet allows you to quickly locate the relevant information, particularly in section 3, which outlines exclusions, limitations, and coordination rules.
- Keep in mind that access to health care and medical evacuation may become more complex when tensions are ongoing in other countries.
Even with adequate coverage, certain situations (airspace closures, government restrictions, interruption of local services) may result in delays or constraints beyond the control of insurers.
Registration of Canadians Abroad
It is strongly recommended that you register, before departure, with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service offered by the Government of Canada.
This step allows Canadian authorities to contact you in case of an emergency or a significant change in the situation in the country you are visiting.
Travel remains an enriching experience. However, in the current context, caution and reliable information are your best protections.
A few checks before departure can make all the difference.
We confirm that the requirement for a medical prescription for massage therapy has been removed. This change is retroactive to January 1, 2026.
All insured members who have submitted a claim since January 1, 2026, and whose claim was denied due to the absence of a medical prescription will be automatically corrected. No additional action will be required from the insured members, and they will receive their reimbursement.
Deadline: March 31, 2026 / Click here to view the comple documentation
Members currently enrolled in the basic plan have until March 31 to transfer to the intermediate plan.
After this date, the next opportunity to modify your coverage (from basic to intermediate or to enhanced) will be at your 65th birthday. We encourage affected members to carefully review their needs before this deadline.
Important rules to know
Members enrolled in the basic plan
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May transfer to the intermediate plan until March 31, 2026.
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After this date, a plan change will only be possible at the 65th birthday.
Members enrolled in the enhanced plan
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May, at any time, reduce their coverage to the intermediate plan or the basic plan.
Important – Coverage Status
It is possible to modify your health and accident insurance plan (basic, intermediate, or enhanced) according to the applicable rules.
However, the coverage status (individual, single-parent, family) is governed by separate rules.
According to the documentation provided to insured members:
When a retired member reaches 65 years of age, they are allowed to increase their health and accident insurance plan.
However, reaching age 65 does not allow a change in coverage status, unless it is justified by a life event.
For a status change to be authorized, there must be an event that results in adding or removing a dependent.
For example: when a member’s spouse turns 65 and becomes eligible for RAMQ, the member may request a change from family coverage to individual coverage. However, when the member themselves turns 65, it will no longer be possible to re-enroll the spouse in the group insurance plan.
Before making a decision, we encourage members to clearly understand the distinctions between the different health and accident insurance plans and coverage statuses, and to assess their medium- and long-term needs.
For any questions regarding your particular situation, please contact Beneva directly. The CCR coordinator does not have access to individual members’ insurance files.
Vaccination against shingles remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing the disease and its complications.
For people aged 71 and over and immunocompromised individuals aged 18 and over
In Québec, since February 1, 2026, the shingles vaccine has been recommended and offered free of charge to individuals aged 71 and over, according to the criteria of the public vaccination program.
For individuals under age 71
For members who are not eligible for the public program, the group insurance plan provides coverage for vaccines.
The plan includes eligible expenses of up to $400 per calendar year, per insured person, whether you are enrolled in the basic plan, intermediate plan, or enhanced plan.
We recommend verifying the reimbursement conditions applicable to your situation before proceeding.
Prevention remains a key factor in maintaining good health and quality of life. Do not hesitate to discuss this with your health care professional to determine whether vaccination is appropriate for you.