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Making it easier to claim for Loss of Independent Existence for EquiLiving Critical Illness insuranc
We have recently changed the definition of Loss of Independent Existence (LOIE). As a result, the Critical Illness claim criteria has also changed. Before, EquiLiving® Critical Illness insurance coverage was issued with a definition of LOIE that required clients to have the total inability to do 3 of 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Now, clients will only need to give us proof of the total inability to do 2 of 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to submit a claim for LOIE.
This change makes it easier for clients to claim for this covered critical illness. This change is retroactive to February 2022.
Clients will be sent a notice from us with a personalized endorsement from Equitable Life. This applies to their policy and forms part of their contract. We will approve claims for LOIE as outlined in the endorsement.
LOIE is one of the 26 conditions named as a covered critical illness in an EquiLiving policy or Critical Illness insurance rider on an Equitable Life insurance policy. With a loss of independent existence, some activities of daily living can no longer be done on one’s own. This can happen because of a disease or an injury.
Want to learn more? See the marketing piece: Understanding the Covered Conditions (1248).
For more information, reach out to your local wholesaler.
® denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada. -
December 2023 eNews
Insights on EZBenefits from our Executive Vice-President, Group Insurance
When it comes to advising small business owners, it can be tough to find the right group benefits solution. Offering a competitive benefits plan is more important than ever to help small business owners attract and retain talent. They need an affordable solution that’s easy to implement, renew and maintain.
That’s why we launched EZBenefits for small business earlier this year. It’s a unique group benefits solution designed with you and your small business clients in mind.Marc Avaria, Executive Vice-President, Group Insurance, explains:
Find out more
Visit info.equitable.ca/EZBenefits for more details or to request a quote. If you have questions, contact your Equitable Group Account Executive.
Now that cold and flu season is here, many Canadians will start calling in sick or missing work to visit their doctor – if they can get an appointment. Now’s the time to remind your clients that Equitable offers Dialogue Virtual Healthcare. It can be added to any Equitable plan for an additional cost.
Supporting plan members through cold and flu season with Dialogue Virtual Healthcare*
Eligible plan members and dependants receive fast, on-demand access to virtual primary medical care—24/7, 365 days a year. Available for a variety of non-urgent health concerns, Dialogue Virtual Healthcare can make it easier to navigate cold and flu season by providing:- Access to the largest, most experienced bilingual medical team in Canada,
- In-app prescription renewals and refills,
- Personalized follow-ups after each consultation, and
- An all-in-one patient journey to address health issues. This reduces long waits and means less time away for doctor appointments.
Benefits of Virtual Healthcare for plan sponsors
When your clients provide Virtual Healthcare for their plan members, they can help:- Drive employee engagement;
- Reduce absenteeism related to in-person medical appointments;
- Manage chronic health issues;
- Attract and retain top talent; and
- Build a healthier workforce.
Learn how it works
Adding Dialogue Virtual Healthcare to your clients' plans
To learn more about adding Virtual Healthcare to your clients’ benefits plans, contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex® Account Executive. You can also share this resource from Dialogue on managing cold and flu season.
The Canada Employment Insurance Commission and Canada Revenue Agency have announced the 2024 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, and premiums for employment insurance. The following changes to Employment Insurance (EI) will take effect January 1, 2024:
Changes to Short-Term Disability benefits calculations*
How does this affect your clients?
To comply with client policy provisions, Equitable will revise Short-Term Disability (STD) benefits with the updated maximums based on the percentage of EI Maximum Weekly Insurance Earnings for policies that meet these conditions:- Policies that include a STD benefit that is tied to the EI Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings, and
- Policies with a classification of employees that has less than a $668 maximum.
- The additional premium for any increase from their previous STD amounts and new STD amounts will be shown on your clients’ January 2024 Group Insurance Billings (as applicable).
If your clients wish to provide direction regarding revising their STD maximum, or have questions about the process, they can email Kari Gough, Manager, Group Issue and Special Projects.
*Indicates content that will be shared with your clients. -
COVID-19 testing: Find the information you need
This news item has also been posted to the plan administrator and plan member sections of EquitableHealth.ca
The Ontario government recently announced it has expanded access to COVID-19 testing to include select pharmacies throughout the province. As the pandemic continues, it’s important to know how to access testing if you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or suspect you have been exposed to the virus.
Guidelines for who should get tested and how to access testing vary across the country, so it can be difficult to know what applies in your jurisdiction.
To help make it easier, we’ve provided links to COVID-19 testing resources for each province and territory. The resources include self assessments, guidelines for who should get tested, how to access testing, and testing locations.
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2025 – Celebrating a year of growth!
Individual Insurance roundup
Kicking off 2026 with excitement— we’re proud to reflect on the wins Equitable’s individual insurance team achieved in 2025! We added nearly 50,000 new policies, serviced over 450,000 existing insurance clients, and paid more than 1,300 claims. But there’s more!
Through the year, we introduced new digital tools and smart ways of working that made things easier for advisors and clients alike. It was a year of remarkable growth and impact.
Here’s a recap of some of our best moments of 2025.
● Faster juvenile policy approvals
We launched a new way to approve juvenile policies. Families can now get insurance faster, and advisors spend less time waiting. This lets you and your Equitable underwriters focus on approving more complex insurance applications.
● Easier payment updates online
Our new “update payment” feature on Client Access and EquiNet made it simple for clients to change banking details and payments online — no paperwork needed. Updates are made within three business days, giving clients more choice in the way they connect with us.
● Better fund information
With Fundata, we created an enhanced web page for universal life policy investments. Now, advisors and clients can easily find fund performance details and use simple “favourite funds, search, and compare” tools. This makes it easy for clients to stay informed on their UL investments.
● More choices for universal life (UL) clients
Our new 30/65 Rider for Equitable Generations™ UL plans gives clients more choice and flexibility—an affordable new way to add more coverage to their policies when needed.
● Flexible term exchange options
New term 30/65 exchange option — a great addition! It provides more choice for clients that need to change their coverage as their needs evolve.
● Stable dividend scale interest rate
We kept our market-leading dividend scale interest rate of 6.40%, providing participating policyholders with confidence and stability.
● New web tool for UL illustrations
This new online tool puts UL sales illustrations at your fingertips online. You can view and save them from your laptop, making it easier than ever to manage your UL business. Try the new web illustration tool here.
● New term insurance rates
In November, we introduced new term insurance rates. Our term rates are now among the best available! This makes it easier for clients to get the insurance coverage they need.
Looking ahead
In 2025, Equitable showed that trying new ideas, making things easier, and putting clients first truly matters. As 2026 begins, we’re focused on continuing this exciting momentum.
Thank you for being on this journey with us and wishing you a very happy and successful year ahead! - Path to Success Module 3
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Equitable explains individual life and critical illness insurance with client-focused videos!
In today’s busy world, clients need guidance to help them pick the right solutions for their needs. They need quick, easy-to-understand information. With so many options out there, it can get overwhelming to make the right choice.
The same goes for individual life and critical illness insurance. Which type of insurance is right for the client? Advisors can help provide that support and guidance. But perhaps, to get that conversation started, you just need to give clients a little nudge.
We get it. That’s why Equitable has produced a series of client-focused videos to help advisors start those conversations.
Check out our explainer videos below and share them with clients today!
● Equimax® participating whole life for children
● Dividends
● EquiLiving® critical illness insurance
● Term life insurance
● Equitable Generations™ universal life insurance
Want to learn more?
Contact your Equitable Wholesaler – we’re here to help!
® or ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
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Protect clients and yourself from cyber attacks
Cyber criminals are targeting advisors’ computers and email accounts. They are targeting advisors because you have detailed financial information about clients. These attacks put you and clients at risk by exposing private financial data, allowing unauthorized withdrawal attempts, and easing identity theft. A breach can lead to financial loss and a damaged reputation.
How to stay safe:
• Use strong security: Turn on multi-factor authentication, change your passwords often, and make sure passwords are unique.
• Install antivirus or internet software: Use trusted programs such as Norton or McAfee to protect your computer.
• Keep everything updated: Make sure your computer’s operating system and software are up to date.
• Get expert help: Ask an IT professional to check your security system.
• Be careful online: Take cybersecurity training to learn about new threats. Don’t click on suspicious links, including from people you don’t know.
• Have cyber insurance: This can help protect you if something goes wrong. You can usually get it through your E&O provider.
Remember: Cyber criminals also target the public, including client email accounts. They may use a client’s email to send you requests that look real. Call clients to confirm emailed requests, especially if someone asks to withdraw money or change banking information.
Our clients trust you with their financial future. Do everything you can to keep their information safe. -
Short-term disability coverage for plan members in quarantine or self-isolation*
Please note: This announcement applies only to groups with short-term disability coverage through Equitable Life
With the spread of COVID-19, many people have been instructed to self-isolate or quarantine themselves or are doing so voluntarily. We realize this is a stressful situation for people and they may be wondering if they are eligible for disability benefits. Short-term disability is designed to replace a plan member’s earnings if they are unable to work due to illness and injury. As a result, only plan members who meet the following criteria are eligible for benefits:
- Plan members who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to work from home are eligible for coverage from Day 1 of their self-isolation period.
- Plan members who have not been tested but have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and are unable to work from home, are eligible for coverage. Claims will be assessed according to the terms of the plan.
Plan members who are in quarantine for any other reason, but do not have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, are not eligible for coverage. These plan members should consider applying for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, if they do not have an option to work from home.
Submitting COVID-19-related STD claims
To make things easier for plan members who need to submit claims related to COVID-19, we will not require a physician’s statement. Instead plan members should submit our simplified Short Term Disability Plan Member COVID-19 Claim Form.
Plan Administrators need to complete their portion of the regular Short Term Disability Form (Form #421).
This is a temporary process that will remain in effect through the current coronavirus situation. We will update on changes and share them on EquitableHealth.ca.
Applying for the Employment Insurance sickness benefit
Canadians quarantined due to COVID-19, who are not receiving Short Term Disability benefits, can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits has been waived. Service Canada’s dedicated toll-free support number is 1-833-381-2725 or (TTY) 1-800-529-3742.
*Indicates content that will be shared with your clients
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Crunch The Numbers With Equitable Life’s Savings Calculator
Whether helping your client determine net worth or reviewing to see if your client’s retirement plan is on track, Equitable Life® is here to help with our online calculators. These number crunching tools can help you answer some of those challenging questions you get asked by your clients. From an RSP loan calculator to home budgeting to even figuring out if your client will be a future millionaire, check out our latest tools.
Each week in March, we will be sharing an online calculator from our list.
Share calculators using your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn account.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amina is going to get in the habit of saving by putting $25 a month into her RRSP. Her friends don’t think it is worth the effort. Does it matter how much you contribute?
Did you know?
Consistent investments over several years can be an effective strategy to accumulate wealth. Check out Equitable Life’s Savings Calculator.
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Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – November 2021
In this issue:
- Deadline to opt out of New Brunswick biosimilar program*
- Web Reports Quick Reference Guide now available for plan administrators*
- Reminder: Review manual allocations for HCSAs and/or TSAs*
- Help your clients take advantage of our convenient digital options*
Reminder: Deadline to opt out of New Brunswick biosimilar program*
Earlier this year, we announced via eNews that on Feb. 1, 2022, we are ending coverage for some originator biologic drugs in New Brunswick in response to the province’s Biosimilar Initiative.* These changes will help protect your clients’ plans from additional drug costs while still providing access to equally safe and effective biosimilars.
Do my clients need to take any action?
No action is required if employers want to have the originator biologics excluded from their plan. Plan members taking these targeted originator biologics will be contacted directly to allow them ample time to transition to the biosimilar. Any cost savings associated with the change will be factored in at renewal.
All groups, except myFlex clients, who wish to opt out of this change and maintain coverage of these originator biologics for existing claimants in New Brunswick can submit a policy amendment. Amendments must be submitted no later than Nov. 30, 2021.
Advisors with myFlex Benefits clients who wish to maintain coverage of these originator biologics for New Brunswick plan members should speak to their myFlex Sales Manager to confirm their eligibility to opt out of this change.
Groups that opt out of this change are also opting out of any future changes to our New Brunswick biosimilar initiative. This means that their drug plans will continue to cover any additional originator biologics for which we subsequently end coverage as part of the biosimilar program.
Questions?
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact your Equitable Life Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
* The list of affected drugs or conditions is dynamic and may change.Web Reports Quick Reference Guide now available for plan administrators
A Web Reports Quick Reference Guide is now available for plan administrators on EquitableHealth.ca. This new guide offers a listing of our newest reports available on the plan administrator web. It also provides instructions for plan administrators outlining how to pull the report using the plan administrator portal.
The guide is available under the Quick Links section on both the advisor and plan administrator portals on EquitableHealth.ca.Reminder: Review manual allocations for HCSAs and/or TSAs*
If your client’s Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or Taxable Spending Account (TSA) has manual allocations, they need to allocate these amounts to plan members each year. Please review all your plan members’ profiles on EquitableHealth.ca to ensure they have received their allocation(s) for the current benefit year.
If your clients have Plan Administrator update access on EquitableHealth.ca, they can update these amounts online by doing the following:- Select “View certificate”
- Select “Health Care Spending Account” or “Taxable Spending Account”
- Select “Update Allocation” in Task Center
- Enter amount in “Revised Allocation Amount”
- Override Reason – “Plan Administrator Request”
- Select “Save”
- Select “Reports”
- Select “New”
- Select “Next”
- Select “HCSA” or “TSA Totals by Plan Member”
- Select “Next”
- Enter end date of “12/31/2020”
- Select “Next”
- Select “Finish”
- View “Report”
Help your clients take advantage of our convenient digital options*
We have several digital options available to make it easier for your clients to do business with us and for their plan members to access and use their benefits plan. Over 71% of plan administrators are managing their plan online and 78% of plan members are already using our digital tools.
For plan administrators:- Online Plan Member Enrolment tool – allows all groups to add new plan members without the need for paper forms
- Plan Administrator Portal (EquitableHealth.ca) – plan administrators can easily manage their plan anytime and anywhere
- Digital Welcome Kits – personalized welcome kits are delivered to plan members via email
- Easy automated payments – plan administrators can avoid missed payments by setting up pre-authorized debit or electronic funds transfer
- Plan Member Portal (EquitableHealth.ca) – plan members get secure, 24/7 access to their claims history, coverage details and health and wellness resources
- Electronic Claim Payments and Notifications – plan members can get claim updates sooner in their email inbox and payments right into their bank account
- EZClaim Mobile App – submitting claims from a mobile device is fast, easy and secure
- Digital Benefits Cards – plan members no longer have to dig through their wallet – they can download their benefits card on their mobile device
We’ve created a brochure and a video guide to help plan members access and use their digital resources. For further assistance, plan members can visit www.equitable.ca/go/digital. They can also contact our Web Services team at 1.800.265.4556 ext. 283 or groupbenefitsadmin@equitable.ca.