Unpaid Leaves of Absence or Layoffs

If you are on an unpaid sick leave of absence (LOA), all your HEB Manitoba Life Insurance coverage, including Basic Life Insurance coverage, is maintained for up to 12 months, without payment, at the levels in effect before the unpaid sick LOA began.

For all other approved, unpaid LOAs/layoffs, you may prepay your Life Insurance premiums to maintain your coverage at the level in effect at the time of the LOA/layoff. Coverage must be prepaid prior to the start of your approved, unpaid LOA/layoff. You may maintain your coverage for up to 12 months, or 24 months for an unpaid, educational LOA. Your employer does not pay premiums for your Basic Life Insurance coverage while you are on an unpaid LOA/layoff. If you have Optional Life Insurance you must pay both the Basic Life and Optional Life Insurance premiums plus the applicable Manitoba Retail Sales Tax (RST) to maintain your Life Insurance coverage during your unpaid LOA/layoff.

If you are prepaying your premiums to maintain your Life Insurance coverage, you must complete and submit an Unpaid Leave of Absence/Layoff: Life Insurance Plan, Healthcare Plan and Dental Plan Prepayment/Waiver of Membership Form along with your payment, plus the applicable RST, to your employer prior to the start of your approved unpaid LOA/layoff.

If you are waiving your coverage during your approved, unpaid LOA/layoff, you must complete an Unpaid Leave of Absence/Layoff: Life Insurance Plan, Healthcare Plan and Dental Plan Prepayment/Waiver of Membership Form prior to the start of your approved, unpaid LOA/layoff.

If you do not submit the required forms and payment to your employer prior to the start of your unpaid LOA/layoff, you will be deemed to have waived Plan coverage for your entire unpaid LOA/layoff. In addition, if the required forms and payment are received after your unpaid LOA/layoff starts, you will not be eligible for coverage. Your Life Insurance coverage and, if applicable, your Family (Dependant) Life Insurance coverage will terminate on the earlier of the last day for which you were paid prior to the unpaid LOA/layoff or the last day premiums were paid.