How to update over-age dependent information
1 - Run an over-age dependent listing on the plan sponsor services site. You’ll need to enter the upper and lower age limits for your plan. You can find these in your Sun Life booklet. You’ll get a list of everybody who is over the age limit for dependent coverage.
2 - Ask your employees with over-age dependents whether their dependent is a full-time student. Please ask them for proof of enrolment in school. You may want to share the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet with these employees.
3 - Update any records to show that the dependent qualifies as a full-time student.
If you don’t update records
If a dependent reaches the lower age limit, but your record doesn’t show they’re a full-time student, their coverage will end.
If you previously showed a dependent as a full-time student, and they haven’t reached the upper age limit, we’ll maintain their coverage until you update their record.
NOTE: The remaining information also appears in the employee FAQ.
Who qualifies as a full-time student?
To qualify, dependents must:
- meet the contract requirements under your plan,
- have provincial health-care coverage,
- be under the upper age limit for your plan and
- if over the lower age limit, be a full-time student at an accredited school. Find government-accredited institutions in Canada and outside of Canada.
Students who drop courses, finish courses or take time off from school may no longer be considered full-time students. In that case, you’ll need to end their coverage.
Answers to commonly asked questions
Summer coverage – Full-time students who finish a school year and enrol for a fall term have coverage over the summer.
Apprenticeship programs – Students in full-time apprenticeship programs may go to school during their apprenticeship. Those who don’t receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while at school are eligible dependents.
Co-op programs – Students in co-op programs keep their coverage until they reach the upper age limit.
Students studying outside of Canada – Full-time students attending an institution outside of Canada require prior approval for coverage by Sun Life. You can complete the Plan Sponsor Request to Continue Coverage form. You can find the form on the Plan Sponsor Site under Guides for Group Benefits Administrators. Students who are studying outside of Canada need to apply for an extension of their provincial coverage before leaving the country. They must keep this provincial coverage in place during the length of their studies in order to qualify for coverage under the group insurance plan.
Coverage under a student plan – If the student also has coverage under a student plan, that plan pays first. Your plan may pay a remaining amount, if any.
Dependents with disabilities – We may continue coverage beyond the age limits for dependents who are disabled according to your plan. You need to notify us and provide their proof of disability within 6 months of the date the dependent reaches the age limit.
Reminders to share with your employees
Claims – The employee will need to show the student’s full-time status on any of the student’s claims.
Benefits cards – Employees can get coverage cards from mysunlife.ca or my Sun Life Mobile app.
Confirming coverage – If a school needs coverage confirmation, your employee can ask our Client Care Centre at 1-800-361-6212.
Questions? We’re here to help.
If you have fewer than 50 employees, please contact your Client Service Administrator at 1-877-786-7227.
If you have more than 50 employees, please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.
