Eligibility

Go to Eligibility for a list of Participating Organizations.

You may apply for insurance coverage if you are under age 71*, reside in Canada at the time coverage becomes effective and are associated with a Participating Organization through membership or employment. You may also insure your eligible dependants.
Eligible dependants are members of your family that are eligible for coverage.
*Please note: Applicants between ages 65 and 70 who apply when coverage is first offered may continue benefits beyond age 70. In all other cases, Insured Persons must be continuously insured between ages 65 and 70 for benefits to extend beyond age 70.

Spouse

Your legally married spouse including your common-law spouse who has been publicly represented as being your spouse/partner and has lived with you for 2 or more years (or length of time as required by provincial legislation). Only one spouse can be covered.

Dependant Child

Dependant Child – A dependant child includes an unmarried natural child, stepchild or adopted child who is primarily dependent on you for support.

Each dependant child under age 18 living with you at home and dependent on you for support.
Each dependant child between 18 and 26 who is attending a recognized college or university on a full-time basis.
Each dependant child 18 and over who is incapable of earning a living because of a handicap or disability.

Adding or Removing an Eligible Dependant

Adding a Dependant

You may choose to insure your eligible dependants when you complete the Writers’ Coalition Program Enrolment Form. Please note: In order to comply with Québec legislation, you must insure your eligible dependants if they do not have private coverage elsewhere.

If you wish to insure your first dependant or add a new one after your initial Enrolment Form has been approved, complete the Dependant Information & Over Age Dependant form or provide AFBS with a written request indicating your dependant’s name, relationship to you and the date of birth. If you are submitting a written request, please also include your name, your AFBS member account number and your current address.

Newborn – Newborns are eligible for insurance on the later of 15 days of age or the date of discharge from hospital.

AFBS must be notified within 45 days of a “life event” that resulted in your request to add a dependant (for example, birth of a child, marriage). Coverage will then become effective the first of the month following receipt of notification by AFBS and subject to receipt of any applicable premium.

In situations where AFBS is not advised within 45 days of a ‘life event’, a six month waiting period will apply. Coverage in these cases will become effective the first of the month following a six month waiting period from the date of receipt of notification by AFBS and subject to receipt of any applicable premium.

Removing Dependants

If you want to remove the dependant from your coverage, AFBS must be advised immediately. Please complete the Dependant Information & Over Age Dependant form.

If removing a dependant results in a change to "Single only” or ”Couple" coverage, your premium will be adjusted from the first of the month after receipt of your notification. If you have paid annually, you will receive a premium credit from AFBS.

Program Handbook