Life and Health Insurance

Marijuana users now considered non-smokers

Effective since July 7, this change applies to life insurance, critical illness insurance and disability insurance.

NEW BUSINESS AND PENDING APPLICATIONS

Effective since July 7, recreational marijuana users will be considered non-smokers, unless other tobacco products are also used. There are no age or insurance amount restrictions.

The new non-smoker definition will be used when we make our underwriting decision for all pending applications affected by this change.

Note that this change does not apply if marijuana is used for medicinal purposes.

IN FORCE POLICIES

This change does not automatically apply to policies currently in force. If you have clients affected by this change, a request for a change to non-smoker rates must be submitted using the latest version of the insurance application form (FIND0035A 2016-04). Please fill in the “Change to non-smoker rates” section (refer to page 3). The request will be assessed accordingly. 

In all cases, underwriting approval is subject to the assessment of the overall health condition as well as the smoking status.

Should you have any questions, please contact your sales office or your SSQ representative.