Life Insurance
Benefits-eligible employees receive basic life insurance at no cost and can opt-in to additional voluntary term life insurance for a low rate per pay period.
Voluntary Life Insurance Special Election Period till Dec. 31, 2024
Eligible faculty or staff members who are not currently enrolled in voluntary term life coverage, New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (NYL GBS) is offering you the opportunity to purchase voluntary (100% employee-paid) term life insurance and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) for yourself, spouse and/or dependent children.
Quick Links
To access policy information: log-in to Workday, then Benefits and Pay > Benefit Provider Links > Life Insurance & Personal Accident (PAI) Active. Click “My Account” in the top right corner to review your current policy information, premiums, and beneficiary detail.
To enroll, login to Workday to access the Cornell NYLGBS website as described above, then scroll down to "My Benefits," select the “Tell Me More” button, and follow the prompts.
For coverage or questions, please contact NYL GBS Customer Service Center at 800-231-1193, or via email.
Basic Life Insurance
Eligibility
Benefits-eligible* faculty and staff members are automatically enrolled in basic life insurance.
*If you are uncertain of your eligibility status for this benefit, please contact your HR representative.
Endowed employees
Eligible employees will receive a Basic Life Insurance benefit of one-half of their annual salary up to a maximum of $50,000. This plan is insured by New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (NYL GBS).
Contract College employees
Eligible employees' basic life insurance benefits are determined by the retirement plan in which they are enrolled.
- Members of the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) with New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) program receive basic life insurance under the program’s death benefit, administered by New York State Survivor's Benefit Program: 1-866-805-0990.
- Members of the SUNY Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) are provided with basic life insurance, insured by New York Life Group Benefit Solutions.
Beneficiaries
You may change beneficiaries directly in your account online or download and mail the Basic Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation Form directly to the address in the top right corner of the form.
Voluntary Term Life (VTL) Insurance
You’ve probably heard of life insurance, but you may be wondering, “what’s voluntary term life insurance?” Cornell University offers life insurance at a group rate to supplement your basic life insurance. And as long as you’re employed at Cornell, the premiums are conveniently deducted from your paycheck using after‑tax dollars.
Benefits-eligible* faculty and staff members can enroll in additional VTL insurance with New York Life Group Benefit Solutions. You can enroll in voluntary term life insurance at any time or within 60 days of hire or a qualified life event up to the guaranteed issue (GI) amount. If you miss the 60-day period or elect an amount over the guaranteed issuance (GI), you will be required to provide proof of good health. You can sign up for life insurance for yourself, your spouse or domestic partner, eligible children, and unmarried children younger than age 26 years old, who you primarily support.
New York Life Group Benefit Solutions Guide
*If you are uncertain of your eligibility status for this benefit, please contact your HR representative.
Claims & Contacts
- If you have experienced a loss, please reach out to HR Services at hrservices@cornell.edu or 607-255-3936.
- For claims, coverage or questions, please contact NYL GBS Customer Service Center at 800-231-1193, email NYLGBSVolBenefits@infymccservices.com or visit https://cornell.nylgbsbenefitsguide.com
While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Summary, in the event of any discrepancy the Summary Plan Description and Plan Document will prevail.