An employee or qualified beneficiary who has the right under the group policy to convert the group accident or health insurance plan shall be issued, without evidence of insurability, upon application to the company during the one hundred eighty days prior to expiration of coverage under continuation and upon payment of the appropriate premium, a policy of accident or health insurance. The conversion coverage shall provide the benefits which are available to others qualified for conversion under the policy.
SDCL 58-18-7.4