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Critical Illness Insurance

In under a minute we’ll connect you with a verified life insurance broker to help find the best critical illness insurance in Canada for you and your loved ones.

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What is critical illness insurance?

Matt Hands

Critical illness insurance provides you with a lump sum of financial support following a tragic medical diagnosis. Suppose you're unable to work due to a sudden heart attack, stroke, or cancer diagnosis. In that case, critical illness offers immediate financial relief.

Critical illness insurance helps you pay for costs beyond and outside of your disability, health, or life insurance plans. It can pay for expenses such as assistive modifications to your home (e.g. ramps, handrails, or grab bars), travel to and from treatment, or even home care costs.

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Is critical illness insurance worth it in Canada?

Critical illness insurance can be a low-cost way of buying peace of mind knowing you have coverage should a sudden critical illness arise. If you're unable to work and don't have long term disability insurance, a critical illness insurance policy is worth it. Especially if you don't have an emergency fund of 3 - 6 months of salary. While we have excellent health care in Canada, it doesn't cover all the potential costs associated with a critical illness.

If you're self-employed, having critical illness insurance is not only recommended; in our eyes, it's essential.

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How does critical illness insurance work?

After comparing quotes and speaking with an insurance broker, you begin to pay premiums, either monthly or annually, to cover the potential risk of contracting a critical illness. Should you be diagnosed with an illness outlined in your policy, you can file a claim with your insurance provider. After reviewing any medical documentation, they pay you a lump sum of cash to help you gain financial stability. Whether it's to cover mortgage payments, recurring bills, or modifying your bathroom for easier accessibility is up to you.

Know that not all critical illness insurance policies are created equal. Be sure to check for exclusions such as early-stage cancers or neurological conditions such as dementia. Don’t be afraid to shop around to get the best possible critical illness insurance coverage for your situation and needs.

How much does critical illness insurance cost in Canada?

The annual premium cost depends on several factors, including your age and general health, the number of critical illnesses included in the policy, and the length of term (i.e. either 10 or 20 years, or up to a specified age 75 or 100).

The most common amount of critical illness coverage purchased is $100,000. If a 40-year-old non-smoker buys a 10-year policy worth $100,000, it will generally cost about $70 per month. Whereas, a 25-year-old buying a $50,000 policy could cost as little as $6 per month.

As with any health, life, or disability insurance products, the older you buy it, the more expensive it becomes.

Get a critical illness insurance quote

In the market for critical illness insurance? We'll connect you with a verified Canadian life insurance broker to help you uncover the level of coverage needed to protect you and your family.

When to buy critical illness insurance

Ā 

Monthly premium for $25,000 of critical illness insurance

Under 25

~$7.00/month

Age 26-30

~$7.25/month

Age 31-35

~$8.50/month

Age 36-40

~$9.50/month

Age 41-45

~$12.50/month

Age 46-50

~$17.50/month

Age 51-55

~$26.50/month

Age 56-60

~$44.00/month

Age 61-65

~$55.50/month

*source: Manulife.com

When do I buy?

The best time to buy critical illness insurance is when you're young and healthy because it will be at its least expensive.

How to buy critical illness insurance

You can purchase critical illness insurance online or direct from an insurer (e.g. Manulife or Aviva). You can also use a life insurance broker (e.g. Lions Peak Financial Group) or visit a bank that offers life insurance (e.g. TD or RBC). At Ratehub.ca, we help you compare disability, critical illness, and life insurance quotes with the help of a verified insurance broker.

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Questions about critical illness insurance

Does health insurance cover critical illness?


Is a critical illness insurance payout taxable in Canada?


What is the waiting period for critical illness insurance?


Does critical illness insurance cover pre-existing conditions?


How much critical illness insurance do I need?


What illnesses are covered by critical illness insurance?


What is the best critical illness insurance in Canada?


Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance

With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read more

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