Living Benefits · Protect the paycheque
Disability Insurance
Monthly income protection if illness or injury limits your work.
- Monthly benefit
- Occupation definition matters
- Waiting and benefit periods
What is disability insurance?
Disability insurance replaces part of earned income when an eligible illness or injury prevents you from working under the policy definition. Individual coverage can supplement employer long-term disability or protect self-employed income.
The strongest comparison points are the disability definition, exclusions, benefit period and evidence of income—not simply the monthly benefit shown on a quote.
Who is exposed to an income interruption?
Anyone relying on work income has a disability risk, but the financial impact is especially significant for professionals, tradespeople, owners and households with high fixed costs.
- Self-employed people
- Professionals with specialized duties
- Employees with limited group benefits
- Commission or variable-income workers
- Households with one primary earner
Own occupation, regular occupation and any occupation
Definitions determine when benefits are payable. An own-occupation provision may pay when you cannot perform your specific occupation even if working elsewhere, regular-occupation and any-occupation wording can be more restrictive. Definitions can change after a stated period.
Build the policy around cash flow
Choose a monthly benefit supported by income, an elimination period your emergency fund can cover, and a benefit period appropriate to the risk. Longer waiting periods can lower premiums but require more liquid savings.
- Monthly benefit amount
- 30-, 60-, 90- or longer-day waiting period
- Two-year, five-year or to-age-65 benefit period
- Residual or partial disability
- Inflation and future-income options
Individual versus group disability
Employer coverage can be cost-effective but may have taxable benefits, maximums, offsets and loss of coverage when employment ends. Individual policies are portable and can offer stronger guarantees, subject to underwriting.
Occupation and job duties matter
Insurers classify risk by actual duties, work setting, hours, travel, income stability and health. Job title alone is not enough. Accurate duties help avoid a quote based on the wrong occupational class.
Preparing for a claim
A claim may require medical evidence, income records and proof of occupational duties. Continue appropriate care and follow reporting requirements. Keep policy and advisor details accessible.
Personalized quote request
Tell us what the policy needs to do.
Disability pricing and eligibility depend heavily on income, occupation and the duties you perform.
- Product-specific questions
- Needs-led advisor review
- Your preferred follow-up time
Questions, answered
What people usually ask
How much of my income can be insured?
Insurers use issue and participation limits based on earned income and other coverage. Benefits usually replace only a portion of income.
Are disability benefits taxable?
Tax treatment depends on who paid premiums and how the plan is structured. Obtain tax advice for your situation.
Does it cover mental health or back conditions?
Coverage depends on underwriting, exclusions and the contract. Some policies limit or exclude specific conditions.
What if I can work part-time?
Residual or partial-disability provisions may pay a proportionate benefit when income is reduced, subject to the policy formula.
A quote should start with your needs
See the coverage gap before comparing prices.
Our guided interview organizes the details an advisor needs and lets you choose the best time for a follow-up.
Start my guided quoteSources and verification
We use official regulator, government and insurer information. Product contracts and eligibility change, verify details for your application.