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Critical illness insurance

Insurance that protects you financially if you're diagnosed with an illness that's covered by your policy.

Answer a few questions to find out if critical illness insurance is right for you. 1

1-866-838-7661  Phone number of Desjardins Insurance. This link opens your phone app.

Already have critical illness insurance?

What is critical illness insurance?

Critical illness insurance helps cover costs associated with a critical illness such as cancer, a heart attack or stroke.

If you're diagnosed with an illness or condition, as defined in the policy, you receive a tax-free payment. You can use this money in a number of different ways.

Is critical illness insurance worth it?

Critical illness insurance can help reduce financial stress during a difficult time. Whether you choose to continue working or take time off, you can use the benefit to cover various expenses.

Drugs, treatment or medical care

That aren't covered by your provincial health plan.

Unexpected expenses

Such as travel, accommodation and hospital parking.

Help at home

For day-to-day tasks.

Features

Coverage amount options

From $10,000 to $3,000,000. 2

Coverage length options

A fixed period of time or for life.

Protection for your business

To help keep it running smoothly.

How much does critical illness insurance cost?

Answer 3 questions to find out approximately how much critical illness insurance will cost you.

What does critical illness insurance cover?

Our insurance covers 26 critical illnesses, conditions and surgeries. If your diagnosis meets the policy definition, you'll receive your benefit. 3 , 4

We also offer insurance for children that covers 6 additional childhood disabilities and illnesses.

List of critical illnesses covered

Cancers and tumours

  • Benign brain tumour
  • Cancer (life-threatening)

Accidents and functional loss

  • Acquired brain injury
  • Blindness
  • Coma
  • Deafness
  • Loss of speech
  • Loss of limbs
  • Paralysis
  • Severe burns

Cardiovas­cular

  • Aortic surgery
  • Coronary artery bypass
  • Heart attack
  • Heart valve replacement or repair
  • Stroke

Neurological

  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
  • Motor neuron disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson's disease and specified atypical Parkinsonian disorders

Vital organs

  • Kidney failure
  • Major organ failure on waiting list
  • Major organ transplant

Others

  • Aplastic anemia
  • Occupational HIV infection
  • Permanent loss of independent existence

Childhood illnesses

We also offer critical illness insurance for children that covers 6 additional disabilities and illnesses.

Included in a child plan

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Rett syndrome
  • Cystic fibrosis

Can be added to a child plan

  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Cerebral palsy

Good to know

Check that your illness or condition meets the definition in the policy. Being diagnosed with a critical illness by your doctor doesn't mean you automatically qualify for a benefit payment.

Sometimes only severe cases are covered. And there may be limitations and exclusions. For example, you may need to wait out a moratorium, survival or qualifying period.

Partial payments

You can receive a partial payment (or an advance) for some less severe illnesses and conditions that don't meet the definitions of the 26 covered illnesses. 5

 Partial payment amounts for some illnesses and conditions
Illness category Partial payment
Early-stage cancers (such as prostate, breast, skin and thyroid) 15% of insurance amount, up to $50,000
Other cancers 6 1% of insurance amount, up to $5,000
Ablation surgeries 30% of insurance amount, up to $100,000
Minor cardiovascular conditions and procedures 15% of insurance amount, up to $50,000
Temporary loss of independence 15% of insurance amount, up to $25,000

Advantages of critical illness insurance

We offer a variety of coverage options. 7

Return of premium on cancellation

If you cancel your coverage, you get back a percentage of the premiums paid. 8 , 9 , 10

Return of premium on death

In the event of your death, your beneficiaries receive the higher of: 10

  • 100% of premiums paid
  • 25% of the insurance amount

Additional coverages

Boost your protection with our add-ons.

  • Accident
  • Accidental death, dismemberment or loss of use
  • Accidental fracture
  • Children's accidental fracture
  • Children's life protection
  • Disability waiver of premiums

Assistance services

If you're looking to get help with daily activities or support in difficult times, we're here for you.

Phone assistance

Call anytime for advice from a nurse on nutrition, vaccinations, the use of prescriptions drugs and other health matters.

Second medical opinion

Get a second opinion on a diagnosis from specialist physicians, who will review your medical record and history.

Autonomy assistance

Receive home care services to make day-to-day life easier for you and your caregivers if you lose your independence.

Psychological assistance

Talk to a psychological health specialist, in person or on the phone, for help in hard times.

Multi-coverage discount

Get a reduced premium when you buy 2 or more eligible insurance coverages at the same time for the same policy.

FAQ

Does critical illness insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, critical illness insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions. To be covered, you must not have had any symptoms or received a critical illness diagnosis within 90 days of your policy start date.

Does critical illness insurance cover me for my whole life?

Critical illness insurance can cover you until age 65 or 75, or for life.

Get a critical illness insurance quote

Online

Fill out the needs assessment form to find out if critical illness insurance is right for you. 1

By phone

We can also call you when it's convenient.

Explore our other insurance options

Disability insurance

Insurance that protects your income if you're unable to work due to a disability.
Learn more about Disability insurance

Health insurance

Coverage that helps you pay for everyday health expenses.
Learn more about Health insurance
Life insurance and living benefits products are manufactured by Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. The terms and conditions of the coverages described are set out in the insurance policy, which always prevails. Certain conditions, exclusions and limitations may apply. This quote is not a formal proposal. Only our financial security advisors can assess your needs, check your insurability and offer the insurance product that's best for you. Your financial security advisor can assess your needs to determine the right insurance amount for you. All of the policy criteria must be met in order to qualify for a benefit payment. There may be some limitations and exclusions, such as needing to wait out a moratorium, survival or qualifying period. You can receive up to 5 payments (1 per category). If you make more than 1 claim, any payment you've already received is deducted from the amount you're eligible for. Cancers that don't qualify as life-threatening under the policy and are not listed as early-stage cancers. Coverage options offered vary depending on the result of your needs assessment. If you haven't claimed the full insurance amount for one or more critical illnesses. The exact amount will depend on the number of years your policy has been in force. The refund percentage increases gradually every year until it reaches 100% of the premiums you've paid. If you ever reduce your coverage amount, you'll receive a partial refund of your premiums. This payment will be made only if the insurance amount hasn't already been paid out in full. Any advances paid for a covered health issue will be subtracted from the payment.