Disability and Critical Illness Insurance in Canada
Disability and critical illness insurance, and the gaps in group plans.
For most working Canadians, the ability to earn is the biggest asset they own. This hub is for anyone who wants to know what happens to their income if illness or injury stops them working.
Start with the disability insurance guide, which explains own-occupation definitions, waiting periods and group plan traps, then critical illness insurance and the self-employed guide. Policy terms come from insurers' own documents with the date checked.
Government disability programs are covered in the Government Benefits disability hub.
What this hub helps you decide:
- How would I pay the bills if I couldn't work?
- Is my group disability plan enough?
- Do I need critical illness insurance?
- What can I get if I'm self-employed?
Updated November 2026 · 3 guides by Andrew
Start here
- Disability Insurance in Canada: Own-Occupation, Waits, and Group Plan Traps
- Critical Illness Insurance in Canada: When the Lump Sum Is Worth Buying
- Disability Insurance for Self-Employed Canadians
New to insurance? Read the overview first: Canadian Insurance Planning Guide: What to Buy, in What Order.
All Disability & Critical Illness guides
Disability Insurance for Self-Employed Canadians
Self-employed disability insurance replaces your draw. In 2026, EI sickness pays at most $729 a week for 26 weeks. CPP disability maxes at $1,741.20 a month.
Critical Illness Insurance in Canada: When the Lump Sum Is Worth Buying
Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum for a covered diagnosis, not a salary. Skip it when disability coverage and cash already fill the hole.
Disability Insurance in Canada: Own-Occupation, Waits, and Group Plan Traps
The definition of disability, who pays the premium, and the switch to any-occupation decide the claim. A group plan's percentage of salary does not.