Critical illness (CI) insurance pays a one-time lump sum if you are diagnosed with a covered condition and survive a short waiting period (often 30 days). Many Canadians now survive cancer, heart attacks and strokes — CI coverage replaces lost income, pays for treatment not covered by provincial plans, or lets a partner take time off work.
Health & living benefits
5 min read
Updated Oct 3, 2026
Critical Illness vs Disability Insurance: Which Do You Need?
Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum after a covered diagnosis, while disability insurance replaces your income if you cannot work. Here is how to choose, or combine, the two.
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