Disability Insurance
in Ontario
Your ability to earn income is likely your most valuable asset. Disability insurance ensures your bills get paid and your lifestyle is maintained if illness or injury prevents you from working.
Protecting your income means protecting everything it provides — your home, your family's security, your future.
What is disability insurance?
Disability insurance is income replacement coverage that pays monthly benefits if illness or injury prevents you from working. Your ability to earn income is likely your most valuable asset — disability insurance ensures your bills get paid and your lifestyle is maintained even when you cannot work.
Unlike workers' compensation which only covers workplace injuries, individual disability insurance covers any illness or injury that prevents you from performing your occupation — whether it happens at work, at home, or anywhere else.
Statistics show that 1 in 3 Canadians will experience a disability lasting 90 days or longer before age 65. Yet most people insure their homes and cars while leaving their income — the very thing that pays for everything else — unprotected.
As an independent broker, Michael compares disability policies across multiple carriers to find the best combination of coverage, pricing, and policy features for your specific occupation and health profile.
Quick Reference
Is this right for you?
Self-employed professionals
Business owners and professionals without employer disability coverage.
Primary income earners
Those whose families depend heavily on their earnings.
High-income individuals
People whose group coverage doesn't adequately replace their income.
Specialized professionals
Doctors, dentists, lawyers, and others who need own-occupation coverage.
Those with financial obligations
Anyone with mortgages, loans, or dependents relying on their income.
Workers without group benefits
Contractors, freelancers, and gig economy participants.
How it works
Income Analysis
We review your income sources and financial obligations to determine appropriate coverage levels.
Policy Design
Customize waiting periods, benefit periods, and optional riders to match your needs and budget.
Application & Underwriting
Navigate the application process with guidance through financial and medical documentation.
Policy Implementation
Understand your policy provisions and how to file a claim if the need arises.
What to expect
What This Covers
- Monthly benefit payments (up to 60-70% of income)
- Own occupation disability definition (for professionals)
- Residual/partial disability benefits
- Cost of living adjustment (COLA) increases
- Future increase options without medical exam
- Return of premium riders available
- Business overhead expense coverage
- Mental health and chronic illness coverage
×Common Exclusions
- ×Pre-existing conditions within lookback period
- ×Self-inflicted injuries or attempted suicide
- ×Disabilities resulting from war or military action
- ×Injuries while committing a felony
- ×Normal pregnancy (complications may be covered)
- ×Disabilities during incarceration
Securing Ontario families' incomes with thoughtful disability coverage since 1999.
How we compare
Individual disability policies vary significantly between carriers in their definitions, features, and underwriting approach. Some carriers specialize in certain occupations or health conditions, while others offer superior cost-of-living adjustments or future increase options.
Michael compares offerings from Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, RBC Insurance, iA Financial, Empire Life, and other carriers to find the policy that best matches your occupation, health profile, and coverage needs.
The 'own occupation' definition is critical for professionals. This ensures you're covered if you can't perform your specific job — not just any job. A surgeon who loses hand function can't operate but might still teach; own-occupation coverage protects against this scenario.
Frequently asked
Insurance companies typically allow coverage up to 60-70% of your gross income. We recommend maximizing this to maintain your lifestyle, as your expenses don't decrease when you're disabled.
Own occupation pays if you can't perform your specific job duties. Any occupation only pays if you can't work at all. For professionals, own occupation is essential — a surgeon who loses hand function can't operate but might still teach.
Waiting periods range from 30 to 180 days. Longer waiting periods lower premiums. We recommend matching your waiting period to your emergency savings — if you have 90 days of expenses saved, choose a 90-day waiting period.
Yes, most policies cover mental health disabilities, though some limit benefits to 24 months for mental/nervous conditions. We can help you find policies with full mental health coverage.
Often yes, though the pre-existing condition may be excluded. We work with multiple carriers to find the best coverage options for your situation.
When you pay premiums with after-tax dollars (personally), your disability benefits are received tax-free. If your employer pays premiums, benefits may be taxable.
Let's discuss disability insurance.
Reach out for a private consultation — no obligation.