Protection with your security in mind
You likely rely on your income to support yourself – and perhaps a family – while maintaining a certain standard of living. But how would you manage monthly expenses if you couldn’t work due to a disability?
Life can change unexpectedly; illness, injury or unforeseen events can affect your ability to work. Disability insurance is designed to support you during those times, providing monthly income for essentials like rent, groceries and utilities. It’s about protecting your financial well-being so you can focus on your health, family and recovery.
How does disability insurance work?
Disability insurance replaces a percentage of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Benefits begin after a waiting period and continue for the duration specified in your plan. Coverage options include:
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Short-term disability insurance: Provides benefits for up to six months to help with immediate expenses during recovery.
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Long-term disability insurance: Kicks in after short-term coverage ends, providing continued financial support. Some plans pay benefits for up to two years; benefits may continue even longer if you’re unable to perform any job. Long-term coverage is essential for any serious illness/injury that prevents you from working for an extended period.
Monthly income replacement
Guaranteed renewal
Injury-only coverage
Optional illness coverage
Member Benefits
As a CAA Member you get a few extras with every CAA Protect policy.
- Free Will Kit2: Every CAA Protect disability insurance policy comes with a free will kit to help you plan for the future.
- Free Maple Health3: Canada’s premier online medical services, including access to GPs, specialist advice and self-serve information.
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Insurance FAQ
CAA Protect's paycheque protection (disability) insurance is designed to help provide financial security. This insurance typically covers between 60% and 85% of your regular income, helping you maintain your lifestyle, even if you can't work.
CAA Protect's paycheque protection insurance (also known as income replacement insurance or disability insurance) is essential for anyone who relies on their paycheque to cover essential expenses. Whether single, supporting a family or planning for the future, this insurance is for them.
With CAA Protect's disability insurance, you can make a claim as soon as you are unable to work due to disability or injury. This insurance is designed to help offer support when you need it most. You can reach out to your insurance carrier, your advisor, call our helpline at 1-800-709-5809 or email us at info@caaprotect.ca.
Yes. Disability insurance typically ends at age 65, since it’s designed as income replacement for those who are actively working. Some companies may extend coverage to age 70 if proof of continued employment is provided.
Once your short-term disability insurance ends, you may qualify for continued income replacement through long-term disability insurance. Note that eligibility is dependent on whether you meet your plan’s definition of disability. Long-term disability benefits may last for years, depending on your policy. Some plans may require you to participate in rehabilitation programs.
A chronic illness becomes a disability when it significantly limits daily activities or work performance and is considered severe and prolonged. Chronic illnesses can qualify if they cause marked restrictions in basic activities, such as walking, dressing, feeding or mental functions.
A waiting period is the time during which benefits are not paid. Common waiting periods are: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 or 180 days (sometimes longer). In some cases, waiting periods may be waived if the insured individual is admitted to a hospital for 72 hours or more.
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax you owe if you have a disability. You may be eligible for the DTC if a medical practitioner certifies that you have a severe, prolonged impairment in daily tasks such as walking, feeding and mental functions.
To learn more about eligibility for the DTC and how to apply, visit Disability tax credit (DTC) - Canada.ca.
No, they are not the same. You may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits if, for example, you don’t have short-term disability coverage or sick leave through your employer. EI typically pays for up to 180 days; this will not cover any long-term needs. EI coverage is usually around 50% of income, subject to a maximum based on salary. Disability insurance can serve to top up EI benefits, to address shortfalls.
To learn more about EI and disability insurance in Canada, visit EI sickness benefits and disability insurance.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions, reach out to a CAA Protect advisor at 1-800-709-5809, email us at info@caaprotect.ca or book an appointment.
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1 Visit caaneo.ca/termsandconditions for offer details and full Membership Terms and Conditions.
2 Eligible CAA Protect Policyholders who are also CAA Members will receive a basic Will Kit free of charge.
3 Eligible CAA Protect Policyholders who are also CAA Members get access to two covered visits with a general practitioner, care concierge services and 20% off oncology navigation.
Have a question? To speak to a professional who can guide you to the right coverage from the right insurer at the right price call us at: 1-800-709-5809 or email us at info@caaprotect.ca