What is critical illness insurance?
Critical illness insurance is all about supporting you when you need it most. If you suffer a severe health crisis, such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer, critical illness insurance can provide a lump-sum payout that can be used for various needs, including medical expenses and lost income. It's a reliable way to help ensure that you and your family are well taken care of during challenging times.
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Request a CAA critical illness insurance quote online
Call 1-866-714-9007 and talk to a licensed insurance advisor.
Why choose CAA critical illness insurance
Amongst the most comprehensive products in Canada
Customizable coverage that fits your needs
Simple and modern process
Expert advisor support when you need it
Two-in-one application
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Which critical illnesses are covered with CAA critical illness insurance?
Critical illness insurance policies can differ in terms of the specific illnesses they cover. However, most policies typically include common critical illnesses like various cancer, heart attack, and stroke. With CAA critical illness insurance, provided by Securian Canada, you get coverage for 44 conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, a heart attack, stroke and more, which is amongst some of the most comprehensive coverage in Canada.
Who should get critical illness insurance in Canada?
Whether you have a family or live independently, unexpected medical expenses or time off work can be costly. Critical illness insurance can help you focus on your recovery while receiving financial support for both you and your loved ones.
Consider adding this valuable protection if you are:
- A parent or responsible for dependents
- Employed without benefits or have limited benefits
- Self-employed
- Are without additional health insurance or other sources of income
- Tied to a set income
Insurance that’s easy to get and even easier to use
Discover insurance that's not only easy to obtain but also incredibly user-friendly. Obtain your personalized quote, complete your application, and activate your coverage through our convenient online platform.
1. Check your eligibility quickly
2. Easily activate your coverage
3. Efficient claims process
4. Receive your living benefit
How does CAA critical illness insurance compare?
CAA critical illness insurance | Other critical illness insurance | |
Application process | Apply online and get approved and covered in as few as 20 minutes. Expert advisor support is available when needed. | Generally need to meet or call with an advisor and submit a paper application. |
Conditions covered | 44 conditions covered | 20-30 conditions covered (on average) |
Coverage amounts offered | $10,000 to $1M | $25,000 to $2.5M (on average) |
Coverage lengths offered | 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years | Usually 10 or 20 years, or until age 70 or 75 |
Fully-covered severe conditions | 27 severe conditions | Usually 24-26 severe conditions |
Partially-covered early-stage conditions | 17 early-stage conditions | Usually 0-8 early-stage conditions |
Payout details | Lump-sum tax-free payout | Lump-sum tax-free payout |
Fixed-rate | Yes | Yes |
Convertible | Yes | Yes |
Two-in-one application | See if you’re eligible for critical illness insurance and term life insurance in a single application | Usually requires separate applications |
*Comparison as of January 1st, 2024.
How much coverage should I get?
The simplest answer to this common question is that you should get insurance based on your savings and level of financial wellbeing and responsibility. For example, a healthy financial situation would be three to six months' worth of after-tax income in savings to get you through tough times.
To decide how much coverage you need, it’s best to think about how much you contribute to support your family, both financially and physically. Even if you're not the primary household earner, your family may still rely on both you and your income and need that extra financial support for things like childcare while you’re recovering. Even without dependents, you may need additional support, whether you are self-employed or not.
If you're still not certain about the coverage level you should get, you can speak to a licensed, non-commissioned advisor to help you determine your ideal coverage amount.
Frequently asked questions
A critical illness refers to a serious and often life-threatening medical condition that is specifically defined in the insurance policy. These conditions typically include major health issues, such as a heart attack, stroke, cancer, organ transplant, kidney failure, and other severe medical events.
It's important to note that the specific illnesses covered and their definitions can vary significantly between different insurance providers. Take the time to carefully review the terms, conditions, and coverage details to understand what critical illnesses are included. Also, be aware of any waiting periods that might apply, as well as any exclusions or limitations.
Remember...It's always a good idea to review your insurance plan to ensure you have the coverage you need for peace of mind. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to a licensed insurance advisors for further clarification.
Critical illness insurance policies can differ in terms of the specific illnesses they cover. However, most policies typically include common critical illnesses like various cancer, heart attack, and stroke. With CAA critical illness insurance, you get coverage for 44 conditions, which is amongst some of the most comprehensive coverage in Canada.
It's important to keep in mind that coverage may vary among insurance providers, so it's always a good idea to chat with an insurance advisor. They can help you understand exactly what's included, what's not, and any other specific terms.
What is covered by critical illness insurance?
- Aplastic Anemia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Occupational HIV Infection
- Endovascular Aortic Surgery
- Coronary Angioplasty
- Aortic Aneurysm (of specified severity)
- Implantation of a Permanent Cardiac Pacemaker
- Implantation of a Permanent Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
- Cancer of Specified Severity
- Early-Stage Breast Cancer - Carcinoma In-Situ (CIS) of the Breast Treated with Total Mastectomy
- Early-Stage Prostate Cancer - Prostate Cancer Treated with Radical Prostatectomy
- Early-Stage Blood Cancer - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - Stage 0
- Early-Stage Breast Cancer - Carcinoma in-Situ (non-invasive cancer)
- Early-Stage Intestinal Cancer – Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST)
- Early-Stage Prostate Cancer – Prostate Cancer (Stage T1a or T1b)
- Early-Stage Skin Cancer – Dermatofibrosarcoma
- Early-Stage Skin Cancer - Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma
- Early-Stage Skin Cancer – Malignant Melanoma
- Early-Stage Thyroid Cancer – Papillary Thyroid Cancer or Follicular Thyroid Cancer
- Other Forms of Cancer - Carcinoma in-Situ (non-invasive cancer)
- Other Forms of Cancer – Neuroendocrine Tumours (including carcinoid tumours)
- Aortic Surgery
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Valve Replacement or Repair
- Benign Brain Tumour
- Motor Neuron Disease (including ALS)
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Coma
- Dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease
- Paralysis
- Parkinson's Disease and Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders
- "Stroke (cerebrovascular accident resulting in persistent neurological deficits)”
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Loss of Limbs
- Severe Burns
- Loss of Independence Existence
- Loss of Speech
- Kidney Failure
- Major Organ Failure (on waiting list)
- Major Organ Transplant
Critical illness insurance is specifically designed to offer you and your family a reliable financial safety net in the event of a serious health diagnosis. It can provide invaluable assistance in managing the financial challenges associated with medical treatment, recovery, and necessary lifestyle adjustments that often accompany critical illnesses.
This refers to the specific timeframe that needs to pass after the diagnosis of a covered critical illness before you can submit a claim. The waiting period may vary depending on your insurance provider, the covered condition, and the terms of your plan. Usually, this period ranges from 30 to 90 days, but it can be longer in some cases. The good news is that with CAA critical illness insurance, you won't have to wait for more than half of the covered conditions.
The benefit you can receive from your critical illness insurance is based on the coverage amount you selected when you activated your plan. Various insurance companies provide different coverage options, typically ranging from $10,000 to $1 million in Canada.
In Canada, critical illness insurance is usually offered as a lump-sum payment to planholders who are diagnosed with a covered critical illness and meet the conditions specified in the insurance plan.
Absolutely! With CAA critical illness insurance, you can cancel your plan if needed. Plus, if you decide to cancel within 30 days of activating your critical illness plan, you'll receive a full refund of any premiums paid. Even if you cancel after this initial 30-day period, you'll still be eligible for a pro-rated refund of prepaid premiums. The best part? No cancellation fees or penalties will be charged. We're here to make sure you have the coverage that suits your needs.
For CAA critical illness insurance coverage purchased after December 31st, 2023, you can contact service@caa.securiancanada.ca or call 1-866-714-9007 (Monday to Friday 8:30AM to 8PM EST) to speak to an advisor and start your claim.
For one-Year or five-Year term life insurance certificates with CAA critical illness insurance riders purchased purchased prior to January 1st, 2024, you can contact memberservice@securiancanada.ca or call 1-866-714-9007 (Monday to Friday 8:30AM to 8PM EST) to speak to an advisor and start your claim.
For all other CAA critical illness insurance policies purchased prior to January 1st, 2024, you can contact am_caa@manulife.com (for English service), am_caa@manuvie.com (for French service) or call 1-877-261-8222 to start your claim.
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1 Visit caaneo.ca/termsandconditions for offer details and full Membership Terms and Conditions.
Securian Canada is the brand name used by Canadian Premier Life Insurance Company and Canadian Premier General Insurance Company to do business in Canada. Policies are underwritten by Canadian Premier Life Insurance Company.