Alberta Disability Insurance
Protect yourself with disability insurance in Alberta
Serious illness or accidents can happen anytime and leave you unable to work. This is more common than you may think. In fact, approximately 40 per cent of Canadians will deal with a disability for 90 days or more at some point in their working life.
The inability to earn an income for any period of time can cause you and your family significant financial stress. Fortunately, disability insurance can replace your wages or salary if you fall ill or are accidently injured.
Contact us today for a free Alberta disability insurance quote or read on to learn more about this type of coverage.
How does disability insurance work in Alberta?
Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if a disability prevents you from performing your regular job duties. This can include physical injury, chronic pain or mental illness, although exactly what’s covered will vary by the insurance providers and your individual plan.
With disability insurance, you’ll receive a tax-free monthly payment to replace your income in the event that an illness or accidental injury prevents you from working. The amount you’ll receive depends on your policy and insurance providers, but a typical policy is structured to replace 85 per cent of your take-home income.
If you suffer from a qualifying injury or illness and file a claim, you will start to receive your monthly benefit after a waiting period, which is anywhere between 30 days or six months, although the average is 90 days. It is important to note that disability benefit payments are made at the end of each month. So, a disability policy with a waiting period of three months will receive its first payment at the end of the fourth month.
You will receive the monthly disability insurance benefits:
- until the end of your benefit period;
- until you reach your maximum benefit amount; or,
- you return to work successfully.
Disability insurance is different from critical illness insurance, which provides a one-time lump sum payment that can cover treatment-related costs or everyday expenses should you suffer from a life-threating illness.
What does disability insurance cover in Alberta?
A disability can be anything that prevents you from doing your job, including:
- Physical injury
- Chronic pain
- Mental illness
That said, most disability insurance policies contain specific exclusions, including:
- Intentionally self-inflicted injuries or attempted suicide.
- Use of non-prescription drugs.
- Misuse of prescription drugs.
- Participation in particularly hazardous sports and activities.
- Participation in illegal activities.
- Losses caused by war or an act of war.
- Pre-existing illnesses or conditions.
- Regular pregnancy and childbirth (although complications are generally covered).
Understanding Alberta disability insurance
There are two main disability insurance categories, for which there are different benefit payouts in the event of a claim.
Any occupation
If you opt for “any occupation” disability insurance coverage, you will only receive benefits payments in the event you’re unable to work any job that you’re reasonable suited for. This means you will not qualify for benefits if, despite your disability, you’re able to perform a different job.
Own occupation
Sometimes referred to as “regular occupation,” this disability insurance coverage will provide a monthly benefits payment if you’re unable to work in the role you had at the time you became disabled.
There are three types of own occupation disability insurance to choose from:
- True own occupation provides benefits if you’re unable to perform your regular work duties, even if you start a different job.
- Transitional own occupation tops up your new, lower salary if you start a new job due to illness or injury.
- Own occupation, not engaged only provides benefits up until you start working again, regardless of what type of job you are performing.
Why choose Acera Insurance for your disability insurance in Alberta
Acera Insurance has been a trusted and experienced disability insurance broker for over 60 years. We work with the largest insurance providers in Alberta, and Canada, to provide you with competitive disability insurance quotes and a choice in your coverage.
As one of Canada’s leading and largest independent brokerages, our knowledgeable disability insurance brokerages work for you—not an insurance company. We provide you with the best service and the best protection for you and your family. Request your disability insurance quote today.
Disability insurance can replace your income when you’re unable to work due to physical injury or mental illness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alberta Disability Insurance
Insurance is rarely simple. To help you get a better understanding of your insurance, we want to answer your questions as best as we possibly can.
Here are five of the most frequently asked questions we get about disability insurance in Alberta.
Approximately a quarter of all Canadians will have to deal with a disability at some point, either temporarily or permanently. Even temporary disabilities can last for as long as six years.
If you fall ill or suffer an injury and are unable to work, how will you cover your everyday expenses (such as a mortgage, groceries utilities and more)? Disability insurance can provide the financial security that you and your family need.
While your employer may offer some disability coverage, the policy may not be enough to cover your lost income. Make sure you understand the disability coverage and benefits period that your employer provides. Also keep in mind that you will lose this coverage if you change employers.
An individual disability insurance policy can ensure you have the comprehensive coverage that truly meets your needs.
The cost of disability insurance depends on a few factors, including:
- Disability category (i.e., any occupation, own occupation)
- Benefit amount
- Benefit waiting period
- Benefit period
- Your current health
- Your occupation
- Your income
One of our experienced Alberta disability insurance brokers can help balance your needs with your budget.
The waiting period (also known as an elimination period) means there are no benefits being paid even though you’d be considered disabled. This period of time is generally 30 days to six months, with the average length of time being 90 days. Think of it as a deductible, but it’s time instead of money.
This waiting period reduces the number of short-term claims and lowers premiums, although you must be able to financially get yourself through that time, whether that be by savings or borrowing.
The benefit period is the amount of time you are eligible to receive your income replacement payments for each disability claim. This will be determined when you purchase the policy. You may have the following options for your benefit period:
- One year
- Two years
- Five years
- Up to age 65
- Lifetime
Depending on your policy, your payments may stop if you return to work, but in other cases, you may continue receiving your benefits.
The benefit amount is the amount you will be paid for each disability claim. This is generally less than your pre-disability, pre-tax income. It is determined as a fixed amount or a calculated percentage. A typical disability insurance policy is structured to replace 85 per cent of your take-home income before you were injured or became ill.
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