Ontario Disability Insurance

Stay financially secure with disability insurance in Ontario

Illnesses and accidents can happen when you least expect them – and the financial impact can be significant. In fact, 1 in 3 Canadians will experience a disability lasting 90 days or longer before age 65, and the average length of such a disability is nearly three years.

Losing your ability to earn an income – even temporarily – can create major financial stress for you and your family. Disability insurance provides a safety net by replacing a portion of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

Take the first step toward protecting your future. Request a free Ontario disability insurance quote today or learn more about how this coverage can safeguard your financial well-being.

Types of disability insurance in Ontario

Short-Term Disability Insurance
Short-term disability coverage is designed to replace a portion of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury for more than just a few days. It typically provides benefits for several weeks up to a few months, helping you manage everyday expenses while you recover and get back to work.

Long-Term Disability Insurance
Long-term disability coverage offers protection against more serious and lasting conditions. If a catastrophic illness or injury prevents you from returning to work (or even permanently impacts your ability to earn an income), long-term disability insurance ensures you have ongoing financial support. This type of coverage is essential for safeguarding your lifestyle and your family’s future stability.

Understanding disability insurance in Ontario: Inclusions and exclusions

Ontario disability insurance is designed to provide financial protection when illness or injury prevents you from working, but it’s important to understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Policies typically include a wide range of medical conditions and accidents that could impact your ability to earn an income, while certain situations or pre-existing conditions may be excluded. Knowing the inclusions and exclusions upfront helps you choose the right plan and avoid surprises when it comes time to make a claim.

Types of conditions covered under disability insurance

Disability insurance provides income protection when health issues prevent you from working. Many people think disability only happens after a major accident, but the reality is that it can result from a wide range of conditions – both sudden and long-term.

Here are some of the most common reasons Ontarians may need coverage:

• Accidents – Car crashes, falls, or other unexpected incidents can cause injuries that keep you away from work for weeks, months, or even longer.
• Serious Illness – Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or stroke can require extended recovery time, making steady income protection essential.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders – Back problems, joint issues, or repetitive strain injuries are leading causes of disability claims and can significantly affect your ability to work.
• Mental Health Conditions – Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges are increasingly common causes of workplace disability and can impact long-term earning capacity.
• Pregnancy Complications – Some pregnancies involve medical complications that prevent mothers from continuing to work before or after childbirth.
• Vision or Hearing Loss – Losing the ability to see or hear clearly can create serious barriers to continuing your profession, especially in roles that rely on those senses.
• Work-Related Injuries – While workers’ compensation may apply in some cases, not every scenario is covered. This makes disability insurance an important safeguard.
• Degenerative Diseases – Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or other progressive illnesses can develop over time and ultimately prevent ongoing employment.

Exclusions commonly noted on most disability policies

Like all forms of insurance, disability coverage comes with certain limitations. While disability insurance provides valuable income protection, most policies also outline specific exclusions – situations where benefits will not be paid. These exclusions help define the scope of coverage and set clear expectations for policyholders. Understanding these exclusions is just as important as knowing what’s covered, as it ensures there are no surprises if you ever need to make a claim.

Common exclusions found in many Ontario disability insurance policies include:

• 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).

Tailored protection through Acera Benefits

Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working, protecting your financial security and peace of mind. With more than 60 years of experience, Acera Insurance is a trusted name in helping Canadians protect their income with disability insurance.

We partner with many of the country’s top insurance providers to deliver competitive quotes and flexible coverage options tailored to your needs. An Acera Insurance broker can help you navigate the many options available, compare policies, and find the right coverage to support you and your family when it’s needed most.

As one of Canada’s largest independent brokerages, our advisors work for you – not the insurance companies. That means you can count on unbiased guidance, exceptional service, and coverage that puts your financial security first.