Insurance questions · British Columbia
How would I cover expenses if illness kept me from working?
Expenses can continue even when work and income stop. Start by checking sick leave, workplace benefits, savings and policies you already have before considering additional coverage.
Separate two different risks
Disability insurance generally addresses lost income when illness or injury prevents work, subject to policy conditions and a benefit period. Critical illness insurance generally pays a lump sum for an illness defined in the policy when its conditions are met.
Check the details
For disability coverage, ask about the waiting period, benefit duration, occupation definition and interactions with other benefits. For critical illness coverage, check covered-condition definitions, waiting or survival requirements and exclusions.
Start with cash flow
List essential monthly expenses and emergency savings to see where a gap may arise. If you are self-employed, list continuing business expenses separately.
Three questions to bring to a conversation
- What do your workplace benefits and current policies already cover?
- How long could savings cover your costs if work stopped?
- Which personal or business expenses would continue?
General information only. Coverage, eligibility, costs and claims depend on the insurer's policy and approval. This is not personal insurance, tax, investment or legal advice.
Sources
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Disability and health insurance ↗Health insurance ↗Source checked: September 26, 2026. Review current policy details before making a decision.