Critical illness insurance
Insurance that protects you financially if you're diagnosed with an illness that's covered by your policy.
Answer a few questions to find out if critical illness insurance is right for you.
1-866-838-7661 Phone number of Desjardins Insurance. This link opens your phone app.
What is critical illness insurance?
Critical illness insurance helps cover costs associated with a critical illness such as cancer, a heart attack or stroke.
If you're diagnosed with an illness or condition, as defined in the policy, you receive a tax-free payment. You can use this money in a number of different ways.
Is critical illness insurance worth it?
Critical illness insurance can help reduce financial stress during a difficult time. Whether you choose to continue working or take time off, you can use the benefit to cover various expenses.
Drugs, treatment or medical care
That aren't covered by your provincial health plan.
Unexpected expenses
Such as travel, accommodation and hospital parking.
Help at home
For day-to-day tasks.
Features
Coverage amount options
From $10,000 to $3,000,000.
Coverage length options
A fixed period of time or for life.
Protection for your business
To help keep it running smoothly.
What does critical illness insurance cover?
Our insurance covers 26 critical illnesses, conditions and surgeries. If your diagnosis meets the policy definition, you'll receive your benefit.
We also offer insurance for children that covers 6 additional childhood disabilities and illnesses.
List of critical illnesses covered
Cancers and tumours
- Benign brain tumour
- Cancer (life-threatening)
Accidents and functional loss
- Acquired brain injury
- Blindness
- Coma
- Deafness
- Loss of speech
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
Cardiovascular
- Aortic surgery
- Coronary artery bypass
- Heart attack
- Heart valve replacement or repair
- Stroke
Neurological
- Bacterial meningitis
- Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
- Motor neuron disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson's disease and specified atypical Parkinsonian disorders
Vital organs
- Kidney failure
- Major organ failure on waiting list
- Major organ transplant
Others
- Aplastic anemia
- Occupational HIV infection
- Permanent loss of independent existence
Childhood illnesses
We also offer critical illness insurance for children that covers 6 additional disabilities and illnesses.
Included in a child plan
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Rett syndrome
- Cystic fibrosis
Can be added to a child plan
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy
Good to know
Check that your illness or condition meets the definition in the policy. Being diagnosed with a critical illness by your doctor doesn't mean you automatically qualify for a benefit payment.
Sometimes only severe cases are covered. And there may be limitations and exclusions. For example, you may need to wait out a moratorium, survival or qualifying period.
Partial payments
You can receive a partial payment (or an advance) for some less severe illnesses and conditions that don't meet the definitions of the 26 covered illnesses.
| Illness category | Partial payment |
| Early-stage cancers (such as prostate, breast, skin and thyroid) | 15% of insurance amount, up to $50,000 |
| Other cancers | 1% of insurance amount, up to $5,000 |
| Ablation surgeries | 30% of insurance amount, up to $100,000 |
| Minor cardiovascular conditions and procedures | 15% of insurance amount, up to $50,000 |
| Temporary loss of independence | 15% of insurance amount, up to $25,000 |
Advantages of critical illness insurance
We offer a variety of coverage options.
Return of premium on cancellation
If you cancel your coverage, you get back a percentage of the premiums paid.
Return of premium on death
In the event of your death, your beneficiaries receive the higher of:
- 100% of premiums paid
- 25% of the insurance amount
Additional coverages
Boost your protection with our add-ons.
- Accident
- Accidental death, dismemberment or loss of use
- Accidental fracture
- Children's accidental fracture
- Children's life protection
- Disability waiver of premiums
Assistance services
If you're looking to get help with daily activities or support in difficult times, we're here for you.
Phone assistance
Call anytime for advice from a nurse on nutrition, vaccinations, the use of prescriptions drugs and other health matters.
Second medical opinion
Get a second opinion on a diagnosis from specialist physicians, who will review your medical record and history.
Autonomy assistance
Receive home care services to make day-to-day life easier for you and your caregivers if you lose your independence.
Psychological assistance
Talk to a psychological health specialist, in person or on the phone, for help in hard times.
Multi-coverage discount
Get a reduced premium when you buy 2 or more eligible insurance coverages at the same time for the same policy.
FAQ
Does critical illness insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, critical illness insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions. To be covered, you must not have had any symptoms or received a critical illness diagnosis within 90 days of your policy start date.
Does critical illness insurance cover me for my whole life?
Critical illness insurance can cover you until age 65 or 75, or for life.
Get a critical illness insurance quote
By phone
Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
1-866-838-7661 Phone number of Desjardins Insurance. This link opens your phone app.
We can also call you when it's convenient.