Critical Illness Insurance in Ontario
A serious diagnosis should not become a financial crisis. We connect Ontario residents with licensed advisors who compare critical illness policies and find the right coverage for your family.
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Critical Illness Insurance in Ontario
Critical illness insurance pays a one time, tax free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a covered serious illness such as cancer, heart attack or stroke and survive a short waiting period.
You can use the money however you need: to replace lost income, pay for treatment or care not covered by OHIP, pay down debt, or let a spouse take time off work to support you.
Connect NowHow CommercialInsurance.ca works
We are not an insurer or an advisor. We find you the right one.
Matched by need
We connect you with an advisor who works with businesses and families like yours.
Licensed life and health advisors
Life and health insurance advisors in Ontario are licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).
Fast follow up
Once we receive your information, a professional in our network will connect with you within 24 hours.
No cost to be matched
Our referral service is free. You deal directly with the advisor for quotes and coverage.
How critical illness insurance works
What conditions are covered
Policies list the conditions they cover. The core three appear in almost every policy, and comprehensive policies cover many more.
Cancer, heart attack and stroke
Coma, major organ failure and paralysis
Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and more on broader plans
Partial payments for some early stage conditions on many plans
The survival period
Most policies pay once you survive a set period after diagnosis, often 30 days. Check the survival period and how each condition is defined.
Return of premium options
Some policies return your premiums if you never claim, or if you cancel after a set number of years. It adds cost, but can make the coverage more attractive.
Critical illness, disability or life?
How they work together
Life insurance pays if you pass away. Disability insurance pays a monthly benefit if you cannot work. Critical illness pays a lump sum on diagnosis, whether or not you can keep working. Many people combine them.
For business owners
A business can own a critical illness policy on a key person to cover lost revenue or hiring costs while they recover. See our key person insurance guide.
Critical Illness Insurance FAQs
Is a critical illness payout taxable?
When you own the policy and pay the premiums personally, the lump sum benefit is generally not taxable.
Do I need critical illness insurance if I have OHIP?
OHIP covers medically necessary care, but not lost income, travel for treatment, home care, or many drugs and therapies. The lump sum helps with those costs.
Can I get coverage with a family history of illness?
Often yes, though some conditions may be excluded or priced higher. An advisor can compare how insurers treat your history.
What is the difference between critical illness and disability insurance?
Critical illness pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a covered condition. Disability insurance pays monthly while you are unable to work.
What to expect from a benefits advisor
A licensed advisor handles the details so you can make a clear decision.
1Discovery call
Share who needs coverage, what matters most and your budget. For businesses, bring your current plan and renewal if you have one.
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2Plan design
Your advisor recommends coverage levels and cost sharing that fit your needs, and explains the trade offs in plain language.
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3Compare insurers
Your advisor gathers quotes from multiple insurers and compares price, coverage and service side by side.
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4Enrol and support
Once you choose, your advisor handles the application and enrolment, and stays available for claims questions and renewals.
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