Life Insurance.

What is life insurance and how does it work?

Life insurance provides financial protection to your beneficiaries in the event of your death, typically in the form of a lump-sum payment.

How much life insurance do I need?

The amount needed depends on your financial obligations, income, and future goals. A common rule is to aim for coverage that is 7 to 10 times your annual income.

What are the different types of life insurance?

There are primarily two types: term life insurance (coverage for a specified period) and permanent life insurance (coverage for life, including whole life and universal life policies).

How much does life insurance cost in Canada?

Costs vary based on factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and the type and amount of coverage. Term life insurance is generally more affordable than permanent life insurance.

Can I change my life insurance policy later?

Yes, sometimes policies allow for changes such as increasing coverage, converting term to permanent insurance, or adding riders for additional benefits. Depending on the carrier there are different limitations and exclusions to what can be changed.

What factors affect my life insurance premiums?

Premiums are influenced by age, health, smoking status, occupation, and the amount and type of coverage.

What is the process of making a life insurance claim?

Beneficiaries need to submit a death certificate and any other required documents to the insurance company to process the claim.

What is the difference between Mortgage Protection and Term Life Insurance?

Mortgage protection insurance is specifically designed to pay off your mortgage balance in full if you pass away during the term of the mortgage. It is directly tied to your mortgage loan and typically decreases in coverage as you pay down your mortgage principal. The benefit is paid directly to the lender to ensure the mortgage debt is settled.

On the other hand, term life insurance provides a lump-sum payment to your chosen beneficiaries if you die within the policy’s term, regardless of mortgage obligations. This insurance offers more flexibility as the payout can be used for various financial needs beyond just paying off the mortgage, such as living expenses, education costs, or other debts. Term life insurance policies are portable and not tied to a specific mortgage, allowing coverage to continue even if you refinance or move homes.

Critical Illness Insurance.

What is critical illness insurance?

Critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with a serious illness covered by the policy, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke.

What illnesses are typically covered by critical illness insurance?

Coverage varies by policy but usually includes major illnesses like cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and organ transplants.

How much critical illness insurance do I need?

The amount needed depends on your income, expenses, and potential costs of treatment and recovery. It’s recommended to consider how much you would need to cover living expenses and medical costs.

How is critical illness insurance different from disability insurance?

Critical illness insurance provides a one-time lump-sum payment upon diagnosis, while disability insurance offers ongoing income replacement if you cannot work due to illness or injury.

Can I get critical illness insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Coverage for pre-existing conditions is often excluded, but it depends on the insurer’s policies and the specifics of the condition.

How do I make a claim on critical illness insurance?

You need to provide medical documentation confirming the diagnosis of a covered illness. Once the claim is approved, you receive the lump-sum payment.

What happens if I don’t get diagnosed with a critical illness?

Some policies offer a return-of-premium option, where you can get back the premiums paid if no claim is made within a specified period.

Group Benefits Insurance.

What is group benefits insurance?

Group benefits insurance provides health, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage to employees, often at a lower cost than individual plans.

Can group benefits be written off as a business expense?

Yes, premiums paid for group benefits insurance are typically deductible as a business expense in Canada.

How much does group benefits insurance cost?

Costs vary based on the size of the company, the types of benefits included, and the demographics of the employees. On average, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per employee per year.

What happens when an employee makes a claim on group benefits insurance?

Employees submit the required documentation, such as receipts or medical reports, to the insurance provider. Approved claims are reimbursed according to the policy terms.

What types of coverage are included in group benefits insurance?

Typical coverage includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, and sometimes critical illness insurance.

How do group benefits improve employee retention?

Offering comprehensive benefits can significantly enhance job satisfaction, loyalty, and retention by providing financial security and peace of mind.

How do I select the right group benefits plan for my business?

Consider your budget, employee needs, and the specific benefits that will provide the most value. Consulting with an insurance advisor can help tailor a plan that balances cost and coverage.

Can group benefits plans be customized?

Yes, group benefits plans can be tailored to fit the specific needs and preferences of your business and employees.