Disability Insurance

While the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) do include disability coverage, there are considerable limitations to the benefits provided by these plans:

• For 2016, the average monthly CPP disability benefit is $933.82 and the maximum monthly amount is $1290.81.^Disclaimer4 This amount is considerably less than what you could receive through one of our disability insurance plans. For example, through The Professional Series^® policy, some individuals can qualify for as much as $25,000 per month, depending on their occupation, pre-disability income and other factors.
• To qualify for the CPP disability benefit, you must sustain a severe and prolonged mental or physical disability and be unable to work at any occupation.^Disclaimer4 With a disability insurance plan from RBC Insurance, you may be able to receive benefits under a less stringent definition of disability.

This answer depends on your employer-sponsored disability plan, so examine it carefully and know what it covers. Typically, an employer-sponsored plan will end when your employment ends. One of the advantages of a disability insurance policy from RBC Insurance is that you can take it with you if you leave your job.

Here are some things to look at for your employer-sponsored plan:

• How much of your income will your employer-sponsored disability plan replace? Will you be caught short?
• Are you covered for illness as well as injury?
• Are you only covered for accidents on the job, or are you protected 24/7?
• Does your plan provide valuable return to work services?
• How does your plan define a disability?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you may find that you need additional coverage.

Calculate your disability insurance needsOpens in new window

Your disability benefits should allow you and your family to continue to live comfortably, as though you were still able to work full-time. First, total up your monthly "fixed living expenses" such as food, housing, transportation, utilities and other miscellaneous expenses. Subtract from that amount any income you'll receive from other sources during a disability—for example, from investments you may have, property you rent out and other disability insurance coverage. The amount by which your expenses exceed income during disability is the amount you need. Bear in mind, though, that any disability insurance plan will only replace a portion of your income.

Calculate your disability insurance needsOpens in new window

You may apply for disability insurance if you:

• Meet the age requirements of the policy:
  • Age 18-60 for The Professional Series^®, The Foundation Series™, The Bridge Series^® and Quantum policies
  • Age 18-64 for The Fundamental™ Series policy (illness coverage) and age 18-69 (injury coverage)
  • Age 18-55 for RBC Simplified^® Disability Insurance
  • Age 18-55 for the Retirement Protector policy
• Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident/landed immigrant

We encourage you to apply even if you aren’t sure you can qualify. If you are not eligible for a traditional disability plan, you may be eligible to apply for RBC Simplified^® Disability Insurance, which only requires answers to a few basic pre-qualifying questions.

Yes, he or she may apply for coverage under his or her own policy, provided your partner meets the eligibility requirements of the policy.

You will pay premiums through the term of your policy.

This answer depends on the policy. Some plans offer a choice of guaranteed level premiums for the life of the contract and step rate premiums (for age 35 and under), which allow you to pay less while you’re getting your business or career off the ground. With other policies, RBC Insurance does reserve the right to increase premiums. However, we cannot change your premiums unless we do so for an entire group of policyholders sharing similar characteristics.

Compare Disability Insurance Plans

A Waiver of Premium benefit is included in every one of our disability insurance plans at no extra cost. In most policies, this provision takes effect after 90 days of disability and any premiums you paid during the 90 days are refunded back to you.

• Call 1-866-262-7920
• Have an advisor call you

• Get a quote and apply online for injury-only coverage
• Get a quote and then call 1-866-262-7920 to apply for injury and sickness coverage

Typically, yes. When purchasing disability insurance, medical questions and exams are usually required, the extent of which depends on your age and the amount of insurance you request when you apply.

If you apply for RBC Simplified^® Disability Insurance, there are just a few basic pre-qualifying questions and no medical exam.

Disability insurance isn't a "one size fits all" purchase. Different people have unique circumstances, needs and budgets. That’s why we offer such a wide range of policies with a variety of options.

Compare Disability Insurance Plans

You must meet the plan requirements for eligibility, including having the policy in force and satisfying the elimination or waiting period.

Definitions of disability vary from plan to plan; your policy will contain complete information about eligibility, limitations and exclusions.

The elimination period is the number of days between the onset of a disability and the day you begin receiving benefits. Most of our plans offer you a choice of elimination periods ranging from 30 days to 730 days. RBC Simplified^® Disability Insurance has a 60-day or 90-day elimination period to choose from.

Yes. Typically, benefits are not paid for disabilities due to^Disclaimer5 (the following is a summary of exclusions only):

• An act or accident of war
• Normal pregnancy or childbirth (complications of pregnancy or childbirth are covered)

In addition, the policies won't pay a benefit for any period during which you are incarcerated.

Yes, you can cancel your coverage at any time by contacting us.