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Benefits of Disability Insurance

Flexible Options

Our disability insurance plans offer a range of options to choose from, including the Family Compassionate Care Rider, a first-of-its-kind.

Fills Coverage Gap

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) disability benefits are limited and may be more restrictive.

Helps You Return to WorkDisclaimer1

Many of our plans provide return to work benefits such as rehabilitation, job retraining and other services to help you get back to work.

Portable

Most employer-sponsored plans end if you leave your job. A disability insurance plan from RBC Insurance can go with you.

Types of Disability InsuranceDisclaimer2

An affordable and easy way to get income protection

RBC Simplified® Disability Insurance is a straightforward, affordable and easy to purchase plan that can help protect your income if you become injured or ill.Disclaimer1

Ideal if You

  • Are self-employed, a contractor or a part-time workerDisclaimer3
  • Want coverage for injury only, or both sickness and injury
  • Are concerned about qualifying for traditional coverage
  • Want to top up group coverage or don't have group coverage

Highlights

  • Affordable: Premiums start as low as $10.50 per month for injury-only coverage.
  • Tax-Free Monthly Benefit: Choose $500, $1,000 or $1,500 (75% of your gross monthly income is the maximum).Disclaimer2
  • No Medical Exam: Answer just a few basic questions to apply. You can receive injury-only coverage if you do not qualify for sickness coverage.
  • Easy to Apply: You may be able to apply online in as little as 15 minutes.

  • Total Disability Benefits: Receive a monthly benefit for up to two years if a covered illness or injury completely prevents you from working.Disclaimer2
  • Guaranteed Renewable: We cannot cancel the policy without your consent, up until you turn age 65.
  • Waiver of Premium During Disability: Your premiums will be waived if you are disabled and being paid monthly benefits.
  • Portable: You can keep your policy if you change jobs.
  • 30-Day Review Period: If you change your mind during this time, we will give you a full refund and cancel your policy.

Who Can Apply?

  • Ages 18-55
  • Canadian citizens
  • Permanent residents/landed immigrants
  • Working a minimum of 30 hours per week

What's Covered?

Benefits are payable under the following conditionsDisclaimer5:

You are considered disabled if due directly to injury (if you are covered for injury only) or injury or sickness (if you also have sickness coverage) and you are:

  • Unable to perform the essential duties of your regular occupation(s) (even with any reasonable assistance or modification of job duties);
  • Not working in any gainful occupation; and
  • Under the regular care of a physician and receiving appropriate treatment

Two years is the maximum period of time that you can receive monthly benefits for any one period of disability due directly to injury (if you are covered for injury only) or injury or sickness (if you also have sickness coverage).

This is the number of days between the onset of a disability and the day you begin receiving benefits. You can choose a 60-day or 90-day elimination period for both injury and sickness coverage.

Disclaimer5

We will not pay monthly benefits nor waive premiums for any period of disability that results, directly or indirectly, from:

  • Any illness or disease, if you have not purchased sickness coverage
  • Any self-inflicted injury, whether intentional or unintentional, that occurs while you are intoxicated
  • Your service in the armed forces, the reserves, or any other military organization
  • Any injury that occurs while you are using or operating any motorized vehicle while you are intoxicated
  • Your use of any drug except as prescribed or directed by your physician
  • Any suicide attempt or other intentionally self-inflicted harm, while sane or insane
  • Any opportunistic infection or other illness or disease that physicians commonly associate with AIDS or the HIV virus
  • Any injury that occurs while you are committing or attempting to commit a crime, whether or not you are charged with the crime
  • Any subjective condition, including but not limited to chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, Epstein Barr syndrome, fibrositis, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or any other syndrome or condition characterized predominantly by subjective symptoms
  • Any psychiatric, psychological, emotional, mental or nervous disorder, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. This exclusion does not include disabilities caused by senile dementia or loss of mental capacity resulting from a stroke, head trauma, viral infection or Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • Any injury sustained or illness which first manifests itself before your policy becomes effective or while your policy is not in force

We also will not pay monthly benefits nor waive premiums for any:

  • Period of time you are in a jail, under house arrest, or otherwise incarcerated
  • Disability resulting from a normal pregnancy or childbirth. This exclusion does not apply to disabilities caused by complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
  • Period of time that you are receiving benefits for loss of earnings under any worker's compensation act or plan

About Your Premiums

  • Premiums for injury coverage cannot be changed unless we do so for an entire group of policyholders sharing similar characteristics
  • Premiums for the sickness benefit increase every five years
  • Policy cannot be cancelled by us as long as you pay your premiums as required
  • Pay no premiums while you’re collecting benefits

The information above is intended as a summary only. Please see a sample policyOpens PDF in new window for complete details on terms and conditions, including benefits and exclusions.

A disability insurance plan for high-income earners

The Professional Series® policy provides long-term disability coverage and return to work benefits that are designed around your unique needs.

Ideal if You

  • Need a higher level of income protection
  • Are a business owner, executive, doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc.

Highlights

  • Total Disability Benefits: Receive a specified monthly benefit if illness or injury completely prevents you from working.Disclaimer6
  • Partial and Residual Disability Benefits: Makes your transition back to work easier if, as a result of injury or illness, you are only able to work part-time.
  • Choice of Benefit Periods: Receive benefits for two years, five years or until age 65.
  • Return to Work Assistance BenefitsOpens in new window: Receive services that can help you get back to your job.

  • Non-Cancellable: We cannot change the policy or premiums, or cancel the policy without your consent, up until you turn age 65. (Rates and benefit periods are subject to change after age 65.)
  • Recovery Benefit: Pays a portion of your monthly benefit for up to four months during your initial return to full-time work after a total or residual disability (two months for a partial disability), if you have a 20% or more decrease in earnings.
  • Medical Confidence™ ServiceDisclaimer7: Receive faster access to care and treatment by appropriate physician specialists, a more accurate diagnosis, one-on-one support from a Registered Nurse and more.
  • Long-Term Care Conversion Option: From age 55 to 65, you can convert all or some of your coverage to long-term care insurance, without providing evidence of good health.Disclaimer8
  • Waiver of Premium During Disability: Your premiums will be waived if you are disabled and being paid monthly benefits.
  • Health Care Profession Rider: If you are a qualified health care professional, you will receive this rider at no additional cost. If you become HIV-impaired or hepatitis-impaired and, due to your impairment, you meet one of the conditions of the rider, you will be considered disabled.Disclaimer9
  • Portable: You can keep your policy if you change jobs.

Who Can Apply?

  • Ages 18-60
  • Canadian citizens
  • Permanent residents/landed immigrants

What's Covered?

Benefits are payable under the following conditionsDisclaimer5:

  • Choose to receive benefits for two years, five years or until age 65.
  • The plan provides benefits for three definitions of disability: total disability, partial disability and residual disability.
    • Total disability benefits: Payable if, as a result of injury or illness, you are:
      • Unable to perform the important duties of your regular occupation, and
      • Not engaged in any gainful occupation, and
      • Receiving appropriate physician’s care
    • Partial disability benefits: To meet the definition of partial disability, you must not be totally disabled and must be engaged in your regular occupation or another job at the time of partial disability. You are considered partially disabled if, due directly to injury or illness, you are:
      • Unable to perform one or more of the important duties of your regular occupation or the important duties of your occupation at least one-half of the time normally required, and
      • Receiving appropriate physician’s care
      Eligibility for partial disability benefits is based on the loss of time or your inability to perform your duties as a result of injury or illness. The benefit is payable up to the end of your benefit period with 50% of the maximum monthly benefit payable for the first 24 months and 25% payable for the remainder of the benefit period.
    • Residual disability benefits: To meet the definition of residual disability, you must not be totally disabled and must be engaged in your occupation or other job at the time of residual disability. You are considered residually disabled if you have a loss of earnings of at least 20% and are receiving appropriate physician's care.

      Eligibility for residual disability benefits is based on a loss of earnings as a result of injury or illness. A proportionate benefit is payable based on your percentage of lost earnings.

Note: At any one time during a partial disability, you may switch to residual disability benefits. In addition, you will be reimbursed for any additional residual disability benefit you would have received during the 12 months prior to switching.

Customized return to work benefits provide financial benefits, as well as rehabilitation, retraining, work-site modifications and other services to assist you in returning to full-time work.

About Return to Work BenefitsOpens in new window

If you die prior to age 65 while receiving total disability benefits, your beneficiary will receive a payment for three times the maximum monthly benefit payable at the time of death.

This is the number of days between the onset of a disability and the day you begin receiving benefits. You can choose from the following: 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 365 or 730 days. (The two-year benefit period is not available with a 730-day elimination period.)

Disclaimer5

Choose from the following optional coverage (subject to eligibility):

  • Family Compassionate Care Rider: The Family Compassionate Leave rider provides a monthly benefit to insureds whose spouses or children are diagnosed with a terminal illness. The benefit matches the basic indemnity on the disability policy of the insured, and can continue to the earlier of 12 months of the death of the insured’s family member. Premiums on the disability policy are waived while the benefit is being paid.
    *Not available with Wage Loss Replacement Plans
  • Additional Monthly Benefits: Adds more coverage to your base coverage.
  • Future Income Option: To keep pace with your rising income, this allows you to purchase additional coverage on each policy anniversary date, up to age 55, without having to prove your health status.
  • Cost of Living Benefit: While you are disabled, this benefit protects you against inflation, subject to limits.
  • Disability in Your Occupation Benefit: Enhances your policy's definition of total disability to disregard participation in other occupations while you are totally disabled in your primary occupation.
  • Retirement Protector Rider: Helps you maintain deposits to a retirement savings plan (RSP) while you are totally disabled.
  • First Day of Hospitalization Benefit: Waives the waiting period for total disability as long as you satisfy the policy's definition of total disability and have been hospitalized for 72 consecutive hours. This ensures payment of the total disability benefit from the first day of hospitalization.
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit: If you sustain an accidental injury as outlined in your policy, or if you die as a result of an accident, you or your beneficiaries receive a specified benefit based on the type of injury.

Disclaimer5

Benefits are not paid for disabilities due to:

  • An act or accident of war
  • Normal pregnancy or childbirth (complications of pregnancy or childbirth are covered)
  • Any injury sustained or illness which first manifests itself before your policy becomes effective or while your policy is not in force

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

About Your Premiums

Choose from two premium options:

  • Level premiums guaranteed to age 65 (we cannot change your premiums)
  • Step rate premiums (ages 18-35 only), which let you pay less while you’re getting your career off the ground (guaranteed to age 65)

Pay no premiums while you’re collecting benefits.

  • Policy is non-cancellable to age 65
  • After age 65, it is renewable for life if your premiums are paid as required
  • Rates and benefit periods are subject to change after age 65

Your renewal options after age 65 are:

  • Up to age 75 and while employed full-time in a gainful occupation, you may continue the policy with a total disability benefit only with a maximum benefit period of 24 months. After age 75, the maximum benefit period is 12 months.
  • If not employed full-time, you may elect a $100 per day benefit payable while confined to a hospital. The maximum benefit period for hospitalization is six months.

The information above is intended as a summary only. Please see a sample policyOpens PDF in new window for complete details on terms and conditions, including benefits and exclusions.

Customize your income protection with a wide range of choices

The Foundation Series™ policy provides total disability benefits and broad return to work assistance. Offering flexible options, we can design a policy to fit your needs and budget.

Ideal if You

  • Are a small business owner or manager
  • A tradesperson
  • A farmer
  • A middle-income earner

Highlights

  • Non-Cancellable: We cannot change the policy or premiums, or cancel the policy without your consent, up until you turn age 65. (Rates and benefit periods are subject to change after age 65.)
    Medical Confidence™ ServiceDisclaimer7: Receive faster access to care and treatment by appropriate physician specialists, a more accurate diagnosis, one-on-one support from a Registered Nurse and more.
    Long-Term Care Conversion Option: From age 55 to 65, you can convert all or some of your coverage to long-term care insurance, without providing evidence of good health.Disclaimer8
  • Waiver of Premium During Disability: Your premiums will be waived if you are disabled and being paid monthly benefits.
  • Health Care Profession Rider: If you are a qualified health care professional, you will receive this rider at no additional cost. If you become HIV-impaired or hepatitis-impaired and, due to your impairment, you meet one of the conditions of the rider, you will be considered disabled.Disclaimer9
  • Portable: You can keep your policy if you change jobs.

Who Can Apply?

  • Ages 18-60
  • Canadian citizens
  • Permanent residents/landed immigrants

Are you a farmer?

Ask about enhanced guidelines for proprietors of farms.

What's Covered?

Benefits are payable under the following conditionsDisclaimer5:

The policy pays a total disability benefit as follows:

  • First 24 months of disability: You are considered totally disabled if, due to injury or illness, you are:
    • Unable to perform the important duties of your regular occupation, and
    • Not working in any other gainful occupation, and
    • Receiving appropriate physician’s care

    (This is the "regular occupation" definition of disability.)

  • After 24 months of disability: You continue to be considered totally disabled if, due to injury or illness, you are:
    • Unable to engage in any gainful occupation for which you are reasonably fitted by education, training or experience, considering your prior economic status, and
    • Not working in a gainful occupation, and
    • Receiving appropriate physician’s care

Note: You can purchase the optional Enhanced Definition of Disability Benefit rider to extend the "regular occupation" definition of disability above from 24 months to the end of your benefit period.

Customized return to work benefits provide financial benefits, as well as rehabilitation, retraining, work-site modifications and other services to assist you in returning to full-time work.

About Return to Work BenefitsOpens in new window

If you die prior to age 65 while receiving total disability benefits, your beneficiary will receive a payment for three times the maximum monthly benefit payable at the time of death.

If you receive any benefits related to your disability under your auto insurance coverage, your disability benefits will be reduced by that amount.

This is the number of days between the onset of a disability and the day you begin receiving benefits. You can choose from the following: 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 365 or 730 days. (The two-year benefit period is not available with a 730-day elimination period.)

Disclaimer5

Choose from the following optional coverage (subject to eligibility):

  • Family Compassionate Care Rider: The Family Compassionate Leave rider provides a monthly benefit to insureds whose spouses or children are diagnosed with a terminal illness. The benefit matches the basic indemnity on the disability policy of the insured, and can continue to the earlier of 12 months of the death of the insured’s family member. Premiums on the disability policy are waived while the benefit is being paid.
    *Not available with Wage Loss Replacement Plans
  • Additional Monthly Benefits: Adds more coverage to your base coverage.
  • Enhanced Definition of Disability Benefit: Extend the regular occupation definition of disability from 24 months to the end of the benefit period. This ensures that you receive full benefits if you can't work in your regular occupation, provided you are not engaged in any gainful occupation and are receiving a physician's care.
  • Partial Disability Benefit: Receive a portion of your total disability benefit if you are partially disabled, as defined by the policy.
  • Future Income Option: To keep pace with your rising income, this allows you to purchase additional coverage on each policy anniversary date, up to age 55, without having to prove your health status.
  • Cost of Living Benefit: While you are disabled, this benefit protects you against inflation, subject to limits.
  • Retirement Protector Rider: Helps you maintain deposits to a retirement savings plan (RSP) while you are totally disabled.
  • First Day of Hospitalization Benefit: Waives the waiting period for total disability as long as you satisfy the policy's definition of total disability and have been hospitalized for 72 consecutive hours. This ensures payment of the total disability benefit from the first day of hospitalization.
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit: If you sustain an accidental injury as outlined in your policy, or if you die as a result of an accident, you or your beneficiaries receive a specified benefit based on the type of injury.

Disclaimer5

Benefits are not paid for disabilities due to:

  • An act or accident of war
  • Normal pregnancy or childbirth (complications of pregnancy or childbirth are covered)
  • Any injury sustained or illness which first manifests itself before your policy becomes effective or while your policy is not in force

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

About Your Premiums

About Your Premiums

Choose from two premium options:

  • Level premiums guaranteed to age 65 (we cannot change your premiums)
  • Step rate premiums (ages 18-35 only), which let you pay less while you’re getting your career off the ground (guaranteed to age 65)
  • Pay no premiums while you're collecting benefits.

  • Policy is non-cancellable to age 65
  • After age 65, it is renewable for life if your premiums are paid as required
  • Rates and benefit periods are subject to change after age 65

Your renewal options after age 65 are:

  • Up to age 75 and while employed full-time in a gainful occupation, you may continue the policy with a total disability benefit only with a maximum benefit period of 24 months. After age 75, the maximum benefit period is 12 months.
  • If not employed full-time, you may elect a $100 per day benefit payable while confined to a hospital. The maximum benefit period for hospitalization is six months.

The information above is intended as a summary only. Please see a sample policyOpens PDF in new window for complete details on terms and conditions, including benefits and exclusions.

An affordable plan with numerous options to give you the right coverage

The Bridge Series® policy offers disability benefits, return to work assistance and options similar to The Foundation Series™ policy, but at a lower cost.

Ideal if You

  • Are a small business owner or manager
  • Are a tradesperson
  • Are a farmer
  • Are a middle-income earner

Highlights

  • Total Disability Benefits: Receive a specified monthly benefit if illness or injury completely prevents you from working.Disclaimer6
  • Choice of Benefit Periods: Receive benefits for two years, five years, or until age 65.
  • Return to Work Assistance BenefitsOpens in new window: Receive services that can help you get back to your job.

  • Guaranteed Renewable: We cannot change or cancel the policy without your consent, up until you turn 65. Premiums are level, but may be subject to change. However, we cannot change your premiums unless we do so for an entire group of policyholders sharing similar characteristics.
    Medical Confidence™ ServiceDisclaimer7: Receive faster access to care and treatment by appropriate physician specialists, a more accurate diagnosis, one-on-one support from a Registered Nurse and more.
  • Long-term Care Conversion Option: From age 55 to 65, you can convert all or some of your coverage to long-term care insurance, without providing evidence of good health.Disclaimer8
  • Waiver of Premium During Disability: Your premiums will be waived if you are disabled and being paid monthly benefits.
  • Portable: You can keep your policy if you change jobs.

Who Can Apply?

  • Ages 18-60
  • Canadian citizens
  • Permanent residents/landed immigrants
  • In some cases, individuals working part-time or new business owners may be eligible

Are you are a farmer?

Ask about enhanced guidelines for proprietors of farms.

What's Covered?

Benefits are payable under the following conditionsDisclaimer5:

The policy pays a total disability benefit as follows:

  • First 24 months of disability: Subject to some limitations, you are considered totally disabled if, due to injury or illness, you are:
    • Unable to perform the essential duties of your regular occupation, and
    • Not engaged in any other gainful occupation, and
    • Receiving appropriate physician’s care

    (This is the "regular occupation" definition of disability.)

  • After 24 months of disability: You continue to be considered totally disabled if, due to injury or illness:
    • With any reasonable assistance or modification of job duties and subject to some limitations, you are unable to perform the essential duties of any occupation for which you are reasonably fitted by education, training or experience, considering your prior economic status, and
    • You are not working in a gainful occupation, and
    • You are receiving appropriate physician’s care

Note: You can purchase the optional Regular Occupation Extension Benefit rider to extend the "regular occupation" definition of disability above from 24 months to the end of your benefit period.

Customized return to work benefits provide financial benefits, as well as rehabilitation, retraining, work-site modifications and other services to assist you in returning to full-time work.

About Return to Work BenefitsOpens in new window

If you die prior to age 65 while receiving total disability benefits, your beneficiary will receive a payment for three times the maximum monthly benefit payable at the time of death.

To ensure your benefits are coordinated with other sources of income received during disability, the policy includes an integration of benefits provision. If the sum of current earnings and other income or disability benefits exceeds 85% of your pre-disability income, then your payable benefits for disability will be reduced by that amount.

This is the number of days between the onset of a disability and the day you begin receiving benefits. You can choose from: 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 days. (360 and 720 days are also available to some occupational classes. The two-year benefit period is not available with a 720-day elimination period.)

Disclaimer5

Choose from the following optional coverage (subject to eligibility):

  • Family Compassionate Care Rider: The Family Compassionate Leave rider provides a monthly benefit to insureds whose spouses or children are diagnosed with a terminal illness. The benefit matches the basic indemnity on the disability policy of the insured, and can continue to the earlier of 12 months of the death of the insured’s family member. Premiums on the disability policy are waived while the benefit is being paid.
    *Not available with Wage Loss Replacement Plans
  • Regular Occupation Extension Benefit: Extend the regular occupation definition of disability from 24 months to the end of the benefit period. This ensures that you receive full benefits if you can't work in your regular occupation, provided you are not engaged in any gainful occupation and are receiving a physician's care.
  • Short-Term Partial Disability Benefit: Receive 50% of the total disability benefit for up to 12 months if you are partially disabled.
  • Long-Term Partial Disability Benefit: If you are partially disabled, receive 50% of the total disability benefit for the first 24 months and 25% of the total disability benefit for the duration of the benefit period.
  • Future Income Option: To keep pace with your rising income, this allows you to purchase additional coverage on each policy anniversary date, up to age 55, without having to prove your health status.
  • Cost of Living Benefit: While you are disabled, this benefit protects you against inflation, subject to limits.
  • Retirement Protector Rider: Helps you maintain deposits to a retirement savings plan (RSP) while you are totally disabled.
  • Hospitalization Benefit: Subject to certain limitations, after you have been hospitalized for 24 consecutive hours, you will receive a benefit for every day you are hospitalized. You will also receive an additional benefit four times the daily hospital benefit while you are in an intensive care unit.

Disclaimer5

Benefits are not paid for disabilities due to:

  • An act or accident of war
  • Normal pregnancy or childbirth (complications of pregnancy or childbirth are covered)
  • Any injury sustained or illness which first manifests itself before your policy becomes effective or while your policy is not in force
  • Opportunistic infections or other illnesses that physicians commonly associate with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus if you had either AIDS or HIV prior to the issue date of your policy

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

About Your Premiums

  • Pay level premiums, which are subject to change (can only be changed if we do so for an entire group of policyholders sharing similar characteristics)
  • Pay no premiums while you're collecting benefits

  • Guaranteed renewable to age 65 (policy can't be changed or canceled without your consent)
  • After age 65, while you are employed full-time in a gainful occupation, you may continue the policy for total disability only
  • The maximum benefit period after age 65 in 24 months

The information above is intended as a summary only. Please see a sample policyOpens PDF in new window for complete details on terms and conditions, including benefits and exclusions.

Protects against a partial loss of income for high-income earners

The Quantum® policy offers quality disability coverage and return to work benefits in case an injury or illness causes you to lose 20% or more of your earnings.

Ideal if You

  • Need a higher level of income protection
  • Are a business owner, executive, doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc or a fee-for-service professional.
  • Want quality disability coverage similar to the Professional Series, but that takes a different approach to providing long-term individual disability income protection

Highlights

  • Disability Benefits: Receive a specified monthly benefit if illness or injury reduces your ability to work and causes at least a 20% loss of earnings.Disclaimer6
  • Choice of Benefit Periods: Receive benefits for two years, five years, or until age 65.
  • Return to Work Assistance BenefitsOpens in new window: Receive services that can help you get back to your job.

  • Guaranteed Renewable: We cannot change or cancel the policy without your consent, up until you turn 65. Premiums are level, but may be subject to change. However, we cannot change your premiums unless we do so for an entire group of policyholders sharing similar characteristics.
  • Recovery Benefit: Pays a portion of your monthly benefit for up to 12 months if you are no longer disabled, are able to work in a reasonable occupation, have a 20% or more decrease in prior earnings and meet the other conditions of the policy.
  • Medical Confidence™ ServiceDisclaimer7: Receive faster access to care and treatment by appropriate physician specialists, a more accurate diagnosis, one-on-one support from a Registered Nurse and more.
  • Waiver of Premium During Disability: Your premiums will be waived if you are disabled and being paid monthly benefits.
  • Health Care Profession Rider: If you are a qualified health care professional, you will receive this rider at no additional cost. If you become HIV-impaired or hepatitis-impaired and, due to your impairment, you meet one of the conditions of the rider, you will be considered disabled.Disclaimer9
  • Portable: You can keep your policy if you change jobs.

Who Can Apply?

  • Ages 18-60
  • Canadian citizens
  • Permanent residents/landed immigrants

What's Covered?

Benefits are payable under the following conditionsDisclaimer5:

The policy pays a disability benefit due to injury or illness if you:

  • Have a reduced ability to work that results in a loss of earnings of 20% or more; and
  • Are receiving the appropriate physician’s care (we may waive this requirement if we determine that continued care would not benefit you)

In addition, you are required to work in a reasonable occupation to the extent that you are able.

Customized return to work benefits provide financial benefits, as well as rehabilitation, retraining, work-site modifications and other services to assist you in returning to full-time work.

About Return to Work BenefitsOpens in new window

To ensure your benefits are coordinated with other sources of income received during disability, the policy includes an integration of benefits provision. If the sum of current earnings and other income or disability benefits exceeds 85% of your pre-disability income, then your payable benefits for disability will be reduced by that amount.

This is the number of days between the onset of a disability and the day you begin receiving benefits. You can choose from: 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 365 and 730 days. (The two-year benefit period is not available with a 730-day elimination period.)

Disclaimer5

Choose from the following optional coverage (subject to eligibility):

  • Family Compassionate Care Rider: The Family Compassionate Leave rider provides a monthly benefit to insureds whose spouses or children are diagnosed with a terminal illness. The benefit matches the basic indemnity on the disability policy of the insured, and can continue to the earlier of 12 months of the death of the insured’s family member. Premiums on the disability policy are waived while the benefit is being paid.
    *Not available with Wage Loss Replacement Plans
  • Long-Term Care Conversion Option: From age 55 to 65, you can convert all or some of your coverage to long-term care insurance, without providing evidence of good health.Disclaimer8
  • Additional Monthly Benefits: Adds more coverage to your base coverage.
  • Future Income Option: To keep pace with your rising income, this allows you to purchase additional coverage on each policy anniversary date, up to age 55, without having to prove your health status.
  • Cost of Living Benefit: While you are disabled, this benefit protects you against inflation, subject to limits.
  • Retirement Protector Rider: Helps you maintain deposits to a retirement savings plan (RSP) while you are totally disabled.

Disclaimer5

Benefits are not paid for disabilities due to:

  • An act or accident of war
  • Normal pregnancy or childbirth (complications of pregnancy or childbirth are covered)
  • Any injury sustained or illness which first manifests itself before your policy becomes effective or while your policy is not in force

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

About Your Premiums

Choose from two premium options:

  • Level premiums, which are subject to change (can only be changed if we do so for an entire group of policyholders sharing similar characteristics)
  • Step rate premiums (ages 18-35 only), which let you pay less while you're getting your career off the ground (guaranteed to age 65)

Pay no premiums while you're collecting benefits (after you have been disabled for 90 days).

  • Guaranteed renewable to age 65 (policy can’t be changed or canceled without your consent)
  • After age 65, while you are employed full-time in a gainful occupation up to age 75, you may continue the policy for 24 months; thereafter, the maximum benefit period is 12 months

The information above is intended as a summary only. Please see a sample policyOpens PDF in new window for complete details on terms and conditions, including benefits and exclusions.

Simple income protection for those without group disability coverage

The Fundamental Series™ policy offers injury-only coverage that is easy to qualify forDisclaimer1 and a simple application for illness coverage.

Ideal if You

  • Are self-employed
  • Are a contract or seasonal worker
  • Are a tradesperson or construction worker
  • Are a self-employed farmer
  • Work in retail

Highlights

  • Easy to Qualify: Answer 3 pre-qualifying questions to apply for injury-only coverage.
  • Optional Illness Coverage: Complete a short application to apply for illness coverage.
  • Total Disability Benefit: Receive a monthly benefit if illness or injuryDisclaimer11 completely prevents you from working.Disclaimer12
  • Partial Disability Benefit: Receive a specified monthly benefit if illness or injuryDisclaimer11 prevents you from working full-time.Disclaimer12
  • Return to Work Assistance BenefitsOpens in new window: Receive services that can help you get back to your job.

  • Choice of Benefit Periods: Choose two years (illness coverage), five years or to age 70.
  • Guaranteed Renewable: We cannot cancel the policy without your consent, up until you turn age 75 (injury coverage) or age 70 (illness coverage). Premiums may be subject to change; however, we cannot change your premiums unless we do so for an entire group of policyholders sharing similar characteristics.
  • Accidental Medical Emergency Reimbursement Benefit: Helps cover certain medical expenses not covered by government health insurance plans.
  • Waiver of Premium During Disability: Your premiums will be waived if you are disabled and being paid monthly benefits.
  • Medical Confidence™ ServiceDisclaimer7: Receive faster access to care and treatment by appropriate physician specialists, a more accurate diagnosis, one-on-one support from a Registered Nurse and more.
  • Portable: You can keep your policy if you change jobs.

Who Can Apply?

  • Ages 18-64 (for illness coverage)
  • Ages 18-69 (for injury coverage)
  • Canadian citizens
  • Permanent residents/landed immigrants who are not planning to relocate out of Canada in the next 24 months

What's Covered?

Benefits are payable under the following conditionsDisclaimer5:

The policy provides total disability and partial disability benefits:

Total disability is described as follows:

  • First 36 months of disability: You are considered totally disabled if, due to injury or illness (if illness coverage was purchased), you are:
    • Unable to perform the important duties of your regular occupation, and
    • Not engaged in any other gainful occupation, and
    • Receiving appropriate physician’s care
  • After 36 months of disability: You continue to be considered totally disabled if, due to injury or illness, you are:
    • Unable to engage in any reasonable occupation for which you are, or may reasonably become, fitted by education, training or experience, and
    • Receiving appropriate physician’s care

Partial disability is described as follows:

  • You are not totally disabled, and
  • You are engaged in your regular occupation or any gainful occupation, and
  • Due directly to continuing injury or illness (if illness coverage was purchased), you are unable to perform either:
    • One or more important duties of your regular occupation, or
    • The important duties of your regular occupation at least one-half of the time normally required; and
    • You are receiving a physician’s care

Partial benefits are 50% of your total disability benefit and are payable for up to six months.

If you have emergency medical expenses because of an accidental injury and you provide us with proof of payment for the expenses, we will reimburse you up to $10,000 for the reasonable and customary amounts of those expenses.

Customized return to work benefits provide financial benefits, as well as rehabilitation, retraining, work-site modifications and other services to assist you in returning to full-time work.

About Return to Work BenefitsOpens in new window

This is the number of days between the onset of a disability and the day you begin receiving benefits. You can choose from: 0, 30, 90 or 120 days for injury coverage and 30, 90 or 120 days for illness coverage.

Disclaimer5

Choose from the following optional coverage (subject to eligibility):

  • 24-Hour Coverage Benefit: This policy is non-occupational, which means it covers you when you are not working. If you choose this benefit, you will be covered 24 hours a day, at work, as well as outside of work. You may wish to purchase this optional benefit if you do not have workers' compensation or similar coverage.
  • Illness Coverage: Apply for an amount up to your equivalent monthly injury benefit.
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit: If you sustain an accidental injury as outlined in your policy, or if you die as a result of an accident, you or your beneficiaries receive a specified benefit based on the type of injury.
  • Business Overhead Expense Benefit: Reimburses you for certain business overhead expenses (rent, utilities, salaries, etc.) if you become totally disabled and meet the conditions outlined in your policy.

Disclaimer5

We will not pay monthly benefits nor waive premiums for any period of disability that results, directly or indirectly, from:

  • Flying in an aircraft that is not a certified passenger aircraft operated by a properly certified pilot
  • Participating in professional athletics or underwater activities, including scuba diving
  • Engaging in certain dangerous activities such as mountaineering, indoor or outdoor rock climbing, caving, parachuting, sky diving, hang gliding, bungee jumping and racing
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicant or while you have a blood alcohol concentration in excess of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
  • Self-inflicted harm or attempted suicide
  • Committing a criminal offence
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Riots or acts of war
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Infections related to AIDS and HIV
  • Subjective conditions (e.g. fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)
  • Mental and nervous disorders
  • Participation in the armed forces

This policy also contains limitations related to:

  • Back and neck injuries
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Soft tissue injuries

We also will not pay monthly benefits nor waive premiums for any:

  • Period of time you are in a jail, under house arrest, or otherwise incarcerated
  • Injury sustained or illness which first manifests itself before your policy becomes effective or while your policy is not in force

About Your Premiums

  • Premiums are subject to change (can only be changed if we do so for an entire group of policyholders sharing similar characteristics)
  • Pay no premiums while you're collecting benefits
  • As long as you pay your premiums as required, we cannot cancel the policy without your consent, up until you turn age 75 (injury coverage) or age 70 (illness coverage)

The information above is intended as a summary only. Please see a sample policyOpens PDF in new window for complete details on terms and conditions, including benefits and exclusions.

Save for your retirement—even if a disability keeps you from earning

An ideal companion policy to our other disability plans, the Retirement Protector policy will make contributions to your retirement savings plan (RSP) if you experience a total disability.

Ideal if You

  • Are currently contributing to an RSP
  • Don't have a company pension plan

Highlights

  • RSP Contributions: If an injury or illness prevents you from working, the policy will continue making contributions to your RSP.Disclaimer6
  • Non-Cancellable and Guaranteed Continuable: Policy cannot be cancelled without your consent, up until age 65.
  • Benefit Period: Depending on your occupation, you can receive benefits for either 10 years or to age 65.
  • Portable: You can keep your policy if you change jobs.

  • Rehabilitation: If you enter an approved vocational rehabilitation program, we will waive the requirement of total disability and help pay for the program, subject to the terms of your policy.
  • Health Care Profession Rider: If you are a qualified health care professional, you will receive this rider at no additional cost. If you become HIV-impaired or hepatitis-impaired and, due to your impairment, you meet one of the conditions of the rider, you will be considered disabled.Disclaimer9

Who Can Apply?

  • Ages 18-55
  • Canadian citizens
  • Permanent residents/landed immigrants

What's Covered?

Benefits are payable under the following conditionsDisclaimer5:

Total disability benefits between $300 and $1,500 per monthDisclaimer13 are payable if, due to injury or illness, you are:

  • Unable to perform the important duties of your regular occupation, and
  • Not engaged in any other gainful occupation, and
  • Receiving appropriate physician’s care and treatment

Note: If you purchase the policy as a rider to one of our other disability insurance plans, you are protected in your regular occupation as defined by the policy to which the rider is attached. The benefit is paid for total disability only. If you purchased The Foundation Series™ policy with the Enhanced Definition of Disability Benefit rider, this enhanced definition will also apply to the Retirement Protector rider.

This is the number of days between the onset of a disability and the day you begin receiving benefits.

  • If you purchase the Retirement Protector policy by itself, the elimination period is 90 days.
  • If you purchase the Retirement Protector policy as a rider to another plan, the elimination period is the greater of 90 days or the elimination period of the policy to which the rider is attached.

Disclaimer5

Benefits are not paid for disabilities due to:

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

About Your Premiums

  • As long as you pay your premiums as required, we cannot cancel the policy without your consent, up until you turn 65
  • Pay no premiums while you're collecting benefits

The information above is intended as a summary only. Please see a sample policyOpens PDF in new window for complete details on terms and conditions, including benefits and exclusions.

Disability Insurance FAQs

Find answers to your questions about our disability insurance plans.

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.

To apply for RBC Simplified® Disability Insurance, you can also:
  • 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 toDisclaimer5 (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.

Get a Quote

Protect your income with disability insurance—get an online quote or talk to a licensed
insurance advisor.

Note: Online quote is for RBC Simplified® Disability Insurance only.

1)
Availability, details and limits of return to work assistance benefits vary by insurance plan. Return to work benefits are not available with RBC Simplified® Disability Insurance. Contact an RBC Insurance® advisor for complete details.
2)
If you are self-employed, income means your share (proportionate to your ownership interest) of the income or loss of the business net of all business expenses except income taxes. If you are an incorporated business owner, you may also include any wages, salary, fees or commissions which the incorporated business paid to you as an employee of the business. Certain conditions must be met for benefits to be payable. Your policy will provide complete details.
3)
Provided you satisfy the pre-qualifying questions. Part-time is considered to be a minimum 30-hour work week.
5)
This information is intended as a summary only. Other limitations may apply depending on the policy. Your policy will contain complete details on terms and conditions, including benefits and exclusions.
6)
Certain conditions must be met for benefits to be payable. Your policy will provide complete details..
7)
Certain conditions apply
8)
Some conversion restrictions apply.
9)
We reserve the right to charge premiums in the future.
10)
10-year option is for certain occupations only.
11)
Injury-only coverage is available if you satisfy a few pre-qualifying questions. You may also complete a short supplemental application to apply for illness coverage.
12)
Some restrictions apply.
13)
Your benefit will be 20% of your monthly earned income, as long as it is not less than $300 and not more than $1,500.
14)
Available on Professional Series, The Foundation Series, The Bridge Series and The Quantum Series