Here we are with another insightful blog on “Insurance for Canadians”
First let’s understand three main motives of integrating insurance into financial planning:
-Insurance can bring stability and assurance to your financial strategy.
-It contributes a level of predictability to your legacy and estate planning, especially considering the fluctuating values of investments, real estate, business holdings, and other assets over time
-It can help in wealth accumulation, preservation, and give access to liquidity at the right time,if added as a component of financial planning.
Moving on, while life and property insurance are imperative as they act as umbrellas to provide financial protection, risk mitigation, business continuity, legal compliance and peace of mind, nevertheless, there are other types of insurance that Canadians should consider. In this discussion, I aim to shed light on lesser-known or undervalued types of insurance that can be equally beneficial or, in certain scenarios, even more crucial than life and property insurance.
1. Health Insurance:
In Canada, health insurance is provided through a publicly funded system known as Medicare. The healthcare system in Canada is designed to ensure that all Canadian residents have access to necessary medical services without direct charges at the point of care. However, supplementary health insurance is advised to provide additional coverage beyond what is offered by the public health insurance plans like prescription medications, dental care, vision care, paramedical services (such as physiotherapy and chiropractic services), and medical equipment. Some supplementary health insurance plans may also include coverage for emergency medical expenses while traveling outside of Canada.
2. Critical Illness Insurance:
This is a type of insurance coverage that provides a lump-sum payment to the policyholder in the event they are diagnosed with a specified critical illness or medical condition that helps to ease the financial burden associated with the costs not covered by traditional health insurance or government health plans. It typically covers a defined list of serious medical conditions, which may include heart attack, stroke, cancer, organ transplant, and other major illnesses. If the policyholder is diagnosed with a covered critical illness and survives the waiting period (usually 30 days), the insurance policy pays out a tax-free lump sum which is triggered by the diagnosis of a covered condition, and the funds can be used at the discretion of the policyholder.
3. Disability Insurance:
Disability insurance in Canada is designed to provide financial protection to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling injury or illness. It offers income replacement to help cover living expenses during the period of disability like mortgage or rent, and other financial obligations and also plays a crucial role in complementing other forms of coverage by providing financial protection, for instance, health insurance primarily covers medical expenses whereas disability insurance adds on by addressing the financial impact of lost income during a disability, which health insurance typically does not cover. Furthermore, it helps replace lost income during the policyholder’s lifetime due to disability unlike life insurance that provides financial support to beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder’s death. Moving on, critical illness insurance typically pays a lump sum upon diagnosis of a covered illness, while disability insurance provides ongoing income replacement during a period of disability. They can work together to provide comprehensive coverage for various health-related risks.
4. Long-term care insurance
Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is a type of insurance policy designed to cover the costs associated with long-term care services covering both the medical and non-medical needs of people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other conditions that limit their ability to perform everyday activities independently. The role of long-term care insurance is to provide financial protection against the potentially high costs of long-term care services, which are often not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. LTCI policies typically cover services such as assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication management. LTCI ensures financial protection against the high costs of long-term care services thus helping in preservation of assets. LTCI helps individuals maintain their independence and dignity as they age or experience health challenges while remaining in their own homes or choosing a care setting that best meets their needs and preferences. LTCI can also provide relief for family caregivers who may otherwise bear the burden of providing care for aging or disabled loved ones and therefore acts as a big source of peace of mind.
5. Travel Insurance:
Imagine a situation of traveling out of Canada with your loved ones with all good thoughts of best moments of enjoyment ahead and suddenly you face any medical emergency or trip disruption or loss of belongings or any such unpleasant unforeseen event that ruins your trip. The very thought of such a situation causes fear and anxiety but travel insurance in such circumstances can act as an umbrella, in case of illness or injury abroad leading to medical emergencies, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and medical evacuation, without any financial strain. Besides trip disruptions such as flight cancellations, natural disasters, or personal emergencies causing financial losses can be well protected by travel insurance that can reimburse travelers for prepaid expenses, such as flights, accommodations, and tours, if their trip is canceled or interrupted for covered reasons. What’s more, travel insurance often includes access to emergency assistance services, such as 24/7 travel assistance hotlines and coordination of medical care, coverage for accidents or injuries that may occur in adventure activities that involve high risk such as skiing, scuba diving, or mountain climbing. Last but not the least, with travel insurance in place, travelers can focus on enjoying their trip and exploring new destinations, rather than worrying about potential risks or unforeseen expenses.
6. Professional Liability Insurance:
As a self-employed individual or professional, you may be held liable for damages or injuries caused to clients, customers, or third parties, and liability insurance helps cover the costs of legal defense and settlement if you are sued. Legal expenses, court fees, and settlement or judgment amounts can be financially crippling, potentially leading to bankruptcy or the loss of personal assets but these can be protected by liability insurance. It also helps mitigate the impact of legal disputes by demonstrating your commitment to accountability and responsibility and reassures clients that you are prepared for potential risks and can fulfill your obligations responsibly. When entrepreneurs know that they are protected against unforeseen risks and liabilities, their confidence to pursue growth opportunities and innovate in their respective fields increases. Several professions, where the potential for errors or negligence is higher, can benefit a lot from this type of coverage. Few examples of such professions are doctors, surgeons, lawyers, attorneys, Accountants, auditors, financial advisors, architects, engineers, and design professionals , management, IT and marketing consultants, real estate agents and brokers, contractors, builders, software developers and cybersecurity experts.
7. Identity Theft Insurance:
Identity theft insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to help individuals recover from the financial losses and other consequences associated with identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully obtains and uses another person’s personal or financial information, such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or bank account details, for fraudulent purposes. Identity theft insurance may reimburse individuals for unauthorized charges made on their credit cards or bank accounts, as well as funds stolen from their accounts. It may cover the costs of hiring legal counsel to help resolve identity theft-related issues, such as disputing fraudulent charges, dealing with creditors, or defending against lawsuits arising from identity theft. Identity restoration services such as credit monitoring, fraud alerts, identity theft resolution assistance, and help with replacing stolen documents can be covered by this type of insurance. Moreover, it may reimburse victims for various out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the process of resolving identity theft issues, such as postage, notary fees, copying costs, and phone calls to creditors or financial institutions
8. Mortgage insurance:
Mortgage insurance protects lenders in the event that a borrower defaults on their mortgage payments and the lender is unable to recover the full amount owed through the sale of the property. It helps mitigate the risk associated with lending to borrowers with smaller down payments, making it possible for more Canadians to access homeownership. The cost of mortgage insurance is typically paid by the borrower and can be added to the mortgage loan amount or paid as a lump sum at the time of closing. The insurance premium is calculated based on factors such as the size of the down payment, the loan amount, and the type of mortgage product. Premiums are generally higher for mortgages with smaller down payments and longer amortization periods. To qualify for mortgage insurance in Canada, borrowers must meet certain eligibility criteria established by the insurer. There are limits on the maximum purchase price or loan amount that can be insured by mortgage insurance in Canada.
9. Key person insurance
Key person insurance, also known as key employee insurance or key man insurance, is a type of life insurance policy taken out by a business on the life of a key employee or executive whose loss could significantly impact the company’s operations and financial stability . Key person insurance helps businesses offset potential losses including loss of revenue, disruption of operations, and decreased morale, by providing funds to cover expenses, such as recruiting and training replacement staff, paying off debts, or compensating for lost profits. The policy proceeds can be used by the company to cover various expenses or losses incurred as a result of the key person’s absence. The coverage amount is usually based on the key person’s contribution to the company’s profits, their role within the organization, and other factors. Generally premiums paid for key person insurance are not tax-deductible as a business expense. However, the death benefit received by the business is usually tax-free, provided certain conditions are met. By providing financial support in times of crisis, key person insurance can help businesses weather the storm and continue operating smoothly even in the face of adversity.
10. Buy-sell insurance
Buy-sell insurance, also known as buyout insurance or business continuation insurance, is a type of life insurance policy commonly used by business owners in Canada to fund the buyout of a deceased or departing partner’s share of the business. This type of insurance helps ensure a smooth transition of ownership and financial stability for the business in the event of a partner’s death, disability, retirement, or other triggering events. This type of insurance ensures continuity of business operations, protects the interests of remaining partners, and provides financial security to the departing partner or their beneficiaries by funding the buyout of the departing partner’s share. Generally, premiums paid for buy-sell insurance are not tax-deductible as a business expense. However, the death benefit received by the business or surviving partners is usually tax-free, provided certain conditions are met. It is an important tool for business owners in Canada to plan for the orderly transfer of ownership and protect the financial interests of all parties involved in the event of a partner’s death, disability, retirement, or other specified events.
Diversifying insurance coverage beyond life and property insurance is crucial for individuals and businesses to adequately protect against a wide range of risks and uncertainties, hence ensuring comprehensive risk management, financial security, legal compliance, and peace of mind. By leveraging a diverse range of insurance policies tailored to their specific needs and exposures, individuals and businesses can mitigate risks, protect assets, and ensure resilience in the face of unforeseen events or challenges.
It’s essential for individuals and businesses to assess their unique insurance needs and consult with insurance advisors for personalized advice.
So what are you waiting for, book your appointment today and reach us at :
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