Critical Illness
Insurance

Serious illness can have life-changing consequences – not only for your health, but also for your finances. Critical illness insurance provides the comfort and security of a tax-free, lump-sum payment with no restrictions on how it is spent.

You are covered for 25 life-changing illnesses

Aortic Surgery
Aplastic Anemia
Bacterial Meningitis
Benign Brain Tumour
Blindness
Cancer
Coma
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Deafness
Dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease
Heart Attack
Heart Valve Replacement or Repair
Kidney Failure
Loss of Independent Existence
Loss of Limbs
Loss of Speech
Major Organ Failure on Waiting List
Major Organ Transplant
Motor Neuron Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Occupational HIV Infection
Paralysis
Parkinson’s Disease and Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders
Severe Burns
Stroke

View the full definitions of covered conditions

Critical Illness Definitions

These are the 2013 Critical Illness Benchmark Definitions published by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA). If you are insured under a Special Markets Solutions group critical illness insurance plan, please refer to your Insurance Benefits Summary or booklet wording for the definitions currently in force under your group insurance plan.

Aortic Surgery

Aortic Surgery means the undergoing of surgery for disease of the aorta requiring excision and surgical replacement of any part of the diseased aorta with a graft. Aorta means the thoracic and abdominal aorta but not its branches. The Surgery must be determined to be medically necessary by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this condition for angioplasty, intra-arterial procedures, percutaneous trans-catheter procedures or non-surgical procedures.

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic Anemia means a definite Diagnosis of a chronic persistent bone marrow failure, confirmed by biopsy, which results in anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia requiring blood product transfusion, and treatment with at least one of the following:

• marrow stimulating agents;

• immunosuppressive agents;

• bone marrow transplantation.

The Diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia must be made by a Specialist.

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis means a definite Diagnosis of meningitis, confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid showing growth of pathogenic bacteria in culture, resulting in neurological deficit documented for at least 90 days from the date of Diagnosis. The Diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this condition for viral meningitis.

Benign Brain Tumour

Benign Brain Tumour means a definite Diagnosis of a non-malignant tumour located in the cranial vault and limited to the brain, meninges, cranial nerves or pituitary gland. The tumour must require surgical or radiation treatment or cause Irreversible objective neurological deficit(s). The Diagnosis of Benign Brain Tumour must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition if, within the first 90 days following the later of the Issue Date of an Insured Person’s coverage, or the last Reinstatement Date of an Insured Person’s coverage, such Insured Person has any of the following:

• signs, symptoms or investigations that lead to a Diagnosis of Benign Brain Tumour (covered or excluded under the Policy), regardless of when the Diagnosis is made; or

• a Diagnosis of Benign Brain Tumour (covered or excluded under the Policy).

Medical Information about the Diagnosis and any signs, symptoms or investigations leading to the Diagnosis must be reported to the Company within 6 months of the Date of Diagnosis. If this information is not provided within this period, the Company has the right to deny any claim for Benign Brain Tumour or any Critical Illness caused by any Benign Brain Tumour or its treatment.

No benefit will be payable under this condition for pituitary adenomas less than 10mm.

Blindness

Blindness means a definite Diagnosis of the total and Irreversible loss of vision in both eyes, evidenced by:

• the corrected visual acuity being 20/200 or less in both eyes; or

• the field of vision being less than 20 degrees in both eyes.

The Diagnosis of Blindness must be made by a Specialist.

Cancer (Life-Threatening)

Cancer (Life-Threatening) means a definite Diagnosis of a tumour, which must be characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of malignant cells and the invasion of tissue. Types of cancer include carcinoma, melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma. The Diagnosis of Cancer (Life Threatening) must be made by a Specialist.

• signs, symptoms or investigations that lead to a Diagnosis of cancer (covered or excluded under the Policy), regardless of when the Diagnosis is made; or

• a Diagnosis of cancer (covered or excluded under the Policy).

Medical Information about the Diagnosis and any signs, symptoms or investigations leading to the Diagnosis must be reported to the Company within 6 months of the Date of Diagnosis. If this information is not provided within this period, the Company has the right to deny any claim for Cancer (Life Threatening) or any Critical Illness caused by any cancer or its treatment.

No benefit will be payable for the following:

• lesions described as benign, pre-malignant, uncertain, borderline, non-invasive, carcinoma in-situ (Tis), or tumours classified as Ta;

• malignant melanoma skin cancer that is less than or equal to 1.0 mm in thickness, unless it is ulcerated or is accompanied by lymph node or distant metastasis;

• any non-melanoma skin cancer, without lymph node or distant metastasis;

• prostate cancer classified as T1a or T1b, without lymph node or distant metastasis;

• papillary thyroid cancer or follicular thyroid cancer, or both, that is less than or equal to 2.0 cm in greatest diameter and classified as T1, without lymph node or distant metastasis;

• chronic lymphocytic leukemia classified less than Rai stage 1; or

• malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and malignant carcinoid tumours, classified less than AJCC Stage 2.

For purposes of the Policy, the terms Tis, Ta, T1a, T1b, T1 and AJCC Stage 2 are to be applied as defined in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual, 7th Edition, 2010.

For purposes of the Policy, the term Rai staging is to be applied as set out in KR Rai, A Sawitsky, EP Cronkite, AD Chanana, RN Levy and BS Pasternack: Clinical staging of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 46:219, 1975.

Coma

Coma means a definite Diagnosis of a state of unconsciousness with no reaction to external stimuli or response to internal needs for a continuous period of at least 96 hours, and for which period the Glasgow coma score must be 4 or less. The Diagnosis of Coma must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition for:

• a medically induced coma; or

• a coma which results directly from alcohol or drug use; or

• a diagnosis of brain death.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery means the undergoing of heart surgery to correct narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries with bypass graft(s). The Surgery must be determined to be medically necessary by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition for angioplasty, intra-arterial procedures, percutaneous trans-catheter procedures or non-surgical procedures.

Deafness

Deafness means a definite Diagnosis of the total and Irreversible loss of hearing in both ears, with an auditory threshold of 90 decibels or greater within the speech threshold of 500 to 3,000 hertz. The Diagnosis of Deafness must be made by a Specialist.

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease means a definite Diagnosis of dementia, which must be characterized by a progressive deterioration of memory and at least one of the following areas of cognitive function:

• aphasia (a disorder of speech)

• aphraxia (difficulty performing familiar tasks);

• agnosia (difficulty recognizing objects); or

• disturbance in executive functioning (e.g. inability to think abstractly and to plan, initiate, sequence, monitor, and stop complex behavior), which is affecting daily life.

The Insured Employee must exhibit

• Dementia of at least moderate severity, which must be evidenced by a Mini Mental State Exam of 20/30 or less, or equivalent score on another generally medically accepted test or tests of cognitive function; and

• Evidence of progressive worsening in cognitive and daily functioning either by serial cognitive tests or by history over at least a 6 month period.

The Diagnosis of Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition for affective or schizophrenic disorders, or delirium.

For purposes of the Policy, reference to the Mini Mental State Exam is to Folstein MF, Folstein SE, McHugh PR, J Psychiatr Res. 1975;12(3):189.

Heart Attack

Heart Attack means a definite Diagnosis of the death of heart muscle due to obstruction of blood flow, that results in a rise and fall of biochemical cardiac markers to levels considered diagnostic of myocardial infarction, with at least one of the following:

• heart attack symptoms

• new electrocardiogram (ECG) changes consistent with a heart attack

• development of new Q waves during or immediately following an intra-arterial cardiac procedure including, but not limited to, coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty.

The Diagnosis of Heart Attack must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusions: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition for:

• elevated biochemical cardiac markers as a result of an intra-arterial cardiac procedure including, but not limited to, coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty, in the absence of new Q waves, or

• ECG changes suggesting a prior myocardial infarction, which do not meet the Heart Attack definition as described above.

Heart Valve Replacement or Repair

Heart Valve Replacement or Repair means the undergoing of Surgery to replace any heart valve with either a natural or mechanical valve or to repair heart valve defects or abnormalities. The Surgery must be determined to be medically necessary by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition for angioplasty, inter-arterial procedures, percutaneous trans-catheter procedures or non-surgical procedures.

Kidney Failure

Kidney Failure means a definite Diagnosis of chronic Irreversible failure of both kidneys to function, as a result of which regular haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or renal transplantation is initiated. The Diagnosis of Kidney Failure must be made by a Specialist.

Loss of Independent Existence

Loss of Independent Existence means a definite Diagnosis of the total inability to perform, by oneself, at least 2 of the following 6 Activities of Daily Living for a continuous period of at least 90 days with no reasonable chance of recovery. The Diagnosis of Loss of Independent Existence must be made by a Specialist.

Activities of Daily Living are:

bathing – the ability to wash oneself in a bathtub, shower or by sponge bath, with or without the aid of assistive devices;

dressing – the ability to put on and remove necessary clothing, braces, artificial limbs or other surgical appliances with or without the aid of assistive devices;

toileting – the ability to get on and off the toilet and maintain personal hygiene with or without the aid of assistive devices;

bladder and bowel continence – the ability to manage bowel and bladder function with or without protective undergarments or surgical appliances so that a reasonable level of hygiene is maintained;

transferring – the ability to move in and out of a bed, chair or wheelchair, with or without the aid of assistive devices; and

feeding – the ability to consume food or drink that already has been prepared and made available, with or without the use of assistive devices.

Loss of Limbs

Loss of Limbs means a definite Diagnosis of the complete severance of two or more limbs at or above the wrist or ankle joint as the result of an accident or medically required amputation. The Diagnosis of Loss of Limbs must be made by a Specialist.

Loss of Speech

Loss of Speech means a definite Diagnosis of the total and Irreversible loss of the ability to speak as a result of physical injury or disease, for a period of at least 180 days. The Diagnosis of Loss of Speech must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition for all psychiatric related causes.

Major Organ Failure on Waiting List

Major Organ Failure on Waiting List means a definite Diagnosis of the Irreversible failure of the heart, both lungs, liver, both kidneys or bone marrow, and transplantation must be medically necessary. To qualify under Major Organ Failure on Waiting List, the Insured Employee must become enrolled as the recipient in a recognized transplant center in Canada or the United States of America that performs the required form of transplant Surgery. For the purpose of the Survival Period, the Date of Diagnosis is the date of the Insured Employee’s enrolment in the transplant centre. The Diagnosis of the major organ failure must be made by a Specialist.

Major Organ Transplant

Major Organ Transplant means a definite Diagnosis of the Irreversible failure of the heart, both lungs, liver, both kidneys or bone marrow and transplantation must be medically necessary. To qualify under Major Organ Transplant, the Insured Person must undergo a transplantation procedure as the recipient of a heart, lung, liver, kidney or bone marrow, and limited to these entities. The Diagnosis of the major organ failure must be made by a Specialist.

Motor Neuron Disease

Motor Neuron Disease means a definite Diagnosis of one of the following: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), primary lateral sclerosis, progressive spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, or pseudo bulbar palsy, and limited to these conditions. The Diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease must be made by a Specialist.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis means a definite Diagnosis of one of the following:

two or more separate clinical attacks, confirmed by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the nervous system, showing multiple lesions of demyelination; or,

well-defined neurological abnormalities lasting more than 6 months, confirmed by MRI imaging of the nervous system, showing multiple lesions of demyelination; or,

a single attack, confirmed by repeated MRI imaging of the nervous system, which shows multiple lesions of demyelination which have developed at intervals at least one month apart.

The Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis must be made by a Specialist.

Occupational HIV Infection

Occupational HIV Infection means a definite Diagnosis of infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) resulting from accidental injury during the course of the Insured Person’s normal occupation, which exposed the person to HIV contaminated body fluids.

The accidental injury leading to the infection must have occurred after the later of the Issue Date or latest Reinstatement Date of such Insured Person’s coverage.

Payment under this condition requires satisfaction of all of the following:

a) The accidental injury must be reported to the Company within 14 days of the accidental injury;

b) A serum HIV test must be taken within 14 days of the accidental injury and the result must be negative;

c) A serum HIV test must be taken between 90 days and 180 days after the accidental injury and the result must be positive;

d) All HIV tests must be performed by a duly licensed laboratory in Canada or the United States of America;

e) The accidental injury must have been reported, investigated and documented in accordance with current Canadian or United States of America workplace guidelines.

The Diagnosis of Occupational HIV Infection must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition if:

the Insured Person has elected not to take any available licensed vaccine offering protection against HIV; or,

a licensed cure for HIV infection has become available prior to the accidental injury; or

HIV infection has occurred as a result of non-accidental injury including, but not limited to, sexual transmission and intravenous (IV) drug use.

Paralysis

Paralysis means a definite Diagnosis of the total loss of muscle function of two or more limbs as a result of injury or disease to the nerve supply of those limbs, for a period of at least 90 days following the precipitating event. The Diagnosis of Paralysis must be made by a Specialist.

Parkinson’s Disease and Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders

Parkinson’s Disease and Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders means a definite Diagnosis of either a) Parkinson’s Disease or b) Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders, as defined below.

a) Parkinson’s Disease means a definite Diagnosis of primary Parkinson’s disease, a permanent neurological condition which must be characterized by bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and at least one of the following: muscular rigidity or rest tremor. The Insured Person must exhibit objective signs of progressive deterioration in function for at least one year, for which the treating neurologist has recommended dopaminergic medication or other generally medically accepted equivalent treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.

b) Specified Atypical Parkinson’s Disorders means a definite Diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or multiple system atrophy.

The Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease or a Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorder must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusions: No benefit will be payable for Parkinson’s Disease or Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders if, within the first year following the later of the Issue Date or the latest Reinstatement Date of an Insured Person’s coverage, such Insured Person has any of the following:

signs, symptoms or investigations that lead to a Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, a Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorder or any other type of parkinsonism, regardless of when the Diagnosis is made; or

a Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, a Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorder or any other type of Parkinsonism.

Medical information about the Diagnosis and any signs, symptoms or investigations leading to the Diagnosis must be reported to the Company within 6 months of the Date of Diagnosis. If this information is not provided within this period, the Company has the right to deny any claim for Parkinson’s Disease or Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders or its treatment.

No benefit will be payable under Parkinson’s Disease and Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders for any other type of Parkinsonism.

Severe Burns

Severe Burns means a definite Diagnosis of third-degree burns over at least 20% of the body surface. The Diagnosis of Severe Burns must be made by a Specialist.

Stroke

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) means a definite Diagnosis of an acute cerebrovascular event caused by intra-cranial thrombosis or haemorrhage, or embolism from an extra-cranial source, with:

acute onset of new neurological symptoms, and

new objective neurological deficits on clinical examination,

persisting for more than 30 days following the Date of Diagnosis. These new symptoms and deficits must be corroborated by diagnostic imaging testing. The Diagnosis of Stroke must be made by a Specialist.

Exclusion: No benefit will be payable under this covered condition for:

Transient Ischaemic Attacks; or

Intracerebral vascular events due to trauma; or

Lacunar infarcts which do not meet the definition of stroke as described above.

AdvanceCare Benefit Conditions

“AdvanceCare Benefit Conditions” are medical conditions for which an AdvanceCare Benefit is paid under the Group Policy with respect to an Insured Employee or Insured Spouse. These are coronary angioplasty or Early Stage Cancer as defined in this document.

Coronary angioplasty means the undergoing of an interventional procedure to unblock or widen a coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart to allow an uninterrupted flow of blood.

The procedure must be determined to be medically necessary by a Specialist.

“Early Stage Cancer” refers to one of the following conditions:

malignant melanoma skin cancer that is less than or equal to 1.0 mm in thickness, unless it is ulcerated or is accompanied by lymph node or distant metastasis;

any non-melanoma skin cancer, without lymph node or distant metastasis;

prostate cancer classified as T1a or T1b, without lymph node or distant metastasis;

papillary thyroid cancer or follicular thyroid cancer, or both, that is less than or equal to 2.0 cm in greatest diameter and classified as T1, without lymph node or distant metastasis;

chronic lymphocytic leukemia classified less than Rai stage 1;

malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and malignant carcinoid tumours, classified less than AJCC Stage 2; or

Ductal Carcinoma in situ of the Breast

The Diagnosis of an Early Stage Cancer must be made by a Specialist.

Coverage for your children

You can also apply for up to $10,000 in coverage for your children. Children are covered for six children-specific conditions plus 22 of the adult covered conditions.

Cerebral Palsy
Congenital Heart Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Down Syndrome
Muscular Dystrophy
Type 1 Diabetes

For more information and application instructions, please visit our Dependent Children Critical Illness Insurance page.

Additional benefits

The Canadian Dental Assistants Association Critical Illness Insurance Plan also offers these additional benefits:

How you use your money is up to you

Your benefit amount is tax-free, and you can spend it any way you wish. Common uses include paying off debts, home adaptation, childcare, investment, vacation, supplementing your pension, or lifestyle changes.

You are also covered for several non-life-threatening conditions

The AdvanceCare Benefit will pay 10% of the total benefit amount for coronary angioplasty and several early stage cancers. The benefit is payable for only one AdvanceCare Benefit Condition. However, payment of the AdvanceCare Benefit will not affect the benefit payment for a subsequent diagnosis of one of the 25 covered conditions.

View full AdvanceCare Benefit definitions

Payment is not dependent on your ability to work, or your recovery

Unlike long-term disability insurance, critical illness insurance pays the benefit amount regardless of whether you are able to work while you are ill, or whether you make a full recovery.

Multiple Event Coverage

The Multiple Event Coverage benefit allows insured members and spouses who are unfortunate enough to suffer from a separate and unrelated covered condition to claim multiple times. For complete details and illness categories, please visit specialmarkets.ia.ca/mec

Cancer recurrence

If you are diagnosed with cancer, while insured under this policy, and after 60 consecutive months of being cancer-free you are diagnosed with cancer again, the full benefit amount may be payable.

You can get assistance in arranging private medical care

Should you choose to use private medical facilities, Claims at TuGo may help you make your money go considerably further than if you personally arrange medical treatment. You can find more information at Tugo Website. Note that utilization fees may apply.

You and your spouse can each apply for coverage to a maximum of $500,000. Together, you could have up to $1,000,000 of protection for your family.

Monthly premium per $25,000 of coverage

	Male		Female
Age as of June 1*	Non-Smoker**	Smoker	Non-Smoker**	Smoker
Under 25	$2.30	$2.80	$2.05	$2.30
25 - 29	$2.90	$3.75	$3.00	$3.50
30 - 34	$3.65	$5.25	$4.40	$5.35
35 - 39	$5.05	$8.10	$6.60	$8.50
40 - 44	$7.65	$13.65	$9.95	$13.75
45 - 49	$12.20	$23.00	$14.75	$21.55
50 - 54	$20.25	$38.30	$21.60	$32.95
55 - 59	$34.15	$62.25	$31.50	$49.75
60 - 64	$58.20	$97.95	$47.70	$75.55
65 - 69	$92.85	$152.45	$72.50	$113.55
70 - 74†	$156.15	$245.25	$103.00	$164.30
75	Coverage terminates

Plus taxes where applicable. Rates are subject to annual review.

Important information about your premium rates:

*Premiums are calculated based on your age and applicable rate as of June 1 each year. As the rates are in 5-year age bands, premiums will increase as you reach a higher age band.

**Non-smoker rates apply to individuals who, at the time of application, have not used tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis mixed with tobacco in any form whatsoever within the last 12 months and who have provided satisfactory evidence of insurability.

†The premiums shown for ages 70-74 are for renewal of existing coverage only.

All members and their spouses are eligible to apply. Applicants must be under age 70 and residing in Canada. Your spouse can apply, even if you choose not to.

"Member" means a dental assistant who is paying membership to their national association (the Canadian Dental Assistants Association - CDAA) and in good standing with CDAA at the time of application.

*Provision regarding Quebec Residents

Quebec residents under age 65 must be covered under a private drug plan in order to be eligible for and retain all coverage, with the exception of Life coverage

Spouses must meet the policy definition for spouse. Spouses/partners must meet the policy definition for spouse.

Here are some of the more important limitations and exclusions you should be aware of:

Any covered condition or AdvanceCare Benefit Condition diagnosed prior to the effective date of coverage is excluded.

If the insured person is diagnosed with a benign brain tumour, cancer or early stage cancer within the first 90 days of coverage, or with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's within the first year of coverage, a benefit will not be payable and the diagnosed condition will no longer be considered a covered condition for the insured.

A diagnosis of Benign Brain Tumour, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s within the applicable limitation period will also result in any condition under MEC Group 3 no longer being payable (specialmarkets.ia.ca/mec).

No Cancer Recurrence Benefit will be paid if the first instance of cancer was diagnosed before the effective date of coverage under this policy.

No benefit will be paid if the covered condition or AdvanceCare Benefit Condition results from attempted suicide, alcohol or drug abuse, war or armed forces service, self-inflicted injury, taking poison or inhaling gas or participation in a criminal act. There is also an exclusion for certain pilots.

For paralysis, blindness, deafness, severe burns, stroke, coma, or loss of limbs no benefit will be paid if the condition is a result of participating in amateur or professional boxing, bungee jumping, B.A.S.E. jumping, cliff diving, mountain climbing, motor vehicle racing or speed competition on land and/or water, parachuting or underwater activities, including scuba diving and snuba diving.

Some illnesses have exclusions, refer to the full illness definition list for details.

Coverage terminates on the earliest of the following dates:

the end of the policy year in which the employee reaches age 75;
the end of the month in which your written request to cancel your insurance is received;
the date of any unpaid premiums;
with regard to your spouse's Critical Illness Insurance, the earliest of the above or the end of the policy year following the date they reach age 75, or the end of the month in which they no longer qualify as a "spouse".

The Covered Condition Benefit is a tax-free, lump-sum benefit which will be paid if you are diagnosed with one of the 25 covered critical illnesses. This benefit will be paid to you if you survive for 30* days after first being diagnosed with one of the covered illnesses. *90 days for Paralysis, Loss of Independent Existence or Bacterial Meningitis. 180 days for Multiple Sclerosis or Loss of Speech.

If you have any other question, visit the general FAQ.

Dependent Children Critical Illness

Critical illness protection for the entire family.

Add a child to your plan (PDF)

Coping with a child suffering from a serious illness is one of the greatest challenges any family can face. Critical illness coverage for your dependent children can help alleviate the financial strain and allow you to focus entirely on caregiving.

You can also apply for up to $10,000 in coverage for your children. Children are covered for six children-specific conditions plus 22 of the adult covered conditions*.

Cerebral Palsy
Congenital Heart Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Down Syndrome
Muscular Dystrophy
Type 1 Diabetes

Click here to see full definitions of these illnesses.

All your children are protected for one low premium rate, and children born after your initial purchase are covered without the need for medical underwriting if you apply within 90 days of their birth.

*Note that children are not eligible for Dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Specified Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders and Loss of Independent Existence

One low premium covers all your children, regardless of the number.

You can choose to purchase up to $10,000 in coverage. All children must be covered for the same amount of Critical Illness Insurance.

Premiums do not increase as your child grows older.

Benefit Amount	Monthly Premium
$5,000	$2.20
$10,000	$4.40

Plus taxes where applicable. Rates are subject to annual review.

In order to purchase Critical Illness Insurance for your children under the Canadian Dental Assistants Association Insurance Plan you must already be insured for, or applying for Critical Illness Insurance. If both you and your spouse are members, only one of you can apply to cover your children.

“Dependent child” means any natural child, step-child or legally adopted child to whom you are providing full parental support and who is unmarried and less than 21 years of age (up to 24 if they are full- time post-secondary student) as of the date of application.

Coverage terminates on the earliest of the following dates:

The date your coverage ceases for any reason.
The end of the month they no longer qualify as a dependent child.
The date the benefit is paid.

If you have any other question, visit the general FAQ.

Term Life Insurance

Your Term Life Insurance plan protects your family’s future with affordable and reliable coverage plus a variety of additional benefits.

You and your spouse can each apply for coverage to a maximum of $500,000. Together, you could have up to $1,000,000 of protection for your family.

With the Canadian Dental Assistants Association Term Life Insurance Plan, you can rest easy knowing that your loved ones will be cared for financially after you die.

Additional benefits

Some of the benefits detailed below are not included with other life insurance plans or are only available at extra cost. We've included these features in your Canadian Dental Assistants Association Term Life Insurance Plan at no extra cost to you and in addition to your term life benefit:

We will pay for your premiums if you are disabled.

If you’re less than 65 years of age and become totally disabled due to an accident or sickness, we will waive all Term Life premiums due after 6 months of continuous disability. Your coverage will continue, at no charge to you, throughout the duration of your disability through to age 65. This benefit is exclusively for members and is not available to spouses.

Career retraining for your spouse.

In the event of your death, this plan will pay up to $10,000 for your spouse to receive occupational training should they need to change careers in order to support your family. If your spouse is insured under this plan, you would also qualify for this benefit in the event of their death.

Help with daycare costs.

Should you die while your children are in their daycare years, this plan will reimburse for daycare expenses up to 5% of your Term Life Insurance coverage to a maximum of $5,000 per year, per child for up to 4 consecutive years. These payments are in addition to your term life benefit amount. This benefit is also available to your spouse.

Plans for your child's post-secondary education can continue.

With the Canadian Dental Assistants Association Term Life Insurance Plan, you have the peace of mind knowing that your dreams of higher education for your child won’t be cut short by your premature death. If your child is attending a post-secondary institution at the time of your death, or if they enroll within 365 days of your death, the plan will reimburse their education expenses up to 5% of your Term Life Insurance coverage to a maximum of $5,000 per year, per child, for up to 4 consecutive years. These payments are in addition to your term life benefit amount. This benefit is also available to your spouse.

Your Monthly Premium per $25,000 of coverage

	Male		Female
Age as of June 1*	Non-Smoker**	Smoker	Non-Smoker**	Smoker
Under 25	$2.55	$3.40	$1.40	$1.70
25 - 29	$2.55	$3.40	$1.45	$1.75
30 - 34	$2.60	$3.75	$1.70	$2.05
35 - 39	$2.80	$4.40	$2.05	$2.90
40 - 44	$3.55	$6.25	$2.80	$4.90
45 - 49	$4.80	$10.50	$3.95	$8.85
50 - 54	$6.75	$19.10	$5.80	$16.35
55 - 59	$11.55	$34.25	$9.65	$27.35
60 - 64	$19.95	$58.25	$15.20	$38.45
65 - 69	$32.05	$80.65	$23.80	$47.75
70 - 74†	$56.65	$125.40	$35.95	$64.05
75	Coverage terminates

Plus taxes where applicable. Rates are subject to annual review.

Important information about your premium rates:

Premiums are calculated based on your age and applicable rate as of June 1 each year. As the rates are in 5-year age bands, premiums will increase as you reach a higher age band.

**Non-smoker rates apply to individuals who, at the time of application, have not used tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis mixed with tobacco in any form whatsoever within the last 12 months and who have provided satisfactory evidence of insurability.

†The premiums shown for ages 70-74 are for renewal of existing coverage only.

All members and their spouses are eligible to apply. Applicants must be under 70 years of age and residing in Canada. Your spouse can apply, even if you choose not to.

"Member" means a dental assistant who is paying membership to their national association (the Canadian Dental Assistants Association - CDAA) and in good standing with CDAA at the time of application.

Spouses must meet the policy definition for spouse.

The only exclusion is suicide occurring within two years of the effective date of your insurance. Also, please be aware that if you are entitled to the Daycare, Education, Repatriation, Retraining or Rehabilitation Benefits for Term Life Insurance or AD&D Insurance under this policy or any other policy issued by iA Financial Group, the company’s total liability will be limited to the lesser of the actual expense incurred and the maximum benefit provided.

Coverage terminates on the earliest of the following dates:

The end of the policy year coincident with or following age 75;
the end of the month in which your written request to cancel your insurance is received;
with regard to your spouse's Term Life Insurance, the earliest of the above or the end of the policy year following the date they reach age 75, or the end of the month in which they no longer qualify as a "spouse".

If you have any other question, visit the general FAQ.

Dependent Children Term Life Insurance

Life insurance for your dependent children costs just pennies a day.

Add a child to your plan (PDF)

With Dependent Term Life Insurance, one low monthly premium provides up to $20,000 in benefits for all your eligible dependent children.

We will pay the premiums for your child's coverage if you are disabled
If you have been approved for the waiver of premium benefit for your Term Life Insurance, then premiums will also be waived for any Dependent Term Life Insurance you have in force.

One low premium covers all your children, regardless of the number

You can choose to purchase up to $20,000 in coverage. All children must be covered for the same amount of Term Life Insurance.

Premiums do not increase as your child grows older.

Benefit Amount	Monthly Premium
$5,000	$1.00
$10,000	$2.00
$15,000	$3.00
$20,000	$4.00

Plus taxes where applicable. Rates are subject to annual review.

In order to purchase Dependent Term Life Insurance for your children under the Canadian Dental Assistants Association Insurance Plan you must already be insured for, or applying for, Term Life Insurance. If both you and your spouse are members, only one of you can apply for coverage for your children.

“Dependent child” means any natural child, step-child or legally adopted child to whom you are providing full parental support and who is unmarried and less than 21 years of age (up to 24 if they are full-time post-secondary student) as of the date of application.

Coverage terminates on the earliest of the following dates:

• The date your coverage ceases for any reason.
• The end of the month following the date they no longer qualify as a dependent child.

For Dependent Children Term Life Benefit only: Mentally and physically disabled children who are insured prior to age 21 may remain covered past 21 years of age provided they are incapable of self-sustaining employment and receive full parental support and maintenance from the member and provided the member's term life coverage remains active.

If you have any other question, visit the general FAQ.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

You can’t prevent accidents from happening, but you can ensure your family doesn’t suffer financially from them.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance provides a benefit payment of up to $500,000 if your death is accidental.

Your coverage can help you lead a full and productive life if you survive a serious accident. There are many expenses associated with a permanent disability that are not covered by health insurance, including home renovations, special equipment or transportation and retraining.

With low premium rates that do not increase as you age, you can have extra protection for only pennies a day.

You can also insure your spouse and children with the member and Family Plan. One low premium rate protects the entire family.

The payment you receive depends on the severity of loss that you suffer. In order to receive a benefit payment, the loss must be due to an accident, and must occur within 365 days of the accident. The percentage of benefit payment you will receive is as follows:

Loss	Percentage of Benefit
Life	100%
Both hands or both feet	100%
Entire sight of both eyes	100%
One hand and one foot	100%
One hand and the entire sight of one eye	100%
One foot and the entire sight of one eye	100%
Speech and hearing in both ears	100%
One arm or one leg	75%
One hand or one foot	66 2/3%
Entire sight of one eye	66 2/3%
Speech or hearing in both ears	50%
Thumb and index finger of either hand	33 1/3%
Hearing in one ear	16 2/3%
Quadriplegia (Complete paralysis of both upper and lower limbs)	100%
Paraplegia (Complete paralysis of both lower limbs)	100%
Hemiplegia (Complete paralysis of upper and lower limbs of one side of body)	100%

Only the largest amount shown on the Schedule of Loss is payable for all losses resulting from any one accident.

Additional benefits

The Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Plan comes with a wide range of additional benefits to help you recover from a serious accident, or help your family recover from your accidental death. If you receive a benefit payment as outlined in the Schedule of Loss above, you can receive the following extra payments in addition to your benefit amount.

We will help with home or vehicle alterations

If one of the results of your accident is life in a wheelchair, iA Financial Group will pay up to $10,000 towards the alteration of your home or modification of a motor vehicle for wheelchair accessibility. You have up to 3 years after the date of your accident to take advantage of this benefit. If you choose the member and Family Plan, this benefit is also available to your spouse and children.

Help to retrain for a new occupation

If your injuries mean you can no longer do your current job, iA Financial Group will reimburse up to $10,000 in retraining expenses for a new occupation. You have up to 3 years after the date of your accident to take advantage of this benefit.

Career retraining for your spouse

In the event of your death, this plan will pay up to $10,000 for your spouse to receive occupational training should your spouse need to change careers in order to support your family. The Retraining Benefit is only available in the event of the member’s death.

Help with daycare costs

Should you die while your children are in their daycare years, this plan will reimburse for daycare expenses up to 5% of your Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance coverage to a maximum of $5,000 per year, per child for up to 4 consecutive years. These payments are in addition to your Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit amount. The Daycare Benefit is only available in the event of the member’s death.

Plans for your child’s post-secondary education can continue

With the Canadian Dental Assistants Association Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance plan, you have the peace of mind knowing that your dreams of higher education for your child won’t be cut short by your premature death. If your child is attending a post-secondary institution at the time of your accidental death, or if they enroll within 365 days of your death, the plan will reimburse their education expenses up to 5% of your accidental death and dismemberment coverage to a maximum of $5,000 per year, per child, for up to 4 consecutive years. These payments are in addition to the payment of the Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit amount. The Education Benefit is only available in the event of the member’s death.

If you should die while you're away from home...

The Canadian Dental Assistants Association Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Plan will pay for transportation of your remains to your city of residence, including preparation of the body for transportation, to a maximum of $10,000. If you choose the member and Family Plan, this benefit is also available to your spouse and children.

Monthly Premium Rate per $25,000 of coverage

Member Age at June	Member Only Plan	Member and Family Plan*
Up to age 69	$2.35	$2.80
70 - 74	$4.70	$5.65

Important information about your premium rates and coverage amounts:

* You can apply for up to $500,000 in coverage for yourself.

Coverage terminates at the end of the policy year coincident with or following age 75.

Eligible Family Members	% of Member's Benefit Applicable
Spouse only	50%
Spouse and Dependent Children	Spouse - 50%; each Dependent Child - 15%
Dependent Children only (no Spouse)	Each Dependent Child - 20%

All members are eligible to apply.

"Member" means a dental assistant who is paying membership to their national association (the Canadian Dental Assistants Association - CDAA) and in good standing with CDAA at the time of application.

Applicants must be under 70 and residing in Canada.

If you choose the Member and Family plan, your spouse and dependent children are also eligible, provided they meet the policy definition for Spouse and Dependent Child.

Insureds who are residents of Quebec and under age 65 must be insured under a private drug plan (provided by the policyholder) as per the Quebec Act respecting prescription drug insurance.

Any accidental death or injury resulting from one of the following conditions is excluded and no benefit will be payable: suicide, self-inflicted injury, an act of war, active service in the armed forces or injury sustained while a pilot or crew member of an aircraft.

Also, please be aware that if you are entitled to the Daycare, Education, Repatriation, Retraining or Rehabilitation Benefits for Term Life or Accidental Death Insurance under this policy or any other policy issued by iA Financial Group, the company’s total liability will be limited to the lesser of the actual expense incurred and the maximum benefit provided.

The earliest of the following dates:

the end of the policy year following the date you reach age 75;
the end of the month in which your written request to cancel your insurance is received;
the date the Group Master Policy between the Canadian Dental Assistants Association and iA Financial Group terminates;
with regards to coverage for your spouse, the earliest of the above, or the end of the policy year following the date they reach age 75, or the end of the month in which they no longer qualify as a "spouse".
with regards to coverage for your children, the earliest of the above or the end of the month they no longer qualify as a “dependent child”.

If you have any other question, visit the general FAQ.

Critical Illness Insurance

You are covered for 25 life-changing illnesses

Critical Illness Definitions

Coverage for your children

Additional benefits

How you use your money is up to you

You are also covered for several non-life-threatening conditions

Payment is not dependent on your ability to work, or your recovery

Multiple Event Coverage

Cancer recurrence

You can get assistance in arranging private medical care

You and your spouse can each apply for coverage to a maximum of $500,000. Together, you could have up to $1,000,000 of protection for your family.

Dependent Children Critical Illness

Coping with a child suffering from a serious illness is one of the greatest challenges any family can face. Critical illness coverage for your dependent children can help alleviate the financial strain and allow you to focus entirely on caregiving.

One low premium covers all your children, regardless of the number.

Term Life Insurance

You and your spouse can each apply for coverage to a maximum of $500,000. Together, you could have up to $1,000,000 of protection for your family.

Additional benefits

We will pay for your premiums if you are disabled.

Career retraining for your spouse.

Help with daycare costs.

Plans for your child's post-secondary education can continue.

Your Monthly Premium per $25,000 of coverage

Dependent Children Term Life Insurance

With Dependent Term Life Insurance, one low monthly premium provides up to $20,000 in benefits for all your eligible dependent children.

One low premium covers all your children, regardless of the number

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance provides a benefit payment of up to $500,000 if your death is accidental.

Additional benefits

We will help with home or vehicle alterations

Help to retrain for a new occupation

Career retraining for your spouse

Help with daycare costs

Plans for your child’s post-secondary education can continue

If you should die while you're away from home...

Monthly Premium Rate per $25,000 of coverage

Critical Illness Definitions

25 life-changing illnesses

Multiple Event Coverage

Dependent Children Critical Illness Definitions

Cerebral Palsy

Congenital Heart Disease

Cystic Fibrosis

Down Syndrome

Muscular Dystrophy

Type 1 Diabetes

Questions? We’re here to help.

Accidental Dental Benefit

Detailed Benefits

Accidental Dental Exclusions

Ambulance Benefit

Detailed Benefits

Ambulance Benefit Exclusions

Diagnostic Services

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Durable Medical Equipment

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Durable Medical Equipment Exclusions

Hearing Aids

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Hearing Aids Exclusions

Private Duty Nursing

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Private Duty Nursing Exclusions

Private Prosthetic Appliances & Orthopaedic Equipment

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Prosthetic Appliances & Orthopaedic Equipment Exclusions

Vision Care

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Vision Care Exclusions

Hospital Benefit

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Hospital Benefit Exclusions

Prescription Drug

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Prescription Drug Exclusions

Dental Care

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Diagnostic Services

Preventive Services

Critical Illness
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