Critical Illness Insurance FAQs

Q I already have life insurance. Do I really need critical illness insurance?

A It's important to note that the TD Critical Illness Recovery Plan¹ provides benefits for the living. Your life insurance may not provide benefits if you survive a covered critical illness. Benefits designed to help you and your family deal with financial challenges so you can focus on recovery.

Q I also have disability coverage. Isn’t that enough?

A Ideally, you'd have both, because your disability coverage may not provide a lump-sum payment to help ease the financial burdens of health-related expenses, such as private nursing care, physical therapy, medical equipment, or child care. Also, most disability plans provide a reduced monthly benefit, and many are valid for just a limited time.

Q Say I have a heart attack—or other eligible critical illness—and recover in a few weeks or months...then return to work. Would I receive a payment?

A Eligibility for benefits is not dependent on your ability to work. If your condition meets our definitions of heart attack, cancer (life-threatening), or stroke, your Critical Illness Recovery Plan coverage can pay a lump sum to use at your discretion. Please refer to the Insurance Policy for a complete list of definitions, terms and conditions.

Note: This is the current sample Insurance Policy Package for Critical Illness Recovery Plan in use by TD Insurance. If you have any questions regarding the Critical Illness Recovery Plan, please call to speak to an advisor, toll-free, at 1-888-788-0839 Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

Q Why are only cancer (life-threatening), heart attack and stroke covered by your Critical Illness insurance?

A Cancer, heart attack and stroke, as defined in the Insurance Policy and subject to terms and conditions, are the most common illnesses occurring across all ages in Canada.²

Q How will I know if I’m eligible to make a claim?

A If you are diagnosed by a physician with a covered critical illness - as set out in your Insurance Policy - and survive for 30 days (until 12:01 am of the 31st day) following the date of diagnosis, you're eligible to file a claim. Claims forms are available by calling us at 1-888-788-0839. Please refer to section “How Do I Make A Claim?” (page 14 of the Insurance Policy) for complete information on how to file a claim.

Q What if the critical illness is terminal?

A Even if the covered critical illness is terminal, the Critical Illness Recovery Plan coverage may pay a benefit. In order to be eligible to file a claim, you must survive 30 days following the date of diagnosis. For example, if you are diagnosed with breast cancer (life-threatening), the Critical Illness Recovery Plan coverage will provide benefits subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the Insurance Policy.

Q My premiums are low now, but will they increase in the future?

A The risk of suffering from cancer (life-threatening), heart attack, and/or stroke increases with age. So, in order for us to manage that risk, your premiums will increase every 10 years until your coverage terminates at age 70. For additional details, please refer to the Insurance Policy.

Q Will I have to pay taxes on any of the benefits I might receive?

A No. Under existing Canadian tax laws, all payments under the TD Critical Illness Recovery Plan are tax free.

For information or questions on your TD Critical Illness Recovery Plan coverage, please contact us at 1-888-788-0839.