Desjardins Critical Illness Insurance: 2025 Canada Review
Our expert's opinion on Desjardins
Desjardins offers a robust critical illness insurance solution in Canada, featuring both Basic and Enhanced plans that span from $10,000 to $3,000,000 in coverage, addressing a wide range of serious adult and childhood illnesses (4 in Basic, up to 31 in Enhanced). Coverage amounts are flexible with guaranteed lump-sum payouts, and the policies can be set for fixed-terms or lifetime; multiple optional riders—including return of premium, accident, or disability waiver—help tailor protection. Desjardins stands out from main competitors by offering broad illness coverage tiers, especially for families and businesses, though its pricing is not always the most competitive. Middle-aged professionals seeking comprehensive income protection for families, business owners, and parents needing child coverage benefit most from Desjardins’s flexible design. As Canada’s largest cooperative financial group (over $408 billion in assets, Moody's Aa2), Desjardins demonstrates strong financial stability and claims-paying ability; however, customer satisfaction is markedly low (Trustpilot 1.3/5, 117 reviews), with slow average claim payout times and recurring service complaints recently highlighted. The policy imposes a waiting period (e.g. 90 days for cancer claims post-policy start) and a survival period (e.g. 30 days must elapse post-diagnosis or surgery for many heart and stroke claims) to qualify for payout.
- ✅Enhanced plan covers 31 illnesses
- ✅Coverage up to $3,000,000
- ✅Optional return of premium riders
- ✅Children’s critical illness coverage
- ✅Partial payouts for minor illness
- ✅Choice of fixed-term or lifetime
- ✅Business owner coverage options
- ❌Survival period required for most claims
- ❌Strict illness definitions
- ❌Low customer satisfaction (1.3/5 Trustpilot)
- ❌Slow, sometimes manual claim handling
- ❌No pricing transparency online
Our expert's opinion on Desjardins
- ✅Enhanced plan covers 31 illnesses
- ✅Coverage up to $3,000,000
- ✅Optional return of premium riders
- ✅Children’s critical illness coverage
- ✅Partial payouts for minor illness
- ✅Choice of fixed-term or lifetime
- ✅Business owner coverage options
- ❌Survival period required for most claims
- ❌Strict illness definitions
- ❌Low customer satisfaction (1.3/5 Trustpilot)
- ❌Slow, sometimes manual claim handling
- ❌No pricing transparency online
Score- ✅Enhanced plan covers 31 illnesses
- ✅Coverage up to $3,000,000
- ✅Optional return of premium riders
- ✅Children’s critical illness coverage
- ✅Partial payouts for minor illness
- ✅Choice of fixed-term or lifetime
- ✅Business owner coverage options
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our critical illness insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in Canada each year to give you a reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this thorough approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians trust us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
The Guarantees of Desjardins Critical Illness Insurance
Desjardins critical illness insurance offers two tiers of coverage: the Basic Plan covers 4 major illnesses (cancer, heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery bypass surgery), while the Enhanced Plan protects against 31 serious conditions, including organ failure, neurological diseases, and several rare disorders.
Major illnesses like cancer or heart attack receive a full lump-sum payout, whereas early-stage cancers or select procedures can trigger partial benefits; childhood plans also include seven exclusive pediatric conditions.
Coverage ranges from $10,000 to $3,000,000, with a 90-day waiting period for cancer diagnoses, a 30-day survival period required for most claims, and guaranteed renewability to age 65, 75, or for life.
Optional annual indexation is available at extra cost (customized by plan), and a 10-day grace period lets you cancel without penalty before coverage starts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Coverage scope | Basic: 4 major illnesses (cancer, heart attack, stroke, bypass); Enhanced: 31 conditions including rare organ/neurological diseases; child plans add 7 childhood conditions |
| 💲 Benefit amounts | $10,000 minimum, $3,000,000 maximum, standard lump-sum paid on diagnosis |
| ⏱️ Waiting period | 90 days for cancer/related tumours; immediate for most other illnesses |
| ⌛ Survival period | 30 days required for most claims |
| 🔒 Guaranteed renewability | Yes—to age 65, 75, or for life, depending on chosen term |
| 📈 Indexation | Annual indexation available as an add-on, with extra cost (rate varies by plan, typically a set % of base benefit) |
Grace period: Right to cancel within 10 days before coverage begins.
👉 Compare the best critical illness insurance plans in for free.Discover the offersThe cost of Desjardins critical illness insurance
Premiums for Desjardins critical illness insurance in Canada are calculated according to personal risk factors and specific plan features.
Your age at application is significant, with each additional decade typically increasing the base premium by 80–110%, while other elements — including health class (standard or rated for pre-existing conditions), smoker status (smokers pay 50–70% more), coverage amount (+13% per $50,000), and policy term — directly affect the rate.
All lump-sum benefits for critical illness are tax-free for Canadian residents.
- Age: Each additional decade increases the base premium by 80–110%.
- Health status: Standard vs. rated (surprime) classes affect cost.
- Smoker status: Smokers pay 50–70% more than non-smokers.
- Coverage amount: Higher insured sums raise the premium by around 13% per $50,000.
- Policy term: Longer durations (to age 75 or lifetime) cost more than shorter terms.
- Tax treatment: Lump-sum critical illness benefits are tax-free in Canada.
| Profile | Coverage amount | Non‑smoker premium | Smoker premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 yrs, healthy non‑smoker | $100,000 | $46/month | $69/month |
| 45 yrs, pre‑existing condition | $100,000 | $88–$130/month | $135–$210/month |
| 55 yrs, healthy smoker | $50,000 | $95/month | $151/month |
The Optional Riders for Desjardins Critical Illness Insurance
- Income rider: Pays a fixed monthly benefit—often 1–2% of the policy face amount—for a set period if you become critically ill, helping to replace lost income during recovery.
- Policy loan: Lets you borrow up to 90% of your policy's accumulated cash value, with repayments and interest required to keep the policy in good standing.
- Waiver of Premium (WOP): Waives your premium payments if you are totally disabled before age 60 and remain disabled for at least six consecutive months.
- Additional condition riders (e.g., kidney failure, enhanced heart failure): Provide lump-sum payouts for extra defined illnesses—such as kidney failure or advanced heart failure—that may not be included in the base contract.
- Participating benefits: Qualified policyholders may be eligible for annual dividends based on Desjardins’ performance, which can be used to reduce premiums or increase policy value.
- Conversion rider: Allows you to convert term critical illness or life coverage to permanent (whole or universal life) without new medical evidence before a set age, often 65.
- Partial surrender option: Permits withdrawal of a portion of the accumulated cash value once a certain minimum policy duration is met, with limits based on policy terms and resulting in a reduced benefit.
- Underwriting & Eligibility: Requires a health questionnaire and possibly medical exams above stated amounts or ages, sets eligibility from 18–65 years, and applies premium ratings for high-risk jobs or health histories.
Exclusions to Desjardins Critical Illness Insurance
- Suicide within first year: No benefit is paid if death from suicide occurs within the policy's first 12 months.
- Undeclared pre-existing conditions: Claims are denied for illnesses linked to conditions not disclosed before the policy start.
- High-risk activities: No coverage for illness or injury from extreme sports or private aviation.
- Criminal acts: Illness or injury resulting from participation in a criminal act is excluded from coverage.
- Conditions not listed: Only illnesses expressly named in the policy schedule are covered; all others are excluded.
- Age limits: Certain benefits or eligibility expire or change once outside specified age ranges.
- Survival period failure: If the insured does not survive the required days after diagnosis, no benefit is payable.
- Portability & Renewal: Renewal and portability may require new underwriting and are not always guaranteed on job or personal move.
What is the claims and payout process for Desjardins critical illness insurance?
The Desjardins claims process is structured for clarity and convenience, with most approved critical illness claims paid within 10–15 business days after decision.
A 10-day cooling‑off period is available to cancel your policy without any penalties once the contract is issued.
- Claim notification: Submit a claim online through the secure portal, or by phone or mail using the specified forms.
- Documentation review: Provide all completed claim forms and supporting medical reports as requested.
- Underwriting assessment: Desjardins typically reviews documentation and issues a decision within 5–10 business days.
- Payout execution: Approved payments are made by direct deposit or cheque, generally within 3–5 business days of approval.
- Average payout time: Full process from claim submission to payout is typically 10–15 business days if all documents are complete.
- Cooling‑off period: Cancel the policy within 10 days after issue for a full premium refund.
How can customers contact Desjardins and access ancillary services?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Head office address | 100 Rue des Commandeurs, Lévis, QC G6V 7N5, Canada |
| 📞 Phone | 1-866-838-7661 (Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm ET) |
| ✉️ Email | Use secured webform at https://www.desjardins.com/ca/personal/contact-us/ |
| 🌐 Website | https://www.desjardins.com |
| 💬 Live chat | Available via website Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm ET |
| 📱 Social media | @DesjardinsGroup (Twitter/X), facebook.com/desjardins |
| ⏰ Operating hours | Mon–Fri: 9:00am–5:00pm ET; average phone wait typically under 10 minutes |
- Teleconsultation: Speak with a nurse or health professional by phone for advice and guidance available 24/7.
- Second medical opinion: Access to a network of specialist physicians for expert reviews of diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Policy management portal: Manage your insurance online, update beneficiary information, and submit or track claims from a secure portal or app.
- 24/7 hotline: Clients can phone any time for urgent inquiries or health-related support.
- Repatriation assistance: Coordination of medical evacuation and emergency transport, if included in your coverage.
- Surrender & Partial Redemption: Policyholders may request surrender or partial withdrawal for policy cash values or advances, with terms based on contract provisions.
FAQ
What critical illnesses and benefit amounts are covered by Desjardins’s critical illness insurance in Canada?
Desjardins offers both a Basic and Enhanced critical illness insurance plan. The Basic Plan covers four major illnesses for 100% payment—cancer, heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery bypass surgery—while the Enhanced Plan extends coverage to 31 serious illnesses and surgeries. Children’s plans add seven more childhood-specific conditions. Coverage amounts range from $10,000 to $3,000,000 depending on the selected contract. For a comprehensive list, consult your policy guide or Desjardins advisor.
What waiting and survival periods must be met before a claim can be paid by Desjardins?
A 90-day waiting period applies specifically to cancer and certain related cancers from the contract or reinstatement date, during which benefits are not payable. For several illnesses, such as heart attack and stroke, the insured must survive at least 30 days post-diagnosis or surgery for benefit eligibility. Some conditions have further requirements, such as symptom persistence over a set duration. All waiting and survival period details are described in your policy booklet. For additional explanation, contact Desjardins directly.
Can optional riders be added to Desjardins’s critical illness policies, and how are they included?
Yes, riders such as return of premium upon cancellation or death, as well as accident and disability-related add-ons, are available for most Desjardins critical illness contracts. You may request these options at policy inception or in some cases by amendment, subject to eligibility and, if necessary, underwriting approval. Riders affect premium cost and may have special terms. Contact your advisor or Desjardins for a custom recommendation. All available riders are listed in your plan brochure.
How are premiums calculated for Desjardins critical illness insurance, and do smoker rates apply?
Premiums are determined based on factors including age, gender, coverage amount, plan type, medical history, and whether you are a smoker or non-smoker. Smokers will pay higher premiums due to increased risk, and non-smoker rates are offered to those who qualify by Desjardins’s definition. Discounts may be available for multi-coverage purchases. Premium details are provided in your quote at the time of application. Your advisor can explain all variables in your premium calculation.
How does the claims process work for Desjardins, and how quickly are benefits paid for critical illness claims?
To submit a claim, complete the official claim form with certified medical documentation and submit online or by mail. The Desjardins claims team will review all documents and may request further information to verify eligibility. Decisions are generally communicated within 10–20 business days, and payment is promptly issued upon approval. You can track your claim’s progress through the online portal or by contacting the Client Relations Centre. The company aims to make the process as smooth as possible for clients.
Can I amend my Desjardins critical illness policy—such as increasing coverage or adding beneficiaries—after purchase?
Policy amendments are possible, including changes to coverage amount, beneficiary updates, or addition of riders, with some changes requiring medical review or approval. Requests can be made through your advisor, customer service line, or online portal. Decreases in coverage are usually processed quickly, while increases or certain add-ons may trigger new underwriting. All amendments and their effects on premiums and coverage are detailed in updated policy documents. Contact Desjardins to discuss amendment options for your existing policy.
What are the rules regarding cancellation, surrender charges, or refund eligibility for Desjardins critical illness insurance?
A 10-day cooling-off period from policy receipt entitles you to a full premium refund if you cancel within this window. Cancellations after this period may allow for partial refunds or accumulated cash values if your policy supports these features. Surrender and partial redemption rules depend on the specific plan and contractual provisions, sometimes subject to applicable charges. Refunds are processed promptly once approved. Contact Desjardins or your advisor for exact payout implications before proceeding.
Does Desjardins offer digital self-service for managing my critical illness policy?
Yes, Desjardins clients have access to an online portal and the mobile app for viewing their policy details, updating information, submitting and tracking claims, and downloading key documents. Features include secure messaging with service staff and electronic delivery of correspondence. The platform is designed for convenience and transparency in managing your contract. Users frequently note the ease of use and reliability of Desjardins’s digital services. Ongoing updates ensure features and security remain current.
What critical illnesses and benefit amounts are covered by Desjardins’s critical illness insurance in Canada?
Desjardins offers both a Basic and Enhanced critical illness insurance plan. The Basic Plan covers four major illnesses for 100% payment—cancer, heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery bypass surgery—while the Enhanced Plan extends coverage to 31 serious illnesses and surgeries. Children’s plans add seven more childhood-specific conditions. Coverage amounts range from $10,000 to $3,000,000 depending on the selected contract. For a comprehensive list, consult your policy guide or Desjardins advisor.
What waiting and survival periods must be met before a claim can be paid by Desjardins?
A 90-day waiting period applies specifically to cancer and certain related cancers from the contract or reinstatement date, during which benefits are not payable. For several illnesses, such as heart attack and stroke, the insured must survive at least 30 days post-diagnosis or surgery for benefit eligibility. Some conditions have further requirements, such as symptom persistence over a set duration. All waiting and survival period details are described in your policy booklet. For additional explanation, contact Desjardins directly.
Can optional riders be added to Desjardins’s critical illness policies, and how are they included?
Yes, riders such as return of premium upon cancellation or death, as well as accident and disability-related add-ons, are available for most Desjardins critical illness contracts. You may request these options at policy inception or in some cases by amendment, subject to eligibility and, if necessary, underwriting approval. Riders affect premium cost and may have special terms. Contact your advisor or Desjardins for a custom recommendation. All available riders are listed in your plan brochure.
How are premiums calculated for Desjardins critical illness insurance, and do smoker rates apply?
Premiums are determined based on factors including age, gender, coverage amount, plan type, medical history, and whether you are a smoker or non-smoker. Smokers will pay higher premiums due to increased risk, and non-smoker rates are offered to those who qualify by Desjardins’s definition. Discounts may be available for multi-coverage purchases. Premium details are provided in your quote at the time of application. Your advisor can explain all variables in your premium calculation.
How does the claims process work for Desjardins, and how quickly are benefits paid for critical illness claims?
To submit a claim, complete the official claim form with certified medical documentation and submit online or by mail. The Desjardins claims team will review all documents and may request further information to verify eligibility. Decisions are generally communicated within 10–20 business days, and payment is promptly issued upon approval. You can track your claim’s progress through the online portal or by contacting the Client Relations Centre. The company aims to make the process as smooth as possible for clients.
Can I amend my Desjardins critical illness policy—such as increasing coverage or adding beneficiaries—after purchase?
Policy amendments are possible, including changes to coverage amount, beneficiary updates, or addition of riders, with some changes requiring medical review or approval. Requests can be made through your advisor, customer service line, or online portal. Decreases in coverage are usually processed quickly, while increases or certain add-ons may trigger new underwriting. All amendments and their effects on premiums and coverage are detailed in updated policy documents. Contact Desjardins to discuss amendment options for your existing policy.
What are the rules regarding cancellation, surrender charges, or refund eligibility for Desjardins critical illness insurance?
A 10-day cooling-off period from policy receipt entitles you to a full premium refund if you cancel within this window. Cancellations after this period may allow for partial refunds or accumulated cash values if your policy supports these features. Surrender and partial redemption rules depend on the specific plan and contractual provisions, sometimes subject to applicable charges. Refunds are processed promptly once approved. Contact Desjardins or your advisor for exact payout implications before proceeding.
Does Desjardins offer digital self-service for managing my critical illness policy?
Yes, Desjardins clients have access to an online portal and the mobile app for viewing their policy details, updating information, submitting and tracking claims, and downloading key documents. Features include secure messaging with service staff and electronic delivery of correspondence. The platform is designed for convenience and transparency in managing your contract. Users frequently note the ease of use and reliability of Desjardins’s digital services. Ongoing updates ensure features and security remain current.
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