Get the best disability insurance Alberta plans in 2025
- Monthly benefits not subject to taxation
- Professional rehabilitation program
- Premium waiver in case of total disability
- 4 optional coverage endorsements available
- Monthly benefits not subject to taxation
- Professional rehabilitation program
- Premium waiver in case of total disability
- 4 optional coverage endorsements available
The Superior Program by iA Financial Group is a flexible and inclusive disability insurance option offering up to $120,000 in total coverage, available to individuals working as little as 21 hours per week, with no minimum income requirement - a rare feature in this market. It accommodates a broad spectrum of occupations, from class 4A to C, and provides non-taxable monthly benefits, boosting its real value in case of a claim. Notably, it includes access to a vocational rehabilitation program, supporting the return to work after a disability. The policy can be renewed until age 70 and offers four optional riders to tailor protection to individual needs. Its design is particularly welcoming to newcomers to Canada, who often face barriers with more traditional underwriting.
Ideal profile:
Best suited for self-employed professionals, part-time workers, or recent immigrants who may not meet typical income thresholds but still want meaningful protection against income loss due to disability.
- No minimum pre-tax income required
- Non-taxable monthly benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation support included
- Renewability up to age 70
- Strong flexibility with optional riders
- Maximum coverage capped at $120,000
- Limited to occupational classes 4A to C (excludes higher-risk jobs)
- Riders not automatically included—extra cost may apply
- Total or partial disability
- Combines with group insurance
- Premium refunds
- Total or partial disability
- Combines with group insurance
- Premium refunds
Beneva’s Disability Insurance provides accessible coverage up to $72,000, targeting a wide range of professionals in classes 4A to B—without requiring a minimum income or medical questionnaire, making it especially easy to qualify. It can be renewed until age 65 and offers the option to combine with existing group insurance, which can increase overall benefits. A standout feature is its premium refund option, which allows policyholders to recoup some costs if no claim is made. With four optional riders, this plan is adaptable to personal and professional needs while remaining simple and inclusive.
Ideal profile:
Great for freelancers, part-time professionals, or newcomers to the workforce seeking basic, hassle-free protection—especially those looking for insurance without needing to prove income or undergo medical underwriting.
- No income or medical requirements
- Premium refund feature adds long-term value
- Can be combined with group coverage
- Four optional riders for customization
- Coverage limit of $72,000 may be too low for high earners
- Not renewable beyond age 65
- Restricted to lower-risk occupational classes (4A to B)
- Option for total or partial disability
- 13 optional coverage endorsements available
- Included rehabilitation benefit
- Indemnity periods of 24, 60, 120 months
- Option for total or partial disability
- 13 optional coverage endorsements available
- Included rehabilitation benefit
- Indemnity periods of 24, 60, 120 months
Canada Life’s Independence Protection Insurance stands out with an impressive maximum coverage of $300,000, making it one of the most robust individual disability insurance products available. Aimed at professional classes 4A to B, it requires a minimum net income of $35,000, balancing accessibility with comprehensive protection. The plan offers up to 120 months of benefits, a partial disability option, and a generous suite of 13 optional riders to tailor coverage. With non-cancellable terms until age 65 and no medical questionnaire required, it delivers strong stability and flexibility—particularly attractive for those with fluctuating employment patterns, like part-time or seasonal workers.
Ideal profile:
Designed for mid- to high-income earners such as self-employed consultants or gig economy professionals who meet the income threshold and want long-term, customizable protection without medical underwriting.
- Very high coverage ceiling ($300,000)
- No medical exam required
- 13 optional riders allow detailed customization
- Partial disability coverage included
- Long benefit period (up to 10 years)
- Requires minimum net income of $35,000
- Only available to occupational classes 4A to B
- Not renewable beyond age 65
- Premiums guaranteed for the first 5 years
- Critical illnesses automatically included
- Premium return at 20 years
- Premiums guaranteed for the first 5 years
- Critical illnesses automatically included
- Premium return at 20 years
Humania’s Prohealth Accident and Sickness Insurance is a highly inclusive plan offering up to $120,000 in coverage, open to all professional classes and requiring no minimum income or medical questionnaire, making it easy to access for a wide audience. It includes critical illness coverage by default, which is uncommon in this segment, and offers a premium refund every 20 years, adding long-term financial value. The plan is renewable until age 65, with premiums guaranteed for the first five years, providing stability and predictability. Its simplicity and wide eligibility make it a standout for those needing straightforward, all-in-one coverage.
Ideal profile:
Perfect for blue-collar workers, self-employed individuals, or newcomers to Canada looking for hassle-free, broad-spectrum protection that combines disability and critical illness in one plan.
- No income or medical requirements
- Covers all occupational classes
- Includes critical illness coverage automatically
- Premium refund every 20 years
- Guaranteed premiums for 5 years
- Coverage capped at $120,000
- No renewal beyond age 65
- Fewer customization options compared to higher-end products
- Offers a wide range of products tailored to different profiles and needs
- Competitive premiums and rates
- Personalised cover and optional benefits
- Access to disability assistance and support services
- Offers a wide range of products tailored to different profiles and needs
- Competitive premiums and rates
- Personalised cover and optional benefits
- Access to disability assistance and support services
RBC’s Professional Series® Policy is a solid mid-range disability insurance plan offering up to $72,000 in coverage, targeting professional classes 4A to A. It requires a relatively low minimum income of $6,000 annually and at least 30 hours of work per week, balancing accessibility with traditional underwriting standards. The plan is non-cancellable until age 65, ensuring long-term stability, and includes partial and residual disability benefits, which are crucial for gradual return-to-work scenarios. It also features seven optional riders for added flexibility and is available without a medical questionnaire, simplifying the application for healthy applicants.
Ideal profile:
Ideal for full-time salaried professionals, especially those early in their careers or earning a modest income, who want dependable protection with strong built-in benefits and the option to expand coverage.
- Non-cancellable until age 65
- Partial and residual disability coverage included
- Low income requirement ($6,000/year)
- Seven riders available for customization
- No medical exam needed
- Limited to professional classes 4A to A
- Maximum coverage capped at $72,000
- Requires minimum 30 hours of work per week
If you're unable to work because of a disability or injury in Alberta, the AISH and AADL programs provide essential financial and health benefits. However, for fuller coverage, adding a private disability insurance Alberta plan is wise.
While AISH income offers specific support, a private disability insurance Alberta plan can cover up to 60-85% of your income, creating a stronger safety net. This guide will help you find the right disability insurance, tell you how to apply for AISH, what disabilities qualify for AISH, and more.
Use our free comparator to compare the best disability insurance Alberta plans and get free personalized quotes so you can find a plan that suits you best.
Disability insurance Alberta: 6 Key takeaways
- Disability insurance covers 60%-85% of your income if you can't work due to illness or injury.
- In Alberta, disability benefits may reach 70% of pre-disability income.
- AISH offers financial and health benefits for eligible Albertans with severe handicaps.
- Disability insurance costs range from 1% to 9% of your yearly wage in Alberta.
- Opt for long term disability insurance Alberta plans for comprehensive coverage.
- Use the HelloSafe free tool to compare the best disability insurance plans and get quotes.
What is a disability insurance Alberta plan?
Disability insurance in Alberta is a product that can assist you and your family if you are unable to work due to an unexpected sickness or accident. On average, disability insurance covers between 60% and 85% of your usual income for a set period, up to a maximum amount, if due to an injury or sickness:
- You are temporarily unable to work or
- You are permanently incapacitated.
The term "permanent" relates to the nature of the impairment. It does not imply that you will continue to receive advantages indefinitely.
Employers typically provide disability insurance often called group disability insurance, but you can also obtain your plan through a life and health insurance agent. Whether you're self-employed, you also can purchase disability insurance, which will cover a large portion of your business expenses if you're unable to work.
These plans are either long-term disability insurance or short-term disability insurance. Several providers give you the option to convert your short-term plans into long-term as well.
If you're seeking a reputable disability insurance carrier or if you're unhappy with the one you now have, try our comparison tool. Quickly get free quotes, and compare the pricing and coverage features of the best disability policies in the market right here.
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Does Alberta offer provincial disability benefits?
Yes, Alberta offers provincial disability benefits through various programs, the most notable being the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. AISH provides financial and health benefits to eligible Albertans with a permanent disability that prevents them from earning a living.
In addition to AISH, the province also has Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL), which supports individuals with long-term disabilities, chronic illnesses, or terminal illnesses by covering some costs of medical equipment and supplies. These programs are designed to assist eligible residents in managing the financial and health-related challenges associated with disabilities.
How much are disability benefits in Alberta?
The benefit amount that an employee will receive will be around 70% of the employee's pre-disability income, effective after the elimination period has ended.
Assuming you qualify for AISH Alberta, you could get a monthly living allowance (up to $1,685), a monthly child benefit, health benefits to cover topics such as prescription drugs and dental treatments, and a variety of other benefits tailored to your unique circumstances.
What disabilities qualify for AISH?
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH):
To qualify for AISH disability benefits you must:
- Have a permanent medical condition that stops you from earning a living and that cannot be remedied through medical treatment, therapy, rehabilitation, or training;
- Be at least 18 years old, not eligible for Old Age Security;
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Live in Alberta.
To learn more about the formal process AISH uses to establish an applicant's eligibility, visit their official website.
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
The AADL is designed to assist anyone with a long-term disability, chronic sickness, or terminal illness with the cost of basic medical equipment and supplies such as:
- Oxygen;
- Walking aids;
- Wheelchairs, and other medical supplies.
To be eligible for AADL, you must be evaluated by a medical professional to determine your eligibility and determine your basic medical needs. Your assessment must be conducted by an accredited AADL specialist to qualify for some medical equipment.
How long is a short-term disability in Alberta?
A period of disability that lasts less than a year and qualifies for income replacement compensation is referred to as short-term disability. The period of incapacity might range from 17 to 52 weeks, depending on the plan.
Therefore, to be qualified for short-term disability, you must be unable to perform the fundamental responsibilities of your job.
How to apply for short-term disability in Alberta?
To apply for short-term disability you do it by filling out a form and sending it to the insurance company or benefits administrator. Next, they'll assess your claim and either approve or deny it. If you are approved, you will be paid biweekly for 17 to 52 months.
It's important to understand that your plan determines the length of your benefits, but since it is a short-term disability program, it will always be under a year.
Be it short-term or long-term, private disability insurance plans typically offer more comprehensive coverage than provincial disability benefits. If you want to get disability insurance, look no further. Use our free tool below to explore the best disability insurance Alberta plans, get free quotes, and start saving right now.
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What are AISH payment dates in 2025?
In 2024, payments for the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Income Support (IS) will be made four business days before the first of each month.
| Month of assistance | Benefit payment date | Days between payments |
|---|---|---|
| February | 02-01-2024 Thursday | 41 days |
| March | 02-26-2024 Monday | 24 days |
| April | 03-25-2024 Monday | 27 days |
| May | 04-25-2024 Thursday | 30 days |
| June | 05-28-2024 Tuesday | 32 days |
| July | 06-25-2024 Tuesday | 27 days |
| August | 07-26-2024 Friday | 30 days |
| September | 08-27-2024 Tuesday | 31 days |
| October | 09-24-2024 Tuesday | 27 days |
| November | 10-28-2024 Monday | 33 days |
| December | 11-26-2024 Tuesday | 28 days |
How to do an AISH application?
You have 2 options to apply for disability in Alberta: online or not online.
How to apply for AISH online?
The process is simple, all you need to do is
- Access their application portal.
- Fill out the information requested and upload all the necessary paperwork.
How to apply for AISH via mail?
If you don’t have regular access to the internet or just prefer to get things done the old way, that’s ok too. You can download the AISH Application Form in PDF here, fill it out, and send it to:
- Mail: AISH, PO Box 17000 Station Main, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4B3
- Fax: 1-877-969-3006 (toll-free, Alberta)
What about the medical report?
If the doctor has given you the Medical Report form you can submit it as part of your online AISH application, or you can download the AISH Medical Report form from the Alberta disability program right here. Your physician is required to fill it out.
Have trouble with the PDF?
If you're experiencing issues with opening fillable PDF forms on certain mobile devices or web browsers, try the following steps: First, save the PDF form to your computer by clicking or right-clicking the link and choosing the download option. Then, open the form using Adobe Reader, where you can fill it out and save your changes. Should you continue to encounter difficulties, please reach out to PDF form technical support for assistance.
What happens after you apply for disability in Alberta?
If you have not given all the necessary personal, financial, or medical information, an AISH staff member may ask for more details.
Upon acceptance of your application:
- You'll hear from someone on the phone and get written confirmation that you qualify for AISH;
- you will be contacted by phone or mail to arrange a meeting with an AISH representative;
- Your benefits will be retroactive to the previous month AISH has obtained all the data necessary to accept your application.
If your application is rejected you will receive a letter outlining the following:
- The reason why you are not eligible for Alberta disability benefits, there may be financial, health-related, or other factors preventing you from receiving AISH;
- How to update AISH with new details that demonstrate a change in your circumstances;
- How to contest the decision;
- How to get in touch with the nearest AISH office or the AISH Application Processing Center if you have questions.
- Discover information on other financial and health benefit programs that you could be eligible for.
How to contact AISH?
| Point of contact | Contact information |
|---|---|
| AISH Application Processing Center | Phone: 587-759-6810 Toll-free: 1-877-759-6810 Fax: 587-469-3006 Toll-free fax: 1-877-969-3006 |
| To appeal an AISH decision | Visit the AISH - Appeal a Decision page. |
| For emergency assistance | If you need help with an emergency during weekdays from 8:15 am until 4:30 pm, contact your AISH worker or local AISH Office Phone: 780-644-5135 Toll-free: 1-866-644-5135 Email: [email protected] |
| Report suspected fraud | Visit the Report suspected fraud page. |
What is the child disability benefit in Alberta?
The Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program collaborates with eligible families with children with disabilities to assist parents in the following ways:
- Providing resources and services to assist in raising the child and promoting their healthy growth;
- Maintain guardianship, decision-making authority, and the costs of raising a child until they reach the age of 18;
- Encouraging the child to participate in both home and community activities;
- Managing some of the expenses associated with the child's disability.
While these provincial benefits are essential, to get comprehensive coverage for you and your family, it is important to have a private disability insurance plan in Alberta, also given the rising healthcare costs and cost of living. If you want to explore the best disability insurance plans in Alberta and get personalized quotes, you can do it right here using our free comparator below.
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What is the best disability insurance in Alberta?
The optimal disability insurance Alberta plan varies according to your specific requirements, financial limits, and other personal factors. However, here are the top options for comprehensive and varied disability coverage from top providers like iA Financial, Canada Life, RBC, Manulife, and more.
| Insurance Plan | Key Features | Key Coverage | Get a quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| iA Superior Program (iA disability insurance) |
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| Canada Life Independence Plan |
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| Beneva |
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| Humania Income Insurance - Accident and Sickness |
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| RBC Professional Series® |
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| Manulife Personal Accident Disability Insurance (long term disability insurance manulife) |
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| RBC Quantum® |
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| Humania Assurance - Accident | A broad range of occupational classes |
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| RBC Bridge Series® |
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| RBC The Foundation Series™ Policy |
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| iA Acci-Jet Program |
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What do disability insurance Alberta plans cost?
In Canada, including Alberta, disability insurance premiums typically range from 1% to 9% of your yearly wage. In addition, the following factors can influence the price:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Age | If you are younger, you will pay less for disability insurance and many other health-related products. Disability insurance costs are lower for younger persons since they are less likely to have a disability. |
| Gender | Recent studies show that women are more prone than men to file disability claims, which are likely to be more costly. As a result, while women may pay less for life and auto insurance, they may pay a greater premium for disability insurance. |
| Occupation | Your occupation has a greater impact on the cost of your disability program than your income. As a result, the riskier your job is, the more expensive your insurance will be. |
| Health | Insurance companies, like any other life or health insurance business, look at your medical history to see if you qualify for disability coverage and, if so, how much it will cost. |
| Smoking status | With 45,000 deaths per year, smoking (or tobacco use) is the biggest cause of disability and early death in Canada. As a result, quitting smoking provides various health benefits, including cheaper disability insurance rates and/or better insurance payouts. |
How does the Alberta disability tax credit work?
The Alberta disability tax credit has been made to increase tax equality by reducing the burden of handicap expenditures, which are unavoidable extra expenses that do not apply to other taxpayers. People with disabilities and those who care for them can reduce their income tax obligations with the help of the disability tax credit, a non-refundable tax benefit.
To qualify you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must have a serious physical or mental impairment;
- The disability has to be present for at least a year;
- At least 90% of your time must be spent under restrictions.
