Desjardins Insurance Disability Insurance: 2025 Review for Canada
Our expert's opinion on Desjardins Insurance
ScoreDesjardins Insurance’s disability insurance in Canada offers highly flexible income protection, with broad definitions allowing both own-occupation and regular occupation coverage through optional riders, monthly benefit amounts from $400 to $15,000, and a range of elimination periods from 0 days to 2 years for full customization. Benefit periods are available for defined terms (2 or 5 years) or until age 65 or 70, and optional riders add partial disability coverage, future insurability increases without medical exams, return of premium, and loan-based benefit sizing. Despite a robust array of guarantees and tax-free benefits (if premiums are personally paid), integration with other group or government disability sources may reduce payouts, and customer reviews highlight service and claims issues. Against competitors, Desjardins is competitive for flexible design and high maximum benefits but suffers from weak customer satisfaction and claim handling according to Trustpilot (1.3/5 from 117 reviews), with higher-than-average pricing for self-employed. This policy best serves established professionals and self-employed individuals—especially those in white-collar fields or seeking high benefit limits—over freelancers or those in high-risk occupations. Desjardins Group holds strong financial stability as Canada’s largest cooperative financial group (assets over $397B), but average claim processing remains lengthy, and digital service is limited mainly to callback scheduling. The elimination period refers to the waiting days before benefits start, while the benefit period is the maximum duration for which benefits are payable.
- ✅Broad benefit range ($400–$15,000)
- ✅Short elimination period options (as low as 0 days)
- ✅Own-occupation and regular occupation riders
- ✅Partial disability coverage available
- ✅Future insurability rider (no new medical needed)
- ✅Benefit period up to age 70
- ✅24/7 nurse advice and second medical opinion
- ❌Low customer satisfaction (Trustpilot 1.3/5)
- ❌Slow and complex claim processing
- ❌Integration with other benefits reduces payout
- ❌Service delays and support issues
- ❌No fully paperless claims or enrollment
Score- ✅Broad benefit range ($400–$15,000)
- ✅Short elimination period options (as low as 0 days)
- ✅Own-occupation and regular occupation riders
- ✅Partial disability coverage available
- ✅Future insurability rider (no new medical needed)
- ✅Benefit period up to age 70
- ✅24/7 nurse advice and second medical opinion
Our expert's opinion on Desjardins Insurance
- ✅Broad benefit range ($400–$15,000)
- ✅Short elimination period options (as low as 0 days)
- ✅Own-occupation and regular occupation riders
- ✅Partial disability coverage available
- ✅Future insurability rider (no new medical needed)
- ✅Benefit period up to age 70
- ✅24/7 nurse advice and second medical opinion
- ❌Low customer satisfaction (Trustpilot 1.3/5)
- ❌Slow and complex claim processing
- ❌Integration with other benefits reduces payout
- ❌Service delays and support issues
- ❌No fully paperless claims or enrollment
Score- ✅Broad benefit range ($400–$15,000)
- ✅Short elimination period options (as low as 0 days)
- ✅Own-occupation and regular occupation riders
- ✅Partial disability coverage available
- ✅Future insurability rider (no new medical needed)
- ✅Benefit period up to age 70
- ✅24/7 nurse advice and second medical opinion
- The Guarantees of Desjardins Insurance Disability Insurance
- The cost of Desjardins Insurance disability insurance
- Optional riders for Desjardins Insurance disability insurance
- Exclusions for Desjardins Insurance disability insurance
- How are claims and payout timing handled for Desjardins Insurance disability insurance?
- Contacting Desjardins Insurance and Accessing Ancillary Services
- FAQ
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Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our disability insurance experts review coverage options and pricing structures of disability insurance policies available on the market every year to provide you with reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, several hundred thousand consumers in Canada trust us each month to guide them in their most important financial decisions.
The Guarantees of Desjardins Insurance Disability Insurance
Desjardins Insurance disability insurance provides a monthly, tax-free income benefit if you’re unable to work due to illness or accident, covering both temporary and permanent disabilities.
The monthly benefit amount is customizable from $400 to $15,000 based on your income, with benefit periods ranging from 2 or 5 years up to age 65 or 70, and waiting periods from 0 days up to 2 years.
Coverage is guaranteed renewable to age 65 or 70, and an optional indexation rider allows for annual cost-of-living adjustments.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Coverage scope | Both temporary and permanent disability; own-occupation for initial 24 months, then any-occupation |
| 💲 Benefit amounts | $400–$15,000/month, personalized; percentage of income varies based on the insured’s profile |
| ⏱️ Elimination period | From 0 days to 2 years (options: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 365, 730 days) |
| 📆 Benefit period | 2 years, 5 years, or up to age 65 or 70 |
| 🔒 Guaranteed renewability | Yes, generally up to age 65 or 70 |
| 📈 Indexation | Optional; annual adjustment based on the selected rider and plan |
Grace period: right to cancel within 10 days before coverage starts.
👉 Compare the best disability insurance plans in for free.Discover the offersThe cost of Desjardins Insurance disability insurance
Premiums for Desjardins Insurance disability coverage in Canada are determined by a combination of your personal profile, job, and the specific policy features you select.
Each variable below directly affects your monthly cost, ensuring your premium accurately reflects your risk and level of protection.
Monthly benefits are tax-free under Canadian law if you pay all premiums personally.
Pricing factors:
- Age: each additional decade increases the base premium by about 30%.
- Health status: those in rated (substandard) classes due to medical history may pay 50–100% more.
- Smoker status: smokers typically pay 40% more than non-smokers.
- Occupation class: riskier jobs (manual or trades) cost more than office roles.
- Monthly benefit amount: each extra $1,000 in monthly coverage increases your premium by roughly 40%.
- Benefit period: opting for longer benefit durations (e.g. to age 67) raises premiums significantly compared to 2- or 5-year options.
- Elimination period: shorter waiting periods (e.g. 30 days) result in higher premiums; longer periods (e.g. 120 or 180 days) lower the cost.
- Tax treatment: monthly payouts are generally tax-free if paid personally under Canadian law.
| Profile | Monthly benefit | Non-smoker premium | Smoker premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 yrs, office worker, non-smoker | $2,000 | $38 | $53 |
| 45 yrs, self-employed, pre-existing condition | $3,000 | $112 | $157 |
| 55 yrs, construction worker, smoker | $2,000 | $176 | $242 |
Optional riders for Desjardins Insurance disability insurance
- Residual Disability Rider: Provides partial benefits if you can return to work but your earnings are reduced due to disability.
- Own-Occupation Rider: Pays full benefits if you are unable to perform your specific occupation, even if you can work in another job.
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): Automatically increases your monthly benefits each year based on the inflation index to help maintain your standard of living.
- Future Purchase Option (FPO): Allows you to increase your coverage in the future—such as after a salary increase—without providing new medical evidence.
- Waiver of Premium (WOP): Waives your policy premium payments while you are receiving disability benefits, easing your financial burden.
- Catastrophic Disability Rider (CAT): Pays an additional benefit if you suffer a severe disability, such as the loss of two limbs or your vision.
- Mental & Nervous Disorder Rider: Extends disability benefits for mental health conditions beyond the standard policy time limits.
- Return of Premium Option: Refunds a portion of the premiums you have paid if you have not made claims over a certain time frame.
Exclusions for Desjardins Insurance disability insurance
- Undisclosed pre-existing conditions: If not declared when applying, pre-existing conditions may void future claims.
- Self-inflicted injuries: Intentional self-harm or suicide attempts are not covered by the policy.
- High-risk occupations or activities: Disabilities from dangerous jobs or extreme sports may be excluded.
- Criminal acts: Disabilities resulting from illegal activity are not eligible for benefits.
- Non-medically certified disability: Disability must be validated by a licensed physician to qualify for a claim.
- Short-term disability exclusions: Coverage may exclude disabilities lasting under a specified number of days.
- Age restrictions: Coverage or benefits may end at a certain age, often 65 or 67.
How are claims and payout timing handled for Desjardins Insurance disability insurance?
The overall claims process with Desjardins Insurance aims to be clear and timely, with most claims resolved within 15–30 business days of complete submission.
Once approved, monthly benefit payments are typically made by direct deposit according to the policy terms.
- Claim notification: Submit claims online via the Desjardins website, app, or by phone to the claims centre.
- Documentation review: Provide medical certificates, proof of income, and an attending physician’s statement as required.
- Underwriting assessment: Eligibility and occupation are reviewed; this process generally takes 10–20 business days.
- Payout execution: Once approved, benefits are paid monthly by direct deposit or cheque.
- Average payout time: Most claims are processed and paid within 15–30 business days from full submission.
- Cooling-off period: You can cancel your contract without penalty within 10 days of issue.
Contacting Desjardins Insurance and Accessing Ancillary Services
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Head office address | 100 Rue des Commandeurs, Lévis, QC G6V 7N5, Canada |
| 📞 Phone | 1-866-838-7661 (quotes & support), 24/7 nurse: 1-866-647-5013 |
| ✉️ Email | info@desjardins.com |
| 🌐 Website | https://www.desjardins.com/en/insurance |
| 💬 Live chat | Via website in client portal, Mon–Fri 8am–8pm ET |
| 📱 Social media | @DesjardinsGroup on Twitter & Facebook for disability queries |
| 🕒 Operating hours | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm ET (quotes/support); 24/7 health advice available |
- Teleconsultation: Access licensed doctors for medical advice or for completing required disability forms.
- Return-to-work support: Benefit from rehabilitation and coaching programs to help policyholders safely return to work.
- Policy management portal: Secure online portal for claims tracking, payment monitoring, and access to policy documents.
- 24/7 claims hotline: Submit disability claims or access live health support at any time.
- Premium relief assistance: Request temporary premium suspension or reduction during times of financial hardship.
FAQ
What types of disabilities are covered, and how much can I receive under Desjardins Insurance disability policies?
Desjardins Insurance covers both accidents and illnesses that prevent you from working, with coverage depending on your policy and occupation class. Monthly benefit amounts are flexible, typically ranging from $400 to $15,000, and are tailored to your income or ongoing loan obligations. Benefits are paid tax-free as long as you pay the premiums yourself. You can choose the amount based on your needs and eligibility. Policy specifics will detail any limitations or occupational restrictions.
What are the waiting (elimination) and benefit periods for Desjardins Insurance disability policies?
You can personalize both the waiting and benefit periods of your policy. Waiting periods range from 0 days up to 2 years, with common options being 30, 60, or 90 days. Benefit periods can be set for 2 years, 5 years, or up to age 65 or 70, providing either short-term or long-term coverage. Your chosen periods affect both cost and when benefits start. All options are confirmed at policy setup.
Can I add optional riders, and how do they work?
Desjardins Insurance offers several optional coverages, including future insurability, regular occupation period extenders, partial disability, return of premium, and specialized loan insurance. Adding a rider is typically done during application or on specific policy anniversaries, subject to certain eligibility requirements. These riders allow you to customize your coverage to better suit your changing needs. Your advisor can guide you on the best additions for your situation. Riders may impact overall premium costs.
How are premiums calculated, and are there differences for smokers?
Premiums are based on factors like occupation, age, sex, health status, smoking habits, coverage amount, benefit period, and waiting period. Smokers generally pay higher premiums than non-smokers due to increased risk. Your smoking status is assessed at application, and a change may affect pricing if updated with the insurer. All premium details are clearly outlined before enrollment. Adjustments may be made at renewal or upon life changes.
What is the claim submission process, and how soon are benefits paid?
To file a claim, you can contact Desjardins Insurance by phone, through your online portal, or in writing. You’ll need to provide medical certificates, proof of income, and sometimes, a physician’s detailed report. Once all documents are received, claims are typically reviewed within 15 to 30 business days. Benefit payments begin according to your policy’s waiting period. Your claims advisor will communicate updates promptly.
Can I change my coverage amount or make other amendments to my policy?
You can request to increase or decrease your coverage, or make other policy changes, subject to underwriting approval and contract terms. Some increases may require updated medical or financial information, while reductions are often processed with a written request. Certain riders let you add coverage without new medical exams on anniversaries. All amendments are confirmed in writing and reflected in your premium. Contact your advisor or use the online portal for specific requests.
What is Desjardins Insurance's cancellation and refund policy, including any grace period?
You can cancel your policy at any time with written notice to Desjardins Insurance. There is typically a 10-day free-look or cooling-off period after policy issuance, granting a full premium refund if you cancel during this window. After this period, cancellation will stop future premium obligations, but no retroactive refunds are provided. Missed premium payments are allowed a 31-day grace period before coverage lapses. Terms are detailed in your contract and policy guide.
What self-service digital tools does Desjardins Insurance provide?
Desjardins Insurance offers a secure online portal for policyholders to review coverage, manage claims, access statements, update information, and communicate directly with service advisors. The portal supports digital document uploads and real-time claim tracking. Mobile access ensures policyholders can manage coverage on the go. Helpful resources and notifications enhance user experience. If you need assistance, live chat and support lines are easily available from within the portal.
What types of disabilities are covered, and how much can I receive under Desjardins Insurance disability policies?
Desjardins Insurance covers both accidents and illnesses that prevent you from working, with coverage depending on your policy and occupation class. Monthly benefit amounts are flexible, typically ranging from $400 to $15,000, and are tailored to your income or ongoing loan obligations. Benefits are paid tax-free as long as you pay the premiums yourself. You can choose the amount based on your needs and eligibility. Policy specifics will detail any limitations or occupational restrictions.
What are the waiting (elimination) and benefit periods for Desjardins Insurance disability policies?
You can personalize both the waiting and benefit periods of your policy. Waiting periods range from 0 days up to 2 years, with common options being 30, 60, or 90 days. Benefit periods can be set for 2 years, 5 years, or up to age 65 or 70, providing either short-term or long-term coverage. Your chosen periods affect both cost and when benefits start. All options are confirmed at policy setup.
Can I add optional riders, and how do they work?
Desjardins Insurance offers several optional coverages, including future insurability, regular occupation period extenders, partial disability, return of premium, and specialized loan insurance. Adding a rider is typically done during application or on specific policy anniversaries, subject to certain eligibility requirements. These riders allow you to customize your coverage to better suit your changing needs. Your advisor can guide you on the best additions for your situation. Riders may impact overall premium costs.
How are premiums calculated, and are there differences for smokers?
Premiums are based on factors like occupation, age, sex, health status, smoking habits, coverage amount, benefit period, and waiting period. Smokers generally pay higher premiums than non-smokers due to increased risk. Your smoking status is assessed at application, and a change may affect pricing if updated with the insurer. All premium details are clearly outlined before enrollment. Adjustments may be made at renewal or upon life changes.
What is the claim submission process, and how soon are benefits paid?
To file a claim, you can contact Desjardins Insurance by phone, through your online portal, or in writing. You’ll need to provide medical certificates, proof of income, and sometimes, a physician’s detailed report. Once all documents are received, claims are typically reviewed within 15 to 30 business days. Benefit payments begin according to your policy’s waiting period. Your claims advisor will communicate updates promptly.
Can I change my coverage amount or make other amendments to my policy?
You can request to increase or decrease your coverage, or make other policy changes, subject to underwriting approval and contract terms. Some increases may require updated medical or financial information, while reductions are often processed with a written request. Certain riders let you add coverage without new medical exams on anniversaries. All amendments are confirmed in writing and reflected in your premium. Contact your advisor or use the online portal for specific requests.
What is Desjardins Insurance's cancellation and refund policy, including any grace period?
You can cancel your policy at any time with written notice to Desjardins Insurance. There is typically a 10-day free-look or cooling-off period after policy issuance, granting a full premium refund if you cancel during this window. After this period, cancellation will stop future premium obligations, but no retroactive refunds are provided. Missed premium payments are allowed a 31-day grace period before coverage lapses. Terms are detailed in your contract and policy guide.
What self-service digital tools does Desjardins Insurance provide?
Desjardins Insurance offers a secure online portal for policyholders to review coverage, manage claims, access statements, update information, and communicate directly with service advisors. The portal supports digital document uploads and real-time claim tracking. Mobile access ensures policyholders can manage coverage on the go. Helpful resources and notifications enhance user experience. If you need assistance, live chat and support lines are easily available from within the portal.
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