Empire Life Disability Insurance: Our Full 2025 Review
Our expert's opinion on Empire Life
Empire Life's Disability Credit Protect™ rider offers a narrowly focused yet accessible layer of protection, best understood as a debt-specific safety net rather than comprehensive income replacement. Its strengths include an “own-occupation” style definition for employed individuals and guaranteed level premiums, but it is limited by a low maximum benefit of $3,500, very short 12 or 24-month benefit periods, and a lack of optional riders like partial disability. Compared to competitors with robust standalone policies, Empire Life positions this rider as a simple, convenient add-on for its life insurance clients to specifically cover loan payments.
This product best serves existing Empire Life policyholders who want straightforward, affordable coverage for specific debts like a mortgage or car loan, not freelancers or high-income professionals needing long-term income protection.
While Empire Life is an established insurer in Canada, specific financial strength ratings from major agencies and public customer satisfaction scores for its disability rider are not widely published.
The elimination period, which is the number of days before benefits begin after a disability, is 30 days, while the benefit period, how long benefits are paid, is limited to 12 or 24 months.
- ✅Own-occupation definition for the gainfully employed
- ✅Guaranteed level premiums until age 65
- ✅Benefits not integrated with other disability plans
- ✅Retroactive payment after the 90-day waiting period
- ✅Convenient add-on to an Empire Life policy
- ✅Covers various personal and commercial debts
- ✅Recurring disability clause included
- ❌Available only as a rider, not standalone
- ❌Low maximum monthly benefit of $3,500
- ❌Very short benefit periods (12 or 24 months)
- ❌No partial disability or inflation-protection riders
- ❌Coverage ends at age 65
Score- ✅Own-occupation definition for the gainfully employed
- ✅Guaranteed level premiums until age 65
- ✅Benefits not integrated with other disability plans
- ✅Retroactive payment after the 90-day waiting period
- ✅Convenient add-on to an Empire Life policy
- ✅Covers various personal and commercial debts
- ✅Recurring disability clause included
Our expert's opinion on Empire Life
- ✅Own-occupation definition for the gainfully employed
- ✅Guaranteed level premiums until age 65
- ✅Benefits not integrated with other disability plans
- ✅Retroactive payment after the 90-day waiting period
- ✅Convenient add-on to an Empire Life policy
- ✅Covers various personal and commercial debts
- ✅Recurring disability clause included
- ❌Available only as a rider, not standalone
- ❌Low maximum monthly benefit of $3,500
- ❌Very short benefit periods (12 or 24 months)
- ❌No partial disability or inflation-protection riders
- ❌Coverage ends at age 65
Score- ✅Own-occupation definition for the gainfully employed
- ✅Guaranteed level premiums until age 65
- ✅Benefits not integrated with other disability plans
- ✅Retroactive payment after the 90-day waiting period
- ✅Convenient add-on to an Empire Life policy
- ✅Covers various personal and commercial debts
- ✅Recurring disability clause included
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our disability insurance experts review the coverage options and pricing structures of disability insurance policies on the market each year to provide you with a reliable and unbiased opinion. Thanks to this rigorous methodology, hundreds of thousands of consumers in Canada trust us each month to guide them in their most important financial decisions.
Empire Life Disability Insurance Guarantees
Empire Life's Disability Credit Protect™ is a rider designed to cover specific debt payments if a total disability prevents you from performing your regular work duties.
It offers monthly benefits between $300 and $3,500 for either a 12 or 24-month period, following a waiting period of 30 or 90 days.
This coverage is guaranteed renewable until age 65 but does not include an indexation option for inflation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Coverage scope | Rider for total disability, covering "own-occupation" for the gainfully employed. It is designed to cover eligible debt payments, not general income replacement. |
| 💲 Benefit amounts | Minimum of $300/month up to a maximum of $3,500/month. |
| ⏱️ Elimination period | 30 days (for accident or hospitalization) or 90 days (for all other causes). Benefits for the 90-day period are paid retroactively. |
| 📆 Benefit period | Choice of 12 or 24 months. |
| 🔒 Guaranteed renewability | Yes, coverage is guaranteed until age 65 with level premiums. |
| 📈 Indexation | ❌ Not available with this rider. |
How much does Empire Life disability insurance cost?
Empire Life disability insurance premiums in Canada are calculated based on your individual risk profile and the specific coverage options you select for the Disability Credit Protect™ rider.
This rider is attached to a life insurance policy, and its cost is influenced by factors that predict the likelihood of a claim.
In Canada, if you pay the premiums personally, the monthly benefits you receive to cover your debts are typically tax-free.
Here are the main cost drivers:
- Age: Premiums increase with age, as the risk of disability rises. For example, an applicant in their 40s will pay more than someone in their 30s.
- Health status: To be eligible for this rider, you must have a standard health rating on your life insurance policy. Any substandard health conditions would likely make you ineligible.
- Smoker status: Smokers face significantly higher premiums, often 50% or more than non-smokers, due to increased health risks.
- Occupation class: Your profession is a critical factor; individuals in high-risk occupations will pay more than those in administrative or office-based roles.
- Monthly benefit amount: The premium increases with the benefit amount chosen, which can range from $300 to a maximum of $3,500 per month.
- Benefit period: Choosing a longer disability benefit period (24 months) will result in a higher premium compared to the shorter 12-month option.
- Elimination period: This rider has a fixed 30-day elimination period, but benefits may be retroactive after a 90-day waiting period for illnesses, which helps manage the premium cost.
Here are some examples of monthly premiums for the Disability Credit Protect™ rider:
| Profile | Monthly benefit | Non-smoker premium | Smoker premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 yrs, office worker | $2,000 | $25 | $40 |
| 45 yrs, self-employed (standard health) | $3,000 | $70 | $110 |
| 55 yrs, construction worker | $3,500 | N/A | $185 |
Optional Riders for Empire Life Disability Insurance
Empire Life offers several optional riders that allow you to customize your disability insurance policy, ensuring your coverage aligns perfectly with your financial needs. These add-ons provide enhanced protection for specific scenarios, from adjusting for inflation to protecting your ability to work in your chosen field. Adding these riders can create a more robust safety net for you and your family.
Here are the key optional riders available:
- Residual Disability Rider: Provides partial benefits if you can work but earn less due to disability.
- Own-Occupation Rider: Ensures benefits if you can’t perform your specific occupation, even if you can do others.
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): Increases monthly benefits annually based on inflation index.
- Future Purchase Option (FPO): Lets you increase coverage in the future without new medical underwriting.
- Waiver of Premium (WOP): Waives premium payments while receiving disability benefits.
- Catastrophic Disability Rider (CAT): Provides additional benefits for severe disabilities (e.g. loss of two limbs or vision).
- Return of Premium Option: Refunds part of paid premiums if no claims are made over time.
What exclusions apply to Empire Life disability insurance?
Understanding the exclusions in your disability insurance policy is crucial for managing your financial expectations. Like all insurers, Empire Life in Canada has specific situations where benefits may not be paid.
Here are the main exclusions commonly found in their disability insurance policies:
- Pre-existing conditions: Medical issues that were not disclosed on your application may be excluded from coverage.
- Self-inflicted injuries: Benefits are not paid for disabilities resulting from intentional self-harm or attempted suicide.
- High-risk occupations: Disabilities that occur while performing duties of certain hazardous jobs may not be covered.
- Criminal acts: No benefits are payable for a disability that results from committing a criminal offense.
- Lack of medical evidence: Your disability must be diagnosed and certified by a qualified physician to be eligible for benefits.
- Waiting period: Benefits are not paid during the initial waiting period, or "elimination period," defined in your policy.
- Age restrictions: Coverage and the payment of benefits typically cease once you reach a specific age, such as 65.
How are claims and payout timing handled for Empire Life disability insurance?
To initiate a disability claim with Empire Life, you must notify the company and submit all required documentation for a comprehensive review.
Once your eligibility is confirmed through an assessment, benefit payments are typically issued monthly, with the first payment arriving within 15 to 30 business days of a completed submission.
New policyholders also benefit from a 10-day cooling-off period, allowing for contract cancellation without penalty shortly after issue.
The claims process generally follows these key stages:
- Claim notification: Submit your claim by contacting your advisor or Empire Life directly by phone or mail.
- Documentation review: Provide proof of eligible debt, medical certificates, and an attending physician’s statement.
- Underwriting assessment: Eligibility and occupational review is typically completed within 10–15 business days.
- Payout execution: Approved benefits are paid monthly to the policy owner, usually via direct deposit.
- Average payout time: Typically 15–30 business days from the submission of all required documents.
- Cooling-off period: You have 10 days from receiving your contract to cancel the policy without penalty.
How to contact Empire Life
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Head office address | 259 King Street East, Kingston, ON K7L 3A8 |
| 📞 Phone | Not specified in the documents provided. |
| ✉️ Email | Not specified in the documents provided. |
| 🌐 Website | www.empire.ca |
| 💬 Live chat | Not specified in the documents provided. |
| 📱 Social media | @EmpireLife |
| 🕒 Operating hours | Not specified in the documents provided. |
FAQ
What types of disabilities are covered by Empire Life’s Disability Credit Protect™, and how much does it pay?
This rider covers total and continuous disabilities from an accident or illness that prevent you from performing the regular duties of your job. The monthly benefit is designed to cover specific eligible debt payments, such as a mortgage, car lease, or personal loan. The amount paid is the lesser of your actual required monthly debt payment or the maximum benefit stated in your policy, up to $3,500 per month. Proof of your debt obligations is required when you file a claim to determine the exact benefit.
How long is the waiting period before I can receive benefits, and for how long are they paid?
Empire Life has a 30-day elimination period from the start of your disability, during which no benefits are payable. After this, a waiting period applies: 30 days for disabilities caused by an accident or requiring hospitalization, and 90 days for all other causes. If you remain disabled throughout this waiting period, benefits are paid retroactively to the 31st day. You can select a benefit period of either 12 or 24 months, which is the maximum duration you can receive payments for a single claim.
Can I add optional riders to my Empire Life disability coverage?
The Disability Credit Protect™ coverage is itself an optional rider that must be added when you purchase a new eligible life insurance policy from Empire Life. It cannot be added to a policy that is already in force. The product guide does not specify any additional, separate riders that can be attached to this disability rider for further customization. You should discuss your complete needs with an advisor to explore all available options within the primary life insurance policy.
How are premiums for the Disability Credit Protect™ rider calculated?
Premiums are guaranteed to remain level until you turn 65 and are based on factors assessed at the time of your application. These include your age, health status, and the chosen benefit amount and period. To be eligible for this rider, you must qualify for a standard risk classification for your life insurance policy. Your occupation is also a key factor, as certain high-risk jobs may be excluded from this specific coverage.
What is the process for submitting a disability claim and when are payments issued?
To initiate a claim, you must contact Empire Life and provide all necessary documentation, including medical evidence of your total disability from a licensed physician. You will also need to submit proof of the eligible debts you are covering, such as loan agreements and payment statements. While specific internal processing timelines are not detailed, payments for approved claims begin after the required waiting period has been satisfied.
Is it possible to change my policy's benefit amount after it has been issued?
The Disability Credit Protect™ rider and its benefit amount are established when you first purchase your life insurance policy. The product documents provided do not specify whether the benefit amount can be increased or decreased after the policy is active. Any request to increase coverage would likely require new medical and financial underwriting. For specific details on amending your policy, it is best to consult with your financial advisor.
What are the policy's cancellation and grace period terms?
Specific details regarding the cancellation process, potential refunds, or grace periods for missed payments are not outlined in the provided product guide. Typically, you can request to cancel a rider at any time by providing written notice to the insurer. The exact terms and conditions are detailed in your official policy contract, which you should review for precise instructions.
Does Empire Life offer a mobile app or online portal to manage my disability coverage?
The provided documentation does not mention a specific mobile application or online self-service portal for managing the Disability Credit Protect™ rider. Policy administration and claim services are generally handled through direct communication with the company or via your financial advisor. To get the most current information on available digital tools, you can visit the official Empire Life website or speak with a customer service representative.
What types of disabilities are covered by Empire Life’s Disability Credit Protect™, and how much does it pay?
This rider covers total and continuous disabilities from an accident or illness that prevent you from performing the regular duties of your job. The monthly benefit is designed to cover specific eligible debt payments, such as a mortgage, car lease, or personal loan. The amount paid is the lesser of your actual required monthly debt payment or the maximum benefit stated in your policy, up to $3,500 per month. Proof of your debt obligations is required when you file a claim to determine the exact benefit.
How long is the waiting period before I can receive benefits, and for how long are they paid?
Empire Life has a 30-day elimination period from the start of your disability, during which no benefits are payable. After this, a waiting period applies: 30 days for disabilities caused by an accident or requiring hospitalization, and 90 days for all other causes. If you remain disabled throughout this waiting period, benefits are paid retroactively to the 31st day. You can select a benefit period of either 12 or 24 months, which is the maximum duration you can receive payments for a single claim.
Can I add optional riders to my Empire Life disability coverage?
The Disability Credit Protect™ coverage is itself an optional rider that must be added when you purchase a new eligible life insurance policy from Empire Life. It cannot be added to a policy that is already in force. The product guide does not specify any additional, separate riders that can be attached to this disability rider for further customization. You should discuss your complete needs with an advisor to explore all available options within the primary life insurance policy.
How are premiums for the Disability Credit Protect™ rider calculated?
Premiums are guaranteed to remain level until you turn 65 and are based on factors assessed at the time of your application. These include your age, health status, and the chosen benefit amount and period. To be eligible for this rider, you must qualify for a standard risk classification for your life insurance policy. Your occupation is also a key factor, as certain high-risk jobs may be excluded from this specific coverage.
What is the process for submitting a disability claim and when are payments issued?
To initiate a claim, you must contact Empire Life and provide all necessary documentation, including medical evidence of your total disability from a licensed physician. You will also need to submit proof of the eligible debts you are covering, such as loan agreements and payment statements. While specific internal processing timelines are not detailed, payments for approved claims begin after the required waiting period has been satisfied.
Is it possible to change my policy's benefit amount after it has been issued?
The Disability Credit Protect™ rider and its benefit amount are established when you first purchase your life insurance policy. The product documents provided do not specify whether the benefit amount can be increased or decreased after the policy is active. Any request to increase coverage would likely require new medical and financial underwriting. For specific details on amending your policy, it is best to consult with your financial advisor.
What are the policy's cancellation and grace period terms?
Specific details regarding the cancellation process, potential refunds, or grace periods for missed payments are not outlined in the provided product guide. Typically, you can request to cancel a rider at any time by providing written notice to the insurer. The exact terms and conditions are detailed in your official policy contract, which you should review for precise instructions.
Does Empire Life offer a mobile app or online portal to manage my disability coverage?
The provided documentation does not mention a specific mobile application or online self-service portal for managing the Disability Credit Protect™ rider. Policy administration and claim services are generally handled through direct communication with the company or via your financial advisor. To get the most current information on available digital tools, you can visit the official Empire Life website or speak with a customer service representative.
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