Get Quebec disability insurance: Updated 2025 guide
- 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
In Quebec, private disability insurance plays a crucial role, offering coverage for up to 85% of your income, and addressing the significant gaps left by provincial disability benefits which only cover a fraction of your earning potential.
In this guide, we take you through how disability insurance works, why it's important to have more than provincial disability benefits, and more.
You can also use our free comparator to explore the best disability insurance Quebec plans tailored to your unique needs. Get multiple and free personalized quotes right here and start saving now.
Quebec disability insurance: Key takeaways
- QPP Limitations: Quebec Pension Plan offers limited coverage, necessitating additional private insurance.
- Private Coverage: Disability insurance in Quebec covers 60%-85% of your income.
- Gap Filling: Addresses gaps left by provincial benefits, ensuring broader financial security.
- Cost Factors: Premiums depend on age, health, occupation, and coverage level.
- Plan Flexibility: Tailored to fit individual financial needs and lifestyles.
What is disability insurance?
If an unexpected illness or accident renders you unable to work, disability insurance is a program that can help you and your family. If due to an illness or injury, disability insurance typically provides between 60% and 85% of your typical income for a predetermined length of time, up to a maximum amount.
Disability insurance is frequently provided by employers, but you can also get your policy through a life and health insurance agent. You can buy disability insurance, which will pay for a sizable percentage of your business expenses if you are unable to work, whether or not you are self-employed.
It's crucial to emphasize how the word "permanent" refers to the type of disability. It does not suggest that you will always be granted benefits.
Good to know
If you're self-employed, you can also look at our complete guide on self-employed disability insurance in Canada.
Why do you need disability insurance in Quebec?
In Quebec, the provincial plan, such as the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), provides disability benefits, but these are often limited to a percentage of your average earnings and capped at a maximum amount. For example, QPP disability benefits are designed to replace only a portion of your income, up to a certain limit, which may not suffice to cover all your expenses.
Private disability insurance plans, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and can cover up to 60%-85% of your income, providing a more substantial safety net. These plans can be tailored to suit your specific financial needs and lifestyle, ensuring that in case of a disability, you have enough support to maintain your standard of living without depleting your savings or assets.
Therefore, while Quebec's provincial plan offers basic protection, private disability insurance plans provide enhanced coverage, filling in the financial gaps left by the provincial benefits and offering peace of mind through more comprehensive financial support.
Good to know
Disability benefits work differently across Canadian provinces. Take a look at our comprehensive guides on disability benefits and disability insurance in Alberta, disability insurance in Ontario, and disability insurance in BC.
If you want to explore disability insurance plans that fit your needs and are tailored to your income and budget, you can do it right here using our free tool below. Compare multiple plans and get free quotes right here.
Compare Disability Insurance
Start Saving
How much does disability insurance cost in Québec?
Depending on several variables, the cost of your disability insurance will normally be between 1 and 9 percent of your earnings. When figuring out how much to charge you for disability insurance, life insurers will take the following factors into account:
- Your required level of protection
- How much time must pass before receiving funds
- The time frame for payments (how long you want to receive payouts)
- Your occupation, age, and general health
- Where you live has less of an impact on the cost you pay for insurance than it does for auto and home coverage.
In the chart below we explain in more detail why some of those factors are taken into consideration:
| Factor | Smoking (or tobacco use) is the leading cause of disability and premature death in Canada, accounting for 45,000 fatalities annually. Therefore, giving up smoking has several advantages, such as lower disability insurance premiums and/or better insurance reimbursements. |
|---|---|
| Age | You will pay less for disability insurance and many other health-related products if you are younger. Younger people pay less for disability insurance as they constitute less risk. |
| Gender | According to recent studies, women are more likely than men to submit disability claims. As a result, women might pay more for disability insurance even though they might pay less for life and vehicle insurance. |
| Occupation | The cost of your Québec disability benefits program is more affected by your profession than by your income. As a result, your insurance will cost more the riskier your profession is. |
| 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 | Smoking (or tobacco use) is the leading cause of disability and premature death in Canada, accounting for 45 000 fatalities annually. Therefore, giving up smoking has several advantages, such as lower disability insurance premiums and/or better insurance reimbursements. |
It is, therefore, recommended to get personalized quotes. You can do this easily by using our comparator tool at the top of this page. It's free to use and gives you access to the best disability insurance plans.
What are the best disability insurance plans in Canada?
The best disability insurance depends on 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.
Good to know
Note that the coverage options and products offered might vary across provinces even from the same providers. It's important to check with the insurance company if a specific product is provided in Quebec.
| Insurance Plan | Key Features | Key Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| iA Superior Program (iA disability insurance) |
|
|
| Canada Life Independence Plan |
|
|
| Beneva |
|
|
| Humania Income Insurance - Accident and Sickness |
|
|
| RBC Professional Series® |
|
|
| Manulife Personal Accident Disability Insurance (long term disability insurance manulife) |
|
|
| RBC Quantum® |
|
|
| Humania Assurance - Accident | A broad range of occupational classes |
|
| RBC Bridge Series® |
|
|
| RBC The Foundation Series™ Policy |
|
|
| iA Acci-Jet Program |
|
|
What is Québec's Social Solidarity Program?
The Social Solidarity Program, or le Programme de solidarité sociale in French, is a plan designed for single individuals or families with adults who have very low employment capacity.
If you are in this position or know someone in a similar situation, this initiative can help you with social inclusion and participation while offering financial support.
The financial support is supposed to cover a portion of the person with disabilities' salary since they are no longer able to practice their professions for some time. However, the amount given varies depending on the number of family members and other factors, like:
- Type of housing
- Income
- Assets
How much are disability benefits in Québec?
"How much will I be able to receive?" is typically the first thought that crosses one's mind. It is a pertinent question given that this disability payment is meant to replace your income until you can return to work.
The Québec Pension Plan (QPP) pays a maximum monthly amount of $1,362.27.
Don’t forget that your dependent children may also be eligible for a children's benefit if you are receiving a disability benefit or post-retirement disability benefit. Each dependent child qualifies as a QPP disability recipient for an additional $79.46 per month.
Would you be able to cover your current expenses with these amounts? If you are unsure, you might want to look into purchasing coverage with a disability insurance provider. You can explore multiple providers right here and get quotes tailored to your needs using our free tool below.
Get a free disability insurance quote
What qualifies you for disability in Québec?
You may be eligible for monthly Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) disability benefits if you:
- Be recognized with a severe and permanent disability by a team of Québec medical professionals
- Have paid enough into QPP while working
Keep in mind that qualifying for the Québec Pension Plan disability benefit has various eligibility conditions, therefore you may not immediately be eligible for a disability pension just because an insurance company, other organization, or government agency determines that you are unable to work. You should contact Retraite Québec directly to inquire.
What is child disability benefit in Québec?
The child disability benefit is part of the Québec disability support program and it was created to give families financial support for the custody, raising, and education of children with handicaps. The child's capacity to carry out his or her daily activities must be considerably restricted by the impairment or mental function disability over a time frame of at least one year.
According to their age, a child must develop certain life habits to take care of themselves and interact with others. When evaluating applications, the following personal traits are taken into account:
- Interpersonal relations
- Development and learning
- Personal care
- Nutrition
- Communication
- Moving about
- Responsibilities
Regardless of family income or the nature of the impairment, $200 is paid each month for each qualified child. The amount is not taxable and is annually increased in January.
How to apply for short-term disability in Québec?
The application process for the short-term disability Québec program is not made to be complicated and it can be done by following these 4 simple steps:
- Download the Québec Pension Plan Disability Benefits Application.
- Fill out the form by following the instructions precisely. Don't forget to include your Social Insurance Number.
- The form can then be printed or sent through email. Application for Disability Benefits Under the Québec Pension Plan and Consent Regarding the Release of Medical and Psychosocial Information should be mailed to Retraite Québec, Case Postale 5200, Québec G1K 7S9
- Please fill out Section 1 of the Medical Report Form and send it to your attending physician. Your attending physician will write the report and send it to Retraite Québec.
All documents to be downloaded can be found on the Québec social assistance disability website.
How long is short-term disability in Québec?
While you're ill or injured, it is always good news to know that you have someone to call for help, and short-term disability insurance normally pays benefits for up to 6 months.
Your claim must be submitted through your disability plan if your company has a short-term disability policy. For further information on your plan, including any applicable sick leave or vacation regulations, get in touch with your employer's human resources department.
If you don't have short-term disability insurance and your employer doesn't offer it, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
How long is long-term disability in Québec?
Since the short-term disability in Québec has its maximum time set as 6 months of benefits, a common question is: How long are long-term disability benefits in Québec and who is eligible for them? Accordingly, benefits from long-term disability insurance often start after the following benefits expire:
- The insurance for temporary disability is known as short-term disability benefits;
- The benefits from your employer for sick time;
- Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
Most long-term disability policies will replace 60% to 70% of your regular income.
Every disability plan is unique. If you are unable to return to the job you held before, some may offer disability compensation for up to two years. Only if you cannot work at any employment after two years may you continue to get benefits.
Check out all your options here. Use our free tool below to explore the best short-term and long-term disability Quebec plans and get free quotes now.
Get a free disability insurance quote
How does the Québec disability tax credit benefit work?
The disability tax credit (DTC) offers tax relief to people who, as determined by a licensed medical professional, are significantly limited in their ability to perform a basic activity of daily living or require extensive therapy to maintain a vital function as a result of the effects of a severe and protracted impairment. Even with therapy or the use of the proper tools and medication, people remain severely limited.
- They are blind or incapable of carrying out a simple daily task, or
- All or substantially all of the time, if they take an excessively long time to do the task.
Walking, feeding and dressing oneself, perceiving, thinking, and remembering, as well as speaking and hearing, are all considered fundamental daily tasks.
