One in two Canadians will be affected by cancer in their lifetime and a stroke strikes a Quebecer every 10 minutes. Critical illness insurance pays out a tax-free lump sum capital upon diagnosis to cover lost income, out-of-pocket care and recovery time. Assur360 compares the best coverage 24 illnesses via our AMF-certified brokers — free quote in 3 minutes.
IN BRIEF
Critical illness insurance
Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum (typically $50,000 to $250,000) upon diagnosis of a covered illness (cancer, stroke, heart attack, multiple sclerosis, etc.). Tax-free money, usable however you want.
Difference vs. salary: Salary insurance replaces income during disability. Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum upon diagnosis, regardless of your ability to work. Often complementary.
CRITICAL ILLNESS QUOTE
Paid-up capital upon diagnosis, starting at $22 / month
Protection for 24 diseases including cancer, stroke and heart attack. Tax-free amount.
Get my free quoteWhy critical illness insurance is essential in Quebec
The RAMQ covers basic medical care, but not loss of income, alternative care, uninsured specialty drugs, home adaptations or family assistance. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, a diagnosis costs an average of $33,000 in uncovered expenses in the first year. Critical illness insurance pays a one-time, tax-free lump sum ($ 50,000, $100,000 or more) that you use freely: debts, mortgage, treatment abroad, recovery travel.
Tax-free lump sum capital
One-off amount paid in 30 days after confirmation of diagnosis. No taxes to pay, free use.
Covers forgotten expenses
Off-form medications, private treatments, trips to specialized hospitals, home help, loss of income for the spouse.
Complements your life insurance
Life insurance pays when you die, critical illness pays during illness — you get the amount during your lifetime.
The 24 Critical Illnesses Typically Covered
Extended policies in Canada cover up to 24 critical illnesses and conditions. The three main ones (cancer, stroke, heart attack) account for more than 85% of claims.
🎗️ Major cancers
Breast, colon, lung, prostate, ovarian, leukemia, lymphoma cancer. 1 in 2 Canadians affected in their lifetime.
❤️ Heart conditions
Heart attack, coronary artery bypass graft, valve replacement, heart failure, transplant.
🧠 Neurological
Stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS, benign brain tumor.
🫁 Vital organs
Renal failure, major organ transplant, loss of autonomy, blindness, deafness, paralysis, severe burns.
How to get your critical illness quote
Fill out the online form
Age, smoking, family history. Less than 3 minutes.
Analysis of your needs by an AMF broker
The broker determines the required capital (rule: 1 to 2 years of income + immediate debts).
Comparison of several insurers
Number of covered illnesses, deadlines, premium return clauses. The broker presents you with the 2-3 best offers.
Medical questionnaire and enforcement
Depending on age and capital, simplified questionnaire or free paramedical examination. Policy issued in a few days.
Pro tip: the bonus return option
Many insurers offer a return of premium option if no illness is diagnosed at the end of the contract (15 or 20 years). You get back 100% of what you paid. A little higher premium but zero loss if you stay healthy.
Critical Illness Insurance Rates 2026 Quebec
Indicative monthly premium examples for $100,000 principal, 25 illness coverage, coverage at age 75, non-smoker.
| Subscription | ageNon-smoking | womanNon-smoking | maleWith return of premiums |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 years | $22/month | $28/month | + 40 to 55% |
| 40 years | $46/month | $62/month | + 40 to 55% |
| 50 years | $102/month | $148 / month | + 45 to 60% |
| 60 years | $225/month | $330 / month | + 50 to 65% |
*2026 Indicative Rates — Principal $100,000, 25 Illnesses. Your exact price in 3 minutes.
Undisclosed condition = claim denial
Critical illness insurance is a contract of good faith. Any medical condition not declared at the time of subscription may lead to a refusal of payment. The broker guides you to report correctly — they know the most flexible insurers for each situation.
ACT NOW
Premium increases every year — lock in your rate
Permanent protection at current rates. No commitment, cancellable at any time.
Compare insurers in 3 minutesCritical illness service throughout Quebec
Our AMF-certified brokers accompany families in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Laval, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Thetford Mines and everywhere else in Quebec. Telephone or videoconference consultation, 100% electronic signature, service in French.
Related articles
🛡️ Life insurance
Protection for your loved ones in the event of death. Temporary or permanent.
💼 Salary insurance (disability)
Monthly income if illness prevents you from working.
🏡 Mortgage insurance
Protect your biggest investment. Alternative to bank insurance.
📋 All our products
17 products compared: auto, home, business, life, health.
Frequently asked questions
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Protect your finances from critical illness
Tax-free lump sum capital, 24 covered illnesses, throughout Quebec.
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