Critical Illness Insurance: 24 Illness Protection Quebec 2026

Q: What is the difference between life insurance and critical illness insurance?

Life insurance pays the benefit upon death to the beneficiaries. Critical illness insurance pays the benefit to you, while you are alive, as soon as a covered illness is diagnosed.

Q: How long after diagnosis will I be paid?

A survival period of 30 days applies (up to 90 days for stroke or heart attack). The benefit is paid in 2 to 4 weeks after confirmation.

Q: Is the amount taxable in Quebec?

No. The critical illness benefit is completely non-taxable, both federally and provincially.

Q: What benefit amount should I choose?

The usual rule: 1 to 2 years of gross income plus short-term debts.

Q: Is skin cancer covered?

Invasive melanomas (stage 1A+) are covered. Basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas at stage 0 are generally not covered.

Q: What if my parents had cancer?

Family history may increase the premium or trigger exclusions. An AMF broker knows the most flexible insurers.

Q: Can I add it to my life insurance policy?

Yes, several insurers allow a critical illness endorsement to an existing life policy.

Q: At what age can one subscribe?

From 0 to 65 years (some up to 70 years). Children from 30 days.

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 for 24 illnesses via our AMF-certified brokers — free quote in 3 minutes.

Quebec Hospital — critical illness insurance for all 24 critical illnesses covered — A lump sum paid out upon diagnosis of one of the 24 covered critical illnesses — starting at $22/month.

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

Capital paid out upon diagnosis, starting at $22 / month

Protection for 24 illnesses including cancer, stroke, and heart attack. Non-taxable amount.

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Covered critical illnesses

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Why 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.

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Non-taxable lump sum

One-time amount paid within 30 days after diagnosis confirmation. No taxes to pay, free use.

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Covers forgotten expenses

Non-formulary medications, private treatments, travel to specialized hospitals, home care, loss of spouse’s income.

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Complements your life insurance

Life insurance pays upon death, critical illness pays during the illness — you benefit from the amount while alive.

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.

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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	Non-smoking	Non-smoking	With 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%

*Indicative rates 2026 — capital $100,000, 25 illnesses. Your exact price in 3 minutes.

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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.

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The premium increases every year — lock in your rate

Permanent protection at current rates. No commitment, cancellable at any time.

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Critical 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.

🛡️ Life insurance

Protection for your loved ones in case of death. Temporary or permanent.

💼 Salary insurance (disability)

Monthly income if illness prevents you from working.

🏡 Mortgage insurance

Protect your largest investment. Alternative to bank insurance.

📋 All our products

17 products compared: auto, home, business, life, health.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between life insurance and critical illness insurance?

Life insurance pays the benefit upon death to the designated beneficiaries. Critical illness insurance pays the benefit to you, while you are alive, as soon as a covered illness is diagnosed. Both are complementary.

How long after diagnosis will I be paid?

Depending on the illness, a survival period of 30 days applies (up to 90 days for stroke or heart attack). Once the period has passed and the diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor, the benefit is paid in 2 to 4 weeks.

Is the amount taxable in Quebec?

No. The critical illness benefit is completely non-taxable, both federally and provincially. You can use it freely: debt repayment, treatments, recovery travel, family assistance.

What benefit amount should I choose?

The usual rule: 1 to 2 years of gross income plus short-term debts. Example: income $70,000 + credit card and auto loan balance $15,000 = suggested benefit $150,000. The insurance broker adjusts according to your expenses and budget.

Is skin cancer covered?

Invasive melanomas (stage 1A+) are covered as major cancer. Basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas at stage 0 are generally not covered (high-end policies offer partial coverage).

What if my parents had cancer?

Family history increases the premium or may trigger specific exclusions. An AMF broker knows the most flexible insurers for each history — this is where the value of shopping around is seen.

Can I add it to my life insurance policy?

Yes, several insurers allow a critical illness endorsement to an existing life policy. It is more economical, but often less comprehensive than a standalone policy. The broker analyzes which is more advantageous.

At what age can one subscribe?

Most insurers cover from 0 to 65 years (some up to 70 years). Children can be covered under a child policy from 30 days — premiums are then very affordable.

Why trust Assur360?

✓Partner platform of AMF-certified firms

✓Partner firms that are members of the Chamber of Insurance

✓More than 100,000 submissions processed

✓13 partner firms in Quebec

✓Independent brokers

✓100% free service

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Protect your finances against critical illnesses

Tax-free lump sum, 24 covered illnesses, everywhere in Quebec.

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