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Individual Insurance

Empowerment through Individual Insurance

Delve into the world of individual insurance, where we unpack the essentials of life, critical illness, and disability coverage tailored to your unique needs. Discover how these plans provide a safety net for your financial well-being, ensuring peace of mind in times of uncertainty. Whether you’re seeking income protection or safeguarding against life-altering events, our team is here to assist you. Book a 10-minute chat or leave us a message to begin securing your financial future today.

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Group RRSP

Life Insurance

Life insurance acts as a financial safety net for your beneficiaries, offering a tax-free payment upon your passing, provided premiums are maintained. It’s more than just a protection tool; it can also play a strategic role in your overall financial planning, with potential benefits accessible during your lifetime.

When to Buy Life Insurance Life-changing events often prompt the consideration of life insurance:

  • Marriage: Shields your spouse from financial strain.
  • Parenthood: Secures your child’s future financial needs.
  • Homeownership: Ensures mortgage and debt coverage.
  • Business Initiatives: Supports business continuity and partner interests.

Single individuals, particularly those young and healthy, also benefit from lower life insurance costs due to age and health factors.

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need? The ideal coverage hinges on your goals: income replacement, debt clearance, educational funding, etc. The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association suggests an average household coverage of $442,000. A general rule is to aim for at least five times your annual income, though individual needs vary. Only 27% of Canadians are aware of this guideline, per the 2021 Canada Life General Financial Knowledge Survey.

Example: Trevor, mid-30s, earning $70,000 annually, seeks to cover children’s education, a $400,000 mortgage, and final expenses.

  • Income Replacement: $350,000
  • Education (RESPs): $100,000
  • Mortgage Clearance: $400,000
  • Final Expenses: $10,000
  • Total Required Coverage: $860,000

This example is illustrative; actual needs depend on individual circumstances.

Choosing the Right Type of Life Insurance Two main types cater to different needs:

  • Term Insurance: Set-period coverage, renewable at a higher rate or convertible to permanent coverage without health re-assessment. Usually more affordable initially, allowing for greater coverage.
  • Permanent Insurance: Provides lifetime coverage. Premiums contribute to a collective account, potentially yielding dividends used for additional coverage, premium reduction, or cash withdrawals (with possible tax implications).
Critical Illness Insurance

Defining Critical Illness Insurance Critical Illness Insurance is designed to provide financial relief if you’re diagnosed with a significant health condition. The policy outlines specific covered illnesses, typically including major concerns like cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.

How Does It Work?

  1. Select Your Coverage: Choose the amount of coverage that meets your needs.
  2. Premium Payments: Regularly pay your insurance premiums.
  3. Claim Process: If diagnosed with a covered critical illness, file a claim.
  4. Receive Payment: After a predetermined waiting period, receive a tax-free payment.

Beyond Financial Support Critical illness insurance is more than a monetary benefit. It’s a comprehensive support system, aiding both financially and emotionally during difficult times.

Expert Medical Assistance Access top medical specialists for:

  • Second opinions.
  • Understanding complex medical information.
  • Exploring treatment options.
  • Guidance through the healthcare system.

Additional Support Services The policy may include services to support you and your family:

  • Counselling services.
  • Family support like childcare and home care.
  • Legal and financial consultation.
  • Nutritional advice.

Why Critical Illness Insurance is Essential

  • Prevalence of Serious Illnesses: One in three Canadians will experience a life-altering illness in their lifetime.
  • Cover Daily Living Expenses: Use the payout to manage expenses during recovery.
  • Protect Your Savings: Avoid using retirement funds or other investments for medical costs.
  • Focus on Recovery: Financial peace of mind allows you to concentrate on getting better.

Determining Your Coverage Needs Consider the following to gauge the necessary coverage:

  1. Income Analysis:

    • Potential loss of income during illness.
    • Impact on your spouse’s income if they need to take time off.
  2. Current Expenses:

    • Mortgage/rent.
    • Loans, debts.
    • Groceries, utilities.
    • Credit card bills.
    • Other regular expenses.
  3. Additional Costs:

    • Healthcare-related expenses (hospital stay, medications).
    • Travel for treatments.
    • Childcare during treatment and recovery.
    • Home care or nursing support.

These factors will help you estimate the coverage amount you might need.

Next Steps The above is just an initial guide. A professional advisor at Vantage can conduct a thorough needs analysis to tailor a critical illness insurance plan that best suits your situation.

 

Disability Insurance

Safeguarding Your Income: The Importance of Disability Insurance

What is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance acts as a financial safeguard, providing you with tax-free monthly income if an illness or injury hinders your ability to work. It covers a wide range of disabilities, from visible physical impairments to less apparent issues like chronic pain or mental health conditions.

How It Works

  1. Choose Your Coverage – Select the amount that fits your needs and add optional benefits for tailored coverage.
  2. Premium Payments –  Regularly pay your insurance premiums.
  3. Claiming Benefits – File a claim if you become disabled.
  4. Receiving Payments – After a specified waiting period, start receiving monthly payments.
  5. Duration of Benefits – Payments continue until the end of the benefit period or your return to work

Why Disability Insurance is Crucial

High Probability of Disability: Up to 40% of Canadians might experience a disability lasting 90 days or longer before turning 65.

Income Replacement: Potential to receive up to 80-90% of your net pay.

Preserving Savings: Avoid dipping into retirement funds for medical expenses.

Income Protection: Safeguard your ability to earn, often the most valuable asset over a career spanning 30-40 years.

 

Determining Your Coverage Needs

Consider your potential earnings based on age and salary, assuming a 2.5% annual raise until age 65. For example, a 30-year-old earning $70,000 annually could amass over $3.8 million by retirement.

Cost of Disability Insurance

Premiums typically range from 1-9% of your salary, influenced by factors like coverage amount, benefit period length, waiting period, age, health status, and occupation.

 

Maximizing Your Financial Security with Disability Insurance

Estimating Your Potential Benefits

The amount you can receive through disability insurance depends on your current earnings:

 

For an Annual Income of $50,000: You might be eligible for a monthly benefit of approximately $2,975. This equates to an annual take-home pay of about $36,000.

For an Annual Income of $120,000: You could qualify for a monthly benefit close to $6,000, resulting in a yearly take-home pay of around $71,100.

 

Key Considerations

Partial Income Replacement: It’s important to note that disability benefits typically cover only a portion of your usual annual income. This partial replacement underscores the need for effective financial planning.

Budgeting and Financial Planning: To ensure you can comfortably cover all necessary living expenses during a period of disability, having a well-structured budget is crucial. This proactive approach will help you adjust to the change in income without significant financial strain.

Strategic Financial Management

Understanding the specifics of your disability insurance and aligning them with your financial plan is essential. This alignment helps ensure that, in the event of an unexpected disability, you and your family remain financially secure, focusing on health and recovery without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

 

Next Steps: Ensuring Financial Stability with Disability Insurance

 

  1. Create a Comprehensive Budget – Establishing a detailed budget is crucial. This will ensure that your living expenses are adequately covered, especially in times of unexpected income changes due to disability.
  2. Review Your Current Employer Coverage – Take the time to thoroughly understand the extent of disability insurance coverage provided by your employer. This understanding is key to identifying any potential gaps in coverage that might need additional attention.
  3. Consult with a Financial Advisor – Reach out to a professional financial advisor at Vantage. They can offer expert guidance and assistance in setting up a disability insurance plan that’s tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. This step is vital in ensuring that you have the right level and type of coverage to secure your financial future.

Your Benefits Journey, Your Way

Benefits Made Easy for Everyone

We’ve blended the best of both worlds – tech and the personal touch. While we love our tech gadgets, we also cherish face-to-face connections. That’s why, when the time’s right, we’ll gladly treat you to a classic lunch or a friendly round of golf. It’s about building relationships as we build your group benefits plan.

Join the Vantage Experience

Ready to experience group benefits in a whole new way? Let’s chat! Discover how Vantage Advisory can help you secure the group benefits you need while keeping things simple and enjoyable. Don’t worry, we’ll never leave anyone behind on the tech train. Reach out to us today, and let’s get started on your group benefits journey together!