Insurance is an integral part of life that can offer peace of mind in times of uncertainty. Experts advise considering investment and insurance as separate but crucial things for financial freedom. So, let’s highlight the different Types of Insurance Policies in Canada.
What is Insurance?
Insurance is a form of protection that can shield you from financial losses that may affect by unlooked- for events. Despite its significance, Canadians overlook the importance of insurance until it’s too late. Therefore, understanding the different types of insurance programs and knowing which ones are essential can be the first step towards guarding oneself and one’s family.
Here, let’s scroll through the most popular and must-have insurance programs for Canadians. These include
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Home Insurance
- Mortgage Insurance
- Auto insurance
- Travel insurance
Types of Insurance in Canada
Let’s gather some comprehensive information on each type of insurance, including what it covers, the different types available, and the factors to consider when selecting the best one.
1. Health Insurance:
The first and most important insurance policy for Canadians is health insurance. In Canada, the Government provides introductory health insurance cover, but it doesn’t cover everything. Like in the province of Ontario, you get an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Card that covers a range of medical costs but excludes some benefits.
Therefore, you can think of topping it up with additional health insurance. A good health insurance plan to cover the costs of traditional drugs, dental care, vision care, and other medical charges, etc., that are not covered by the Provincial Health Insurance.
You have two types of health insurance programs available in Canada Group insurance and Individual insurance. You get Group insurance through an employer or a professional association. You can buy individual insurance directly from an insurance provider.
When opting for a health insurance policy, check the deductibles, co-insurance, and maximum insured amount. These factors will determine how you’ll pay out of the fund for medical charges and how the insurance company will cover them. Know details about how much time must pass before the policy becomes effective.
2. Life Insurance
Life insurance is the alternate type of insurance that every Canadian should have. In the event of your death , life insurance will give your loved ones fiscal security. It can help cover any overdue bills, education of children and give your family a source of income.
Term life insurance and Whole life insurance are the primary types of life insurance. Term life insurance offers protection for a specific number of years like 10, 20, or 30 years among other time frames. Whole life insurance (permanent life insurance)provides a coverage for a lifetime (if you regularly pay your premium). This also comes with a savings point that builds cash worth over time. A Permanent Life Insurance is expensive than a Term Life Insurance due to the added advantage of policy cash value growing with interest.
When opting a life insurance policy, few significant factors to note are; the quantum of amount you need, the length of time, and the cost of the policy. Don’t forget to consider any rejections or limitations on the policy, similar pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Home Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is the third type of insurance every Canadian should have. You can get coverage for your home and particular things through the homeowner’s insurance in case of damage or loss. In the event that their is some damage to your property, it may also offer liability protection.
It’s pivotal to consider the kind of risk you bear similar to small or comprehensive risk — when choosing a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Typically, insurance offers protection against damage from theft, fire, and some natural catastrophes. Further, protection against effects like water damage and particular responsibility is part of the comprehensive content. Also, determine the monthly payments, or the sum you must pay out-of- fund before your insurance company begins to pay the remainder, should also.
4. Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage Insurance, as the name implies is an insurance that covers your mortgage. In Canada, if you purchase a home with a less than 20% down payment, you will have to get a mortgage insurance. This is done to offer security to the lender in case of default in mortgage payments.
You might have heard of CMHC, the primary mortgage loan insurance provider in Canada. People often confuse home insurance and mortgage insurance, but remember these are entirely different.
Mortgage Insurance is generally based on the percentage of down payment you make and the home purchase price.
5. Auto Insurance
The fourth must-have- have an insurance policy for Canadians is auto insurance. Automobile insurance is mandatory in Canada and provides protection in the event of an accident or theft. It can cover the extent for damage to your vehicle, medical charges, and liability if you’re at fault in an accident.
When opting an auto insurance policy, research the type of policy you need, similar to liability-only or comprehensive one. Liability-only policy provides protection from damage or injury to others, while a comprehensive one provides fresh protection from damage to your vehicle and particular injury. Do look at the payment and any rejections or limitations on the policy.
6. Travel Insurance
The fifth must-have an insurance policy for Canadians is travel insurance. Travel insurance provides protection when traveling outside, including cover for medical charges, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost or stolen baggage. When opting for a travel insurance policy, decide the type of plan you need, similar as you need medical cover or trip cancellation cover. Consider the length of your trip, any pre-existing medical conditions, and any conditioning you plan to share while traveling.
Moreover, the Government of Canada recommends that all Canadians traveling outside the country, must have travel insurance. Without travel insurance, you might have to deal with significant charges if you fall ill or get injured while traveling. Insurance isn’t just a wise fiscal decision but a responsibility to ourselves and our family.
Is Having an Insurance Policy Important?
Having the right insurance policy can make a big difference. Not only does it help cover the financial burdens and give the required support, but eventually, it can offer you peace of mind.
As a Canadian, you must understand the types of insurance policies available at best rates and shortlist the insurance plans that suit your requirements. Make yourself sufficiently safe and ready for any pitfalls.
You may also like to explore Best Budgeting Apps for Canadians
Types of Insurance Policies for Canadians
To conclude, insurance programs aren’t one-size-fit for all. What works for one person may not work for another. This is crucial to precisely assess your requirements and choose the policies that stylishly fit your unique situation.
Take some time to analyze your situation! Determine your insurance needs and opt for the right programs. You can guard yourself, your family, and your means against unlooked-for circumstances.Â
Also, discover important benefits and types of Small Business Insurance in Canada.
So do not delay, and start assessing your insurance needs now! Navigate through the whole bunch of best insurance policies in Canada before finalizing any one.