Group disability coverage that supports your team when it matters most
Disability coverage helps employees stay financially stable if an illness or injury prevents them from working. It’s a powerful way to show you care—fostering peace of mind, loyalty, and long-term engagement.
With disability rates on the rise, proactive prevention and claims management are more important than ever. Supporting employee health and productivity helps reduce disruptions and manage costs—while creating a workplace where people can thrive.
Explore our employee benefits products
Employee disability coverage, explained
Short-term disability provides income replacement for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to illness, injury, or admitted into a hospital. Benefits typically start within a few days and can last up to six months, helping employees manage expenses while they recover.
For extended periods of disability, long-term disability insurance kicks in after short-term disability benefits end. LTD provides employees with a portion of their income, typically 60-70%, for an extended duration, often until they can return to work or reach retirement age.
A serious illness can result in significant medical costs and lifestyle changes. Critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum payout upon diagnosis of covered conditions such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Employees can use this benefit to cover a range of needs including medical treatments, travel, household expenses, or lost income.
Employees may also qualify for government disability programs, including:
- Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits – Provides short-term financial support for employees unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits – Offers long-term financial assistance for individuals with a severe and prolonged disability.
- Workers’ Compensation – Covers workplace injuries and occupational diseases with medical benefits and wage loss compensation.
Why choose Westland for your employee benefits
We help you design comprehensive, sustainable benefits plans that support well-being, strengthen engagement, and deliver long-term value to your organization.
Boutique, advisory culture
We act as an extension of your team and build long standing relationships that produce positive business and well-being outcomes.
Access to markets
Our access to national and international resources guarantees a world class group benefits program for your people.
Industry expertise
We focus on understanding your needs and building a benefits plan that delivers real value—not just a product.
Data driven solutions
We benchmark your benefits against industry standards to reveal gaps and opportunities—so you can tailor your plan to your people.
Rollout support
We’ll help integrate your benefits plan into your company culture, supporting rollout with tools for ongoing employee education.
Communication
We’ll ensure you understand the full value of your offerings, are aware of pitfalls, and stay informed about changes impacting your plan.
Integrated offerings
Access a wider product choice through Westland Insurance, including integrated group benefits and business insurance solutions.
Award-winning service
Westland Insurance is Insurance Business Canada's 'Big Brokerage of the Year' 2023 award winner, and a 2023 5-star brokerage.
Driven by purpose
Since 1980, we've supported our local communities. Each year, we commit $1m+ into initiatives spanning DEI, food insecurity and more.
Group disability FAQs
Short-term disability covers temporary health issues lasting up to six months, while long-term disability provides coverage for extended illnesses or permanent disabilities to age 65.
Coverage is usually around two thirds of an employees’ salary; however, it can vary by plan design.
No. Critical illness insurance provides a one-time lump sum payout upon diagnosis of a serious illness, while disability insurance provides ongoing income replacement.
Yes. Government disability benefits such as EI Sickness Benefits or CPP Disability require employees to apply directly through Service Canada.
Some plans offer partial disability benefits, allowing employees to work reduced hours while still receiving support.
Disability insurance is not mandatory in Canada but offering it as part of your benefits package helps attract and retain top talent while supporting employee well-being.
Submit a group disability coverage enquiry
We always go the extra mile for our clients. With a 4.8 rating from over 50,000 online reviews, our commitment to providing exceptional insurance services is unwavering.
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