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- Sun Life offers two plans: Sun Critical Illness Insurance (comprehensive) and Express Critical Illness Insurance (simplified, quick approval)
- Sun Life offers coverage amounts of up to $3 million for adults, $1 million for children (Sun Plan); $25,000 or $50,000 (Express Plan)
- 26 full-payout illnesses, 8 partial-payout illnesses, and 5 childhood illnesses are covered under the Sun plan, and 7 illnesses are covered under the Express Plan
- Critical illness coverage from Sun Life starts at approximately $15.26/month for a 20-year-old male non-smoker with $50,000 coverage
- What are the key features of Sun Life’s critical illness insurance?
- What are the different critical illness insurance plans offered by Sun Life?
- Sun Critical Illness Insurance
- Express Critical Illness Insurance
- What are the critical illnesses covered by Sun Life?
- What conditions are excluded from Sun Life Critical Illness Insurance?
- How much does Sun Life critical illness insurance cost?
- Can I cancel or modify my Sun Life critical illness insurance policy?
- What are the pros and cons of Sun Life’s critical illness insurance?
- Frequently asked questions
Sun Life, a trusted name in Canadian insurance, is committed to helping you prepare for life’s uncertainties. Facing a critical illness can be overwhelming, but with Sun Life critical illness insurance, you can protect your finances to focus on what matters most, your health and recovery.
In this article, we’ll take you through the essentials of Sun Life’s critical illness insurance, its flexible coverage options, affordability, and valuable features designed to ease financial stress during challenging times.
What are the key features of Sun Life’s critical illness insurance?
Sun Life offers two critical illness insurance plans to meet different coverage needs. Sun Critical Illness Insurance is the most comprehensive plan, covering 26 full-payout illnesses, 8 partial-payout illnesses, and 5 full-payout childhood illnesses, covering up to $3,000,000 for adults and $1,000,000 for children.
For those seeking quick approval, Express Critical Illness Insurance provides an instant online application with no medical exams or blood work. This option covers 1, 3, or 7 full-payout illnesses based on the selected plan: basic, enhanced, or comfort.
This plan offers coverage amounts of $25,000 or $50,000 for adults, focusing on common critical illnesses like cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.
Key features of critical illness insurance from Sun Life
| Feature | Details |
| Coverage amount | $25,000 to $3,000,000 based on the plan and coverage type chosen |
| Conditions covered | 26 full-payout illnesses, 8 partial-payout illnesses, and 5 additional childhood illnesses (available with the Sun Critical Illness Insurance plan)
OR, 1, 3, or 7 full-payout illnesses based on the selected plan—basic, enhanced, or comfort (available with the Express Critical Illness Insurance plan) |
| Payout options | Lump-sum benefit upon diagnosis and survival of a covered illness |
| Partial payout benefits | Available for 8 specified minor illnesses, providing a reduced payout (only available with the Sun Critical Illness Insurance plan) |
| Return of premium | Optional return of premium benefits available on death, cancellation, or plan expiry |
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What are the different critical illness insurance plans offered by Sun Life?
Sun Life offers two critical illness insurance plans, Sun Critical Illness Insurance and Express Critical Illness Insurance.
The Sun Critical Illness Insurance covers 26 full-payout illnesses, 8 partial-payout illnesses, and 5 full-payout childhood illnesses, offering coverage amounts of up to $3,000,000 for adults and $1,000,000 for children.
The Express Critical Illness Insurance provides an instant online application with no medical exams or blood work. This plan covers 1, 3, or 7 full-payout illnesses based on the selected plan: basic, enhanced, or comfort.
Sun Critical Illness Insurance
The Sun Critical Illness Insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage, providing financial protection for both adults and children facing serious medical conditions. Coverage amounts range from $25,000 to $3 million for adults and $25,000 to $1 million for children.
The adult plan covers 26 critical illnesses for full payout and 8 minor illnesses for partial payout, while the child plan includes an additional 5 illnesses. Policyholders also have access to Teladoc Medical Experts for medical guidance.
This plan from Sun Life covers adults aged between 18 and 65 years, and children aged between 30 days and 17 years. There are three term options available under this plan: Term 10 (T10), Term 75 (T75), and Lifetime (T100).
Key features of Sun Critical Illness Insurance
| Feature | Details |
| Coverage amounts | Adults: $25,000 to $3 million, Children: $25,000 to $1 million |
| Illnesses covered | 26 full-payout, 8 partial-payout, 5 childhood illnesses |
| Plan options | Term 10, Term 75, Lifetime (T100) |
| Eligibility based on age | Adults: 18-65, Children: 30 days-17 years |
| Return of Premium | Available on cancellation, expiry, or death |
| Waiver benefits | Coverage continues if insured or policy owner becomes disabled or dies |
| Conversion options | Long-term care conversion available for ages 18-50 at the time of purchase |
Express Critical Illness Insurance
The Express Critical Illness Insurance plan provides financial protection in the event of a serious illness, offering a tax-free lump-sum payment upon diagnosis of a covered condition after a 30-day survival period.
This plan offers instant online approval with no medical exams or blood work required. Sun Life, through this plan, covers amounts of $25,000 or $50,000. Policyholders can choose from three plans: Basic, Enhanced, and Comfort, covering 1 to 7 critical illnesses.
The Comfort Plan offers additional benefits such as a five-year rate guarantee, inflation protection, and access to Teladoc Medical Experts. Coverage is available for individuals aged 18 to 65, with the option to add child coverage for a small additional cost.
This policy can be cancelled anytime, with a full refund available within the first 30 days.
Key features of Express Critical Illness Insurance
| Feature | Basic Plan | Enhanced Plan | Comfort Plan |
| Illnesses covered | Cancer | Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke | Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, Aortic Surgery, Major Organ Transplant, Major Organ Failure on Waiting List |
| Age requirements | 18 – 65 years | 18 – 65 years | 18 – 65 years |
| Coverage amount | $25,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Additional benefits | – | – | 5-Year Rate Guarantee, Inflation Protection, Teladoc Medical Experts, Child Coverage ($5,000 per child for $2.50/month) |
What are the partial payout conditions covered by Sun Life?
The Sun Critical Illness Insurance plan provides partial benefit payouts for specific conditions, primarily focusing on early-stage or less severe forms of illnesses.
These include early-stage cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Rai stage 0, ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast, gastrointestinal stromal tumors classified as AJCC Stage 1, Grade 1 neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid), papillary or follicular thyroid cancer stage T1, stage 1A malignant melanoma, and Stage A (T1a or T1b) prostate cancer.
Additionally, coronary angioplasty is eligible for a partial payout, ensuring financial support even in the case of less advanced medical conditions.
When does my Express Critical Illness Insurance plan start and end?
Your Express Critical Illness Insurance coverage begins immediately after your application’s approval. It remains in effect until any of the following occurs:
- A claim is paid
- The policy is cancelled
- The policy anniversary following the insured person’s 70th birthday
- The insured person passes away
- Premium payments are missed for 30 consecutive days
What are the critical illnesses covered by Sun Life?
Sun Life Critical Illness Insurance covers 26 full payout illnesses and 8 partial payout conditions under its Sun Critical Illness Insurance plan. Alternatively, it covers 7 critical illnesses under its Express Critical Illness Insurance plan.
Some of the covered conditions are life-threatening cancer, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery, and aortic surgery.
Critical illnesses covered by Sun Life
| Category | Illnesses |
| Neurological disorders | Acquired brain injury due to external trauma, Bacterial meningitis, Benign brain tumour, Coma, Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), Loss of independent existence (LOIE), Loss of speech, Motor neuron disease, Multiple sclerosis, Paralysis, Stroke |
| Cardiovascular conditions | Aortic surgery, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Heart attack, Heart valve replacement or repair |
| Cancer-related conditions | Cancer |
| Organ conditions | Kidney failure, Major organ transplant, Major organ failure on waiting list |
| Sensory impairments | Blindness, Deafness |
| Trauma-related conditions | Severe burns |
| Other disorders | Aplastic anemia, Loss of limbs, Occupational HIV infection, Parkinson’s disease (and specified atypical Parkinsonian disorders) |
| Only covered under the Express Plan | Cancer, Heart attack, Stroke, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Aortic surgery, Major organ transplant, Major organ failure on waiting list |
What conditions are excluded from Sun Life Critical Illness Insurance?
Sun Life’s Critical Illness Insurance has specific exclusions where benefits will not be paid, such as pre-existing conditions, self-inflicted injuries, elective procedures, war-related activities, hazardous behaviour, substance abuse, and certain non-life-threatening conditions.
- Pre-existing conditions: Diagnosed illnesses related to pre-existing conditions during the exclusionary period
- Self-inflicted injuries: Conditions caused by suicide or intentional self-harm
- Elective procedures: Illnesses resulting from elective plastic or cosmetic surgeries
- War and criminal activities: Illnesses caused by war, riots, insurrection, or criminal acts
- Hazardous activities: Conditions from engaging in dangerous or risky activities
- Substance abuse: Illnesses caused by intoxication or narcotics (unless prescribed)
- Specific conditions: Non-life-threatening cancers, benign brain tumors, or organ failures under specific circumstances
How much does Sun Life critical illness insurance cost?
The cost of Sun Life Critical Illness Insurance depends on factors like age, coverage amount, and smoking status. Premiums are generally lower for non-smokers compared to smokers, and rates increase as the insured person ages or opts for higher coverage amounts.
For instance, a 20-year-old male non-smoker pays approximately $15.26 per month for $50,000 in coverage, while the same coverage for a smoker costs $16.70 per month.
Here are the average monthly premiums for a 10-year term plan with coverage amounts of $50,000 and $100,000 for male smokers and non-smokers:
| Age | Coverage Amount | Monthly Premium (Male Smokers) | Monthly Premium (Male Non-Smokers) |
| 20 | $50,000 | $16.70 | $15.26 |
| 30 | $100,000 | $41.49 | $30.51 |
| 35 | $50,000 | $34.43 | $22.01 |
| 40 | $100,000 | $86.40 | $48.87 |
| 45 | $50,000 | $84.83 | $41.99 |
| 55 | $100,000 | $398.25 | $180.45 |
Can I cancel or modify my Sun Life critical illness insurance policy?
Yes, you can cancel or modify your Sun Life critical illness insurance policy with a simple process. If you cancel within the 30-day free look period, you will receive a full refund by submitting a written request along with any required documents.
After this period, cancellation is still possible by submitting a written request, but refunds depend on your policy terms, and all coverage will end immediately. To modify your policy, such as adjusting benefits or adding riders, you must contact Sun Life directly.
What are the pros and cons of Sun Life’s critical illness insurance?
Sun Life Critical Illness Insurance provides comprehensive coverage for up to 26 full-payout illnesses, with generous payouts ranging from $25,000 to $3 million.
It includes options for children’s coverage, an online application process, and the benefit of no survival period for many conditions. However, it has limited short-term coverage options, and higher premiums for certain features, such as return of premium riders.
Pros and cons of Sun Life critical illness insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive coverage for up to 26 illnesses | Limited short-term coverage options |
| Generous payouts from $25,000 to $3 million | High premiums for ROP riders |
| No survival period for several conditions | |
| Teladoc Medical Experts (medical consultations via a global physician network) | |
| Digital access for application and management |
How can I buy Sun Life critical illness insurance?
If you’re looking for affordable Sun Life critical illness insurance quotes, we recommend speaking to our licensed advisors to compare and find the best plan for your needs. With PolicyAdvisor, you’ll receive free instant quotes, the lowest rates in the market, and lifetime after-sales support.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cover my children under Sun Life Critical Illness Insurance?
Yes, Sun Life offers comprehensive coverage for children through policies ranging from $25,000 to $1 million. Their children-focussed plan covers conditions such as cerebral palsy, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and type 1 diabetes mellitus till the age of 24.
Does Sun Life Critical Illness Insurance cover early-stage illnesses?
Yes, Sun Life provides partial benefit payouts for 8 early intervention conditions: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Rai stage 0, ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast, gastrointestinal stromal tumors classified as AJCC Stage 1, Grade 1 neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid), papillary or follicular thyroid cancer stage T1, stage 1A malignant melanoma, and Stage A (T1a or T1b) prostate cancer. Please note, that these illnesses are only covered under one of Sun Life’s plans: Sun Critical Illness Insurance.
What is the age limit for Sun Life critical illness insurance?
Sun Life offers critical illness coverage from the age of 18 till the age of 65. Children are covered between the ages of 30 days and 17 years. This may vary based on your specific plan and coverage type.
Sun Life Critical Illness Insurance offers two plans, Sun Critical Illness Insurance and Express Critical Illness Insurance to provide financial protection in case of a serious illness. The Sun Critical Illness Insurance plan covers 26 full-payout illnesses, 8 partial-payout illnesses, and 5 childhood illnesses, with coverage amounts up to $3 million for adults and $1 million for children. The Express Critical Illness Insurance plan offers instant online approval with no medical exams, covering up to 7 illnesses with coverage amounts of $25,000 or $50,000. Both plans offer lump-sum payouts upon diagnosis and survival of a covered condition, helping policyholders focus on recovery without financial stress.
