Coverage is typically available from birth, so you can start protecting your child early and lock in low rates.
As a parent, protecting your child's future is a top priority. Sun Life’s critical illness insurance (CII) products are designed with families in mind. If your child faces the unexpected challenge of a critical illness diagnosis, CII can provide financial relief so you can focus on their recovery and wellbeing.
What can critical illness insurance cover for children?
Sun Life’s CII products cover many critical illnesses that may affect children. We offer two critical illness insurance solutions tailored to different family needs:
| Feature | Sun Critical Illness Insurance | Express Critical Illness Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Our most comprehensive CII policy, ideal for parents seeking maximum protection for their children. Grows with your child into adulthood. | Our streamlined CII solution offering instant online approval with no medical exam or blood work required. Focuses on the most common critical illnesses in Canada. You can choose to add up to 5 children on the Comfort plan. |
| Coverage Amount for children | Up to $1,000,000 | $5,000 |
| Full-Payout Illnesses | 26 | 7 |
| Partial-Payout Illnesses | 8 | N/A |
| Childhood Illnesses | 5 (up to age 24) | N/A |
| Learn more | Learn more about Sun Critical Illness Insurance | Learn more about Express CII and get an online quote |
Note: Waiting periods vary by illness. Claims are assessed based on critical illnesses specifically covered in your CII contract at time of issue. Covered illnesses must meet the specific definition requirements and coverage is subject to exclusions and limitations.
How can critical illness insurance help protect your children?
| Benefit | What this means |
|---|---|
| Lump-sum payout flexibility | Receive a one-time payment upon diagnosis of a covered illness. This flexibility means you control how the funds are used — to take some time off work to care for your child or whatever your family needs most. |
| Medical expense coverage | Pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by provincial or private insurance, including medications, devices, treatments, and home-care costs — so your child gets quality care without financial strain. |
| Lost income protection | Take the time you need to be at your child's bedside, at medical appointments, and during recovery — without the added stress of lost wages. |
| Complementary to other insurance | Sun CII works alongside your provincial health plan. CII can also complement other insurance coverage like Personal Health Insurance (PHI) to fill the gaps and cover additional expenses. |
| Affordable, guaranteed premiums | Lock in low rates that continue into adulthood, ensuring your child pays less as an adult than if applying independently. Your protection investment grows with them. |
| Non-medical expense support | Cover hospital parking, taxis, accommodation for out-of-town specialist visits, and other costs that quickly add up during a medical crisis. |
Help protect your child's future
Apply online
Apply for critical illness insurance through our online portal.
Express CII offers instant online approval with no medical exam or blood work required.
You can add coverage for up to 5 children when you choose the Comfort plan.
Speak with an advisor
Connect with a Sun Life advisor to discuss your child's needs and your family's unique situation.
An advisor can help you understand whether Sun CII or Express CII best meets your family's needs and budget.
Enter your postal code to find an advisor near you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with Sun CII your child’s protection continues as long as premiums are paid. Your child can benefit from guaranteed coverage as an adult with locked-in lower premiums you secure for them today.
Unlike health or life insurance, CII provides a flexible lump-sum payout upon diagnosis of a covered critical illness. You can use this payout for any expenses related to recovery or anything else your family needs.
Claims are assessed based on critical illnesses specifically covered in your CII contract at time of issue. Covered illnesses must meet the specific definition requirements and coverage is subject to exclusions and limitations.
More resources
How much CII do you need?
Find out how much a critical illness may cost you and how much coverage you may need to financially protect yourself.
Leaving your employer but want to keep your CII?
If you already have CII coverage with Sun Life through a workplace benefits plan and want to keep your CII coverage with Sun Life, then Choices Critical Illness Insurance may be an option for you.
Need to submit a CII claim?
Not sure where to start when it comes to submitting a critical illness insurance claim?
Whether your policy was purchased through an employer or an advisor, we can help!
This information is meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. Some conditions, exclusions and restrictions apply.