Start with your work and income
Describe your duties, employment arrangement, income sources and current employer or professional benefits. Your regular expenses can help frame the discussion about potential benefit needs.
Ask about the definition
The definition of disability, the treatment of partial disability and the relationship to your occupation can materially affect how a policy works. Ask the provider to walk through the wording.
Discuss timing and offsets
Review the waiting period, potential benefit duration, limits, exclusions and any interaction with other income or benefits. Ask an appropriate adviser about tax treatment for your specific arrangement.
Plan for changes
Self-employment, a new role or a change in existing benefits can justify a review. Keep medical and income records out of the initial network enquiry.
In Canada, ask about the rules and provider availability in your province or territory. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada · Life insurance ↗
In the United States, use a provider authorised for your state. Eligibility and policy terms can differ from Canadian examples. NAIC · U.S. consumer insurance resources ↗