Is Cancer Considered A Disability In Canada?
The word ‘cancer’ itself is enough to strike fear and remorse in the hearts of many. This disease is one that has claimed the lives of countless human souls through millennia and is one of the few medical conditions that we still have no definite cure for.
Thankfully, technological and medical advancements have made it possible for humanity to fight cancer and even beat it in many instances. Yet, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death globally. Over 10 million people die of cancer each year. Those that survive have to live a different life as the fight against cancer is never truly over.
Is Cancer A Disability In Canada?
Yes, cancer is considered a long-term disability in Canada. As such, this makes you eligible for long-term disability benefits through your insurance provider. In order to qualify, you must provide evidence that the severity of your cancer and related treatments are interfering with your ability to work. If proven, you will be granted disability benefits for income replacement.
Cancer & Long-Term Disability Claims In Canada
A cancer diagnosis is by far one of the most challenging times in any individual’s life. The sheer physical, mental and emotional trauma is enough to leave even the bravest and most optimistic side of us defeated. Everything becomes a challenge. Even daily activities that we all take for granted become difficult and excruciatingly painful.
However, through proper resolve, determination, patience, and planning one can overcome cancer. No matter what type of cancer it may be. It’s not easy but you need to remember you are not alone. There are many sources available at your disposal to help you along the way.
Your family, your friends, and the Canadian government are all there with you helping you win that fight!
One way that you can receive help from the government is by applying for long-term disability benefits. This is applicable to you if you have been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to work as a result. The long-term disability benefits plan is provided through your employer’s group benefits plan or any other individual plan you have purchased.
With so many things on your plate, these plans will at the very least provide income replacement allowing you to take the time you need to treat yourself and recover without having to go through even more financial stress. As you may well be aware, cancer treatment isn’t cheap by any means. Not being able to work during your treatment period can put monumental stress on your personal finances. Having that part taken care of through long-term disability benefits is a tremendous relief.
Can You Be Denied Disability Claims For Cancer?
Even though cancer is considered a long-term disability in Canada, there are instances when your disability claims for cancer can be denied. These situations are rare but not unheard of.
Not Enough Evidence To Support Your Claims
According to the long-term disability policy, benefits can only be granted to those individuals that cannot work due to their illness or disability. If your doctor feels that you can work while undergoing treatment you cannot apply for long-term disability. Only if your doctor confirms that your illness is preventing you from working can you claim this policy.
You Have A Pre-Existing Medical Condition
Always make sure to check your insurance policy for its pre-existing conditions clause. This will usually be an extensive section of your policy and can in many ways invalidate certain claims if you are not careful. For example, claims can be denied based on the fact that the cancer was detected earlier than the beginning of the enrolment period for your current benefits plan.
3 Tips To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Benefits Approved
Finding out that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer is a hard pill to swallow. Not having your disability benefits approved by your insurance provider – is harder still!
To help make your case as fool-proof as possible here are some handy tips to help bolster your chances.
Keep Records Of All Medical Tests, Hospital Bills, Specialist Visits, Medical Prescriptions, & Other Treatment Expenses
The more complete and detailed your objective medical evidence is the higher the chances of you getting the claim approved as quickly as possible. Keep records of everything. Your diagnostic test results, MRIs, CT scans, doctor visits, treatment reports, list of prescription medications, and more are all vital in expediting your application.
Provide Supporting Evidence Of All Your Disabling Symptoms
Often, it is not cancer itself that prevents you from working but rather the side effects of the treatments you are undergoing. As a result of medication and cancer-related treatments, patients can experience side effects such as nausea, pain, fatigue, dizziness, and inflammation. Making note of how these side effects are preventing you from working is equally as important as you proving you have cancer. Make sure your doctor records these symptoms and side effects to help you build your case.
Present Your Case As A Narrative Of Your Illness
The more detailed your evidence proves to be, the easier the process becomes. Apart from the doctor’s statement (that offers an account of your diagnosis, treatments undergone, and its impact), you should also include a personal statement detailing how cancer has affected you personally. You can use this statement to illustrate the extent of the difficulties you are facing, both physical and mental, that are hindering you from working.
Filing For Disability In Canada
Are you seeking to file for disability benefits through your insurance provider? Or worse, has your long-term disability benefit claim been denied? In either case, you should get in touch with McIver Insurance before making your next move.
Based out of Halifax, NS, McIver Insurance understands all there is to disability claims and can offer in-depth advice as to how to best pursue your case given your current situation. If you are unable to work as a result of your cancer treatments contact us immediately.
We can help you make all the right decisions when it comes to filing for long-term disability and deal with your insurance providers on your behalf. The last thing anyone wants is a drawn-out legal battle with an insurance company. Let us handle that while you deal with what’s important; your personal health.