In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, professionals face unique challenges that can impact their ability to work. As a healthcare worker, you play a vital role in ensuring that hospitals run smoothly and that patients receive the care they need, but have you considered what would happen if you could no longer fulfill your role due to a disability? This is where Long-Term Disability coverage becomes essential. According to Statistics Canada, the rate of disability in Canada increased from 2017 to 2022. New findings from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) showed that 27% of Canadians aged 15 years and older, or 8.0 million people, had one or more disabilities that limited them in their daily activities. By comparison, 22% of Canadians, or 6.2 million people, had one or more disabilities in 2017. [1] What is Long-Term Disability Insurance? Long-Term Disability insurance provides financial support when you are unable to work due to a serious illness or injury. Unlike Short-Term Disability coverage, which typically covers a limited timeframe, LTD benefits can last for years, often until retirement age. This means that in the event of an unexpected health crisis, you can focus on recovery rather than worrying about your financial stability. Why is LTD Coverage Important for Part-Time and Casual Hospital Employees? Increased risk of financial instability: Part-time and casual workers often rely on multiple income streams. If an unexpected health issue arises, being unable to work even one of those jobs can create significant financial strain. LTD insurance can help bridge this gap, providing steady income during tough times. Inherent risks of the profession: Healthcare professionals often face physical demands that can leads to injuries. Things like lifting patients, long hours on your feet, and exposure to various health risks are all part of the job. A back injury or chronic condition can leave you vulnerable to perform essential functions, making LTD coverage crucial. Limited employer benefits: Many part-time and casual positions may not offer comprehensive benefits packages. While full-time employees often have access to health insurance, retirement plans, and disability coverage, part-time staff may not have these protections. Investing in your own LTD coverage can help fill this void. Choosing the Right Coverage When considering Long-Term Disability insurance, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Here are some factors to keep in mind: Understand your employer’s offerings: Check if your hospital offers group LTD plans. Sometimes, part-time employees may qualify for certain benefits, so it’s worth exploring. Evaluate coverage amount: Look for a policy that will replace a significant portion of your income – ideally around 60-70% - to help you maintain your standard of living. Consider the elimination period : This is the time you must wait before benefits kick in. Shorter periods may come with higher premiums but can provide quicker financial relief.  Check the definition of Disability: Policies can differ in how they define disability. Make sure you understand whether the policy covers partial disabilities or if you must be entirely unable to work. Long-Term Disability coverage is an important safety net for part-time and casual hospital employees. In a profession marked by unpredictability and physical demands, having this protection can make a significant difference in your financial security and peace of mind. Investing in LTD insurance is not just about protecting your income; it’s about ensuring that you can continue to care for yourself and those around you without the added burden of financial stress. Health Care Providers Group Insurance Plan has options that can make a significant difference. With HCP’s Signature Package or Supreme Package, eligible part-time and casual employees have access to LTD coverage of $1000 per month in addition to Life Insurance ($10,000) and Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment Insurance ($25,000). Don’t wait for the unexpected - visit healthcareproviders.ca or call 1-866-768-1477 to explore your options and secure your future today. [1] https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/5980-disability-rate-canada-increased-2022

Traveling can be one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it can also come with its fair share of bumps along the way. Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach, exploring a busy city, or setting off on a big adventure, things don’t always go as planned. That’s where travel insurance becomes a crucial part of your plans. It’s like having a backup plan that helps protect you if something unexpected pops up and you need to cancel or cut your trip short. Without travel insurance, you could be left bearing the brunt of non-refundable costs, which can quickly add up and derail your travel plans. Protection Against Unforeseen Events Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, despite careful planning, events arise that are beyond our control. Medical emergencies, sudden illness, or unexpected family emergencies are just a few scenarios where travel insurance proves invaluable. If you have to cancel your trip because of these reasons, your insurance can help recover your non-refundable expenses, such as flights and accommodation. Financial Security Traveling often involves substantial financial commitments, from booking flights and accommodations to securing tours and activities. When plans go awry, you risk losing all that money if you haven’t purchased trip cancellation insurance. This financial protection can safeguard you against these losses, ensuring that you don’t face a significant financial setback due to circumstances beyond your control. Peace of Mind The peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered in case of an emergency can’t be denied. The thought cutting a trip short or losing money because of an unexpected situation can be distressing. With travel insurance, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you have a safety net in place if things don’t go as planned. Coverage for a Range of Situations  Travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical emergencies. Many policies offer a range of protections that include trip interruptions, delays and even certain types of travel disruptions. For instance, if your flight is delayed, or you need to cut your trip short due to an urgent situation, your insurance might cover additional costs such as accommodation and meals. This comprehensive coverage ensures that you’re protected against a wide array of travel-related issues. Benefits Beyond Cancellation In addition to cancellation protection, many trip insurance policies offer coverage for other potential issues, such as lost or stolen luggage, travel delays, and emergency medical expenses. These benefits can be especially valuable in foreign countries where medical care and unexpected expenses can be significantly more expensive than at home. Fortunately, with Health Care Providers Group Insurance Plan’s Supreme and Standard packages, you’re covered with a travel benefit* of $1,000,000 per year and trip cancellation** of $5,000 per trip. Easy access to emergency travel assistance is also at your fingertips with CanAssistance, included in all HCP health plans. In addition to support in a medical emergency, CanAssistance provides pre-travel assistance including travel advice and advisories from the Canadian government, as well as general help if a passport or another important document is lost or stolen. There’s even assistance if baggage is lost or delayed. Ultimately, this type of insurance isn’t just about covering potential losses; it’s about enjoying your well-deserved vacation time with peace of mind. By having a safety net in place, you’re not only protecting your financial investment but also ensuring that you can handle unexpected situations with confidence. The added security allows you to focus on what truly matters – making the most of your trip and creating unforgettable memories. So, before you set off on your next adventure, consider how trip insurance can turn travel uncertainties into manageable bumps in the road, letting you relax and enjoy your journey! *Travel Benefit: Out of province/out of country emergency medical services up to 60 days for each trip; dollar maximum is per calendar year regardless of the number of trips. **Trip Cancellation: Per covered person, per trip included in the overall maximum out of province/out of country.