EI sickness benefits are temporary
For 2026, eligible EI sickness claimants can receive up to 26 weeks at 55% of insurable earnings, subject to a weekly maximum of $729. Employer benefits may add to or replace part of that support.
That can be meaningful, but it may not match your take-home income or the duration of a long disability.
WSIB begins with a work connection
WSIB loss-of-earnings benefits are for an approved work-related injury or illness. A disabling cancer diagnosis, mental-health condition or accident away from work may fall outside that starting point.
Coverage, eligibility and offsets are not interchangeable across EI, WSIB, employer plans and private contracts.
Map the gap before buying
Review your employer plan, waiting periods, definitions of disability, benefit duration, taxable treatment and existing savings. Then compare the monthly shortfall and how long you could carry it.
If existing benefits and savings already cover the risk comfortably, additional insurance may not be necessary.
Official sources
This is general educational content, not a recommendation of a product or amount for a particular person. The answer changes with the contract, need, finances and health.