Articles of General Interest
 

• Buying a Home
  Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. So when it comes time to signing on the dotted line, make sure you don't make that decision alone. (Source: The Chronicle-Herald-Halifax)

• Insurance Can Speak the Language of Love, too
  What is a romantic gift? Ask your dear one about the appeal of a gift that brings peace of mind, stress relief, and a measure of income security; chances are, you'll be told that such a gift is most thoughtful and caring indeed.(Source: The Evening News (New Glasgow))

• Be sure to name beneficiaries
  Q: My partner and I have been together for four years. We recently had our wills prepared. We have left each other an amount of money out of our respective RRSPs. If my RRSPs are with a major financial institution and are left to estate as the beneficiary, will my partner still be able to get his amount tax free?

• Life insurance basics explained
  A lot of people have been asking me lately about life insurance. Specifically, they want to know how to determine their need for insurance, the best mixture of term insurance versus permanent, and what all the different names for permanent insurance mean.

• Firms need life insurance too
  Last week, we talked about how to calculate life insurance needs for a family breadwinner. Have you done your calculation?

• Taking the Time to Read Your Insurance Policy
  It's important to read your insurance policy thoroughly. Some things - like the definition of disability and the way in which death benefits are paid out - may vary from one policy to another.

• Protection for Policyholders
  Do you have life and health insurance? If so, you're likely covered by Assuris. Read this article to find out more.

• Insurance and Financial Security at Retirement: Think Ahead!
  We often forget that life and health insurance play a key role in financial planning for retirement. Think ahead! You have everything to gain. 
   

Health and Disability Insurance
 

• Protect your RRSP with insurance
  Advertising and media attention for Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) hits a fever pitch during the months of January and February.
  
  
• How to Determine Your Personal Insurance Needs?
  Tips to help you analyze your situation and define your needs before buying an individual insurance product.

•  Personal Insurance Glossary
  This article describes the three main types of life insurance (Whole, Term, and Universal) as well as the various health coverage options, to help you navigate the world of individual insurance!

• Health and Disability Insurance Glossary
  Definitions of some key terms: illness, malaise, ailment, health insurance, disability, disability insurance, premium and benefit, to help you navigate the world of health and disability insurance!

• Protection from the Financial Risks of Poor Health or Disability
  Life expectancy is on the rise, but poor health and disability are still a concern. How are you protected in the event of such risks?

• Health Insurance Products for Your Financial Well-Being
  Description of individual and group health insurance products that protect you from financial problems in the event of illness or disability.

• What is a Disability?
  What is a disability? The exact definition may vary from one policy to another. This article defines the key notions of "own occupation", "any occupation", and "total disability".

• Disability Insurance: A Multi-Faceted Product
  This article outlines the main types of disability coverage found on the market.

• Bouncing Back After a Serious Illness
  This article outlines three types of critical illness coverage available at Desjardins Financial Security.

• Health Care for Individuals
  Introduction to Solo Health, individual health insurance that provides coverage similar to group plans, including prescription drug, health care, and dental care benefits.
   

Life Insurance
 

• Insure your Lifestyle Stays on Track, just the Way you Planned it
  You have plans and that's good. Plans for your life as it is today and as you want it to be in the future. Plans for enjoying the retirement of your dreams. But what would happen if you were suddenly thrown off track by an accident or serious illness? (Source: The Guardian (Charlottetown))

• Managing your money - Insurance good choice to fund child's education
  Here's a quick quiz for parents and grandparents - how much will it cost to get your children or grandkids the post-secondary education that will give them the best start in life?

• Insure for right reasons, amount
  Over the last month, we have talked about life insurance, the types of personal and business situations that give rise to a need for insurance, and the differences between term and permanent insurance.
  
  
• Wise choices can set your mind at ease
  Most of us have life insurance - and if we don't, we should certainly think about putting some in place.
  
  
• Pay Less... Be Rewarded for a Healthy Lifestyle
  If you are in good health, lead a healthy lifestyle, and have no family history of critical illness, you could be paying less for your life insurance.

• Life Insurance: Why and How?
  Should I buy life insurance or invest the premium amount? How do I go about assessing my situation and needs? How do I choose an insurer and a product? This article explores the answers.

• A Few Life Insurance Terms
  In the world of insurance, every word counts. To make sure you know your rights as a consumer, it's worth learning some basic insurance vocabulary.

• How to Determine Your Personal Insurance Needs?
  Tips to help you analyze your situation and define your needs before buying an individual insurance product.

• Making a Gift of Your Life Insurance
  Do you want to lend support to a charity that is important to you and give a substantial amount of money? With planned giving, you can do this and benefit from significant tax advantages.

• Designating a Beneficiary
  Designating a beneficiary is an important step, since this is the person who will be paid the insurance amount when the insured dies. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

• Renewals and Conversions
  Did you know you can renew or even convert your term life insurance into permanent insurance without having to provide evidence of insurability? Read this article to find out more.

• Should I Keep my Life Insurance in Force?
  Are you wondering whether to hold on to your life insurance policy? Here are a few things to consider before you decide.

• What You Should Know About Universal Life
  Universal Life Insurance differs from other products because of its great flexibility. Read about its main features: insurance and investment components, flexible premiums and tax-free savings.

• Personal Insurance Glossary
  This article describes the three main types of life insurance (Whole, Term, and Universal) as well as the various health coverage options, to help you navigate the world of individual insurance!
   

Loan Insurance
 

• A Small Loan Insurance Glossary
  This article defines a few key loan insurance terms: insurability report, distribution guide, insurance certificate, pre-existing illnesses or injuries, etc.

• Home Ownership: Dream, Debt or Financial Security?
  Your own home! You've been dreaming about it for a long time and have worked it all out. But how do you safeguard your financial security in the event of death or disability?
   

Travel Insurance
 

• Travel Insurance Glossary
  Overview of Travel Insurance and the travel assistance service, which is available 24 hours a day.

• Remember to Pack Your Travel Insurance this Summer!
  For peace of mind when you travel outside your province or abroad, take advantage of the many types of travel coverage available, including health care, baggage and cancellation insurance.

• Travellers: A Word to the Wise!
  Each year, thousands of Canadian travellers are affected by travel mishaps that include getting sick, having to be hospitalized, and losing luggage. Protect yourself with travel insurance.

• The ABCs of Travel Insurance
  Travel Insurance: information on exclusions and the evidence of insurability questionnaire.

• What Does a Travel Assistance Service Do?
  Description of the travel assistance service, which travellers can use during or even before a trip.