Insurance Companies in BC

If you’re dealing with a long-term disability (LTD) claim in British Columbia, knowing which insurance companies in BC handle disability benefits can make a real difference — especially if your claim is delayed, denied, or cut off.

Below is a current list of the major BC insurance companies that issue or administer long-term disability insurance policies, followed by what you should know if an insurer refuses to pay.

What Is an Insurance Company in BC?

An insurance company in BC is a regulated financial institution that sells and administers insurance policies to individuals and businesses across British Columbia.

Many BC insurance companies offer multiple types of coverage, including:

• Long-term disability (LTD) insurance
• Short-term disability (STD) insurance
• Life insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Mortgage and creditor insurance

While disability insurance is often provided through workplace benefit plans, the insurance company — not your employer — ultimately decides whether your LTD claim is approved or denied.

How Do Insurance Companies in BC Make Money?

Insurance companies earn revenue by:

• Charging premiums for insurance policies
• Investing premium funds
• Limiting payouts where possible

In the disability context, this often means strict scrutiny of LTD claims, including:

• Questioning medical evidence
• Arguing you can work in another job
• Relying on policy definitions like “any occupation”

What Should You Do If an Insurance Company Denies Your LTD Claim in BC?

If an insurance company in BC denies or cuts off your long-term disability benefits, do not assume the decision is final.

Insurers often encourage claimants to use their internal appeal process, but appeals frequently result in the same denial — especially without legal representation.

If your LTD claim is denied, speaking with a disability lawyer in British Columbia as early as possible can protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes.

List of Long-Term Disability Insurance Companies in BC

The following BC insurance companies are among the largest and most common LTD insurers affecting workers in British Columbia:

• Beneva (formerly SSQ and La Capitale)
• Blue Cross
• Canada Life
• Cigna
• The Co-operators
• CUMIS
• Desjardins Insurance
• Edge Benefits (BeniPlus)
• Empire Life
• Equitable Life
• Fenchurch General
• First Canadian
• Humania
• Industrial Alliance
• Knights of Columbus
• Manulife
• National Bank Insurance
• RBC Insurance
• SISIP
• Sun Life
• Wawanesa Life

Each insurer has its own policy wording, definitions of disability, and claim-handling practices, which is why outcomes can vary widely.

Key Takeaways About Insurance Companies in BC

• Many insurance companies in BC offer LTD coverage through workplace plans
• Approval depends on policy wording, not just your diagnosis
• Denials are common — even for legitimate disabilities
• Internal appeals often favour the insurer
• Early legal advice can significantly improve outcomes

Free Consultation: Disability Insurance Issues in BC

If you’re struggling with an LTD claim involving one of these BC insurance companies, you don’t have to deal with the insurer alone.