Understanding your Desjardins group insurance coverage is the first step to protecting your income and benefits.
If you’re covered through your employer, your plan may include important protections like:
- Long-term disability (LTD)
- Short-term disability (STD)
- Health and dental benefits
- Life insurance
But when it comes time to make a claim, many employees are left with more questions than answers.
This guide explains how Desjardins group insurance works — and what to do if you run into problems with your benefits.
What Is Desjardins Group Insurance?
Desjardins group insurance is a benefits plan provided through your employer.
Instead of purchasing insurance on your own, your workplace offers coverage as part of your compensation package.
Depending on your plan, your coverage may include:
- Income protection if you’re unable to work
- Medical and prescription coverage
- Mental health support
- Life and accidental death insurance
How Do Desjardins Group Insurance Claims Work?
To access your benefits, you typically need to submit a claim through Desjardins.
This process often involves:
- Completing claim forms
- Providing medical documentation from your doctor
- Meeting the eligibility requirements under your policy
- Ongoing updates about your condition
Even if your doctor supports your claim, approval is not automatic.
Insurance companies — including Desjardins — may:
- Request additional medical information
- Conduct ongoing reviews of your condition
- Reassess your eligibility over time
What Types of Benefits Are Included?
Most Desjardins group insurance plans include several key benefit types:
Short-Term Disability (STD)
Provides income replacement for a limited period (often weeks to a few months).
Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Provides longer-term income support if you’re unable to return to work.
Health and Dental Benefits
Covers medical expenses such as:
- Prescription drugs
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Therapy and rehabilitation
Life Insurance
Provides financial support to your beneficiaries in the event of your death.
Common Problems With Desjardins Group Insurance Claims
Many employees assume their benefits will be straightforward to access.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Common issues include:
- Claim delays
- Requests for excessive medical documentation
- Benefit payments being stopped or reduced
- Claims being denied despite medical support
- Sudden reassessments after a period of approval
What Happens If Your Disability Claim Is Denied?
If your short-term or long-term disability claim is denied, you still have options.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to:
- Appeal the decision internally
- File a complaint through Desjardins
- Escalate your case to the ombudsman
- Take legal action to recover your benefits
How to File a Complaint With Desjardins
If you’re having issues with your claim, you can file a complaint through Desjardins’ internal process.
This may involve:
- Submitting a formal complaint
- Escalating to a claims manager
- Contacting the Desjardins ombudsman
When Should You Speak to a Disability Lawyer?
You don’t have to wait for a denial to get help.
It may be worth speaking with a disability lawyer if:
- Your claim is delayed
- You’re being asked for repeated medical updates
- Your benefits have been cut off
- You’re unsure about your next steps
A consultation can help you understand where you stand — and what options are available.
Key Takeaways
- Desjardins group insurance provides important workplace benefits, including disability coverage
- Claims require medical evidence and ongoing review
- Delays, denials, and reassessments are common
- You have options if your claim is denied or mishandled
Speak to a Disability Lawyer About Your Desjardins Claim
If you’re dealing with issues related to your Desjardins group insurance — including delays, denials, or ongoing reassessments — it may help to get clear answers about your situation.
A disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you understand:
- Whether your claim is being handled fairly
- What your options are moving forward
- What steps you can take to protect your benefits
There’s no cost to speak with our team.
Disclaimer: This guide was created by Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. It is an independent resource designed to help individuals understand their insurance rights and the appeals process. It is not produced by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Desjardins or any other insurance provider.