Question about Sun Life LTD “own occupation” period timing (Canada)

Disability Insurance
1

I’m trying to clarify how the 24-month “own occupation” period is calculated under a Sun Life group LTD policy.

Here are the key details from my situation:

•    My policy states the relevant period is **“the first 24 months that benefits are payable.”**

•    There is a **17-week elimination period** before LTD begins.

•    During that elimination period, I received **STD benefits from a different insurer**.

•    I then had to **re-qualify separately for Sun Life LTD**, which was approved afterward.

My understanding is that:

•    STD and LTD are separate benefits (especially since they were through different insurers), and

•    The wording seems to tie the 24-month “own occupation” period to when **LTD benefits actually begin**, not when STD or the initial disability started.

However, I’ve heard some people say insurers sometimes try to count from the original disability date, including STD.

Has anyone dealt with this specifically with Sun Life (or similar policies)?

Do they calculate the 24 months from:

1\.    The start of LTD payments, or

2\.    The initial disability/STD date?

Would really appreciate any real-world experiences or insight before I push back formally.

2

Everyone I know on Sun Life had the two year own occupation start when LTD started not when STD started, even when Sun Life was the STD admistrator.

Edit: EVERY single Sun Life LTD contract I have ever read states the the 24 months starts after the elimination period (which is usually the same length as the STD)

1 Like
3

I am with Manulife and same situation. STD with employer for first 17 weeks, then Manulife. Manulife is trying to tell me the definition of total disability is when the STD starts…they include the qualifying period. If I need to I will push back as the STD does not define total disability and the rehab benefits are 24 months or until own occ. ends–so 2 years right! I did get a copy of the master plan -policy wording.