Why Self-Employed and Blue-Collar Workers in Ontario Need Accident and Sickness Insurance

If you’re self-employed or work in a physically demanding trade, you already know how much your income depends on your ability to work. A single injury or illness can stop you from earning — sometimes for weeks or months. Unlike employees, you don’t have an HR department, sick leave, or group disability plan to fall back on.

That’s why accident and sickness insurance is one of the most important safety nets for independent contractors, skilled tradespeople, truck drivers, delivery workers, and anyone who earns a living through hands-on work.

1. Your income is your greatest asset

When you’re self-employed, your most valuable business tool isn’t your truck, your tools, or your contracts — it’s you. If you can’t work, the bills don’t stop. Accident and sickness insurance replaces part of your income if you’re hurt or sick and unable to work, so you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about how to pay your mortgage or groceries.

2. WSIB doesn’t automatically cover you

Many self-employed workers in Ontario believe WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) will protect them, but that’s not always true. WSIB coverage is optional for independent operators in most industries, and even when you have it, it usually only covers workplace accidents — not illnesses or injuries that happen off the job.

Accident and sickness insurance can fill that gap by providing 24/7 coverage in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, whether you’re at work, at home, or on vacation.

3. Coverage that fits your budget

Modern accident and sickness insurance plans are customizable and affordable. You can choose benefit levels and waiting periods that match your budget and your family’s needs. For example, a construction contractor might want higher coverage and a shorter waiting period, while a delivery driver might prefer a lower monthly cost with longer waiting time before benefits begin.

4. Lifetime protection for common injuries

Soft-tissue injuries like back strains, ligament damage, or concussions are some of the most common reasons people can’t work. Many policies only pay for these injuries for a short time — sometimes as little as 60 days. Quality accident and sickness coverage can provide lifetime benefits for these conditions, giving you long-term peace of mind.

5. Predictable, reliable payouts

When you make a claim, accident and sickness insurance pays a fixed benefit amount, regardless of other money you might receive (like WSIB or a court settlement). That means no complicated offsets or “top-ups” — just a clear, predictable payment to help keep your income steady while you recover.

6. Guaranteed renewable to age 65 and beyond

As long as you keep working full-time, you can renew your coverage each year until age 65, with options to continue modified protection until age 80. That’s long-term security designed for people who plan to keep working with their hands for decades.

Tired of reading? Click here to learn how to protect your income in seven minutes.

Accident and sickness insurance gives Ontario’s self-employed and blue-collar professionals the financial backup they deserve. It’s not just about replacing income — it’s about protecting your lifestyle, your family, and the business you’ve built with your own hands.