Common questions I hear from clients, answered honestly.
Getting Started
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes, completely. There is no charge and no obligation. We talk through your situation, I answer your questions, and you decide whether it makes sense to move forward. If I can’t help you, I’ll tell you that too.
How do you get paid?
My consultations and ongoing service are free. I’m compensated by the carriers through the products I place, so my advice costs you nothing out of pocket.
What happens after I book a consultation?
After you book, I’ll send you a short intake form so I can prepare. On the call, we walk through your situation and what matters most to you. From there, I put together clear recommendations and handle the application paperwork with you.
What should I prepare for our first call?
Nothing fancy. Have a rough sense of your income, any debts like a mortgage, who depends on you financially, and any coverage you already have. If you have existing policy documents, they help. If not, we’ll figure it out together.
Which provinces do you serve?
I’m licensed in six provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. I work with clients across these provinces by phone and video.
Claims and Ongoing Service
What happens if I need to make a claim?
If you ever need to make a claim, I help you through it. That’s part of what you get when you work with me. I’ll walk you through the paperwork, follow up with the carrier, and stay involved until it’s resolved.
Do you review my coverage after I buy?
Yes. Life changes, and your coverage should keep up. I review your policies with you regularly so nothing falls out of date, and if something needs adjusting, we handle it together.
What if my business grows or my family situation changes?
That’s exactly when you should call me. A growing business, a new baby, a bigger mortgage, any big change means your needs have changed. I’ll reassess your coverage and update your plan so it still fits your life.
Life Insurance Basics
How much life insurance do I need?
A common starting point is 10 to 12 times your annual income, then add debts like your mortgage and subtract what you’ve already saved or insured. The right number depends on your family, your lifestyle, and your goals. On our call, I’ll walk you through the math so the amount makes sense for you.
What is the difference between term and whole life?
Term life covers you for a set period, like 10 or 20 years, at a lower cost. It’s built for temporary needs like a mortgage or raising kids. Whole life covers you for life and builds cash value, but it costs more. Which one fits depends on what you’re protecting and for how long.
Can I get coverage if I have health issues?
Often, yes. Having a health condition doesn’t automatically mean no coverage. Some carriers are more flexible with certain conditions than others, and there are guaranteed options if standard coverage isn’t available. Tell me about your situation and I’ll tell you honestly what’s possible.
What is children’s 20-pay whole life?
It’s a permanent policy for a child where premiums are fully paid in 20 years, and the coverage lasts for their lifetime. It locks in insurability while they’re young and builds cash value over time. Many parents set it up as a financial head start.
Disability Insurance Basics
What is disability insurance and do I need it?
Disability insurance replaces part of your income if an illness or injury keeps you from working. If you depend on your income, and most of us do, it’s one of the most important protections you can own. A disabling illness or injury during your working years is more common than most people think.
What does own-occupation mean?
Own-occupation means the policy pays if you can’t do the specific work you do, like practicing dentistry or running your business, even if you could do other work. It’s the strongest definition of disability for professionals and business owners, and it’s what I recommend when it’s available.
How much disability coverage can I get?
It depends on your income. Carriers typically let you insure a percentage of your earnings, up to limits that vary by carrier and occupation. I’ll calculate the maximum you qualify for and make sure the benefit is enough to protect your lifestyle.
Employee Benefits
How many employees do I need for a group plan?
You can start a group benefits plan with as few as two or three employees, depending on the carrier. Plans for small businesses are very common. If you’re a one-person company, a health spending account is often the better fit.
What does a group benefits plan usually include?
Most plans include extended health, dental, and drug coverage, plus life and disability coverage for your team. Many also add an employee assistance program and travel coverage. I’ll design the plan around your budget and what matters most to your people.
Can a one-person company get a health spending account?
Yes. A health spending account lets an incorporated one-person business pay for medical and dental expenses through the company in a tax-efficient way. It’s one of the simplest ways for a solo owner to get health benefits without a full group plan.
Private Health Care / VUMI
What is VUMI Prestige VIP?
VUMI Prestige VIP is a private international health insurance plan that gives you access to top hospitals and specialists around the world, including in the US. It’s designed for executives, business owners, and families who want care on their terms without waiting. I can walk you through the plan levels and what each covers.
How much does private international health insurance cost?
Premiums depend on your age, the plan level you choose, and your group size. I provide exact quotes after a short conversation about your needs, so you’ll know the real number before you decide anything.
Can my company offer VUMI to executives?
Yes. Many companies offer VUMI as an executive benefit, either alongside a group plan or on its own. It’s a strong retention tool for key people. I’ll help you structure it for your company and get exact pricing.
Privacy and Security
Is my information kept private?
Absolutely. Everything you share with me stays between us. I never sell or share your information, and it’s only used to get you the coverage you need.
Is the online intake form secure?
Yes. The intake form uses secure, encrypted transmission, and the details go only to me so I can prepare for our conversation.