RBC Insurance, in partnership with The Edge Benefits Inc., today announced the launch of The Edge Critical Illness Plan for clients. The plan provides simplified and enhanced coverage options for invividuals diagnosed with a critical illness.

The plan is offered as an individual insurance policy and ensures base coverage when the applicant satisfies nine qualifying questions, without the requirement of a medical examination. Clients are free to choose the type of coverage that best suits their own individual needs.

The nine covered conditions are: cancer; heart attack; stroke; coronary artery bypass surgery; major organ transplant; occupational HIV; kidney failure; aortic surgery; heart valve replacement.

“The plan helps protect Canadians and their families against the significant financial burden of lost income and medical expenses as a result of critical illness,” said John Young, president and CEO of RBC Life Insurance Co., in a release. “With easier qualification and increased flexibility for our base and builder coverage, clients can focus on recovery from their illness while receiving financial assistance in meeting the additional costs.”

The plan also features an early diagnosis benefit, where 10% of the benefit is paid for early diagnosis of breast cancer, or early diagnosis of prostate cancer (payment of this benefit does not reduce critical illness amount).

Other features include the return of premium on death, and optional coverage that may supplement base coverage.