Sangeeta works full time as a bookkeeper at a technology company. Her husband Nav is the owner/operator of a landscaping business. They have two children aged 6 and 8 who are looked after by Nav’s parents twice a week and attend daycare on the other three days. Having outgrown their condo, they recently purchased a larger townhome. Sangeeta has an employee benefits plan through her company that covers Nav and the children for their health, dental and vision expenses.

When Nav is diagnosed with cancer it comes as a shock to the family, but his prognosis is good to make a full recovery. Their doctor estimates he will need six to nine months of time off work to undergo treatment and get back to full health. Sangeeta will also see a reduction in income as she switches to part-time hours to help care for Nav and their children. Sangeeta’s benefits package only provides disability for her, so Nav does not have any income support while he is off work.

Sangeeta’s story is not unique. It represents a very real challenge faced by people across our province every day. Would you be prepared if this happened to you or your family? In Canada, government healthcare typically covers most medical costs, however a serious illness could still end up costing you out-of-pocket due to a loss of, or reduction in, your regular income.