iAtoday

Did you know? In Canada, more than half of all people (53%) have been affected by a leave from work due to a health condition, either their own or that of someone close to them.¹

This finding comes from our exclusive Canada-wide study of individuals covered by group insurance plans, conducted in partnership with the research firm Léger.

The study examines plan members’ knowledge and perceptions of their plan, as well as their experiences with it. It also examines time off work not only from a medical perspective, but also through the lens of the human and financial impacts.

The full report will be released in November, but here’s a brief preview of some of the findings.

The multiple impacts of a medical leave

Beyond the impact on physical and mental health, a medical leave can also affect other aspects of a person’s total wellbeing and jeopardize certain life plans, including retirement.

The repercussions on mental health can be significant: 69% of people who had to take time off work reported negative effects on their mental wellbeing. The impacts can also be financial: 76% of people who took time off work reported a loss of income and had to postpone expenses, dip into their savings or even take on debt.

From protection to support

During a medical leave, access to income protection and support services can be critical. This raises an important question: Do people know about and understand the group insurance benefits that are available in the event they have to take time off work?

Download the summary sheet for a glimpse at the answers to these questions and explore the study’s key findings:

Stay tuned: the full report is coming soon

The summary sheet is only a snapshot of the study’s findings. The full report with detailed results will be released in November. Keep an eye on our communications!

¹ Source:  2026 Léger and iA Financial Group study on group insurance and retirement solutions. Online survey conducted from April 27 to May 5, 2026, among 3,001 employed Canadians aged 18 and older who are covered by a group insurance plan.