Health, dental, life and disability coverage through work usually ends with the job, and the next employer's plan may not start right away. This page explains what to check so you do not get caught in a gap.
Coverage through an employer generally ends on or shortly after your last day. A gap can be costly: until new coverage starts, medical and dental bills are yours to pay.
A new employer's plan often begins after a waiting period, sometimes a few months. To bridge the gap, people look at a spouse or partner's plan (ask about the deadline to enrol after losing coverage), a short-term or individual health plan, and travel insurance if they will be away from home. See our group benefits page for how group plans work.
Life, disability and critical illness policies you own yourself do not end when you change jobs. If you relied only on group coverage, it helps to list what would end and what is left. Our disability income gap and life insurance needs calculators can help you see the size of the gap.
Whether benefits continue during a severance period depends on the employer and your agreement or the law, so ask in writing. If you are starting a business or working for yourself, you will not automatically have group benefits. See our page on starting a business.
Usually on or shortly after your last day of work. Ask your plan administrator for the exact date for each coverage, and whether you can submit claims after you leave.
A right to switch group coverage to a personal policy without new health questions, usually within a short deadline after your coverage ends. Ask what the personal policy would cover and cost before the deadline.
You lose group life insurance, usually. A personal policy you own stays in place as long as you keep paying for it.
Often, but usually only within a deadline after you lose your own coverage. Ask your spouse or partner's plan administrator.
Not always. Many plans start after a waiting period. Ask the new employer when each coverage begins so you can plan for the gap.
General information, not advice or a recommendation. Rules differ by province and by insurer, so confirm with your insurer or a licensed advisor. This page was last checked in November 2026.