Life Insurance Considerations for Ontario Autism Families

Lifetime support costs vary substantially with support needs, available services, family care, and benefits. This page does not publish a planning total without a current Ontario-specific, claim-level source.

Life insurance can help fund a Henson Trust when savings are not enough. The right amount depends on the child's needs, existing savings, RDSP balance, and who may provide care.

Term insurance covers a fixed period. It usually costs less than permanent insurance, but it ends when the term ends.

Permanent insurance can provide lifelong coverage and may build cash value. It often costs more, so families should compare policy illustrations, guarantees, fees, and exclusions.

Ask for multiple written, like-for-like quotes from licensed advisers. Compare coverage amount, term, health class, renewal rules, commissions, and beneficiary wording.

Never name the autistic child as the direct beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Direct proceeds would count as the child's asset and could disqualify them from ODSP. Instead, name the estate as beneficiary and ensure the will directs the proceeds into the Henson Trust — or name the Henson Trust directly as beneficiary if it is an inter vivos trust.

Joint last-to-die policies (which pay out when the second parent dies) are often appropriate for autism families. These policies are less expensive than individual policies and align with the timing of when the child will actually need trust funding — typically after both parents have died.