More Canadians on disability manage multiple chronic illnesses, complicating return-to-work efforts
Plan members on long-term disability (LTD) are nearly three times more likely to be managing diabetes on top of their primary condition—and the majority are dealing with more than one chronic illness, according to Sun Life’s latest Designed for Health report.
The data, based on over 1.5 million Canadians with disability insurance, reveals a significant overlap in health conditions.
LTD claimants are twice as likely to be using chronic disease drugs for a secondary condition, and three times more likely to be treating two or more conditions alongside their main diagnosis.
Diabetes, in particular, has become a common thread across LTD claims, with a 30 percent rise in drug claims between 2019 and 2023 across all plan members.
Mental disorders remain the top driver of LTD claims, accounting for nearly 40 percent in 2024.
Adjustment and anxiety-related disorders have overtaken depression as the dominant mental health conditions cited, with depression and anxiety diagnoses rising 33 percent and 50 percent respectively since pre-2020, according to public health data.
These trends reflect a growing burden of societal stressors, including climate anxiety, inflation, and shifting workplace demands.
Sun Life’s analysis links comorbidities to extended recovery times, with multiple overlapping conditions making disease management more complex and return-to-work efforts more difficult.
“The road to recovery looks different for everyone,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, senior vice-president, Sun Life Health.
She emphasized the importance of looking at the full picture—from comorbidities to personal stressors—when helping an employee return to health in order to create the right treatment plan.
The report also highlights the rising trend of cancer and circulatory claims, particularly among younger employees under 50.
After an initial drop during the early stages of the pandemic, cancer claims are now increasing, with breast and colon cancers showing the sharpest growth.
Sun Life attributes these trends to lifestyle and environmental factors, including rising obesity rates.
To help manage this complexity, Sun Life offers targeted support tools such as its Psychosocial Questionnaire, which helps case managers identify early signs of case complexity.
Medical Confidence, delivered in partnership with Kii Health, cuts wait times for specialist care by an average of 317 days.
Pharmacogenomic testing is also available to help members find the most effective treatment more quickly, reducing delays caused by trial-and-error prescriptions.
“Long-term disability claims are often complex and our data tells us that Canadians, more than ever, are struggling when it comes to their health and well-being,” said Côté.
She noted that managing multiple chronic conditions can be particularly challenging and requires a holistic, comprehensive approach to recovery.
