I never thought I would be diagnosed with cancer.
I feel like my life is on pause.
I wonder how my employer will support me.
The compelling benefits of integrated coverage
Combining short-term and long-term disability, hospital/critical illness/cancer supplemental health and stop loss insurance coverages with Sun Life creates a comprehensive safety net that can help improve both health and cost outcomes, while delivering benefits more easily.
- Improved healthcare access
- Earlier clinical interventions
- Integrated claims
- Proactive cost management
Member cancer journey
I know a second opinion may help me understand some of what I'm being told.
Sun Life may offer me an Expert Cancer Review or support through Health Navigator – and I can engage these resources at any time, which is comforting.
I am confident I am making an informed decision and can begin treatment.
Sun Life Health Navigator can help me with:
- Gathering medical records
- Expert second medical opinion
- Assessing diagnosis and treatment plan
- Appointment scheduling
- Physician meeting preparation
I have income replacement so I can focus on recovery.
I learned that:
- I can file a Short-Term Disability claim if I need to take time off from work.
- If I forget my Critical Illness claim, Sun Life will initiate it for me.
I’m advised to schedule regular dental cleanings to avoid infections.
I hadn't thought about the connection between oral health and the rest of my body.
I'm seeking support to manage my diagnosis.
I may call my EAP for mental health support.
Top high-cost claim condition
Solid cancers rank #1 for both Sun Life stop-loss reimbursements and total spend.
62% of Sun Life stop-loss clients are likely to have a cancer-related high-cost claim in a given benefit year. 2
Increasing diagnosis rate
Over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2026.3
#5 reason for Short-Term Disability claims and the #2 reason for Long-Term Disability claims.4
#1 (invasive) and #2 (in situ) reason for Critical Illness claims.4
Rising treatment costs
Cancer drugs account for 7 of the top 10 highest cost injectable drugs in Sun Life's data. 2
Overall oncology spend is estimated to exceed $246 billion per year by 2030 in the U.S. 3
A critical connection to oral health
About 33% of people undergoing cancer treatment develop oral complications.
Cancer treatment can weaken the body's ability to fight infections, including those in the mouth.
Cancer and benefits
The power of a second opinion
Sun Life's Expert Cancer Review (ECR) is a powerful new solution included with stop-loss policies to support our self-funded clients and their employees facing cancer diagnoses.5
- RESEARCH PAPER: Second Opinions Series – Cancer
Our integrated solutions mean that we remind eligible members about Expert Cancer Review when they file a cancer-related disability or critical illness or cancer claim with us.
Early onset cancer and work
More employees under age 50 are facing--and surviving--cancer during their careers. Watch this panel discussion that features Dr. Leah Biller of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and one of Boston’s Top Doctors of 2024.
Our integrated solutions mean that we initiate or auto-pay Supplemental Health claims when we receive a Sun Life claim for Short-Term Disability or Stop-Loss claim for cancer.
11 of the top 20 costliest injectable drugs are used to treat cancer
Early detection and treatment confirmation have a big
impact on improving outcomes. Read about cancer trends, high cost claims and injectable drugs and ways employers can support their employee population.
Wellness Benefits to help identify cancer earlier
Supplemental Health plans in many states offer Wellness Benefits that pay a once annual benefit to encourage preventative screenings. Benefits can be paid for mammogram, pap smear, colorectal, prostate and skin cancer screenings, and dental cleanings that also help detect oral cancer.
1. Siegel RL, Kratzer TB, Wagle NS, Sung H, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2026 . CA Cancer J Clin. 2026 Jan-Feb;76(1):e70043. doi: 10.3322/caac.70043. PMID: 41528114; PMCID: PMC12798275
2. Sun Life stop-loss book of business
3. American Cancer Society (1, 2, 3).
4. Sun Life 2024 internal claims data. Disability excludes pregnancy.
5. ECR availability may vary for certain types of Sun Life Clients.
Expert Cancer Review services are available to employees and dependents covered under the medical plan who have been diagnosed with cancer or who are currently undergoing cancer treatment. Expert Cancer Review is provided by PinnacleCare. PinnacleCare is a member of the Sun Life Financial Inc. (“Sun Life”) family of companies. PinnacleCare and its employees do not diagnose medical conditions, recommend treatment options or provide medical care, and any information or services provided should not be considered medical advice. Any medical decisions should be made only after consultation with and at the direction of the member’s medical provider. Any person or entity who provides health care services following a referral or other service provided does so independently and not as an agent or representative of PinnacleCare.
Health Navigator as a value add or standalone service is also provided by PinnacleCare. It is not insurance and as a value add service, is offered only on specific lines of coverage in certain states and specifically not available in New York and Washington.
Sun Life reserves the right to discontinue the value add service at any time. Not available in all states. Not available in New York, Vermont, and Washington. Employers who provide group insurance coverage and make available value-added services within an I.R.C. Section 125 cafeteria plan should consult a tax professional to determine whether those services are Qualified Benefits for Section 125 plans.
Group stop-loss insurance policies are underwritten by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, MA) in all states, except New York. In New York, Group stop-loss insurance policies are underwritten by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, MI).
Group insurance policies are underwritten by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, MA) in all states except New York. In New York, group insurance policies are underwritten by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, MI). Product offerings may not be available in all states and may vary depending on state laws and regulations.
© 2026 Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. All rights reserved. The Sun Life name and logo are trademarks of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us.
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