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3 Of the 2014 total purchases in Newfoundland and Labrador, 63% of new life insurance protection was bought on an individual basis — that is, by personal or family decision, usually through a life insurance agent. Purchases of individual life insurance totalled $2.1 billion for the year. During 2014, about 8,300 individual life insurance policies were purchased in the province. The average size of new individual life insurance policies was $249,400 in Newfoundland and Labrador compared with $319,900 in all of Canada. Group insurance purchases amounted to $1.2 billion or 37% of the 2014 total purchases. New contracts, including transfers of coverage from one insurer to another (which shows some volatility from year to year), account for the majority (about 90%) of the group purchases, while increases in coverage under existing contracts make up the remainder. Health Insurance Coverage While government programs cover basic physician and hospital expenses for Canadians or help them out financially if they are unable to work because of disability, the majority of Canadians are also protected from financial loss by health coverage provided by life and health insurers, Blue Cross, non-profit insurers, uninsured employer arrangements and other organizations. While most people are covered through group plans provided by employers, unions or professional associations, many also supplement government and group protection with individual plans. Supplementary health insurance takes over where government coverage ends. This partnership contributes to the quality of life and health of Canadians. With health and living costs rising steadily, many Canadians could be devastated financially by unexpected illnesses or accidents. Insurance coverage is crucial to their financial well-being and peace of mind. At year-end, insured supplementary health and disability benefit plans in Newfoundland and Labrador provided: 131,000 workers