Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Runner-up for no medical
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for universal life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for decreasing term coverage
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best life insurance for the self-employed
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Blue Cross is a great option if you want both life and disability insurance under one policy: their tangible hybrid plan. Health insurance is their specialty, though; not life insurance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Get up to $1M in coverage, plus the plan converts to a permanent one at age 56.
Option to add riders like health, dental and disability to your life insurance policy.
Cons
The only term lengths available are 10, 20 or 25 years.
Whole life insurance coverage only available up to $500,000 for ages 18 to 70.
No standalone critical illness insurance, it must be added as a rider to your life insurance policy.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for cancer survivors
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for credit union members
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
With preferred rates for eligible Canadians, CUMIS life insurance could be a good choice if you're a credit union member, but there are better options otherwise.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Variety of add-ons and riders available (for an extra fee).
Large variety of policy types from term, to whole, to universal, and children's coverage.
Cons
Only available through credit unions and cooperatives.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for participating life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for seniors and no medical life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Top pick for seniors, especially for those with health issues that would get them declined or charged sky-high rates elsewhere. Most plans let you skip medical exam.
Pros and Cons
Pros
No health exam for simplified issue & guaranteed acceptance plans.
Known for fast processing times, some get approved within 24 hours.
Established player in the no medical life insurance space.
Cons
More expensive than traditional term life insurance.
Some plans are deferred by 2 years, meaning no death benefit if you pass before then.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for short-term life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for whole life insurance for children
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Desjardins offers one of the most affordable whole life policies for kids. Unique offering of 5 Pay which is the ability to pay the policy in full within 5 years.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Number of riders like children’s accidental fracture and guaranteed insurability.
Strong brick-and-mortar presence in Ontario and Quebec.
Cash value options available, with a dividend scale of 6.2%.
Cons
Presence outside of Ontario and Quebec is limited.
Children’s Life Protection policy can be converted to permanent, but coverage only goes to $20K.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best life insurance for smokers
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for wealth transfer to children
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Runner up for life insurance for children
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best life/disability insurance for the hard-to-insure
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Humania's Insurance Without Medical Exam asks only 6 questions and is issued immediately. Get disability & critical illness insurance with no extra questions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Insurance Without Medical exam includes life, critical illness, and disability insurance.
Get $5K-$300K in coverage.
Cons
Will not pay out death benefit for a pre-existing condition for 1-2 years (depends on the policy)
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for business owners life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for permanent life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for parents & homeowners
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Runner-up for best term life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for existing customers
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for whole life insurance with cash value
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Policies are pricier, but Sun Life has the highest dividend scale for whole life insurance in Canada. Good option for high-net-worth individuals and has perks like succession planning.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very experienced advisors, some with 30+ years of experience.
Range of options for cash value life insurance.
Single & joint policies available.
Cons
Premiums are higher than competitors
Funds are expensive and investment options limited to their available funds.
Check their MERs (management fees) against other companies.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Best for simplified & guaranteed issue life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Known for its variety of no medical, simplified issue and guaranteed accepted life insurance products. But make sure to compare premiums with other no medical providers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Multi-contract discount, refunds up to $100 if a referral buys UV within 1 year.
No health exam needed for up to $500,000 in term & $150,000 in permanent coverage.
Cons
Only available in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick
Prices for their simplified whole life policies look higher than CPP and Beneva.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Second runner-up for best term life
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Rated between 1-5 stars for cost, trustworthiness, policy options, customer reviews, and financial stability. Pulling from sources including but not limited to AM Best, Better Business Bureau, Fitch Ratings, InsurEye, TrustPilot, Google Reviews, etc.
Runner-up for smokers life insurance
Cost
Based on monthly premiums, pulling from publicly available rates. $ - most affordable rates $$ - average rates $$$ - most expensive rates
Rated between $, $$, $$$ in relation to comparable life insurance products on the market in Canada. Based on publicly available rates pulled from WinQuote and other external sources.
Laura McKay is the co-founder and COO of PolicyMe, Canada's fastest-growing digital life insurance company. In 2021, she was named one of the Women of the Year by Bay Street Bull. Laura has a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo. Her degree focused on Actuarial Science, which included learning about mortality risk, the basis of life insurance pricing and valuation. After her degree, she was employed by Manulife and Munich Re in Actuarial Science. Laura then worked at famed management consulting company Oliver Wyman in New York from 2013-2018. In this position, she worked with many Fortune 500 life insurance companies and helped them develop growth strategies and solve operational problems and regulatory issues.
July 15, 2020
•
3 minutes
,
PolicyMe content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn more about our editorial guidelines.
In This Article
July 15, 2020 /CNW/
According to new analysis by PolicyMe, an online life insurance company, Canadians are overpaying for life insurance by an average of 36 percent. The analysis comes from a group of 4,800 Canadians who had existing life insurance coverage prior to visiting the online life insurance platform. These findings reveal an industry ripe for innovation, as the traditional approach to buying life insurance is failing many Canadians.
Using advanced data analysis, PolicyMe's technology-infused platform operates on the belief that life insurance exists to maintain a family's lifestyle in the event of premature death, not to oversell Canadians on costly and unnecessary policies. The analysis sheds light on the pitfalls of the life insurance industry, and details ways Canadians can make more appropriate decisions when it comes to protecting their loved ones.
"We see far too many Canadians being sold the wrong life insurance coverage" said Andrew Ostro, Co-Founder & CEO of PolicyMe. "It's our hope that this analysis makes people more aware of the common pitfalls that occur when shopping for life insurance. Canadians need to ask the right questions, get the most accurate recommendation when it comes to product and coverage fit, and find the best price."
Four Reasons Canadians Are Overpaying for Life Insurance:
1. The Industry Calculates Coverage Using an Overly Simplistic Formula
Canadians with an existing policy had an average of 32 per cent more coverage than what PolicyMe recommended. For example, the average customer had $625,000 of coverage when they only required $425,000 to protect their family. This is because the typical industry calculation uses a formula that multiplies household income by an arbitrary number (usually 10-15 x household income). Alternatively, PolicyMe uses proprietary algorithms and advanced statistics to simulate a family's projected finances and pinpoint the amount needed to maintain lifestyle in the case of an untimely death.
2. Too Many People Have Mortgage Life Insurance Instead of Term Life Insurance
For the vast majority of Canadians, the recommended life insurance product is term life insurance. However, many people are still electing to purchase mortgage life insurance to protect their loved ones from mortgage payments. So what makes mortgage life insurance still popular? Mortgage life insurance is pushed on homeowners by mortgage brokers, who are incentivized to sell the product. According to the current analysis, customers who replaced their mortgage life insurance with term life insurance reduced their premiums by an average of 46 percent, with monthly payments falling from $67 to $36.
3. Canadians Are Not Shopping Around for the Best Price
Life insurance premiums are based on five factors: age, gender, smoking status, coverage amount, and policy length. For every combination of factors, different insurance companies offer different prices for the same amount of coverage and term length. Given the number of life insurance companies, it is important to compare life insurance in Canada as policies can vary based on providers. We also advise term life insurance as term life insurance costs tend to be less than a whole life policy. From there, you can pick the best term life insurance policy based on your needs. To find quick life insurance quotes, or no medical life insurance Canada reviews, visit PolicyMe.
Most Canadians who purchase life insurance to have a financial safety net in the event that they pass away. The issue lies in the fact that those who are couples overlook joint life insurance policies and purchase a policy for each person instead. For those looking to leave something behind for their children, a joint term life insurance policy is an excellent option as it pays out the benefit if you or your spouse perishes. This allows for your children and partner to have the financial support they would need, while saving you money on monthly premiums.
If you have someone who is ill in the family, critical illness is a policy that is likely to cover you best. These policies are meant for people who struggle to get a policy due to them being sick. For this reason, it may be worthwhile to get a critical illness cover quote. Use PolicyMe's life insurance rate calculator to avoid overpaying.
Laura McKay is the co-founder and COO of PolicyMe, Canada's fastest-growing digital life insurance company. In 2021, she was named one of the Women of the Year by Bay Street Bull. Laura has a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo. Her degree focused on Actuarial Science, which included learning about mortality risk, the basis of life insurance pricing and valuation. After her degree, she was employed by Manulife and Munich Re in Actuarial Science. Laura then worked at famed management consulting company Oliver Wyman in New York from 2013-2018. In this position, she worked with many Fortune 500 life insurance companies and helped them develop growth strategies and solve operational problems and regulatory issues.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts. More info
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts. More info