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The best life insurance for seniors in Canada is:
Term life insurance policies if you want flexible coverage.
Whole life insurance policies if you have complex estate planning needs.
No medical or guaranteed life insurance policies as a last resort if you’ve been denied coverage by traditional life insurance providers.
What is senior life insurance?
Senior life insurance isn't a separate type of life insurance. It refers to the policies seniors are eligible for. Though you're not a senior at 50, insurance providers and most life insurance companies often group people over 50 in the "seniors" category.
That's because there's a large jump in premiums at this age due to becoming higher risk as you age and potentially develop health issues. Securing life insurance from reputable life insurance companies is crucial for ensuring financial security and peace of mind.
Final expenses: Money to cover medical and burial costs, as well as other expenses required to settle your estate
Income replacement: Funds for a spouse or dependent who relies on your salary, pension or annuity for daily expenses.
Special needs child: Money to start a trust for a dependent who will need financial support for their lifetime.
Debts: Money to pay off significant debts such as a mortgage or loan.
Estate taxes: Funds to cover any possible estate taxes liability for your heirs.
Inheritance: A tax-free financial death benefit to your beneficiaries after you pass
Liquidity: A cash payout for an estate with non-cash assets, such as real estate or locked-in investments.
Charitable bequest: A one-time donation to support a non-profit that’s near and dear to your heart.
Best life insurance policies for seniors in Canada
The best type of life insurance policy for seniors will depend on coverage priorities. It's best to apply for a fully risk-assessed policy first, even if you're worried you'll be denied coverage. You might still be able to get a reasonable policy at a decent price.
Term life insurance for seniors: best for flexible coverage
Term life insurance provides coverage over a set period of time based on your specific needs. You can choose how long you want your term insurance policy to last, but the most popular term length to get is 15 years.
Term life insurance policies are usually the cheapest life insurance options for seniors with competitive pricing. But there may be some age restrictions around the term you can qualify for.
PolicyMe has some of the most affordable term life insurance premiums in Canada and they also prioritizes customer satisfaction. Afraid you won't be approved? A customer recently told us in this review: "I never thought I would ever get insurance at my age, but this company made it amazingly easy and affordable."
Whole life insurance for seniors: best for complex estate planning
Whole life insurance also known as a permanent life insurance provides coverage for your whole life; as long as you continue paying the premiums, the whole life insurance policy will remain active.
A percentage of these payments are set aside in a savings or investment portion, so these plans can have a cash value component or a guaranteed cash value. But whole life insurance for seniors can be expensive and restrictive — there are a lot of rules when it comes to accessing the cash value portion.
No medical life insurance for seniors: best used as a “Plan B”
No medical life insurance, also known as simplified issue life insurance provides coverage without a medical examination or many health questions. You may be asked a few short medical questions about your health, but that’s about the extent of it.
However, you’ll pay for this convenience – life insurance costs are much higher and premiums for no medical life insurance for seniors in Canada can be very high.
By not knowing the extent of your medical history, life insurance companies are taking on the risk of covering you. For them it's like a risk so to minimize it, they provide you coverage but at a higher monthly rate compared to other policies out there.
Guaranteed issue life insurance for seniors: best used as a last resort
Guaranteed issue life insurance (also called "guaranteed acceptance life insurance") is a type of no medical policy that provides coverage to almost everyone, regardless of age, health or medical history.
But because approval is guaranteed, life insurance cost is very high and premiums for guaranteed life insurance coverage for seniors are the most expensive and provide the least amount of coverage.
Simplified issue vs. guaranteed issue vs. term life insurance, explained
Best life insurance companies for seniors in Canada
Have a better idea about what type of life insurance coverage you need, but still not sure where to start looking? Here are a few of the best life insurance companies based on the type of policy you’re looking for.
High risk activities: impact on life insurance rates
Worried you won't be approved for term life insurance policies now that you’re over 60? Or that you'll need to pay a hefty price? You don’t have to be. PolicyMe offers some of the best life insurance prices in Canada to give you a peace of mind.
How to get the best life insurance for seniors
To get the best life insurance as a senior, you’ll need to do some research and compare policy options. Here are some things to consider:
1. The cost of a life insurance policy in Canada
Finding the right balance between your coverage needs and the cost of your monthly premiums. Your policy term, amount of coverage and other features, like convertibility or guaranteed issue, will all impact life insurance cost.
2. The amount of life insurance coverage you need
Generally, your need for life insurance decreases as you get older. If everything has gone according to plan, you’ve paid off your biggest debts while your assets have had a chance to grow. But if you’re likely to leave behind debts or have family members or loved ones dependent on your income for their daily expenses, then it’s necessary to have a life insurance policy in place for their protection and providing them with financial security.
3. The life insurance provider’s background
Find a reliable life insurance company that can get you approved and covered. For example, PolicyMe is backed by Securian Canada, an insurer that covers over 3 million Canadians and has been in operation for more than 65 years, so you can rest assured that you’re getting trustworthy protection and providing you with customer satisfaction.
What determines the rates for Canadian life insurance for seniors?
Life insurance rates for seniors are determined by your age, coverage amount, smoking status and health status. These are the key characteristics that factor into the cost of your monthly premium. Hint: they’re the same factors that determine life insurance rates when you’re younger, too.
1. Age
You become higher risk the older you get. So you might have to shell out more for a life insurance policy if you buy it when you’re 60 instead of when you’re 40.
2. Gender
Women have a longer life expectancy than men, according to Harvard Medical School. That means men will find themselves paying higher rates for the same policy.
3. Coverage amount
Having a higher coverage amount means that your insurer will have to give your beneficiary more money also known as a death benefit if you pass.
4. Smoking status
Being a smoker automatically makes you riskier to insure in the eyes of your insurance company. Be prepared to pay higher premiums if you’re looking for smoker life insurance.
5. Health
If you have pre-existing medical conditions or illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or heart disease, you’re riskier to insure. As a result, your insurance company will charge you more for coverage and may even deny your application.
What is the maximum age for life insurance coverage in Canada?
The maximum age for someone to buy life insurance in Canada will mostly depend on the life insurance provider and the type of policy you're looking at.
Generally, most insurers set the maximum issue age somewhere between 70 and 85 years old (quite a big range!). It will take a bit of research to find a company and a policy that's the right fit for you. Take note that some companies will use the term "maximum issue age" to define the oldest age they'll provide coverage for.
Another option is to sync up with a life insurance advisor; they can help you assess your insurance needs and make recommendations from there.
Bottom line: Canadian seniors have options for life insurance
If you’re a senior looking for life insurance, there’s no need to worry. There’s usually a way to get insured and protect your family and loved ones at a reasonable cost. Seniors can best use life insurance coverage for:
Outstanding debts or financial obligations that your family members will need to pay off when you pass away
Covering your end-of-life expenses, including medical and funeral costs
Living expenses for loved ones who are dependent on your income
Managing financial assets that you’d like to leave behind as an inheritance.
FAQ: best life insurance for seniors
Can I get a life insurance policy for my parents?
Yes, you can get a life insurance policy for your parents, but under two conditions. Firstly, if they passed, you would need to experience a negative financial impact (called insurable interest). Some insurance companies will ask you to prove this before they’ll allow you to take out a policy for your parents. A life insurance policy would help offset any losses you’d experience if your parents passed away.
Secondly, life insurance companies will usually request medical information before extending coverage. In some cases, they may even require a medical examination. If your parents don’t agree to the process, you won’t be able to purchase coverage on their behalf.
Is life insurance worth it for seniors?
Life insurance is worth it for seniors if you need it. Like all financial products, it serves a need - to cover outstanding debts, provide financial security for your family and loved ones if you pass away, or assist with your estate planning.
If you don’t have any financial obligations and have already made other, more appropriate arrangements to leave an inheritance (if applicable), you may not need life insurance as a senior.
Can seniors get life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes, seniors can get life insurance without a medical examination by applying for a no medical policy. This might be a good idea if you've been denied another type of policy but still need coverage.
With that said, though, premiums are usually much higher for no medical policies than a fully underwritten policy.
What is the maximum issue age for life insurance?
In most cases, the maximum issue age for term life insurance is 75 years old. However, other types of life insurance, such as whole life or guaranteed issue policies, may cover you at 75 or above.
You can speak with an insurance broker or representative to explore your options if you need life insurance as an older senior.
Can seniors get convertible life insurance?
Seniors can get convertible life insurance , but there are usually some age restrictions around when you can convert. If you’re not sure what convertible life insurance is, it’s a type of policy that allows you to start off with term coverage, but exchange for permanent coverage at a later date.
For some people, it can be a good choice – you can pay the affordable premiums of a term life plan and have the option of converting your coverage to a permanent life insurance policy in the future. In Canada, most convertible plans allow holders to convert their coverage up until 70 to 75, depending on the policy. Speak to your life insurance company if you’re interested in convertible life plans to determine their age limits.
Is there life insurance meant specifically for seniors?
While there are no life insurance options meant specifically for seniors (in other words, seniors can purchase the same plans as anyone else), some features may make some plans more attractive to those in the 50+ demographic.
For example, if you’ve had trouble finding coverage in the past, a no-medical policy could be right for you. Alternatively, if you’re relatively healthy and looking for an affordable life insurance policy to help cover your remaining debts, term life insurance policies could be best for you.
Is term or whole life insurance better for seniors?
Whether term or whole life insurance is better for seniors (or anyone, for that matter) depends on your financial situation and financial needs. Traditional term life insurance is a highly affordable life insurance option and could be a good choice for seniors on a budget looking to get coverage for their debts. However, there may be age restrictions or other limitations that would prevent a senior from getting term life coverage. And you could outlive the term of your plan.
There’s no risk of outliving your coverage with a permanent life insurance. With a whole life insurance policy, your beneficiaries and loved ones will get a payout no matter when you pass away, making it a good option to cover your final expenses or leave some money behind for your loved ones. But your monthly premiums are likely to be very expensive.
Does life insurance pay out over 80?
Yes, life insurance policies can pay out after the policyholder reaches 80 years old as long as the policy is still active and all premiums have been paid.
With that said, the specific terms and conditions of the policy will vary depending on the life insurance company and the type of policy purchased. Some policies may have age limits or restrictions for coverage, so it's important to review the policy carefully and speak with an advisor if you have any questions.
Can seniors over 75 get life insurance?
Yes, seniors over 75 can get life insurance in Canada, but it might be a bit different than for younger people. Insurance companies know that as we get older, there's a higher chance of something happening to us. So, they offer special types of life insurance plans for seniors, which might cost more or cover less.
However, don't worry! There are still options available for seniors over 75 to get the protection they need. You can talk to an insurance expert or advisor who can help you find the best life insurance plan for your situation. They'll explain everything in a simple way and guide you through the process, making sure you get the right coverage to keep you and your family safe.
Is term life insurance for seniors renewable?
Yes, term life insurance for seniors can be renewable, which means you can keep it going after the initial time period (or "term") is over. But there's a catch: as we grow older, insurance companies might charge more money to continue the coverage because they know there's a higher chance that something could happen to us.
Don't worry, though! If you want to renew your term life insurance, you can work with an insurance expert or advisor to find the best option for you. They'll help you understand the process and make sure you get a plan that fits your needs and budget. Remember, even if it costs a bit more, having the right insurance can give you and your loved ones peace of mind and protection.
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