Life insurance for seniors in Canada
As a senior, your life insurance options are different to younger Canadians. Here's what you need to know about senior's life insurance.
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Comparing life insurance for seniors

Matt Hands, VP, Insurance
When you’re over 50, it’s likely you still have financial obligations you want to be taken care of when you’re gone, like leaving assets to your loved ones or covering funeral expenses. While your options are not as plentiful as they are at 30, there are still plenty of choices for buying life insurance for seniors over 50.
What is life insurance for seniors in Canada?
Life insurance for Canadian seniors or retirees refers to any available life insurance product specifically designed for older individuals. Generally, a senior life insurance policy is available for those over 50 or 55, though some products are available from age 40 or less. Most insurers will only issue a term life policy to Canadians under 75.
Whether or not you need insurance later in life depends on your personal situation. It may be worth it to purchase if:
- You have debts to pay off, such as your mortgage.
- You want final expense insurance to cover your funeral costs.
- You need an income replacement to support loved ones who rely on you financially.
- You lost your group benefits after retirement, or you do not have enough coverage on an existing policy.
- You want to leave a tax-free inheritance for your family members.
On the other hand, if you do not have debts, dependants or a specific need for a death benefit, purchasing a term life policy over 50 may not make sense. Senior life insurance is more expensive and less flexible than life insurance for younger people. However, that doesn't mean it's all unaffordable.
What are the best types of life insurance for seniors?
Depending on your personal circumstances, you have a few different options:
Term life insurance
Permanent life insurance
Guaranteed life insurance
No medical life insurance
Life insurance for people with pre-existing conditions
Looking for affordable life insurance for seniors?
Request a free quote and speak with one of our qualified life insurance brokers today. They will help you find the best life insurance in Canada at the best price.
What factors affect senior life insurance rates and approvals?
Age
The older you are, the more risk you carry, as it’s more likely you’ll pass away during your policy term. For example, a person at age 50 poses less risk than someone at 70. As a result, buying a longer term life insurance policy over 50 can be costly.Â
Health
Chronic illnesses like cancer or heart disease and unhealthy behaviours like obesity or heavy drinking can increase your premium. This is especially true over 50, as it can be more challenging to overcome and is a greater liability to your insurer.Â
Smoking
This drastically increases your premiums and can even increase your chances of being denied coverage when paired with other conditions, such as serious health issues.
Coverage amount
The more coverage you want, the more you’ll pay, as more coverage equates to a higher death benefit your insurer will pay when you pass.
Maximum enrollment age
Most life insurance products have maximum enrolment ages, so be sure to look into the fine print before you decide on a policy.
Life insurance quotes for seniors by age
Below are real examples of senior life insurance in Canada. Remember that men generally face higher premiums than women due to their shorter life expectancies, and premiums become more expensive as the policyholder ages.
- $136/mo
20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage
For a 50-year-old, non-smoking male
- $116/mo
15-year term policy with $250,000 coverage
For a 60-year-old, non-smoking female
- $147/mo
10-year term policy with $100,000 coverage
For a 70-year-old, non-smoking male
The cost of life insurance premiums is unique to the policyholder, meaning the above samples may not be 100% accurate for you. To get a personalized quote, compare life insurance quotes for free with Ratehub.ca and find out how much you can save.
How to buy life insurance for seniors
As with any life insurance product, there are several types to choose from, and the options can feel overwhelming. As a senior, your life insurance premiums will typically be higher than most–so choosing the wrong policy could cost you. But we’re here to help!
The best place to start when looking for seniors life insurance in Canada is by shopping the market. You can request free life insurance quotes online with Ratehub.ca, and we’ll help you choose the best rate policy for your needs from Canada’s top providers.
Frequently asked senior life insurance questions
Can seniors get life insurance in Canada?
Yes, but it is not as easy to get as when you are younger and presumably healthier.
The cost will be significantly higher for seniors, the medical requirements will be stricter, and the types of policy options available will be more limited. Furthermore, you may be restricted to fewer companies to choose from. Your best action is to speak with a life insurance broker to review your coverage needs and policy options.
Do seniors need life insurance?
The answer depends on your financial situation. If you have outstanding debt or dependents who rely on your income, a senior’s life insurance policy holds value in ensuring these are taken care of. Furthermore, you could still use a life insurance policy as part of an estate plan to make sure the ones you leave behind are in a better financial position for the future.
If you aren't concerned with debt, dependents or estate planning, you could still consider a more simplified form of life insurance and opt for final expense coverage only (e.g. funeral insurance) so that when you pass away, your funeral and related expenses are covered. As with all insurance policies, it's best to review your options and needs with a broker to see what policy type works best for you.
How much does life insurance cost for seniors in Canada?
The cost of life insurance for Canadian seniors is generally substantially higher as older age increases risk factors. Additionally, life insurance companies consider other factors to determine your rate, including sex, health conditions, and lifestyle.Â
For instance, a 50-year-old male, free of health conditions, would pay about $135 a month for a 20-year term with $500,000 in coverage, while a female with the same conditions would pay about $83 monthly. On the other hand, a whole life insurance policy could cost five times as much. Each life insurance company offers a different rate depending on each senior’s case. Be sure to compare life insurance quotes with us to find an accurate cost for your needs.
What is the best life insurance company for seniors?
Popular life insurance companies in Canada include Sun Life, Manulife, and Great-West Life; however, the best company for you depends on your individual factors. Life insurance rates for seniors can be substantially high, and some companies may deny life insurance policies due to medical conditions or age, so it's best to compare your life insurance quotes with Ratehub.ca - we'll help you find your most suitable company for the best rate and value.
Is there a maximum age for getting life insurance?
Yes, most life insurance companies will only issue a term life policy to those under 75 as the risk factors become too high after that. Otherwise, seniors can opt for a whole life package or speak to an insurance broker for more details on alternatives.
What is the difference between guaranteed life insurance and no medical life insurance?
Both policy types are similar as they do not require a medical examination to get coverage. However, a key difference is that no medical life insurance may still require a short health questionnaire. With guaranteed life insurance, you will get approved if you meet the enrollment age, making it ideal for seniors with health issues. In comparison, no medical life insurance is ideal for generally healthy seniors who want to avoid a medical exam, as premiums will be more affordable.
Can seniors get insurance coverage in Canada?
Yes, almost all seniors and retirees can get insurance policies for their needs, including life insurance, auto insurance, home insurance and travel insurance. Any person, regardless of age, who obtains an insurance policy must follow the guidelines and meet the requirements of their insurance provider. However, eligibility and premiums may vary for older adults as their risk level increases.