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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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How to get senior life insurance with Ratehub.ca

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Life insurance is specific to you, so we'll need a few personal details to customize your policy.

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We'll show you quotes from multiple providers – a broker will be in touch to help you choose.

Finalize the policy

You may need a medical exam to finalize your policy, but you'll be guided throughout.

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Comparing life insurance for seniors

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?

  1. 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. 

  2. 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. 

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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?


Do seniors need life insurance?


How much does life insurance cost for seniors in Canada?


What is the best life insurance company for seniors?


Is there a maximum age for getting life insurance?


What is the difference between guaranteed life insurance and no medical life insurance?


Can seniors get insurance coverage in Canada?