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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 Seniors life insurance with Ratehub.ca

  1. Tell us a bit about yourself

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

  2. Speak with an insurance broker

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

  3. Finalize your policy selection

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

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Comparing life insuance for seniors

When you’re over 50, you still have financial obligations you want to be taken care of when you’re gone. You want to leave assets to your loved ones and be sure that funeral expenses are taken care of. While your options are not as plentiful as life insurance at 30, there are still plenty of choices for buying life insurance over the age of 50.

What is life insurance for seniors?

Senior life insurance is any life insurance product that is available or specifically designed for older Canadians, generally over 50 or 55 - though some senior life insurance products are available from age 40 or less. Generally, senior life insurance is more expensive and less flexible than life insurance for younger people, but that doesn't mean it's all unaffordable.

What's the best type of life insurance for seniors?

Depending on your personal circumstances, you have a few different options:

Term life insurance: There are many term life insurance policies that are available for those over 50, like specific policies for those up to 55, 65, or 75. The downside is that the older you are, the more expensive the premiums can be. Choosing a shorter term with less death benefit can help you save.

Permanent life insurance: In your 50s, if you’re in good health, a permanent life insurance policy like whole life insurance or universal life insurance could be an option. They both have investment portions that could grow significantly if you’re to live into your 80s or beyond.

Guaranteed life insurance: One of the most common type of insurance for people over 50, guaranteed life insurance is a lower payout amount with higher premiums, but it avoids the need for an extensive interview. There is no medical examination, so you’re guaranteed to be approved as long as you’re within the plan’s enrolment age (typically up to age 75). This is best for people who don’t have other options due to persistent conditions, age restrictions, and medical complications.

No Medical life insurance: Similar to guaranteed, no medical life insurance is exactly that: a type of life insurance that has no medical examination.

Life insurance for people with pre-existing conditions: This type of insurance is specifically for those with conditions like HIV/AIDS who would be declined for most types of life insurance. Some companies offer these instead of guaranteed life insurance.

Factors affecting senior life insurance rates and approvals

Age: The most obvious. The older you are, the more likely it is that you’ll pass away within your term, which limits your options. For example, a person at age 50 will be a lesser risk than a person at age 70; buying a longer term life insurance policy over 50 will be quite expensive because of this.

Coverage amount: The more coverage you want, the more you’ll pay.

Smoking: This drastically increases your premiums and can even increase your chances of being denied coverage when paired with other conditions.

Health/Illness: Chronic illness like cancer or heart disease, as well as unhealthy behaviour—obesity, regular consumption of alcohol, etc.—can both be challenging when applying for life insurance. This is especially true over 50, as it can be more difficult to overcome and is more of a liability to the insurance provider. Risk rates increase around age 50, therefore your risk to the insurer also increases.

Maximum enrolment age: Most life insurance products have maximum enrolment ages, so be sure to look into the fine print before you decide on a policy.

Looking for the best senior life insurance rates?

Request a free quote and speak with one of our qualified life insurance brokers today. They will help you find the right coverage at the best price.

How to buy life insurance for seniors

Like all life insurance, their are a number of product types to choose from and the options can seem complicated and overwhelming. However, as a senior life insurance customer, your premiums will be higher than most customers, so you have more to lose if you pick the wrong policy.

However, don't stress, as we're here to help. The best place to start when searching for a seniors life insurance policy is to request a free life insurance quote online with Ratehub.ca, and we'll get you started on the right track in a matter of minutes.

Frequently asked senior life insurance questions

Can seniors get life insurance?


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 to get life insurance?


Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance

With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read full bio

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