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- People with pre-existing medical conditions may qualify for life insurance depending on their diagnosis, treatment, and overall health
- Humania, Canada Protection Plan, Assumption Life, Beneva, iA, and RBC offer flexible underwriting options for applicants with different health histories
- Term and permanent life insurance may be available through traditional, simplified-issue, or guaranteed-issue policies
- Pre-existing conditions can affect premiums, coverage limits, and eligibility for specific life insurance plans
The best life insurance companies for individuals with pre-existing conditions include Beneva, iA Financial Group, RBC Insurance, Humania, Canada Protection Plan (CPP), and Assumption Life. The exact options, however, depend on your diagnosis, treatment, overall health, and the insurer’s underwriting rules. When choosing the right plan, people with pre-existing conditions should consider the available policy types, coverage limits, premiums, and medical requirements to get suitable protection for their needs.
What types of life insurance can you get with a pre-existing condition?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may qualify for term life insurance or whole life insurance.
- Term life insurance: Provides coverage for a set period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. Term life insurance is a good choice for those with well-managed medical conditions who may qualify, although premiums or eligibility can vary based on their health history
- Whole life insurance: Provides lifelong coverage and typically includes a cash value component. Depending on the insurer, applicants with pre-existing conditions may qualify through traditional or simplified underwriting, while guaranteed-issue whole life insurance policies may be available to eligible applicants who cannot qualify for medically underwritten coverage
What life insurance underwriting options are available for pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition does not automatically disqualify you from coverage. Some applicants may qualify for traditional underwriting at standard or rated premiums, while others may be better suited to simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue coverage. The right option depends on the condition, treatment stability, medications, time since diagnosis, and coverage amount.
- Traditional underwriting: Involves detailed health questions and may require a medical exam
- Simplified-issue underwriting: Uses a shorter health questionnaire and generally doesn’t require a medical exam
- Guaranteed-issue coverage: It generally does not require medical questions or an exam, subject to age and other eligibility requirements
- No-medical life insurance: Doesn’t require a medical exam, but may still require health questions
Disclaimer: Answer all health and medication questions accurately. Insurers may review medical records or pharmacy histories during underwriting or a claim. Non-disclosure of a pre-existing condition can result in a declined claim.
What are the best life insurance companies for pre-existing conditions?
Beneva, Industrial Alliance (iA), RBC, Humania, Canada Protection Plan, and Assumption Life are the leading providers of life insurance plans for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Humania
Humania Assurance offers Insurance Without Medical Exam (IWME), a simplified-issue life insurance product designed for Canadians who want coverage without a medical exam, including applicants with certain pre-existing conditions.
- Medical underwriting flexibility: Humania uses a short eligibility questionnaire instead of a medical exam. Its Bronze, Silver, and Gold options provide different coverage levels of up to $1 million, based on eligibility
- Coverage options: Option to choose 10-year, 20-year, or 100-year guaranteed term life insurance or Bronze, Silver, or Gold under simplified-issue coverage
- Coverage limits: Bronze offers $5,000–$300,000, Silver offers $5,000- $500,000, and Gold offers $5,000-$1,000,000. Coverage above $500,000 is available only to eligible applicants aged 50 and under. On the other hand, Term 10, 20, or 100 offers coverage up to $1,000,000
- Simple medical questions: IWME Simplified Issue requires only 6 medical questions and does not ask whether an applicant has had a previous policy decline
- Best for: Those who need higher coverage limits and multiple plan options
Canada Protection Plan
Canada Protection Plan (CPP), a Foresters Financial company, specializes in simplified issue for those with pre-existing conditions or a history of coverage declines.
- Medical underwriting flexibility: CPP offers multiple underwriting options, including Deferred Elite Term for applicants with certain health conditions or previous insurance declines, and Simplified Elite Term for applicants who meet its health criteria. It also offers guaranteed acceptance options
- Coverage options: CPP offers several term plans, including Deferred Elite, Simplified Elite, Preferred, Express Elite, and Preferred Elite, with different health requirements and application processes. The guaranteed acceptance offers coverage for permanent life insurance
- Coverage limits: Deferred Elite Term offers up to $350,000, Simplified Elite Term up to $500,000, and Preferred Elite offers up to $1,000,000
- Standout feature: CPP offers multiple underwriting pathways, from deferred and simplified coverage to preferred options, giving applicants with different medical histories a chance to find a suitable plan
- Best for: Those who want to explore term life insurance with flexible underwriting options
Assumption Life
Assumption Life offers simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue life insurance options. It offers multiple plan options, making it a good choice for individuals with pre-existing conditions who want flexibility.
- Medical underwriting flexibility: Platinum and Golden Protection offer simplified underwriting, while Bronze Protection requires no medical questions or exam
- Coverage options: Assumption Life offers Platinum and Golden Protection term and whole life plans, Bronze Protection guaranteed-issue whole life, and Youth Plus term insurance for children
- Coverage limits: Platinum Protection Term offers up to $750,000 for ages 18-50 and up to $500,000 for ages 51-75. Golden Protection Term offers up to $250,000, depending on age. Bronze Protection offers $5,000-$50,000 for ages 18-75 and up to $25,000 for ages 76-80. Youth Plus offers $35,000-$175,000 for children aged 15 days to 17 years
- Guaranteed-issue features: Bronze Protection has a two-year deferred death benefit. If death occurs from a non-accidental cause during the first two policy years, the policy generally refunds premiums with interest
- Youth Plus standout feature: Children can convert their coverage at age 25 to eligible term or permanent insurance without proving insurability again, even if they develop certain health conditions while insured
- Best for: Those looking for permanent no-medical life insurance
Beneva
Beneva offers simplified-issue term and permanent life insurance, along with guaranteed-issue permanent coverage, giving applicants with different health conditions alternative ways to obtain life insurance.
- Flexible underwriting options: Applicants in good health can explore simplified-issue coverage without a medical exam, while those who struggle to qualify because of health issues can consider guaranteed-issue permanent life insurance
- Plan options: Beneva offers simplified term life, simplified permanent life, and guaranteed-issue permanent life insurance
- Coverage limits: Simplified term coverage ranges from $25,000 to $500,000 (age 18-50), and the maximum coverage is $249,999 for ages 51-60. The maximum coverage also depends on the applicant’s age
- Quick and easy application process: Applicants may receive coverage in as little as 60 minutes, without undergoing a medical exam
- Extreme disability benefit: 50% of the face amount, maximum up to $250,000 payable in advance if insured in an extreme disability state for 6+ continuous months before age 60. This benefit does not apply to guaranteed-issue plans
- Best for: Those with health issues who want to explore guaranteed-issue permanent life insurance without medical questions or a medical exam
Industrial Alliance (iA)
iA offers Access Life, a no-medical-exam life insurance product designed for people who have difficulty obtaining traditional coverage because of their health status. It provides term and permanent coverage, with eligibility and options determined by a short health questionnaire.
- Flexible underwriting options: Access Life uses a short health questionnaire to determine eligibility for different coverage steps
- Plan options: Applicants may qualify for V100 permanent life insurance or 15-, 20-, or 25-year term coverage, depending on their health assessment
- Guaranteed acceptance: Applicants with pre-existing conditions who do not qualify for the other coverage steps can still obtain Guaranteed Access
- Coverage limits: Access Life offers coverage of up to $500,000 depending on the plan. Guaranteed Access provides up to $50,000, reduced to $25,000 for applicants over age 50 and $10,000 for children under 18
- Superior risk tolerance program: iA’s program helps eligible applicants with certain medical conditions or other underwriting risks qualify for standard insurance rates instead of paying an extra premium. Eligibility depends on the insurer’s underwriting assessment and program requirements
- Best for: Those with pre-existing medical conditions who have been denied life insurance elsewhere and want standard rates through the Superior Risk Tolerance Program
RBC
RBC Insurance offers traditional and simplified term life insurance, giving people with pre-existing medical conditions options depending on their health history.
- Medical underwriting flexibility: No medical exam is required, but applicants must answer health questions and meet RBC’s eligibility criteria
- Plan options: Simplified Term Life Insurance provides term coverage without the full medical underwriting process associated with traditional life insurance
- Coverage limits: Applicants aged 18-55 can apply for $50,000 to $1 million in coverage, while those aged 56 and older can apply for up to $499,999
- Accidental death benefit: Provides an additional life insurance amount of $10,000 in case of accidental death
- Best for: Those with certain pre-existing conditions who want term life insurance without a medical exam but can qualify based on their health questionnaire
Comparing the best life insurance companies for pre-existing conditions in Canada
| Features | Humania | Canada Protection Plan (CPP) | Assumption Life | Beneva | iA | RBC |
| PolicyAdvisor Ratings | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Underwriting options | Traditional fully underwritten, simplified and guaranteed | Simplified and no-medical | Simplified and guaranteed issue | Traditional, simplified and guaranteed issue | Traditional life insurance and guaranteed acceptance | Simplified and traditional term life insurance |
| Plan names | IWME Simplified Issue and IWME Guaranteed Issue | Deferred Elite, Simplified Elite, Preferred Term, Express Elite, and Preferred Elite Term Insurance | Platinum Protection, Golden Protection, Silver Protection, and Bronze Protection (Guaranteed issue) | Simplified term life and permanent life, and guaranteed-issue permanent life insurance | Access life permanent and term life insurance | Simplified Term Life Insurance |
| Coverage limits | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $750,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Additional features | Fewer medical questions | Multiple underwriting options available | Extreme Disability Benefit and Insurability benefit | Built-in extreme disability benefit | Standard rates through Superior Risk Tolerance Program | Accidental death benefit, longer review period |
| Financial strength (LICAT Ratio) | 185% | 188% | 167% | 163% | 139% | 132% |
Our methodology for ranking the best life insurance for individuals with pre-existing conditions
We evaluated life insurance options from six Canadian insurers to identify providers that may suit applicants with existing or previously diagnosed medical conditions. Our ratings consider underwriting flexibility (35%), plan options (20%), coverage limits (20%), additional policy features (15%), and financial strength (10%). We assessed how each insurer accommodates different health profiles, the availability of simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue coverage, maximum benefits, and features that can help applicants maintain or expand protection. Financial strength was assessed using the insurers’ reported LICAT ratio.
| Evaluation criteria | What we assessed | Weightage |
| Underwriting flexibility | Availability of traditional, simplified-issue, and guaranteed-issue life insurance, including how insurers accommodate applicants with existing or previously diagnosed medical conditions | 35% |
| Plan options | Availability of term and permanent life insurance, including simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue products for applicants with different health profiles | 20% |
| Coverage limits | Maximum available coverage amounts across available plans | 20% |
| Additional policy features | Benefits such as guaranteed insurability, disability benefits, flexible application pathways, and other features | 15% |
| LICAT Ratio | LICAT ratio as an indicator of financial strength | 10% |
How we further assessed the ratings:
Humania, Canada Protection Plan (CPP), and Assumption Life received 5/5 ratings for their broad range of underwriting pathways, flexible coverage options, and features that accommodate applicants with different health histories. Beneva and iA Financial received 4.5/5 ratings for their underwriting flexibility and range of coverage options. RBC Insurance received 4/5 for its simplified term life insurance option, which offers coverage without a medical exam but has health-related requirements and fewer plan choices than insurers offering multiple underwriting pathways.
PolicyAdvisor ratings for the best companies for people with pre-existing conditions:
| Features | Underwriting flexibility (35%) | Plan options (20%) | Coverage limits (20%) | Additional features (15%) | Financial strength (10%) | Final ratings |
| Humania | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| CPP | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Assumption Life | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Beneva | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| iA | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| RBC | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
How much does life insurance cost with a pre-existing condition?
Life insurance costs for people with pre-existing conditions depend on their diagnosis, treatment, overall health, and the insurer’s underwriting decision. Those with well-managed conditions may qualify for standard rates, while others may pay an extra premium, known as a premium rating, to obtain coverage.
For example, a 40-year-old non-smoking applicant applying for $100,000 in 10-year term life insurance would pay a different premium depending on the underwriting rating assigned. The following table illustrates the monthly premiums for male and female applicants at different underwriting ratings.
| Rating | Male (non-smoker) | Female (non-smoker) |
| 100% rating | $13.45/month | $10.93/month |
| 150% rating | $17.92/month | $14.14/month |
| 175% rating | $20.16/month | $15.75/month |
| 200% rating | $22.40/month | $17.36/month |
*Illustrated cost for a 40-year male/female seeking $100,000 term life insurance for a 10-year policy term
These numbers demonstrate how premium ratings can affect costs, but they do not predict the rating a person with diabetes will receive. Some applicants with well-managed diabetes may qualify for standard rates, while others may face higher premiums or need to explore alternative underwriting options. Each application is assessed individually, and thus the exact cost can vary.
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What pre-existing conditions can affect life insurance eligibility?
Pre-existing conditions can range from severe heart conditions to cancer to hypertension. Depending on the pre-existing condition, you may qualify for standard coverage, or you may face higher premiums, exclusions, coverage limits, or a decline. Common pre-existing conditions that may affect life insurance eligibility include:
- Heart disease: Coronary artery disease, a history of heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions
- Diabetes: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Cancer: Liver cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and other cancers
- High blood pressure: Hypertension, especially when uncontrolled or accompanied by cardiovascular complications
- Respiratory conditions: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic lung diseases
- Kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and other conditions affecting kidney function
- Liver disease: Cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and other conditions affecting liver function
- Mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and other conditions
- Neurological conditions: Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
Why can pre-existing conditions increase life insurance premiums?
Life insurance premiums are generally higher for people with pre-existing conditions because insurers assess whether a medical condition increases the likelihood of a claim during the policy term. The impact, however, depends on the condition, its severity, treatment history, and how well it is managed. Insurers may charge higher premiums when an applicant has a greater assessed risk, offer a lower coverage amount, or limit the available policy options. Similarly, guaranteed-issue policies may also cost more relative to the coverage provided because applicants generally do not undergo medical underwriting.
What if you have been denied life insurance because of a pre-existing condition?
If you have been denied life insurance because of a pre-existing condition, you can follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Ask why your application was declined: Understanding the reason may help you identify insurers or policies better suited to your health profile
- Explore other insurers: Another insurer may assess your condition differently and offer traditional coverage
- Look into guaranteed-issue life insurance: These policies do not require medical underwriting, although they often have lower coverage limits, higher premiums relative to the benefit, and a waiting period for non-accidental death benefits
- Review your health condition later: If your condition stabilizes or your treatment progresses, you may have more options in the future
Is life insurance with a pre-existing condition worth it?
Yes, life insurance can be worth considering if you have a pre-existing condition and want to provide financial protection for your family. The right policy can help beneficiaries cover funeral expenses, outstanding debts, mortgage payments, and everyday living costs in case a pre-existing condition leads to your unfortunate demise. Traditional term or permanent life insurance may offer better value if you qualify, while simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue coverage may be alternatives if medical underwriting limits your options.
Our advisor’s take on life insurance for people with pre-existing conditions
At PolicyAdvisor, we help clients compare coverage from 30+ insurers based on their health and financial needs. We recently helped a 40-year-old with type 2 diabetes who wants to protect his family but was concerned about medical exams, higher premiums, and application declines.
Client profile:
- Age: 40
- Medical history: Type 2 diabetes
- Family: Has dependents who rely on his income
- Primary concern: Difficulty qualifying for traditional life insurance
- Coverage goal: Protect his family’s financial future
Why we would consider Humania’s IWME life insurance:
- No medical exam required: Since he wanted to avoid a medical exam because of his type 2 diabetes, Humania’s IWME Simplified Issue offered an alternative
- High coverage options: With coverage options ranging from $5,000 to $1 million across Bronze, Silver, and Gold, it was easier for him to explore an amount suited to his family’s financial needs
- Options for longer-term protection: Humania’s available 10-year, 20-year, and 100-year guaranteed term options offered him the option to choose coverage based on his family’s protection needs and budget
How to purchase life insurance for people with pre-existing conditions in Canada?
Here are the steps to follow when looking for term or whole life insurance with a pre-existing condition:
- Assess your coverage needs: Calculate how much coverage your family may need for mortgage payments, outstanding debts, funeral expenses, income replacement, and other financial obligations
- Choose the right policy type: Explore term life, permanent life, simplified-issue, and guaranteed-issue options based on your health condition and eligibility
- Compare quotes and underwriting requirements: Our licensed advisors help you compare premiums, coverage limits, medical requirements, and policy features across insurers
- Complete your application: Provide accurate information about your diagnosis, medications, treatment history, and overall health. Complete any required medical exams or additional assessments
- Review your policy: Check the premiums, exclusions, waiting periods, and death benefit limitations before accepting coverage
Schedule a call with one of our licensed advisors to explore your life insurance options with a pre-existing condition.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition in Canada?
Yes, you may qualify for life insurance in Canada even if you have a pre-existing medical condition. However, the exact eligibility depends on the condition, its severity, treatment history, and the insurer’s underwriting guidelines. To get coverage, you can look for traditional coverage or explore simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue policies.
What is the best life insurance company for people with pre-existing conditions?
The top life insurance companies offering coverage for pre-existing conditions include Humania, CPP, Assumption Life, Beneva, iA, and RBC. Humania offers Insurance Without Medical Exam (IWME) plans with different coverage levels, while Canada Protection Plan offers multiple underwriting pathways. Assumption Life, Beneva, iA Financial Group, and RBC Insurance also provide options for applicants with certain health conditions.
Can I get life insurance without a medical exam if I have a pre-existing condition?
Yes, guaranteed-issue policies do not require medical questions or a medical exam even if you have a pre-existing condition. However, they may have lower coverage limits, higher premiums relative to the coverage, or waiting periods.
Will a pre-existing condition increase my life insurance premiums?
Yes, a pre-existing condition can increase the overall life insurance premiums. This is because your medical condition increases the insurer’s assessment of the risk of a claim. The impact depends on your diagnosis, treatment, symptom severity, and overall health. Some applicants with well-managed conditions may still qualify for standard rates.
Should I disclose my pre-existing condition when applying for life insurance?
Yes, you should answer all health questions accurately and disclose the medical information requested by the insurer, including relevant diagnoses, medications, and treatment history. Failing to provide accurate information may affect your coverage or the payment of a future claim. If you are unsure what to disclose, ask the insurer or a licensed advisor before submitting your application.
Can I get life insurance if I have diabetes in Canada?
Yes, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may qualify for life insurance in Canada. While offering the coverage, the insurer will consider factors such as blood sugar control, treatment, complications, and overall health. Depending on your medical history, you may qualify for traditional coverage or need to explore simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue options.
Can I get life insurance after being declined by another insurer?
Yes, being declined by one insurer does not automatically prevent you from getting life insurance elsewhere. Insurers have different underwriting guidelines, and some offer simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue policies for eligible applicants who have difficulty qualifying for traditional coverage.
Life insurance for people with pre-existing conditions in Canada depends on their medical history, treatment, and eligibility. Beneva, iA Financial Group, RBC Insurance, Humania, Canada Protection Plan, and Assumption Life offer different coverage options. These include term and permanent life insurance, simplified-issue plans, and guaranteed-issue policies, each with varying premiums, coverage limits, eligibility requirements, and waiting periods.
