Life insurance for caregivers and nannies on work permit in Canada

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Caregivers and nannies on valid work permits can qualify for life insurance in Canada, even without permanent resident status
Coverage of up to $2 million may be available, with limits varying by insurer, work permit status, residency, income, and underwriting criteria
Caregivers and nannies can choose from term, permanent, and no-medical life insurance
Some insurers also offer critical illness insurance to eligible caregivers and nannies, with coverage amounts ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on the provider

If you are living and working in Canada as a caregiver or nanny on a work permit, you may qualify for life insurance even if you are not yet a permanent resident. Depending on the insurer, you may be able to get coverage of up to $2 million, along with options such as term, permanent, and no-medical life insurance to help protect your family’s financial future.

Can caregivers and nannies on a work permit get life insurance in Canada?

Yes, caregivers and nannies on a work permit can apply for life insurance in Canada. Most major insurers, such as Assumption Life and Beneva, offer coverage if applicants possess documentation such as a valid work permit or approval under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot. Additional factors like minimum residency in Canada, health, age, income, and the insurer’s underwriting requirements can affect eligibility as well.

Life insurance for caregivers and nannies on a work permit in Canada: At a glance

Can caregivers and nannies get life insurance?	Yes
Maximum coverage available	Up to $2M*
Key documents required	Valid work permit, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)/ Home Care Worker Immigration pilots documentation
Permanent residence required?	Not always

*Coverage amounts vary by insurer and are subject to underwriting, income verification, and other insurer requirements

Who is considered a caregiver in Canada?

A caregiver in Canada is an individual who provides ongoing care and assistance to people who need help with daily living. They may work in private homes, healthcare facilities, or community care centres.

Here are some examples of caregivers in Canada:

Child caregivers looking after infants and children
Home support workers assisting seniors with daily activities
Personal support workers (PSWs)
Disability support workers
Live-in or live-out caregivers
Individuals providing care to people with chronic illnesses or special needs

Who is considered a nanny in Canada?

A nanny is a type of caregiver in Canada who provides childcare services for families. They are typically responsible for supervising and caring for children, alongside assisting them with activities such as bathing, preparing meals, teaching, and more.

What are the eligibility requirements for life insurance for caregivers and nannies in Canada?

Caregivers and nannies in Canada on a work permit are eligible for life insurance if they possess a valid work permit or authorization under an eligible caregiver immigration pilot. Apart from this, some insurers may have additional requirements, such as:

Valid work permit or authorization under an eligible caregiver immigration pilot
Minimum residency period in Canada
Proof of employment
Confirmation of a permanent residence (PR) application

Documents you need to apply for life insurance as a caregiver or nanny on a work permit in Canada

Depending on the insurer, you may be asked to provide one or more of the following documents:

Confirmation of an application for permanent residence (PR)
Work permit documentation
Home Child Care Provider Pilot documentation
Home Support Worker Pilot documentation

Note: Requirements vary by insurer. Read policy wording for exact eligibility criteria. It is also worth mentioning that most insurers require the applicant, not the employer, to own the policy.

What types of life insurance are available to nannies and caregivers on a work permit in Canada?

Nannies and caregivers who meet insurer requirements and have work permits can choose from several types of life insurance, depending on their financial goals and budget.

Here are the life insurance options available to caregivers and nannies in Canada:

Term life insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. It is typically the most affordable type of life insurance because it offers higher coverage at lower premiums, making it a practical choice for caregivers and nannies who want financial protection without a high monthly cost.

Permanent life insurance

Permanent life insurance (such as whole life insurance and universal life insurance) provides lifelong coverage to the holder as long as premiums are paid. These policies usually offer a guaranteed death benefit and may build cash value over time, making them great for long-term financial planning and lasting protection.

No medical life insurance

No medical life insurance lets applicants secure coverage without undergoing a medical exam. It is great for caregivers and nannies with pre-existing health conditions or individuals seeking a faster approval process.

Read our detailed guide on best life insurance companies in Canada

How much life insurance can a nanny or a caregiver get on a work permit in Canada?

Nannies and caregivers on a work permit in Canada can get up to $2M in coverage, depending on the insurer and their requirements.

Here’s a quick glance at how much life insurance you can get in Canada as a nanny or a caregiver:

Insurer	Maximum Coverage	Limitations / Requirements
Assumption Life	Up to $750K	Available under work-permit rules
Beneva	Up to $500K	Applicant must own the policy Valid work permit required
BMO Insurance	Up to $300K	Requires a valid work permit Requires at least 3 months of residence in Canada Premiums may be rated up to 250% Disability and accidental death riders are not available
Canada Life	Up to $250K	Available under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Requires the job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code Requires LMIA approval
Desjardins	$250K (without PR application) $500K (with PR application)	Applies to lower-skilled and domestic workers Higher coverage available after a PR application is filed
Empire Life	Up to $250K	Must be enrolled in the Live-in Caregiver Program
Equitable Life	Up to $500K during the first 2 years; up to $1M after 2 years	Coverage is subject to the underwriter’s discretion
iA Financial	Up to $1M during the first year; income-based coverage after 1 year	Processed under work-permit guidelines Higher coverage may be available depending on occupation
Manulife	Up to $250K	Applicant must own the policy Valid work permit required Generally prefers applicants who have lived in Canada for at least six months Shorter residency is considered on a case-by-case basis
RBC Insurance	Up to $500K	Caregivers are assessed under the same underwriting guidelines as convention refugees and protected persons Critical illness eligibility must be confirmed separately
Sun Life	Up to $250K (without PR application) Up to $2M (with PR application)	Higher coverage may be available after filing a PR application Requires at least three months of residence in Canada to access higher coverage tiers

Note: Ranges are illustrative. The amount you qualify for depends on factors such as your age, health, income, immigration status, time living in Canada, and the insurer’s underwriting requirements. Contact our advisors for a coverage plan tailored to your needs.

Factors that affect how much life insurance you can get as a caregiver and nanny on a work permit in Canada

The amount of life insurance you may qualify for as a nanny or caregiver on a work permit depends on several factors that help insurers assess your long-term ties to Canada and overall risk profile.

In addition to your work permit, income, and health, insurers often look at indicators that show your long-term ties to Canada. The following factors can help increase the amount of coverage you qualify for:

Your occupation and income level: Higher and more stable earnings can support larger coverage amounts, especially for insurers like iA
Permanent residence (PR): An active PR application can demonstrate your intention to remain in Canada long-term. Insurers like Desjardins and Sun Life offer higher coverage amounts to applicants with a PR
Residency: Some insurers, like Manulife, BMO, and Sun Life, require applicants to stay in Canada for a minimum period of three or six months before applying for coverage

Can you qualify for critical illness coverage as a work permit caregiver or nanny in Canada?

Yes, you can qualify for critical illness insurance as a caregiver or nanny on a work permit in Canada. Most insurers, like Beneva, Empire Life, and Canada Life, will offer coverage based on a work permit and LMIA approval. Some policies might require additional documentation and requirements for eligibility.

Here is a glance at the range of critical illness coverage you can receive as a caregiver or nanny in Canada:

Insurer	Maximum Critical Illness Coverage
Beneva	Up to $100K
BMO Insurance	Up to $50K
Canada Life	Up to $50K
Desjardins	Up to $50K (without a PR application) Up to $100K (with a PR application)
Empire Life	Up to $100K
Equitable Life	Up to $250K
iA Financial	Up to $100K
Manulife	Up to $100K
Sun Life	Up to $500K

Note: The coverage amounts shown represent the maximum available for eligible caregivers and nannies based on each insurer’s underwriting guidelines. Your approved coverage may be lower depending on your health, income, financial profile, work permit status, and supporting documentation.

How much does life insurance cost for a nanny or caregiver on a work permit in Canada?

The cost of life insurance for nannies and caregivers can range from $19.71 to $272.43. Premiums are based on age, coverage amount, duration, and health status. While many eligible caregivers pay standard premiums, some insurers may apply premium ratings or coverage restrictions based on their underwriting guidelines and your immigration status.

The sample premiums below are based on a $300,000, 20-year term life insurance policy:

Age	Premium (Male)	Premium (Female)
25	$19.71	$14.58
35	$21.87	$16.74
45	$46.44	$34.77
55	$129.60	$89.91
65	$403.11	$272.43

*Actual premiums will vary based on age, gender, health, smoking status, insurer, and policy term.

Age (in years)

Gender

Smoker

Yes

Coverage amount

Why does life insurance matter for nannies and caregivers on a work permit in Canada?

Many nannies and caregivers have financial responsibilities that extend beyond Canada. A life insurance policy can act as a safety net if the policyholder passes away unexpectedly, offering greater financial security for those who depend on the policyholder.

Here’s why life insurance matters for caregivers and nannies on a work permit in Canada:

Income replacement: Many caregivers support their spouses and other family members financially. Life insurance can replace your income so your dependents are not left without support if the unexpected happens
Protecting a new mortgage or car loan: Many newcomers take on major financial commitments like purchasing property or cars. Stable life insurance helps cover outstanding debts and reduces the financial burden on your family.
Funeral and final expenses: A funeral in Canada costs an average of $9,150 and can run as high as $20,000. A life insurance payout can cover these costs directly, reducing the financial burden
Locking in lower premiums: Buying life insurance earlier can help you secure lower rates and maintain affordable coverage as your financial responsibilities grow over the years

Why do life insurance applications for caregivers and nannies in Canada get declined or delayed?

While nannies and caregivers can get life insurance as a work permit holder in Canada, applications may be delayed, restricted, or declined if certain residency, immigration, or underwriting requirements are not met.

Here’s an overview of major reasons why life insurance applications for caregivers and nannies on a work permit get declined or delayed:

Reason for decline or delay	What it means	Potential impact
Insufficient time living in Canada	Several insurers require applicants to have lived in Canada for a minimum period, ranging from three months to two years, before qualifying for higher coverage amounts.	Coverage may be limited, postponed, or unavailable until residency requirements are met
No valid work permit	Many insurers classify caregivers and nannies under work-permit programs and require proof of a valid work permit.	The application may be delayed or declined until valid immigration documentation is provided
Permanent residence (PR) application not submitted	Some insurers offer higher coverage limits only after a PR application has been filed or approved.	The applicant may qualify only for lower coverage amounts until PR requirements are satisfied
Employment requirements not met	Certain insurers require full-time employment, stable income, or participation in specific caregiver programs.	Coverage may be postponed or declined until employment criteria are met
Not enrolled in an eligible caregiver program	Some insurers restrict coverage to applicants under programs such as the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot or the Live-in Caregiver Program.	The application may be declined if the applicant cannot demonstrate eligibility under the required program
Missing occupation or immigration documentation	Insurers may request documents such as work permits, NOC codes, LMIA approvals, proof of employment, caregiver program records, or PR application documents.	This may result in additional underwriting reviews, document requests, and longer processing times

Find out how much life insurance costs in Canada in 2026

How to purchase life insurance as a nanny or caregiver in Canada?

PolicyAdvisor’s licensed advisors can help caregivers and nannies find the right life insurance policy by comparing coverage, eligibility requirements, and insurer guidelines based on their unique needs. Our advisors can also help you compare quotes from leading Canadian insurers and how factors such as your immigration status, income, and time in Canada may affect your options.

Whether you are a new caregiver or an experienced nanny on a work permit, our team can guide you through the application process and help you choose a policy that satisfies your financial goals and family needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a caregiver on a work permit get life insurance in Canada?

Yes, many insurers offer coverage to caregivers with valid work permits, subject to underwriting and eligibility requirements.

Do I need permanent resident status to qualify for life insurance?

No. Some insurers like BMO and Canada Life provide coverage to temporary residents and work permit holders. However, some insurers may offer higher coverage amounts after you have submitted a permanent residence (PR) application.

Can a nanny send life insurance benefits to family members outside Canada?

Yes. Beneficiaries can generally be located outside Canada. However, some insurers may require additional documentation during the application process.

Can home support workers get life insurance in Canada?

Yes. Home support workers with a valid work permit can often apply for life insurance. Approval depends on general factors such as age, health, employment stability, and immigration status.

Can I buy life insurance if I recently arrived in Canada?

Some insurers require applicants to have lived in Canada for a minimum period, while others may offer coverage to newcomers shortly after arrival. Eligibility and application requirements vary by insurer.

What happens if I change employers or lose my job?

Your coverage is typically tied to you, not your employer. It is recommended to keep premiums current and update contact details for a seamless transition. Applicants should check portability and grace-period terms in their policy.

SUMMARY

Caregivers and nannies in Canada can often qualify for life insurance without permanent residency. This guide explains eligibility requirements, available policy types, coverage limits of up to $2 million, participating insurers, costs, and availability of critical illness insurance

Written By

Jason Reynold Goveas

Senior Insurance Advisor, LLQP

Jason Reynold Goveas, a senior insurance advisor based in Waterloo, brings diverse experience and his sharp wit to the industry. Since moving from India in 2019, he's been helping Canadian families with expert life insurance guidance.

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Life insurance for caregivers and nannies on a work permit in Canada