Table of contents
No Medical Life Insurance Quotes
Looking for life insurance but want to skip the hassle of medical exams, lab tests, and endless paperwork? You’re not alone. Many Canadians are turning to no medical life insurance as a simple, convenient way to get coverage—whether they’ve had health issues in the past or just want to avoid the long application process.
The good news? There are more options than ever before, with some insurers offering quick approval, flexible coverage amounts, and competitive pricing—no needles or doctor’s visits required. In this guide, we’ll break down the best no medical life insurance companies in Canada, explain the differences between simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies, and help you decide which option might be the right fit for your needs.
Let’s get started.
- Key takeaways:
- No medical life insurance offers coverage without the need for a medical exam, making it accessible to people with health issues or those who want faster approval.
- The two primary types of no medical life insurance are simplified issue, which involves answering a few health questions, and guaranteed issue, which requires no medical exam or health questions at all.
- Simplified issue life insurance is ideal for those with manageable health conditions who want more affordable premiums and higher coverage options.
- Guaranteed issue life insurance is best suited for seniors or individuals with serious health issues who’ve been denied other policies.
What Is No Medical Life Insurance?
No medical life insurance refers to insurance policies that don’t require a medical exam during the application process. Instead of undergoing tests or providing doctor’s reports, you typically just need to answer a few medical and lifestyle questions—or none at all, depending on the policy.
This makes no medical life insurance ideal if you have a pre-existing condition, want to avoid the hassle of medical exams, or simply need coverage fast. However, because the insurer has less information about your health, premiums are higher than traditional fully underwritten policies, and maximum coverage amounts are much lower.
Term vs permanent no medical life insurance
No medical life insurance comes in both term and permanent formats, giving you flexibility depending on your needs.
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10 or 20 years—with level premiums during that time. The insurance company pays a tax-free death benefit to your beneficiaries if you die during the term.
This option is ideal for covering temporary needs like mortgage payments, children’s education, or replacing lost income. Term policies allow you to renew at the end of the term at a higher cost or convert to permanent coverage before a certain age.
Permanent life insurance lasts your entire life, as long as you continue to pay premiums, which are level and fixed for the duration of your life. These plans guarantee a death benefit, which can be used to pay for funeral costs, final taxes, or leave a legacy to your loved ones.
Permanent policies have higher premiums but are more suitable if you’re looking for lifelong protection. Some permanent policies build cash values you can access during your lifetime.
Simplified issue vs guaranteed issue life insurance
There are two main types of no medical life insurance in Canada: simplified issue and guaranteed issue. Here’s how they differ:
Simplified issue life insurance has no medical exam, but you must answer some health and lifestyle questions. The more “no” answers you give, the better your chances of qualifying for higher coverage and lower rates. Because the application is straightforward and approval can be instant, it’s a good option if you want quick coverage without full underwriting.
Medical questions may include whether you’ve had cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, mental health issues. It may also ask about recent hospital stays, change in medication, and family history of serious illnesses.
Lifestyle questions may include whether you’ve used a narcotic, been convicted of a criminal offence, had your driver’s license suspended or revoked, or participated in a hazardous sport like sky diving or motor vehicle racing.
Since every insurer has different questions, shopping around can help you find one that fits your health profile best.
Guaranteed issue life insurance—also known as guaranteed acceptance life insurance—does not require you to answer any health questions or undergo a medical exam. As the name suggests, your approval is guaranteed regardless of your health history. Insurers charge higher premiums and offer lower coverage limits on guaranteed issue policies to offset the risk of unknown health conditions.
Because you can’t be denied coverage and the coverage amounts are typically modest, guaranteed issue life insurance is sometimes referred to as burial insurance or final expense insurance.
For non-accidental deaths within the first two years, beneficiaries receive a refund of premiums paid, not the full death benefit—this is known as the waiting period. These plans are best suited for older individuals or those with serious health conditions who can’t qualify for other coverage types.
Below is a comparison table of simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and fully underwritten (or traditionally underwritten) life insurance, the most common type:
Simplified issue life insurance | Guaranteed issue life insurance | Fully underwritten life insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|
Plan types available | Term and permanent | Term and permanent | Term and permanent |
Cost | Moderate | Highest | Lowest |
Maximum coverage amount | $750,000 | $100,000 | Over $5,000,000 |
Medical exam | No | No | Sometimes |
Medical and lifestyle questions | Yes | No | Yes |
Doctor’s report | No | No | Sometimes |
Guaranteed acceptance | No | Yes | No |
Speed of approval | Instant to a few days | Instant | A few days to over a month |
Waiting period | None | Two years for non-accidental death | None |
As the table shows, a health exam may be required for fully underwritten life insurance policies, but it’s not always necessary. In many cases, the medical test will not be mandatory, especially for younger applicants (typically under age 50) applying for coverage amounts up to a certain threshold (often $2,000,000).
However, there are exceptions. Some applicants may be randomly selected for testing, and ultimately, it’s up to the underwriter’s discretion. If your answers to the health questionnaire raise any red flags or require clarification, the underwriter may request a medical exam to complete the risk assessment. In some cases, a doctor’s report (also known as an attending physician’s statement) may also be required to gather more detailed information about your medical history.
Unlike no medical life insurance—where the absence of a medical exam is guaranteed—fully underwritten policies do not offer that certainty.
Who is no medical exam life insurance suitable for?
No medical life insurance can be a great fit in a number of situations. You may want to consider it if:
✅ You have pre-existing health conditions: If you’ve been diagnosed with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or mental health disorders, qualifying for a fully underwritten policy may be difficult or even impossible. In these cases, a no medical life insurance policy can provide an alternative path to coverage—even if it’s at a higher cost.
✅ You were previously declined for traditional life insurance: Getting denied by a fully underwritten insurer doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many simplified issue plans don’t ask about previous declines, so applicants who have been turned down before can be accepted.
✅ You want quick coverage: Maybe you’re going on a trip or securing a loan and need life insurance fast. No medical life insurance often provides instant or next-day approval without waiting weeks for underwriting.
✅ You don’t want to take a medical exam: Some people just aren’t comfortable with needles, doctor visits, or the invasion of privacy that comes with fully underwritten policies. No medical insurance offers a more comfortable and private alternative.
✅ You have a risky lifestyle or job: If you engage in hazardous hobbies (like rock climbing or skydiving) or work in a dangerous profession (like mining or aviation), you might face restrictions or surcharges from traditional insurers. Some simplified issue providers are more flexible about these risks.
✅ You need a temporary solution: If your health is improving or your lifestyle risks are decreasing, a simplified policy can serve as a short-term solution until you replace it later with a traditionally underwritten policy.
✅ You’re a senior or want coverage for final expenses: If you’re over 60 with serious health conditions and only need a small amount to cover funeral costs and debts, a guaranteed issue permanent policy may be enough—and it’s easier to qualify for.
✅ You’re an adult child helping manage your parent’s finances: Many adult children purchase guaranteed issue life insurance policies for their elderly parents to cover final expenses or support estate planning. It’s a practical way to ensure end-of-life costs don’t become a financial burden on the family.
If you’re in good health and qualify for a traditional fully underwritten policy, that route will typically provide more coverage at a lower cost.
Pros and cons of no medical life insurance
Here are the pros and cons of no medical life insurance to help you decide if it is worth it for you:
- Pros:
- No medical exams required: You won’t need to schedule appointments, take blood or urine tests, or provide doctor records. This saves time and removes the stress associated with traditional underwriting.
- Faster approval process: Many policies offer near-instant decisions—some even approve you on the spot. That’s ideal if you need protection quickly for personal, legal, or financial reasons.
- Accessible to people with health concerns: If you’ve been turned down for fully underwritten policies, no medical insurance gives you another chance to get coverage—even if your health isn’t perfect.
- More privacy and convenience: You can often apply online or over the phone, without the need to disclose personal medical details to multiple people or undergo invasive exams.
- Flexible options: No medical insurance is available in both term and permanent formats, so you can choose the plan that matches your goals and budget.
- Guaranteed approval available: If your health is poor and you’ve exhausted all other options, guaranteed issue life insurance ensures you can still qualify for coverage.
- Competitive rates: The growing competition among insurers offering no medical life insurance has helped drive prices down, making this type of coverage more affordable than it used to be.
- Cons:
- Higher premiums: Because insurers take on more risk without reviewing your full medical history, you’ll generally pay more for the same amount of coverage than you would with a fully underwritten policy.
- Lower coverage amounts: Maximum limits are usually capped around $500,000 for simplified issue and $50,000 for guaranteed issue. This may not be enough to replace your income or protect your family long term.
- Waiting periods on guaranteed issue policies: If you die from a non-accidental cause within the first two years of a guaranteed issue policy, your beneficiaries won’t receive the full death benefit—only a refund of premiums.
- Fewer customization options: No medical plans may not offer as many riders (like disability waiver or child term insurance) as fully underwritten policies. Additionally, features like joint first-to-die or last-to-die coverage—which are common with traditional policies—may not be offered with most no medical plans.
- Limited term options: Term length options for no medical life insurance are often limited, with most insurers only offering 10- or 20-year terms. Unlike fully underwritten policies, it's rare to find 15-, 25-, or 30-year term options, which can reduce flexibility when trying to match your coverage to long-term financial needs like a mortgage.
How much does no medical life insurance cost in Canada?
The biggest factor in determining your premium is the type of no medical life insurance you qualify for.
Guaranteed issue life insurance doesn’t ask any medical questions at all, meaning you automatically qualify—regardless of your health history. Because the insurer is taking on more risk, the premiums are higher and the death benefit amounts are lower.
Simplified issue life insurance asks a short list of medical and lifestyle questions. The more “no” answers you can honestly give (e.g., “No, I haven’t had cancer”), the lower your risk level—and the lower your premiums will be.
So, while both options avoid medical exams, the type of questions you’re asked and your answers can make a big difference in what you pay.
Several other factors can influence your rates, including:
- Age: The older you are, the higher your premiums.
- Gender: Women pay less than men for life insurance due to longer life expectancies.
- Smoking status: Smokers pay significantly more than non-smokers.
- Coverage amount: The more coverage you want, the higher the premium.
- Term or permanent: For the same amount of death benefit, term life insurance tends to be more affordable than permanent life insurance. That’s because term coverage only lasts for a set number of years, whereas permanent policies cover you for life.
- Term length: The shorter the term, the lower your premiums. For example, a 10-year term will cost less than a 20-year term.
- Insurance company: Rates vary between insurers, even for the same type of policy. That’s why it’s so important to compare options.
The table below provides sample monthly premiums for a simplified issue 10-year term life insurance policy with a $100,000 death benefit. It includes rates for male and female non-smokers in both standard and below-average health.
Keep in mind that these premiums are guaranteed to remain level for the first 10 years of the policy. While coverage may continue beyond that period (typically with higher premiums in years 11 to 20), the table only reflects costs for the initial 10-year term for illustrative purposes.
Age | Simplified issue: standard health | Simplified issue: below-average health | Fully underwritten: standard health | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Male non-smoker | Female non-smoker | Male non-smoker | Female non-smoker | Male non-smoker | Female non-smoker | |
25 | $18 | $13 | $24 | $19 | $9 | $7 |
30 | $19 | $14 | $25 | $19 | $9 | $7 |
35 | $19 | $14 | $27 | $20 | $9 | $9 |
40 | $20 | $17 | $34 | $25 | $11 | $10 |
45 | $25 | $21 | $45 | $35 | $15 | $12 |
50 | $36 | $29 | $61 | $49 | $21 | $16 |
55 | $50 | $40 | $97 | $76 | $28 | $23 |
60 | $88 | $65 | $169 | $122 | $51 | $38 |
65 | $153 | $104 | $281 | $190 | $81 | $61 |
As you can see, fully underwritten policies offer the lowest premiums if you’re in good health—but they come with stricter qualification requirements, including medical exams or detailed health assessments.
Simplified issue policies cost more, but they offer a faster, easier path to coverage. For those with mild health conditions or who want to skip the hassle of a medical exam, the added cost may be worth the convenience.
The following table displays sample monthly premiums for a permanent guaranteed issue life insurance policy with a $25,000 death benefit for male and female non-smokers. These premiums are guaranteed for life and are considered “paid up” at age 100—meaning you won’t have to make any further payments after that, but the coverage will remain in force.
Rates for fully underwritten policies are not included for comparison, as guaranteed issue life insurance is specifically designed for individuals who are unable to qualify for traditional coverage due to health issues.
Age | Male non-smoker | Female non-smoker |
|---|---|---|
50 | $94 | $75 |
55 | $118 | $91 |
60 | $156 | $118 |
65 | $217 | $153 |
70 | $327 | $213 |
75 | $449 | $285 |
Comparing No Medical Life Insurance Providers In Canada
When choosing a no medical life insurance policy in Canada, it’s important to compare providers based on more than just price. The best companies offer a combination of generous coverage limits, competitive rates, a streamlined application process, and solid financial strength. Ideally, you want a plan that’s not only easy to qualify for but also comes with valuable features and flexible options to meet your unique needs.
What to look for in a no medical life insurance provider
To ensure you’re choosing the right policy, look for a provider that offers:
- High coverage limits – up to $750,000 for simplified issue plans and $100,000 for guaranteed issue plans.
- Affordable rates – premiums should be competitive for your age and health.
- Brand recognition and financial stability – go with a trusted insurer that will be around to pay your claim.
- Built-in benefits – such as an extreme disability benefit that advances part of the death benefit if you become severely disabled.
- Flexible options – like joint first-to-die or last-to-die coverage, ideal for couples and estate planning.
- Optional riders – including child life insurance or accidental death benefit to enhance your coverage.
- Flexible payment methods – the ability to pay by credit card, not just through online banking or pre-authorized debit.
- Ease of application – a smooth, digital-friendly application process is key. While the number of medical questions matters, how easy it is to apply is just as important.
Best all around: Canada Protection Plan
As one of the first companies to offer no medical life insurance in Canada, Canada Protection Plan has a comprehensive selection of both simplified and guaranteed issue plans. Whether you’re in good health or have medical conditions, there’s likely a product to meet your needs. Their expertise in this space has made them a go-to brand for Canadians seeking no medical coverage.
- Pros:
- An industry-leading coverage limit of up to $750,000 for ages 18 to 50.
- Unique 25-year decreasing term plan suitable for mortgage or debt protection.
- Foresters member benefits like orphan scholarships and community grants are included automatically.
- Available directly from Canada Protection Plan or through an advisor.
- Cons:
- With 42 eligibility questions, the application process can feel lengthy and may be challenging to qualify for if you can't confidently answer “no” to every question.
- No joint first or last-to-die life insurance options.
- Multiple product names (e.g. “Deferred,” “Deferred Elite,” “Simplified Elite”) can be confusing.
Best simplified issue life insurance: UV Insurance
UV Insurance, a Quebec-based mutual insurer with over 130 years of history, offers strong value in its simplified issue products. What sets it apart is that its simplified plans use the same pricing as their fully underwritten ones, resulting in lower premiums than typical no medical offerings.
- Pros:
- Lower premiums for both term and permanent insurance than its competitors.
- More term options than other insurance companies, including 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 year terms.
- Joint first or last-to-die coverage available.
- Offers a simplified issue disability insurance rider that covers your debt if you’re disabled.
- Cons:
- 25 medical and lifestyle questions—more than some providers.
- Maximum coverage of $499,999 for simplified issue; higher amounts require full underwriting including a medical exam.
- Multiple product names (e.g. “Deferred,” “Deferred Elite,” “Simplified Elite”) can be confusing.
Best guaranteed issue life insurance: Manulife
Canada’s largest insurer, Manulife, is known for innovation and reliability. Its guaranteed issue product offers the highest available coverage amount in the industry, making it ideal for those who need more than just final expense coverage.
- Pros:
- Up to $100,000 coverage with no health questions or exam.
- Manulife Vitality Go lets you earn rewards for healthy living.
- Compassionate Assistance Program provides a 50% advance if diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- Cons:
- Can be confused with CoverMe, another Manulife product available only through the company.
- Maximum application age is 75, lower than some other providers’ age 80 limit.
- Only monthly PAD payments, no annual or credit card option.
Best no medical life insurance for seniors: Assumption Life
Seniors have specific life insurance needs, and Assumption Life provides solutions whether you’re healthy or have existing conditions. From larger simplified term plans to guaranteed issue permanent coverage, it has options for a wide range of needs.
- Pros:
- Up to $500,000 of term life insurance to age 75; up to $250,000 permanent coverage to age 85.
- Cash values begin after year 5 allows you to withdraw cash for emergency purposes.
- Offers joint last-to-die coverage, ideal for estate planning.
- Cons:
- Only 10- and 20-year term options are available, offering fewer choices than insurers that provide 15-, 25-, or 30-year term lengths.
- Does not offer critical illness or disability riders, which are available with some other insurance providers.
Comparison of simplified issue life insurance plans in Canada
Here’s a table comparing the simplified issue life insurance products available in Canada:
Insurance company | Plans available | Age eligibility | Number of health and lifestyle questions | Coverage limits | How to purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assumption Life | Term-10, term-20, whole life | 18 to 85 | 19 | $5,000 to $750,000 | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Beneva | Term-10, term-20, whole life | 18 to 80 | 24 | $10,000 to $500,000 | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Canada Protection Plan | Term-10, term-20, term-25, term-30, whole life | 18 to 80 | 42 | $5,000 to $750,000 | Directly from the insurance provider or through a licensed insurance advisor |
Desjardins | Term-100 | 50 to 75 | 4 | $5,000 to $20,000 | Directly from the insurance provider |
Humania | Term-10, term-20, term-100 | 18 to 70 | 18 | $5,000 to $500,000 | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Industrial Alliance | Term-15, term-20, term-25, whole life | 6 months to 80 | 13 | $10,000 to $500,000 | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Manulife | Term-10 | 18 to 70 | 2 | $50,000 or $75,000 | Directly from the insurance provider |
Sun Life | Term-10 | 18 to 69 | 3 | $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000 | Directly from the insurance provider |
UV Insurance | Term-10, term-15, term-20, term-25, term-30, whole life | 15 days to 80 | 25 | $10,000 to $499,999 | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Comparison of guaranteed issue life insurance plans in Canada
And here’s a table comparing guaranteed issue life insurance products offered by insurance companies in Canada:
Insurance company | Age eligibility | Number of health and lifestyle questions | Coverage limits | Cash value | How to purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assumption Life | 18 to 80 | 0 | $5,000 to $50,000 | Guaranteed cash surrender value starting after year 5 | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Beneva | 18 to 80 | 1 | $10,000 to $50,000 | No | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Canada Protection Plan | 18 to 75 | 0 | $5,000 to $50,000 | Guaranteed cash surrender value starting after year 5 | Directly from the insurance provider or through a licensed insurance advisor |
Edge Benefits | 18 to 69 | 0 | $5,000 to $50,000 | No | Directly from the insurance provider or through a licensed insurance advisor |
Empire Life | 40 to 75 | 0 | $5,000 to $50,000 | Guaranteed cash surrender value at the 5th policy anniversary | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Humania | 18 to 70 | 0 | $5,000 to $100,000 | No | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Industrial Alliance | 6 months to 80 | 0 | $10,000 to $50,000 | Guaranteed cash surrender value at the 5th policy anniversary | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
Manulife CoverMe | 40 to 75 | 0 | $5,000 to $25,000 | No | Directly from the insurance provider |
Manulife Guaranteed Issue | 18 to 75 | 0 | $10,000 to $100,000 | No | Through a licensed insurance advisor |
RBC Insurance | 40 to 75 | 0 | $5,000 to $40,000 | No | Directly from the insurance provider |
Sun Life | 30 to 74 | 0 | $5,000 to $25,000 | No | Directly from the insurance provider |
TD Insurance | 50 to 75 | 0 | $5,000 to $25,000 | No | Directly from the insurance provider |
How to choose the right no medical policy
With so many options, finding the right no medical life insurance policy can be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you decide:
1. Determine your needs: Figure out how much coverage you need and how long you need it for by considering factors like your mortgage balance, income replacement needs, final expenses, and your children’s post-secondary education costs. This will help you narrow down which insurance provider offers products that best match your financial goals and personal situation.
2. Assess your health and lifestyle: Make a list of your medical conditions and lifestyle risks, including when you were diagnosed, received treatment, and had symptoms. This will help you eliminate plans you won’t qualify for.
3. Review questionnaires: Go through the health questionnaires for simplified issue policies. You can qualify if you answer “no” to most or all questions.
4. Get a quote: Once you’ve identified which plans you may qualify for, get quotes to compare premiums.
5. Apply and get covered: Work with a licensed insurance advisor to complete your application and secure coverage.
Since some information—like health questionnaires, quotes, and applications—may not be publicly available, an advisor can be invaluable in helping you choose and apply for the right plan.
Debunking Common Myths About No Medical Life Insurance
There are many misconceptions about no medical life insurance that can cause confusion or hesitation when shopping for a policy. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths so you can make a more informed decision.
❌ Myth #1: No medical life insurance is only for people in poor health
✅ Reality: Many people assume that no medical life insurance is strictly for those with serious health conditions who can’t qualify for traditional policies. While it’s true that this type of insurance is a great option for individuals with pre-existing conditions, it’s not just for those in poor health.
In reality, healthy individuals also choose no medical life insurance for its quick approval process and convenience. If someone needs coverage fast—perhaps for a business loan, divorce agreement, or personal peace of mind—they may opt for a no medical policy to skip the lengthy underwriting process.
However, if you have mild or manageable health conditions, you shouldn’t automatically assume that no medical life insurance is your best or only choice. In many cases, a fully underwritten policy can offer:
- Higher coverage amounts than no medical policies
- Lower premiums since insurers can assess your risk more accurately
- No medical exam, depending on your age and health history
Before choosing a no medical life insurance policy, it’s worth comparing your options. If you don’t mind a short health questionnaire or even a simple medical test, you could qualify for better coverage at a lower cost with a traditionally underwritten policy.
❌ Myth #2: No medical life insurance is always more expensive than traditional life insurance
✅ Reality: While it’s true that no medical policies generally have higher premiums, the cost difference isn’t always extreme—and in some cases, a no medical policy can actually be the more affordable option.
Traditional life insurance requires full underwriting, meaning insurers assess your health in detail. If you have medical conditions that result in substandard premiums (which can be up to 300% of the standard rate), a simplified issue policy could provide a better alternative—especially if the insurer’s health questionnaire doesn’t ask about your specific condition.
Rather than assuming one type of policy is always cheaper, the best approach is to work with an insurance advisor who can:
- Assess your health history and identify potential rating concerns
- Compare traditional and simplified issue policies to find the best premium for your coverage needs
Ultimately, the best policy depends on your unique situation. A no medical policy isn’t always the most expensive option, and in some cases, it may actually provide better value than a fully underwritten plan.
❌ Myth #3: You can get the same coverage amount as traditional policies
✅ Reality: No medical life insurance has much lower maximum coverage amounts due to the higher risk insurers take on when issuing policies without full health assessments.
For example, while fully underwritten life insurance can provide coverage well over $5 million, most simplified issue policies cap coverage between $50,000 and $500,000, depending on the insurer and policy type. Guaranteed issue policies tend to have even lower limits, often below $50,000.
If you need more than the typical coverage limit offered by a single no medical policy, you may be able to “stack” multiple policies from different insurers. By purchasing simplified issue policies from several companies, you can increase your total coverage amount to better protect your family.
❌ Myth #4: No medical life insurance has no health questions at all
✅ Reality: While guaranteed issue life insurance does not ask any health questions, simplified issue life insurance does include a short questionnaire to assess risk.
The number of questions varies by insurer, and your answers impact your eligibility, coverage amount, and pricing. The more “no” answers you give, the better the coverage and rates you may qualify for.
❌ Myth #5: No medical life insurance pays out immediately
✅ Reality: Simplified issue life insurance policies pay out the full death benefit immediately once the policy is in force. Since there’s a medical questionnaire, insurers can assess risk and offer instant protection without a waiting period.
On the other hand, guaranteed issue life insurance policies come with a two-year waiting period before the full death benefit is paid out. This is because there are zero health questions, meaning the insurance company has no information about your health—for all they know, you could be terminally ill at the time of application. To manage this risk, insurers impose a waiting period to prevent immediate large payouts for those who are already gravely ill.
If you pass away due to natural causes during this two-year period, the insurer will only refund the premiums paid, usually with interest. However, if death occurs due to an accident, the full coverage amount is paid out immediately, even within the waiting period.
❌ Myth #6: You can’t be denied no medical life insurance
✅ Reality: While guaranteed issue life insurance does accept all applicants regardless of health, simplified issue life insurance can still deny coverage based on your answers to health questions.
❌ Myth #7: No medical life insurance is a temporary policy
✅ Reality: Many insurers offer both term and permanent no medical life insurance options, allowing you to choose coverage that fits your long-term needs.
No medical term life insurance provides coverage for a set period (e.g., 10 or 20 years). It’s more affordable than permanent coverage but expires at the end of the term unless renewed. Most term policies never pay a death benefit because the insured outlives the coverage period.
On the other hand, no medical permanent life insurance offers lifelong coverage, meaning the policy is guaranteed to pay out when the insured passes away. Since the insurer knows they will eventually have to pay the claim, permanent policies cost more than term options.
If you need coverage for a specific period (e.g., while raising children or paying off a mortgage), term insurance is a cost-effective option. However, if you want a policy that lasts a lifetime, a permanent no medical plan can provide peace of mind—just be prepared for higher premiums.
❌ Myth #8: No medical life insurance is a scam or not a “real” policy
✅ Reality: No medical life insurance is provided by well-established, regulated insurance companies in Canada. These insurers must follow strict industry regulations and financial oversight.
In fact, every life insurance company in Canada that offers no medical life insurance is required to be a member of Assuris, an independent, non-profit organization that protects policyholders if an insurer fails. This ensures that your policy is backed by financial protection in the unlikely event that your insurer becomes insolvent.
Frequently Asked Questions
No medical life insurance allows you to obtain life insurance coverage without undergoing a traditional medical examination. Eligibility is determined through either a simplified issue process, involving a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire, or a guaranteed issue process, where acceptance is not contingent on health.
It works like a regular life insurance policy—if you pass away while the policy is active, the insurer pays a tax-free death benefit to your beneficiary.
Simplified issue policies ask a few health questions and offer higher coverage with no waiting period. Guaranteed issue policies have no health questions, so acceptance is guaranteed.
Simplified issue offers lower rates, higher coverage, and options for term or permanent life insurance. Guaranteed issue provides permanent coverage and is best for covering final expenses like funeral costs.
Anyone within the eligible age range can get guaranteed issue life insurance since it has no medical questions and accepts all applicants.
Simplified issue life insurance has health and lifestyle questions, so approval isn’t guaranteed. However, it’s still easier to qualify for than fully underwritten policies.
At the moment, the highest no medical life insurance amount is $750,000 for simplified issue and $100,000 for guaranteed issue.
These limits depend on your age and health, with the highest amounts typically available to younger and healthier applicants. You can also stack multiple policies from different insurers for more coverage.
Simplified issue policies have no waiting period, meaning coverage starts immediately once approved.
Guaranteed issue policies have a two-year waiting period for non-accidental deaths. If you pass away from natural causes during this time, only premiums paid (plus interest) are refunded. After two years, the full death benefit is paid out regardless of the cause of death.
The cost of no medical life insurance depends on factors similar to traditional policies, including age, gender, and smoking status.
The type of plan matters—term policies cost less than permanent ones, and higher a death benefit means higher premiums. Your health status also affects eligibility. Healthier applicants who answer “no” to most medical and lifestyle questions can qualify for lower rates on simplified issue policies.
The biggest difference is underwriting and cost. No medical life insurance skips exams and doctor’s reports, using only health questions (or none at all).
This makes approval much faster than traditional life insurance, which requires more medical information and takes longer to process. However, because insurers know less about your health, premiums are higher to account for the unknown risk.
Yes, most providers allow you to convert a no medical term policy to a permanent one if your needs change.
The advantage is that this conversion is done without medical underwriting, so you can still convert even if your health declines or risks increase.
Whether no medical life insurance is worth it depends on your situation. If you can’t qualify for a traditionally underwritten policy due to health or lifestyle issues, it may be worth the higher cost for coverage.
However, if you can qualify for a fully underwritten policy at standard or preferred rates, it may be more cost-effective and provide more value, potentially saving you thousands over the life of the policy.
Secure Your Future With No Medical Exam Life Insurance
Choosing the right no medical life insurance policy—whether it’s simplified issue or guaranteed issue—depends on your individual health, financial situation, and long-term goals.
Simplified issue policies offer higher coverage and faster approval with a few health questions, while guaranteed issue policies provide peace of mind for those with serious health conditions by requiring no medical or lifestyle questions at all. It’s important to compare plan features such as age eligibility, coverage limits, and premium costs.
If you’re unsure which policy is right for you, we’re here to help. Email us at info@briansoinsurance.com or call 604-928-1628 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll compare options from various insurance providers to ensure you get the best possible coverage tailored to your needs.
At Brian So Insurance, we don’t just help you buy insurance—we also provide ongoing support to ensure your policy continues to align with your evolving financial and personal needs. We can also design a complete insurance solution for you, including term and permanent life, disability, health & dental, and critical illness coverage, so you’re protected from all life’s uncertainties.
Prefer to get started online? Use the form below to receive a personalized quote right in your inbox.
Get Your Simplified Issue Life Insurance Quote Now
Get Your Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Quote Now
While we make every effort to keep our site updated, please be aware that timely information on this page, such as quote estimates, or pertinent details about companies, may only be accurate as of its last edit day. Brian So Insurance and its representatives do not give legal or tax advice. Please consult your own legal or tax adviser. This post is a brief summary for indicative purposes only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and other provisions of the policies described, some of which may be material to the policy selection. Please refer to the actual policy documents for complete details which can be provided upon request. In case of any discrepancy, the language in the actual policy documents will prevail. A.M. Best financial strength ratings displayed are not a warranty of a company’s financial strength and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders.
