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Simplified issue life insurance is a type of no medical life insurance designed for Canadians who want coverage without a medical exam. Instead of lab tests or physicals, applicants answer a short health and lifestyle questionnaire.
Unlike guaranteed issue life insurance—which asks no health questions and is often a last resort for those with severe conditions—simplified issue offers higher coverage and more competitive rates.
In this post, we’ll focus on simplified issue life insurance in Canada: how it works, who it’s for, and what to look for when choosing a policy.
- Key takeaways:
- Simplified issue life insurance lets you skip the medical exam and qualify by answering a short series of health and lifestyle questions, making it ideal for those who want quicker coverage.
- The more medical questions you can confidently answer “no” to, the lower your premiums and the higher the coverage amounts available.
- Simplified issue policies typically cost more than fully underwritten ones because the insurer knows less about your health risk. However, they offer a valuable alternative if you don't qualify for traditional coverage.
- These policies are well-suited for people with minor health issues, those needing fast coverage, newcomers to Canada, or people who want to avoid medical exams.
What Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance?
Like any life insurance policy, simplified issue life insurance works on a basic principle: in exchange for regular premium payments, the insurance company agrees to pay out a death benefit to your chosen beneficiaries if you pass away. This money is typically used by family members to alleviate the financial burden of your death.
The death benefit can be used in many ways, including:
- Paying off or reducing the mortgage
- Replacing lost income
- Covering funeral and final expenses
- Replenishing a depleted emergency fund
- Saving for your children’s future education costs
Business owners may also use life insurance to provide continuity for their business or as a component of a buy-sell agreement.
How simplified issue life insurance works
Unlike traditional life insurance, simplified issue life insurance allows applicants to bypass the medical exam and instead qualify by answering a short series of medical and lifestyle questions. These questions typically cover areas like recent hospitalizations, diagnoses of serious illnesses, tobacco or drug use, and participation in high-risk activities.
To qualify, you generally need to answer “no” to all or most of these questions. The more “no” answers you give, the better your chances of approval, and you may also unlock higher coverage limits and lower premium rates. On the other hand, answering “yes” to certain questions could either disqualify you from coverage or result in higher premiums and lower coverage amounts.
Because of this streamlined process, the underwriting is much faster than traditional life insurance—often with approval in just a few days—making it an attractive option for those who need coverage quickly and with fewer obstacles.
Simplified issue life insurance vs fully underwritten life insurance
Choosing the right type of life insurance often means weighing the trade-offs between coverage, cost, and ease of application. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences between fully or traditionally underwritten policies and simplified issue policies:
Simplified issue life insurance | Fully underwritten life insurance | |
|---|---|---|
Plan types available | Term and permanent | Term and permanent |
Cost | Higher | Lower |
Maximum coverage amount | $750,000 | Over $5,000,000 |
Medical exam | No | Sometimes |
Medical and lifestyle questions | Yes | Yes |
Doctor’s report | No | Sometimes |
Speed of approval | Instant to a few days | A few days to over a month |
The main advantage of simplified issue life insurance is the speed and simplicity of getting covered—with far fewer delays, no medicals, and minimal paperwork. However, that convenience comes at a cost: you’ll typically pay higher premiums than someone in good health applying for a fully underwritten policy.
How much does simplified issue life insurance cost?
To better understand the trade-offs between simplified issue and fully underwritten life insurance, let’s look at a sample comparison of monthly premiums for a $100,000 term-10 policy for non-smokers across different age groups and genders.
The table below compares three categories:
- Simplified issue (standard health)
- Simplified issue (below average health)
- Fully underwritten (standard health)
In both simplified and fully underwritten policies, the premium is guaranteed and level for the 10-year term—even if your health declines during the coverage period.
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 |
A few important notes about this comparison:
- A proper rate comparison should be made between standard health rates for both simplified issue and fully underwritten policies.
- You can’t directly compare below-average health simplified issue rates with standard fully underwritten rates, because you likely wouldn’t qualify for the standard rate if your health is below average.
- Instead, you might end up with a rated fully underwritten policy, which could be 25% to 300% more expensive than the standard rate, depending on your specific health conditions.
- Unfortunately, you won’t know your final rate until you go through full underwriting—which may include a medical exam and a review of doctor’s records.
That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with an insurance advisor before you apply. A licensed advisor can provide a preliminary health assessment to estimate how you might be rated, so you can decide whether it’s better to go through full underwriting or choose a simplified issue policy based on your unique health profile.
Simplified issue term life insurance vs simplified issue whole life insurance
With simplified issue life insurance, your primary choice will be between term and whole life policies. Your specific needs and financial circumstances, along with the purpose of the coverage, will dictate which option is best. For instance, term life is often suitable for covering debts or income replacement, whereas whole life is typically chosen to cover final expenses or taxes owing at death.
Here are some ways that simplified term and whole life insurance differ:
Feature | Simplified term life insurance | Simplified whole life insurance |
|---|---|---|
Duration | Initial term of 10 or 20 years | Lifelong coverage |
Premiums | Lower initially, but increases if you renew the policy | Higher but fixed for life |
Cash value | No | Yes |
Best for | Temporary needs (e.g. mortgage, dependents) | Lifelong needs (e.g. final expenses, estate planning) |
Who should consider simplified issue life insurance?
Not everyone needs or wants to go through traditional underwriting. Here’s who should consider simplified issue life insurance:
✅ Those who prefer not to undergo a medical exam and want a simpler application process.
✅ People who want to avoid the hassle of full underwriting, which may involve numerous follow-up questions and requests for doctor’s reports.
✅ Hard-to-insure individuals with mild to moderate health conditions who may not qualify for fully underwritten policies at standard rates.
✅ Individuals in high-risk occupations such as mining, logging, aviation, or construction, where traditional coverage may be harder to obtain.
✅ Seniors or older adults who may not qualify for fully underwritten policies but still want meaningful coverage.
✅ Anyone who needs life insurance coverage quickly due to life changes like a mortgage, new family members, or divorce.
✅ People who need a smaller amount of coverage for covering specific, limited financial obligations.
✅ Newcomers to Canada who aren’t yet eligible for a fully underwritten policy due to their recent arrival or immigration status.
Pros and cons of simplified issue life insurance
Like all financial products, simplified issue life insurance has its advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a look at the pros and cons:
- Pros:
- No medical exam required, making it easier and less stressful to apply.
- Faster application and approval, ideal for those who need coverage quickly.
- Accessible for people with some health conditions who might otherwise be declined.
- Less invasive underwriting process, with fewer follow-ups or documentation requirements.
- Guaranteed level premiums for the duration of the policy, so your costs remain predictable.
- Optional riders such as accidental death benefit or child term coverage (varies by insurer), allowing you to customize your policy.
- Joint first-to-die or joint last-to-die options available on some policies, making them ideal for couples who want shared coverage.
- Cons:
- Higher premiums than fully underwritten policies due to the higher risk to the insurer.
- Coverage amounts are more limited, typically maxing out at $500,000.
- Limited term lengths, with most insurers only offering term-10 or term-20 options.
- Not ideal for those in good health looking for the most affordable rates.
Top Canadian Insurance Providers Offering Simplified Issue Life Insurance
When selecting a simplified issue life insurance policy in Canada, it’s important to look beyond just the price tag. While affordability matters, the best providers offer a well-rounded package that includes generous coverage limits, competitive rates, a smooth application process, and strong financial backing. Ideally, you want a policy that’s easy to qualify for but still comes with valuable features and flexibility to suit your personal and financial needs.
What to look for in a simplified issue life insurance provider
Here are the key features to look for when comparing simplified issue life insurance providers:
High coverage limits – Look for policies offering up to $750,000 for younger applicants and up to $500,000 for seniors, which gives you more room to protect your family and financial obligations.
Affordable rates – Premiums should be competitive and among the lowest available for your age and gender. Even among simplified issue providers, prices can vary significantly.
Brand recognition and financial stability – While policies are backed by Assuris (Canada’s policyholder protection program), choosing an insurer with strong financial ratings (e.g., A.M. Best) and a solid reputation adds peace of mind that your claim will be paid when it matters most.
Built-in benefits – Some plans include valuable features at no extra cost, like an extreme disability benefit (which pays out a portion of the death benefit if you become severely disabled) or a transportation benefit to help return your remains home if you pass away while out of town.
Flexible options – Look for unique offerings such as 15- or 25-year term lengths, as well as joint first-to-die or last-to-die coverage—especially useful for couples managing a mortgage or estate planning where taxes become payable after the second death.
Optional riders – Enhance your coverage with add-ons like child life insurance, accidental death benefit, or waiver of premium in case of disability.
Flexible payment methods – The more ways you can pay (credit card, online banking, pre-authorized debit), the easier it is to keep your policy in force.
Number of medical and lifestyle questions – Fewer questions often make it easier to qualify, especially if you have health issues. However, keep in mind that less underwriting means the insurer takes on more risk—and that typically results in higher premiums to offset the unknowns.
Ease of application – The process should be fast and digital-friendly, ideally taking no more than 30 minutes to complete and submit an application online.
Best all around: Canada Protection Plan
Canada Protection Plan (CPP) offers a wide range of no medical options with good coverage limits, fast approvals, and flexible features. It’s the most recognized name in this space with reliable underwriting and product depth.
- Pros:
- Multiple tiers of simplified and guaranteed issue plans, including term 10, 20, 25, 30, and whole life.
- Coverage up to $750,000 on simplified issue term life insurance.
- Easy digital application and fast approvals (often within a few hours).
- Payments start in the second month, saving you a month of premium costs.
- Backed by Foresters Financial, an insurer with strong financial ratings and unique member benefits.
- Cons:
- The application includes 42 eligibility questions, which can make the process feel a bit long.
- No joint first-to-die or last-to-die options, which may limit flexibility for couples looking for shared coverage or estate planning solutions.
Best rates for simplified issue life insurance: UV Insurance
UV Insurance offers some of the most affordable simplified issue rates in Canada because it uses the same life insurance product for both simplified issue and fully underwritten applications. This means healthy applicants who qualify for simplified issue don’t pay a premium surcharge just for skipping the medical exam.
You get access to the same low rates as someone who goes through full underwriting—making UV Insurance an excellent choice for cost-conscious buyers who still want a fast and easy application process.
- Pros:
- Very competitive pricing on simplified issue policies.
- Coverage amounts up to $499,999 by answering 25 eligibility questions, or qualify for up to $150,000 with just 9 questions.
- Offers many term options (10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years) and whole life products.
- Simply add a disability credit rider to cover your loans if you become disabled.
- Can be ideal for people with mild to moderate health concerns.
- Cons:
- Lower brand recognition than larger insurers.
- Coverage limits not as high as some other insurance providers.
Best simplified issue term life insurance: Industrial Alliance
Industrial Alliance (iA Financial Group) offers one of the most flexible and competitive simplified issue term life insurance products in Canada. With a choice of term lengths and a solid balance between ease of qualification and strong features, it’s a great option for individuals looking for straightforward, reliable protection without a medical exam.
- Pros:
- Choose from 15, 20, or 25-year terms to match your needs and budget.
- Only 13 medical questions—answer “no” to all to qualify for the best rates.
- Up to $500,000 in death benefit, ideal for income replacement or paying off major debts like a mortgage.
- Convertible to permanent life insurance without medical underwriting if your needs change.
- Cons:
- No 10-year term option, which is available from most other providers.
- Not available as a joint first-to-die policy, which can be a more cost-effective way for couples to insure their mortgage.
Best simplified issue whole life insurance: Assumption Life
Assumption Life stands out as the top provider for simplified issue whole life insurance in Canada thanks to its flexible payment options, broad age eligibility, and strong policy features. It offers a tiered product lineup—Silver, Golden, and Platinum Protection—designed to meet varying health profiles and coverage needs, with fewer medical questions and guaranteed lifetime protection.
- Pros:
- 20-pay option lets you fully pay off your policy in 20 years, after which no further premiums are required.
- Covers applicants up to age 85, the highest age eligibility for simplified issue whole life in Canada.
- Streamlined underwriting with only 9 medical questions for Silver, 13 for Golden, and 19 for Platinum Protection.
- Joint last-to-die option available, ideal for estate planning between partners.
- Guaranteed cash values start accumulating after year 5, offering a potential source of emergency funds or retirement income.
- Cons:
- Lower maximum coverage limits for applicants aged 76 to 85 compared to some other insurers.
- No child coverage options, which may be a drawback for families seeking full household protection.
Best combination insurance: Humania
Humania stands out for offering a flexible combination insurance plan that lets you apply for life, disability, and critical illness insurance all in one streamlined application, under a single policy. This makes it a convenient choice for individuals looking to protect themselves from multiple financial risks in a simple, bundled solution.
- Pros:
- Protects against more than just death—covers disability and critical illness (like cancer or heart attack) all in one package.
- Single policy structure makes it easier to manage and understand your coverage.
- Only 6 initial medical questions to determine eligibility, with more questions unlocking lower rates.
- Critical illness coverage includes a return of premium on death at no additional cost.
- Cons:
- Comes with a 24/24 pre-existing condition clause, meaning any condition that began in the 24 months before the policy start date won’t be covered for the first 24 months.
- Critical illness benefit is limited to just the 4 major conditions, unlike more comprehensive policies that cover up to 26 illnesses.
- The disability benefit pays out for a maximum of 24 months, whereas other providers may offer coverage up to age 65 if you're still unable to work.
Comparison of simplified issue life insurance plans in Canada
Here’s a table that compares simplified issue life insurance products currently offered 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 |
How to apply for simplified issue life insurance
Finding the right simplified issue life insurance policy can feel like a lot to take in—especially with so many providers and plans to choose from. But breaking the process down into a few manageable steps can make all the difference. Here’s how to move forward with confidence:
1. Figure out how much coverage you need
Start by looking at your financial responsibilities. Think about any outstanding debts like a mortgage, how much income your family would need if you weren’t around, final expenses, and future goals like your children’s education. This will help you estimate the coverage amount and term length that fits your needs.
2. Understand your health profile
Make note of any medical conditions you have, past diagnoses, treatments, or hospitalizations. Lifestyle factors like drug use, driving infractions, and high-risk activities also matter. This step helps you quickly filter out any policies you won’t qualify for, so you don’t waste time applying for the wrong ones.
3. Review eligibility questions
Simplified issue policies don’t require a medical exam, but they do include a set of health and lifestyle questions. The fewer “yes” answers you give, the better your chances of qualifying and unlocking more affordable premiums. Reviewing these in advance helps you understand which plans you’re most likely to be approved for.
4. Compare pricing
Once you’ve identified policies you’re eligible for, it’s time to request quotes. Premiums can vary widely between providers—even for the same coverage amount—so it’s worth getting multiple quotes to find the best value for your age and health.
5. Submit your application
When you’ve chosen a plan, you can complete the application with the help of a licensed insurance advisor. They’ll guide you through the process, make sure all forms are completed correctly, and submit your application to the insurer. Most simplified issue policies are approved within a few days, and coverage can start almost immediately.
During the process, the insurer will check your record with the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), which maintains a database of past life insurance applications and medical histories. This review flags any inconsistencies or omissions, helping prevent fraud and keeping premiums more affordable for everyone.
Partnering with an insurance advisor not only saves you time and frustration but also ensures you benefit from their up-to-date product knowledge. They can walk you through each questionnaire, clarify any uncertainties, and recommend the best policy for your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simplified issue life insurance is worth it if you want fast, hassle-free coverage without a medical exam. It’s ideal for those with minor health issues.
While premiums are higher than fully underwritten policies, the ease of approval and quick access to coverage make it a valuable option for many.
Yes, simplified issue term life insurance can be converted to permanent coverage without medical underwriting.
This lets you secure lifelong coverage without answering new health questions—even if your health has worsened since your original policy.
However, premiums will rise after conversion because lifelong coverage carries more risk and cost for the insurer.
Term simplified issue term life insurance covers you for a set period (e.g., 10 or 20 years) and is usually cheaper.
Whole life provides lifelong coverage and builds cash value but has higher premiums.
Yes, you may qualify for simplified issue life insurance if your diabetes or high blood pressure is stable and well-managed.
Approval depends on the severity and whether you have related conditions like heart disease, stroke, or kidney issues.
Most simplified issue policies are approved within a few business days, with some even offering same-day approval.
Simplified issue life insurance requires answering a few health questions but offers higher coverage and lower premiums than guaranteed issue.
Guaranteed issue has no medical questions, but coverage amounts are lower and premiums are higher due to the higher risk for the insurer.
Your Next Step Toward Simplified Insurance Protection
Simplified issue life insurance is a practical solution for Canadians who want fast, hassle-free coverage without undergoing a medical exam. Whether you’re in average health, a newcomer to Canada, or simply looking for quick protection, it’s important to choose a plan that balances ease of qualification with competitive rates, strong features, and solid financial backing.
When evaluating your options, consider factors like coverage limits, premium affordability, eligibility requirements, and policy flexibility. Each insurer has its strengths—whether it’s affordability, term flexibility, or permanent coverage—so choosing the right provider means understanding what fits best with your current health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Ready to get started? For a free, no-obligation consultation, email info@briansoinsurance.com or call 604-928-1628. We’ll help you compare multiple insurers to find the most suitable plan based on what you qualify for. From initial needs analysis to submitting your application and getting your policy in force, we’re with you every step of the way.
Plus, our support doesn’t stop once you’re covered. We’ll continue to work with you to ensure your coverage evolves with your changing financial and personal situation. Whether you need term life, permanent life, disability, health & dental, or critical illness insurance, we can design a complete protection plan that helps safeguard every stage of your life.
Prefer to explore your options right now? Use the form below to receive a personalized simplified issue life insurance quote delivered straight to your inbox.
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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.
