Can I Buy Life Insurance With No Medical Exam Through Canadian Insurers?
Yes — and it's easier than ever. Multiple Canadian insurers now offer life insurance without a medical exam, with coverage up to $1,000,000 and approval in as little as 24 hours. This guide covers which companies offer no-exam policies, how much they cost, who qualifies, and how to apply online.
Updated February 27, 2026
Last reviewed by the licensed advisor team at LowestRates.io
Two types of no-medical-exam life insurance
Direct answer: Yes, you can buy life insurance without a medical exam in Canada through simplified issue and guaranteed issue products. Simplified issue usually offers more coverage, while guaranteed issue has the easiest approval.
Simplified issue (no exam, health questions only)
Simplified issue policies skip the medical exam entirely. You answer 5–15 health questions on the application, and the insurer decides based on your answers alone. No blood tests, no urine sample, no doctor visit.
- Coverage: $25,000–$1,000,000 depending on insurer and age
- Approval time: 24–48 hours (some offer same-day)
- Cost: 15–30% more than fully underwritten policies
- Best for: People who need coverage fast, dislike medical procedures, or have minor health issues
Guaranteed issue (no exam, no health questions)
Guaranteed issue policies have zero health requirements. No exam, no health questions — every Canadian resident aged 50–80 is automatically approved.
- Coverage: $5,000–$25,000
- Approval: Instant — guaranteed acceptance
- Cost: Highest per dollar of coverage (2-year graded benefit period)
- Best for: Seniors, people with serious health conditions who can't qualify elsewhere
Canadian insurers offering no-medical-exam policies
| Insurer | Type | Max coverage | Approval speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Life (Sun Life Go) | Simplified issue | Up to $1M | Same day |
| Manulife | Simplified issue | Up to $500K | 24–48 hours |
| Canada Life | Simplified issue | Up to $500K | 24–48 hours |
| iA Financial Group | Simplified issue | Up to $500K | 24–48 hours |
| Assumption Life | Guaranteed issue | Up to $25K | Instant |
| Desjardins | Simplified issue | Up to $500K | 24–48 hours |
For detailed reviews of these providers, see our guides to Sun Life, Manulife, and Canada Life.
Who should buy no-medical-exam life insurance?
- Need coverage urgently — closing on a Toronto home, new baby, starting a job without group benefits.
- Dislike medical procedures — no needles, no blood draw, no doctor visit required.
- Have minor health conditions — conditions that might complicate traditional underwriting but pass simplified issue criteria.
- Newcomers to Canada — no Canadian medical history required for simplified issue. See our newcomer guide.
- Seniors with health issues — guaranteed issue accepts everyone aged 50–80. See our seniors guide.
No-exam vs traditional: cost comparison
| Age | Fully underwritten | Simplified issue (no exam) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | $22–$35/mo | $28–$45/mo |
| 35 | $28–$45/mo | $35–$58/mo |
| 40 | $38–$60/mo | $48–$78/mo |
| 45 | $55–$90/mo | $70–$115/mo |
| 50 | $85–$130/mo | $108–$168/mo |
Rates for healthy non-smoker, $500K, 20-year term. Simplified issue rates are 15–30% higher due to less underwriting data.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy life insurance without a medical exam in Canada?
Yes. Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, iA Financial, Desjardins, and others all offer simplified issue policies. Guaranteed issue is available for ages 50–80 with no health requirements at all.
How much more does no-exam life insurance cost?
Simplified issue costs 15–30% more than fully underwritten policies. The premium for speed and convenience is modest — especially considering you avoid the hassle of a medical exam.
What's the maximum coverage without an exam?
Up to $1,000,000 through Sun Life Go for qualifying applicants. Most other insurers cap simplified issue at $500,000.
Compare no-exam life insurance quotes
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Related reading: No-Exam Life Insurance Guide · No Medical Exam Options · Pre-Existing Conditions · Life Insurance Canada
If you are exploring no-medical options by age, read life insurance for seniors in Canada. For local shopping intent like life insurance near me, start with where to get life insurance in Canada.