Key takeaway
You can get life insurance in Canada without a medical exam through simplified-issue plans (health questions only, often up to $500,000), guaranteed-issue plans (no health questions, smaller amounts and a waiting period), or accelerated underwriting from some carriers. Premiums are usually higher than fully underwritten policies but approval is faster.
Simplified-issue life insurance
Simplified-issue policies use a short health questionnaire (no exam, no blood or urine). Carriers like Sun Life (e.g. Sun Life Go), Manulife, Canada Life, and iA Financial offer them, often with coverage up to $500,000 and approval in days. Premiums are typically 15–30% higher than fully underwritten term for the same profile.
Answers must be accurate; misrepresentation can lead to a denied claim. If you qualify, this is usually the best balance of speed, amount, and price among no-exam options.
Guaranteed-issue life insurance
Guaranteed-issue plans accept everyone within an age range (e.g. 50–80) with no health questions. Coverage is usually $5,000–$50,000. Most have a two-year waiting period for death from natural causes (premiums plus interest are returned if you die in that period); accidental death is often covered from day one.
These suit people who’ve been declined elsewhere or want minimal underwriting. Premiums per dollar of coverage are higher than simplified-issue.
Accelerated underwriting
Some insurers use algorithms and data (e.g. prescription history, driving record) to approve applicants without an exam, sometimes for larger amounts. Not everyone qualifies; it depends on the carrier and your profile. When available, rates can be close to fully underwritten term.
How to choose and compare
If you’re in good health, try fully underwritten term first for the lowest price. If you want no exam, get quotes for simplified-issue from several carriers — prices and limits vary. Use guaranteed-issue only if you need it; compare premiums and waiting periods.
Use an independent broker or comparison site that quotes multiple insurers so you see the full market and don’t overpay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get life insurance with no medical exam?
Yes. Simplified-issue (questionnaire only) and guaranteed-issue (no health questions) policies are widely available in Canada. Some carriers also offer accelerated underwriting without an exam.
How much does no-medical life insurance cost?
Simplified-issue is often 15–30% more than fully underwritten term. Guaranteed-issue costs more per dollar of coverage. Exact cost depends on age, amount, and carrier — compare multiple quotes.
What is the maximum coverage without a medical exam?
Simplified-issue can go up to about $500,000 from some insurers. Guaranteed-issue is usually capped around $25,000–$50,000. Accelerated underwriting limits vary by carrier.
Is no-exam life insurance as good as traditional?
The death benefit is the same once the policy is in force. The trade-off is higher premiums and sometimes lower limits or a waiting period (guaranteed-issue). For many people, simplified-issue is a good compromise.