A Synopsis of Guaranteed Life Insurance Policies in Canada

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Guaranteed issue life insurance coverage is available without a medical and there are no health questions - acceptance is guaranteed. However, because of the generally high premiums, limited benefit amounts and numerous coverage restrictions, this type of coverage should generally be thought of as a "Last option life insurance plan."

Simplified issue life insurance plans have no medical tests, but generally include three to 12 health questions. Simplified Life plans have lower premiums and higher coverage levels than Guaranteed Issue plans.

Traditional life insurance plans have medical tests and a full range of health and lifestyle questions. Most people qualify for traditional life insurance and it is the most affordable type of life insurance.

The following is a snapshot comparison of the main guaranteed issue life insurance carriers in Canada:

1. BMO Insurance Guaranteed Life Plus - The plan is available to those age 40 to 75. Five premium bands are set at either $20.00 a month, $30.00 a month, $45.00 a month, $60.00 a month, or $75.00 a month. Five times the death benefit is paid out if the insured dies by accident prior to age 85. The regular death benefit is limited to a return of premium with no interest in the first two years.

2. Manulife CoverMe Available to applicants age 40 to 75. Coverage available $5,000.00 to $20,000.00 Five times the death benefit, if the insured dies by an accident prior to 85. If the insured dies by accident in the first two policy years, the return of premium plus 10% interest.

3. CARP Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
The plan is available to applicants age 50 to 80 and includes benefit face amounts of $2,500 to $25,000. If the insured dies by accident in the first two policy years, the insured receives a return of premium plus 10% interest. The policy is paid up at age 100.

4. The Edge Guaranteed Issue Plan. The plan is available to applicants age 50 to 85. It also includes $2,500.00 to $25,000.00 of coverage. In addition, the plan offers a return of premium plus 10% interest if the insured dies in the first two years. The Edge is underwritten by Industrial Alliance and rates vary from province to province. Premiums can adjust on a class wide basis. You can add a critical illness benefit to the plan or an accidental death and dismemberment feature of up to $500,000.00 of coverage.

Below is a pricing comparison of the four plans for a 60-year-old female non-smoker:

• BMO Guaranteed Life Plus - $10,150 of coverage is $60.00 a month

• Manulife Cover Me - $10,000.00 is $38.50 a month.

• CARP Guaranteed Life Insurance - $10,000 is $38.76 a month.

• The Edge - $10,000.00 is $65.23 a month.

You can get more details by visiting our website or by visiting our non-medical life insurance quote page Non-medical Life Insurance Quote or contacting us at 1-866-899-4849.