Who can apply?
Each insurer sets its own rules, so the answer depends on your status and on the company.
| Status | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Permanent resident | Generally the same access as a citizen. Some insurers ask how long you have lived in Canada. |
| Work permit | Often eligible. The insurer may cap the amount and ask about your employment and your plan to stay. |
| Study permit | More limited. Some insurers offer smaller amounts. |
| Visitor | Life insurance is generally not available. See visitors to Canada insurance for medical coverage. |
Because the rules differ so much between companies, a newcomer is one of the people who gains most from having an agent check several insurers.
What will the insurer ask?
- Your immigration status and the date you arrived
- Your job and income in Canada
- Travel plans, especially long stays outside Canada
- Your health and family medical history, the same as any applicant
- Sometimes medical tests done in Canada, if your medical records are abroad
Why not wait until I am settled?
Life insurance is priced on your age and health on the day you apply. Waiting a few years means a higher price, and a health change in the meantime can make coverage harder to get. If people depend on your income now, including family you support abroad, the need already exists.
Can I name family outside Canada?
Yes. You can name a beneficiary who lives in another country. The claim is paid to the person you name.
Common questions
I just received my PR. Can I apply right away?
In most cases yes. Some insurers want a minimum time in Canada for larger amounts. I check which ones fit your situation.
Does my coverage end if I leave Canada?
A policy issued in Canada generally stays in force if you move, as long as premiums are paid. Tell the insurer about a permanent move, and ask before you apply if you expect to leave.
Is group insurance from my employer enough?
It is a good start, usually one or two times your salary, and it ends when the job ends. A personal policy belongs to you.
Can you explain everything in my language?
Yes. I work in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Kannada and Telugu.
Sources
Written and reviewed by Sandeep Singh Pawar, licensed life insurance agent in Ontario. Last reviewed .