Canada Protection Plan (CPP) is one of Canada’s most accessible life insurance providers, offering no-medical and simplified issue policies that help people get covered quickly. With an “A” rating from AM Best and a focus on applicants who may not qualify elsewhere, CPP has carved out a unique niche in the Canadian insurance landscape.

While their plans don’t suit everyone, CPP stands out for its speed, eligibility flexibility, and range of non-medical options. This review will help you understand the advantages, the gaps, and whether their coverage is right for your needs.

🔍 Key Takeaways (At a Glance)

• CPP specializes in no medical and simplified issue life insurance, making it a strong option for people with health conditions or previous declines.
• Approval is fast and hassle-free, with many policies issued in 1–3 business days – no medical exams required.
• Coverage amounts go up to $1,000,000, but premiums are higher than traditional life insurance for healthy applicants.
• CPP is backed by Foresters Life, an A-rated company offering added member benefits like scholarships and wellness tools.
• Best suited for applicants with moderate to serious health concerns, or those who want convenience over the lowest cost.

Company Overview

Canada Protection Plan (CPP) is a leading provider of no medical and simplified issue life insurance in Canada. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Toronto, CPP has become one of the most trusted names for Canadians who need fast, accessible life insurance, especially those with health challenges.

CPP is underwritten by Foresters Life Insurance Company, which carries an “A” (Excellent) rating from AM Best. This financial strength assures policyholders that claims will be paid, and all plans are protected by Assuris, Canada’s insurance safety net.

While CPP plans offer competitive pricing for the no-medical space, it’s important to understand the tradeoff: no medical policies are typically more expensive than traditional plans for healthy applicants. Still, for those with a pre-existing condition or an urgent need for approval, CPP may be the best or only viable choice.

What Is No Medical Life Insurance?

No medical life insurance is exactly what it sounds like: life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam, blood work, or attending physician’s statement. Instead of traditional medical underwriting, these policies use simplified health questionnaires to assess your eligibility and determine your premium rates.

For many Canadians, traditional life insurance feels out of reach. Maybe you’ve been declined before due to a health condition, or perhaps the thought of scheduling medical appointments and waiting weeks for approval feels overwhelming. No medical life insurance bridges this gap, offering coverage when traditional options aren’t available or practical.

The trade-off is straightforward: because insurers take on more risk without detailed medical information, premiums are typically higher than fully underwritten policies. However, for people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, no medical insurance often provides the only path to meaningful life insurance coverage.

Canada Protection Plan specializes in this type of coverage, offering multiple tiers based on your health profile. Whether you can answer “no” to all health questions (qualifying for their best rates) or need guaranteed acceptance coverage, CPP ensures there’s an option that fits your situation.

Simplified-Issue Eligibility: Who Qualifies?

Canada Protection Plan’s simplified-issue options are tailored for those who want life insurance without medical exams. Whether you’re in excellent health or managing a medical condition, there’s likely a product that fits your needs.

You may qualify if you:

• Prefer to avoid medical tests or needles
• Have a history of controlled conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Engage in high-risk lifestyles like extreme sports
• Have been denied traditional life insurance

Plans range from $10,000 to $1,000,000 based on your profile. See the FAQ for more.

Pros and Cons of Canada Protection Plan

CPP Pros

• ✅ Anyone can apply, regardless of medical history or current health.
• ✅ No medical exams for most plans, including Express Elite and Simplified Elite tiers.
• ✅ Fast approvals – many policies offer same-day or next-day decision timelines.
• ✅ Foresters Member Benefits include scholarships, wellness app access, family events, and legal tools (via LawAssure).
• ✅ Coverage available even for higher-risk conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or recent declines.

CPP Cons

• ❌ Higher premiums than traditional life insurance for healthy applicants.
• ❌ Coverage caps are lower than fully underwritten plans (up to $1M vs $2M+ elsewhere).
• ❌ Fewer options for permanent, participating, or universal life plans.
• ❌ Limited term flexibility – no 30-year term and max age limits may disqualify older applicants.

CPP Application Process & Qualification System

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Canada Protection Plan is their streamlined, tiered application system. Unlike traditional insurers where you apply for one product and hope for approval, CPP automatically qualifies you for the best rate tier you can achieve based on your health responses.

Here’s how the process works: when you complete CPP’s health questionnaire, the system evaluates your answers and automatically places you in the highest tier you qualify for. If you can answer “no” to all health questions, you’ll qualify for Express Elite rates. If some health conditions apply, you’ll be placed in Simplified Elite or Deferred Elite tiers with appropriate pricing.

The three main qualification tiers are:

• Express Elite: Best rates for applicants with excellent health who can answer “no” to all medical questions
• Simplified Elite: Competitive rates for those with minor health conditions or lifestyle factors
• Deferred Elite: Coverage for applicants with more significant health challenges who might be declined elsewhere

This system eliminates the uncertainty and potential disappointment of traditional underwriting. You know exactly what you qualify for upfront, and there’s no risk of being declined and having that record follow you to other insurers.

Most applications are processed within 1-3 business days, with many Express Elite applications approved the same day. The entire process can often be completed over the phone with a licensed advisor, making it one of the most convenient ways to secure life insurance in Canada.

Instant Benefits and Foresters Perks

Every CPP policy includes complimentary member benefits powered by Foresters Financial. These start immediately after approval.

Highlights include:

• LawAssure: Create wills, powers of attorney and health directives online
• Scholarship Program: Competitive tuition support for family members
• Orphan Benefit: Up to $900 monthly per child
• Volunteer Grants: Up to $1,500 for family or community activities
• Lifelong Learning: Free access to professional online courses

These are available at no extra cost with all qualifying policies.

Claims, Financial Strength & Policyholder Protection

Canada Protection Plan (CPP) policies are underwritten by Foresters Life Insurance Company, a provider with a long-standing reputation for reliability in Canada. Foresters holds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best, meaning clients can trust that their claims will be paid and their policies will be supported over the long term.

All CPP plans are also backed by Assuris, the not-for-profit organization that protects Canadian life insurance policyholders. If Foresters were ever to fail financially, Assuris guarantees that at least 85%–100% of your benefits would still be honoured, ensuring financial peace of mind.

While specific claims payout statistics aren’t publicly disclosed by CPP, Canadian life insurance companies have an industry average claims payout rate above 98%^*. With CPP’s simplified and guaranteed issue products, claims processing is designed to be efficient and compassionate, particularly for clients with pre-existing conditions or urgent needs.

^*Industry average based on LIMRA Canada life insurance claims data (not specific to CPP).

Should You Choose CPP or Traditional Insurance?

If you’re wondering whether Canada Protection Plan (CPP) is the right choice for your situation, the answer depends on your health history, urgency, and budget tolerance. While traditional insurance offers lower premiums for healthy applicants, CPP fills a critical gap for Canadians who need life insurance quickly or might be declined elsewhere.

Term Life Insurance Options

Canada Protection Plan (CPP) offers five types of simplified and no medical term life insurance options. These vary by the level of underwriting, approval speed, and eligibility requirements.

CPP term life insurance comes in 10, 20, 25, or 30-year terms, with coverage up to $1,000,000. Below is a summary of each plan:

Deferred Elite Term Insurance

This plan suits hard-to-insure Canadians with health conditions or a previous life insurance denial.

• Coverage: $25,000 – $350,000
• Terms: 10, 20, or 25 years
• Issue Ages: 18 – 70
• Medical Underwriting: None
• Features: Level premiums, renewable to age 80, convertible to permanent insurance to age 70, accidental death and child term riders, and 25-year decreasing term option

Simplified Elite Term Insurance

Best for Canadians in average health or those in extreme-risk professions or hobbies.

• Coverage: $25,000 – $500,000
• Terms: 10, 20, or 25 years
• Issue Ages: 18 – 70
• Medical Underwriting: None
• Features: Same as above, plus hospital cash rider

Preferred Term Life Insurance

Ideal for those in good health who want fast coverage, but prefer flexibility on underwriting thresholds.

• Coverage: $50,000 – $1,000,000
• Terms: 10, 20, or 25 years
• Issue Ages: 18 – 70
• Medical Underwriting: None for applicants under 70 applying for ≤$500K
• Features: Matches Simplified Elite but with higher cap

Express Elite Term Insurance

Best for healthy applicants seeking fast, affordable term coverage.

• Coverage: $100,000 – $750,000
• Terms: 20 or 30 years
• Issue Ages: 18 – 60
• Medical Underwriting: None
• Features: Convertible to permanent insurance, hospital cash rider, and critical illness rider

Preferred Elite Term Insurance

This is the only CPP plan with traditional underwriting – suited for very healthy applicants seeking fast approval and maximum coverage.

• Coverage: $500,000 – $1,000,000
• Terms: 10, 20, or 35 years
• Issue Ages: 18 – 70
• Medical Underwriting: Yes, full medical review required
• Features: Level premiums, convertible to permanent, renewable to age 80, plus standard riders

Permanent Life Insurance Options

Canada Protection Plan (CPP) offers six types of permanent life insurance, most of which are simplified issue or no medical. These policies provide lifetime protection with guaranteed premiums and may build cash value starting in year five.

Guaranteed Acceptance Life

A guaranteed issue policy for individuals with serious health conditions, criminal records, prior declines, or high-risk jobs.

• Coverage: $5,000 – $50,000
• Issue Ages: 18 – 75
• Medical Underwriting: None – all applicants are accepted
• Payment Options: Monthly or annual
• Features: Guaranteed approval, level premiums, terminal illness and transport benefit, optional accidental death rider, and cash value after year 5

Deferred Life

Ideal for those with cancer, diabetes, or heart conditions.

• Coverage: $5,000 – $75,000
• Issue Ages: 18 – 80
• Medical Underwriting: None
• Payment Options: Monthly or annual
• Features: Cash value accumulation from year 5, terminal illness and transport benefit, optional accidental death benefit

Deferred Elite Life

Designed for applicants with less severe health conditions who want a flexible premium structure.

• Coverage: $5,000 – $350,000
• Issue Ages: 18 – 80
• Medical Underwriting: None
• Payment Options: Lifetime or 20-pay (premium stops after 20 years)
• Features: Cash value from year 5, terminal illness and transport benefit, child term and accidental death riders

Simplified Elite Life

Ideal for those in good health or active lifestyles (e.g., extreme sports), offering quick approval and permanent coverage.

• Coverage: $5,000 – $500,000
• Issue Ages: 18 – 80
• Medical Underwriting: None
• Payment Options: Lifetime or 20-pay
• Features: Immediate coverage, cash value, terminal illness and transport benefit, optional hospital cash, child term, and accidental death riders

Preferred Life

Suited for healthy individuals who want permanent coverage with faster approval than fully underwritten plans.

• Coverage: $50,000 – $1,000,000
• Issue Ages: 18 – 80
• Medical Underwriting: Simplified – no exam for some applicants
• Payment Options: Lifetime or 20-pay
• Features: Immediate issue, level premiums, cash value, and multiple optional riders

Preferred Elite Life

CPP’s highest permanent coverage, is intended for healthy applicants who want fast, streamlined protection.

• Coverage: $500,000 – $1,000,000
• Issue Ages: 18 – 80
• Medical Underwriting: Required, typically for those with clean health histories
• Payment Options: Lifetime or 20-pay
• Features: Immediate approval for many, cash value accumulation, terminal illness and transport benefit, optional hospital cash, child term, and accidental death riders

Term vs Permanent Insurance: Which Is Right for You?

CPP offers both term life and permanent life options. This chart will help you compare your options clearly.

Speak to a licensed advisor to help choose the right protection for your needs and timeline.

Canada Protection Plan Final Expense Life Insurance

While many people think of life insurance as income replacement, final expense insurance serves a different but equally important purpose. Also known as burial insurance or funeral expense insurance, this coverage is specifically designed to handle the immediate costs that arise when someone passes away.

The reality is that end-of-life expenses can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Funeral services, burial or cremation costs, outstanding medical bills, and final debts can create a significant financial burden for grieving families. Final expense insurance ensures these costs are covered, allowing your loved ones to focus on healing rather than financial stress.

CPP’s final expense coverage typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000, making it more affordable than traditional life insurance while still providing meaningful protection. This type of coverage is particularly valuable for:

• Seniors who no longer need large life insurance policies but want to cover final costs
• People with limited savings who want to avoid burdening family members
• Those with health conditions who may not qualify for traditional life insurance
• Anyone seeking affordable, guaranteed coverage regardless of health status

Unlike traditional life insurance that often requires extensive underwriting, final expense insurance through CPP is available with simplified or guaranteed acceptance options. This means even if you’ve been declined for other types of coverage, you can still secure protection for your family’s immediate needs.

The peace of mind that comes with knowing your final expenses are covered is invaluable. Your family will have the financial resources they need during an already difficult time, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve taken care of this important responsibility.

Other CPP Insurance Products

Beyond their life insurance lineup, Canada Protection Plan (CPP) offers four critical illness insurance policies. These plans pay a lump sum benefit upon diagnosis of a covered condition, helping offset lost income, medical costs, and out-of-province care.

Here’s an overview of each:

• Cardiac Protect CI: Pays $10,000 – $50,000 for a heart attack, stroke, aortic surgery, coronary artery bypass, or heart valve replacement. Coverage lasts until age 75.
• Cancer Protect CI: Pays $10,000 – $50,000 upon diagnosis of cancer, aplastic anemia, or a benign brain tumor. Coverage available until age 75.
• Cardiac and Cancer Protect CI: Combines both plans. If you claim on one, the other remains active but with reduced premiums.
• Cardiac or Cancer Protect CI: Covers all listed illnesses, but if you claim on one, the other is cancelled.

💡 These plans are ideal for Canadians seeking additional financial support if faced with a serious illness, particularly those with a family history of heart disease or cancer.

CPP Product Comparison Matrix

Canada Protection Plan (CPP) offers a tiered approach to life insurance products based on your health, age, and coverage needs. Here’s a quick comparison of the four most common non-medical plans available through CPP:

CPP Underwriting: Health & Lifestyle Considerations

Canada Protection Plan (CPP) specializes in simplified and no medical underwriting, making it easier for Canadians with health concerns, high-risk occupations, or time-sensitive needs to get coverage. However, applicants are still screened using health, lifestyle, and behavioral risk criteria, even for no-medical plans.

Here’s how CPP evaluates common underwriting categories:

• Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, heart issues, and cancer are not automatic declines. Applicants are often shifted to Deferred or Simplified Elite plans.
• Smoking & Tobacco Use: Smoking or vaping in the past 12 months leads to tobacco-rated premiums. Marijuana use is assessed separately and may not affect rates.
• Alcohol & Substance Use: Recovering applicants may still qualify for coverage depending on time since treatment and stability. Recent abuse usually requires Guaranteed Issue or declines.
• Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, or other mental health diagnoses are reviewed based on medication use, stability, and hospitalization history.
• Occupational Risk: High-risk jobs (e.g., construction, mining, trucking, offshore work) are accepted under certain plans. CPP asks for job duties, hours, and work environment specifics.
• Foreign Travel or Residency: Applicants who travel outside Canada/USA for extended periods may face restrictions or deferrals depending on country and length of stay.
• Driving Record: Major violations or suspensions (DUI, reckless driving) in the past 3 years may push applicants to Deferred Elite or Guaranteed Issue plans.

💡 Unlike traditional insurers, CPP allows many Canadians who would otherwise be declined, including those with chronic conditions, to qualify for up to $750,000 in coverage.

Canada Protection Plan (CPP) Customer Reviews

Client feedback for Canada Protection Plan is generally positive, especially among those who value fast coverage and flexible underwriting. Below are a few themes commonly seen in real client reviews:

• Wide selection of no medical life insurance options is a major benefit for Canadians who’ve previously faced declines due to health conditions or other risk factors.
  Learn more about no medical life insurance.
• Fast approvals and easy applications are frequently praised. Most customers say the process is quick, digital-friendly, and doesn’t require invasive exams.
• Competitive pricing – while no medical plans are usually more expensive, many clients found CPP’s pricing fair and more affordable than other simplified issue providers.

💬 CPP’s reputation is strongest among clients who want convenience, speed, and access despite pre-existing health conditions. For many, it’s a second chance at life insurance coverage.