Top 5 Life Insurance Companies for New Immigrants in Canada

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8 minute read

Originally published: September 17, 2024

Get life insurance with multiple sclerosis in Canada

Top 5 Life Insurance Companies for New Immigrants in Canada

Talk to one of our experienced advisors today!

8 Minute read

Originally published: September 17, 2024

Get life insurance with multiple sclerosis in Canada

Moving to Canada brings exciting new opportunities, but it also requires planning to ensure the financial security of your loved ones. As a newcomer, you may face challenges in understanding the local insurance market. In this blog, we rank the top five life insurance companies for new immigrants in Canada, considering eligibility, premiums, and benefits.

When it comes to finding the right life insurance as a newcomer to Canada, there are plenty of great options, but no single “best” choice for everyone. Each insurance company offers different benefits depending on your personal situation—whether you’re looking for affordability, ease of application, or flexibility as your needs change. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five companies that we believe are well-suited to help new immigrants get the coverage they need. These aren’t ranked in any particular order, but all provide excellent options that cater specifically to newcomers. Let’s dive in and explore what each has to offer!

Manulife Financial

Manulife offers a CoverMe Life Insurance policy that’s accessible to new immigrants without requiring extensive Canadian credit history. The application process is straightforward, and they offer flexible coverage options based on the policyholder’s needs.

Important Features:

  • No medical exam required for smaller coverage amounts.
  • Flexible payment options.
  • Up to $1,000,000 in coverage.

Manulife’s global presence and understanding of international clients make it easier for immigrants to trust their products. They offer comprehensive support and language options for non-English speakers.

Sun Life Financial

Sun Life provides various life insurance options for individuals new to Canada, with an emphasis on simplicity and affordability. Their SunTerm insurance is ideal for those looking for term life coverage with a guaranteed premium.

Important Features:

  • Offers both term and permanent life insurance.
  • Simple application process with affordable premiums.
  • Strong customer support and multilingual services.

Sun Life’s financial planning tools are designed to help newcomers understand how insurance fits into their long-term goals in Canada. They also offer resources in multiple languages, making them approachable for non-native speakers.

Canada Life

Canada Life offers competitive term life insurance plans with fewer barriers for new immigrants. They focus on making insurance accessible even if you’ve just arrived in the country. Canada Life is also known for its financial stability and clear, easy-to-understand policies.

Important Features:

  • No long-term Canadian residency or credit history required.
  • Wide range of coverage options, including whole life and term life policies.
  • Fast-tracked approval for lower coverage amounts.

Canada Life’s simple, transparent process is ideal for newcomers who may not yet be fully acquainted with Canadian insurance regulations. They make the transition to securing life insurance smooth and stress-free.

Industrial Alliance (iA)

Industrial Alliance (iA) offers Access Life, a no-medical exam option that caters well to new immigrants, especially those who may be concerned about undergoing complex health assessments. iA offers flexible policies that can be customized based on the newcomer’s family needs.

Important Features:

  • No-medical exam insurance for up to $500,000 in coverage.
  • Fast and easy approval process.
  • Affordable premiums for entry-level policies.

Industrial Alliance is known for its straightforward products and excellent customer service, with multilingual support to cater to non-English or non-French speaking immigrants.

Desjardins Financial Security

Desjardins is especially appealing for newcomers due to their focus on community and financial education. They offer life insurance options that are both affordable and flexible, making them a good choice for families starting fresh in Canada.

Important Features:

  • Offers both term and whole life insurance.
  • Competitive premiums, even for new residents.
  • Access to a wide network of financial advisors and language support.

Desjardins is one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, known for its customer-first approach. Their emphasis on financial education and community outreach makes them a preferred insurer for newcomers looking for guidance on financial planning.

How to Choose the Best Life Insurance as a Newcomer

As a newcomer to Canada, choosing the right life insurance is important. The key is to focus on a few important factors that will guide you to the best decision for your circumstances.

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First, eligibility requirements are crucial to understand. Some insurance companies are more lenient when it comes to residency status, especially if you’re new to Canada and don’t yet have a strong credit history or permanent residency. Companies like Canada Protection Plan or Industrial Alliance offer no-medical policies that don’t require extensive residency documentation, which is helpful if you’ve only been in the country for a short time​.

Next, think about premium affordability. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with policy options, but it’s important to choose one that fits your budget. Many companies offer affordable term life policies that provide coverage for a specific period, like 10 or 20 years. We recommend starting with what you can comfortably afford now and adjusting later as your financial situation stabilizes. You don’t want to commit to high premiums that become a burden down the line. Companies like Manulife and Sun Life offer flexible term life policies with competitive rates that can fit into most newcomers’ budgets​.

Coverage flexibility is another important factor to consider. As you settle into your new life in Canada, your needs will evolve—whether it’s growing your family, buying a home, or advancing your career. Look for policies that can grow with you, like those offered by Desjardins or Sun Life, which offer options to convert term life into permanent life insurance without needing to undergo additional medical exams​.

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the ease of application. If you’re unfamiliar with the Canadian insurance system, opt for insurers that have simple, straightforward application processes. Companies like Canada Protection Plan and Industrial Alliance are known for their easy online applications, which can save you time and reduce the complexity of the process​.

Why Protect Your Wealth Can Help You Find the Best Policy

Understanding your life insurance as a newcomer to Canada doesn’t have to be complicated and intimidating. Whether you’re single, married, or raising a family, finding the right coverage is all about understanding your unique needs. If you’re looking for something simple and affordable, term life insurance might be the best fit. If you want more permanent coverage that grows with you as your family and financial responsibilities expand, permanent life insurance could be the better option. The key is to find a policy that makes you and your loved ones feel protected. By comparing options from Canada’s top insurers, you can choose a plan that aligns with your goals. 

At Protect Your Wealth, we know that every newcomer’s situation is unique, and choosing the right life insurance can be confusing. No matter where you are in your journey, our goal is to secure the right coverage for your needs, so you can focus on building your life in your new home with peace of mind. Let us help you protect what matters most. Reach out to us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Life Insurance for New Immigrants in Canada

Yes, new immigrants can get life insurance in Canada, including permanent residents and those on work or study permits. Some companies may require you to have lived in Canada for a certain period, while others offer coverage immediately. Non-permanent residents may be eligible for limited coverage, such as no-medical or simplified issue policies.

To apply for life insurance as a new immigrant, you’ll generally need proof of your residency status, such as a work or study permit, or permanent resident card. Some companies may also request additional documentation like a Canadian bank account, and health information if the policy requires a medical exam.

Life insurance costs for new immigrants are generally the same as for Canadian citizens, but the cost can vary depending on factors such as your age, health, and lifestyle. Some insurers may limit the coverage amount for those who have recently arrived in Canada or require stricter medical underwriting.

New immigrants can access a variety of life insurance options in Canada, including term life, whole life, and no-medical life insurance. Term life is often a more affordable choice, while whole life offers permanent coverage. No-medical policies are ideal for those who want to avoid a medical exam or have pre-existing health conditions.

Find a solution for what you’re looking for 

Taking the time to choose the right life insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures that your family is protected as you settle into your new life in Canada. At Protect Your Wealth, we work with and compare policies and quotes from the best life insurance companies in Canada to ensure the best solution for you and your needs. We provide expert life insurance solutions, including no medical life insurance, critical illness insurance, term life insurance, and permanent life insurance to build the best package to give you the protection you need. 

Contact Protect Your Wealth or call us at 1-877-654-6119 to talk to an advisor today! We’re proudly based out of Hamilton, and service clients anywhere in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba including areas such as Kitchener, Kelowna, Calgary, and Winnipeg. 

Talk to an advisor today.

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