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- In Canada, life insurance age limits typically range from 75 to 85 years, depending on the type of policy and provider
- The minimum age limit for most insurance companies is usually 18 years
- Different life insurance options like term, whole, and guaranteed life insurance have varying age limits and coverage benefits tailored to meet the needs of seniors
- Securing life insurance within the recommended age limits ensures better premiums, longer coverage, and financial stability for your loved ones
- Age limit for life insurance in Canada
- Types of life insurances
- How age impacts insurance premiums
- Factors influencing premium rates
- Cost of life insurance by age
- Why age limit matters in life insurance
- Types of life insurance for seniors
- Tips to get competitive life insurance quotes
- Gender difference and life insurance
- Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for life insurance in Canada?
In Canada, the maximum age limit for purchasing life insurance is between 75 and 85. For term life insurance, you can continue to renew your policy until you reach 85 years of age.
For whole life or universal life insurance, you can purchase a life insurance policy until you reach the company-approved age limit.
However, the exact age limit may vary from one company to another based on their underwriting guidelines. For instance, companies like Sun Life and Desjardins can offer life insurance to individuals up to 85 years of age.
Types of life insurance policies and their age limits
Although the age limit varies from one insurance provider to another, here are a few general age limits based on various types of life insurance. Take a look:
Find out more about the various types of life insurance in Canada through our detailed blog.
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- Age: Younger individuals generally pay lower premiums since they are considered less risky and likely to live longer
- Health status: Pre-existing conditions, family’s medical history, and lifestyle choices like smoking can significantly impact premium rates
- Policy type and coverage amount: Whole life insurance typically has higher premiums than term life insurance. Higher coverage amounts also lead to higher premiums
- Occupation: High-risk jobs can result in higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of accidents and injury
Cost of life insurance by age
Life insurance premiums may vary according to an individual’s age. The older a person gets, the higher the cost of life insurance may become.
Check out our detailed table depicting the average monthly premiums paid by men and women of different age groups:
Term life insurance for ages 25-65
| Age Group | Non-smoker Male | Non-smoker Female | Smoker Male | Smoker Female |
| 25-34 | $15 | $13 | $30 | $25 |
| 35-44 | $20 | $18 | $45 | $35 |
| 35-44 | $50 | $40 | $100 | $80 |
| 55-64 | $100 | $80 | $180 | $150 |
| 65+ | $200 | $150 | $350 | $300 |
Whole life insurance for ages 25-65
| Age Group | Non-smoker Male | Non-smoker Female | Smoker Male | Smoker Female |
| 25-34 | $275 | $250 | $350 | $300 |
| 35-44 | $350 | $300 | $475 | $400 |
| 35-44 | $500 | $425 | $700 | $575 |
| 55-64 | $750 | $625 | $1,100 | $900 |
| 65+ | $1,200 | $1,000 | $1,800 | $1,500 |
Why age limits matter in life insurance policies
Knowing about the age limit of life insurance can be beneficial for most individuals seeking coverage. Here are a few reasons why age limit matters:
Risk assessment
Companies assess risk based on an individual’s age. As individuals age, their likelihood of health issues and mortality increases, which directly impacts premium rates.
Insurers set age limits to manage their risk exposure effectively and ensure financial stability.
Financial planning and security
The true purpose of life insurance is to provide a financial safety net to the insured’s family. Prioritizing the age limit ensures that the insured can secure coverage while they’re financially stable.
By planning ahead and getting life insurance within the standard age limit, the insured individual can ensure the overall financial security of their loved ones in their absence.
Long-term financial commitment
Since life insurance is usually a long-term investment, it requires the insured individual to have the financial stability and affordability for paying premiums.
Getting life insurance at the right time ensures longer coverage periods with lower premiums. On the other hand, late applicants may only receive shorter coverages at a much higher premium.
If you’re a senior looking for the right life insurance fit, we’ve got you covered. Read our blog to find out more.
Types of life insurance for seniors
Seniors in Canada can avail life insurance options tailored to their unique health conditions and coverage needs:
Finding the best life insurance rates for seniors
Getting a competitive life insurance rate for seniors can be quite tricky but not impossible. For individuals over 50, a detailed comparison of multiple insurance policies and their quotes can help them find the right coverage at the most affordable price.
Tips for obtaining competitive quotes
Here are a few effective tips for obtaining the most competitive life insurance rates in Canada. Take a look:
Is there a type of life insurance where premiums do not increase with age?
Yes, some life insurance policies such as participating whole life insurance and group benefits, have fixed premium rates.
Participating whole life insurance policies have level premiums — the premiums do not change for the entirety of the policy duration.
Group life insurance policies typically have level premiums for all members regardless of age, gender, or health status.
Gender differences in life insurance costs
Gender differences significantly impact life insurance costs. This usually occurs due to varying life expectancies and health risks associated with each gender.
Some of the key factors that influence the costs of life insurance are as follows:
- Life expectancy: Women generally live longer than men. This indicates the fact that women are perceived as lower risk, leading to lower life insurance rates
- Health risks: Men are statistically more prone to certain health conditions, such as heart disease and hypertension, which can increase mortality risk. Insurers also consider lifestyle choices. Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking and heavy drinking. These factors further influence premium costs
- Occupational hazards: Men often work in higher-risk occupations, such as construction or mining. This may lead to higher insurance premiums compared to women, who are more likely to work in lower-risk jobs
Do women pay more by age for life insurance?
Women generally pay less for life insurance compared to men, even as they age. However, premiums for women still increase with age as the risk of health issues and mortality rises.
Younger women pay comparatively lower premiums than older women for the same amount of coverage.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Should a 75-year-old have life insurance?
Yes, a 75-year-old individual should have life insurance. Having life insurance can ensure that the individual’s family remains protected in their absence.
It can also help the family pay for their loved one’s funeral and cover any remaining mortgage amount.
Can I be denied life insurance because of age?
Yes, you can be denied life insurance because of age, especially if you’re applying for a new policy later in life. Many insurers have maximum age limits for certain types of life insurance policies, like term life insurance, and may decline coverage if you’re above that age.
As you age, insurers may consider you a higher risk due to health concerns, leading to potential denial or higher premiums for coverage.
Does life insurance expire with age?
If you have term life insurance, the policy will expire once the specified term period is over. However, whole life insurance ensures lifetime coverage as long as the insured individual continues to pay the premiums.
Understanding the age limits for life insurance in Canada is crucial for effective financial planning, especially for seniors. Most providers allow policies up to age 75 or 85, with different types like term, whole, and guaranteed life insurance offering varying age limits. For Canadian seniors, exploring life insurance options with expert guidance can help safeguard your family’s financial future.
