Non-medical insurance: life cover with few or no health questions
If a medical exam or a long health questionnaire stands between you and life insurance, there is another path. Simplified and guaranteed issue plans let you apply quickly, often online, with fewer questions or none at all.
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Everything to know about non-medical life insurance
Who it is for
- People who want quick approval without a medical exam
- Anyone who prefers not to have blood tests
- People whose health history makes standard approval harder
- Busy families who need cover in place soon
How it works
- You answer a set of health questions online or with an advisor
- Simplified issue plans can be approved in days, while guaranteed issue plans accept applicants without health questions
- Guaranteed issue plans usually limit the benefit in the early years
- Cover amounts are usually lower than on fully underwritten plans
What affects the cost
- Plans cost more per dollar of cover than standard underwritten plans
- Age and cover amount
- Type of plan, simplified or guaranteed issue
- Whether benefits are graded in the early years
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping a standard application that could be much cheaper
- Not reading the early year benefit limits
- Giving incomplete health answers
- Assuming the cover amount will match a large mortgage
A 55 year old with a past heart condition who has been declined elsewhere might look at a guaranteed issue plan to cover final expenses. Illustration only, not a quote.
Questions people ask
Is non-medical insurance more expensive?
Usually yes, because the insurance company takes on more risk without a full medical review. We compare it with standard options first.
What is the difference between simplified and guaranteed issue?
Simplified issue asks health questions and can decline you. Guaranteed issue accepts applicants in an age range but has lower cover amounts and limited benefits in the early years.
How fast can I be covered?
Simplified plans can be approved in a few days. Guaranteed issue plans can be approved very quickly, with limits on the benefit at first.
Two kinds of non-medical life insurance
Both skip the exam. They differ in how many health questions you answer.
Simplified issue
You answer a short list of health questions, with no exam or blood work. Approval is fast and amounts are higher than guaranteed plans.
Guaranteed issue
No medical questions and no exam. Everyone who applies in the eligible age range is accepted, so it suits people with serious health conditions.
Final expense cover
Typical amounts run from a few thousand dollars up to about $50,000 on some plans, which suits funerals, small debts and estate costs.
Lifetime protection
Coverage can last for life while premiums are paid, and on some plans it cannot be cancelled due to changes in your health.
Premiums can end
Some plans stop premiums at a certain age, such as 90, with the coverage continuing.
Quick and simple
Many applications take a few minutes with name, contact details and the amount you want.
Who it may suit
It costs more per dollar of cover than fully underwritten plans, so it is best when other options are not available.
- Seniors who want to cover final expenses without a health review
- People with health conditions who were declined or rated highly elsewhere
- Anyone who wants cover quickly without an exam
- Newcomers to Canada who need simple, affordable cover
- Families who want to leave funeral money so nobody is burdened
Simplified, guaranteed and fully underwritten compared
Understanding the trade off between convenience and cost.
| Fully underwritten | Simplified issue | Guaranteed issue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical exam | Often yes | No | No |
| Health questions | Detailed | Few | None |
| Acceptance | Based on full review | Based on answers | Guaranteed in age range |
| Cost for the cover | Lowest | Higher | Highest |
| Amounts available | Very high | Moderate | Usually up to about $50,000 |
| Good to know | Best price if you are healthy | Fast decision | Payout may be limited if death is from illness in the early years |
General guide only. Benefits and eligibility differ by insurer and plan.
Explore related cover
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Questions people ask
Can anyone get guaranteed issue life insurance?
Within the eligible age range, yes. There are no health questions. Some plans limit the benefit in the first couple of years if death is caused by illness, so check the plan details.
Why does non-medical insurance cost more?
The insurer takes on more unknown risk because it asks fewer health questions. You pay for that convenience and certainty of approval.
Should I try fully underwritten first?
If you are in reasonable health, yes. A medical or full application often gives a lower price and higher cover. I can compare all three routes for you.
How fast is the process?
Many guaranteed and simplified plans can be approved the same day, and some have an online application that takes only minutes.
Is the payout taxable?
Death benefits paid to a named beneficiary are generally tax free in Canada.
Find simple life cover that works for you
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Book a free consultationCall 306-472-2020This page is general information, not personal advice. Product features, eligibility, benefit amounts, waiting periods, exclusions and pricing vary by insurer and plan and are set out in the policy contract. Please read the policy before you buy. MS Insurance Inc. is licensed to sell life and health insurance in AB, SK, BC, NB, NS, QC, MB, ON and PEI.