5 minutes to read

Who needs life insurance in Canada?

In Canada, certain citizens receive government assistance for final expenses. State support is accessible for low-income individuals, families, veterans, Indigenous peoples, and victims of crime.

However, the Canadian government generally doesn't cover funeral expenses for the average citizen. This responsibility falls on the family or loved ones left behind — they must manage all aspects of your affairs. That can include funeral costs, outstanding debts, and ongoing living expenses. This burden can be significant, especially if you are the primary breadwinner in the household.

Life insurance can ease this financial burden. Upon your passing, your loved ones receive the death benefit — the funds to meet their financial needs while they heal and move forward.

How does life insurance work?

Life insurance is a contract between an individual (the policyholder) and an insurance company. The breakdown of life insurance involves:

Premiums:

These are the regular payments made by the policyholder to the insurance company. Premium amounts are determined by factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and coverage level.

Beneficiaries:

These are the regular payments made by the policyholder to the insurance company. Premium amounts are determined by factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and coverage level.

Death Benefit Payouts:

Upon the policyholder's death, the insurance company disburses a tax-free death benefit to the designated beneficiaries. They can use it to cover funeral costs, mortgage payments, debts, living expenses, education costs, and more.

 

These are the regular payments made by the policyholder to the insurance company. Premium amounts are determined by factors such as age, health, lifestyle, and coverage level.

When does one need life insurance?

Life insurance becomes essential when you have family members or dependents counting on your income. It's crucial if you have financial obligations, wish to safeguard your family's future goals, or have business interests. Ultimately, you need life insurance if you aim to guarantee your loved ones' financial security in your absence.

You should consider life insurance if you have:

  • Dependents. Your loved ones receive financial support for living expenses, debts, and future needs upon your passing.
  • Financial obligations. Policy benefits can settle outstanding debts like mortgages, loans, and credit card balances.
  • Long-term financial goals. Life insurance ensures your plans, such as your child's college education, can still be funded if you're no longer able to contribute.
  • Estate planning. Payouts cover estate taxes and related costs. That helps to safeguard the value of your estate for heirs and ease their financial responsibilities.
  • Personal circumstances (age, health). Life insurance provides financial security, even if saving for the future is challenging. Affordable premiums ensure final expenses are covered, regardless of your ability to set aside funds for that purpose.

Which life stage is the best to get life insurance?

The optimal time to secure life insurance is when you have financial dependents. Typically, it's when you are in your late twenties to early thirties, starting a family or purchasing a home. But it's never too early to consider life insurance! Obtaining coverage while young and healthy often leads to lower premiums.

Key life stages to consider applying for life insurance coverage:

▪️ Young Families

Life insurance ensures that if parents pass away unexpectedly, their dependents receive financial support. It can be used for living expenses, childcare, education, and other needs.

▪️ Breadwinners

In the event of the main breadwinner's passing, their family receives financial support. Life insurance for breadwinners helps them maintain their lifestyle and meet expenses seamlessly.

▪️ Homeowners

Without life insurance, families may face challenges in making mortgage payments, potentially risking the loss of their home. A life insurance benefit can also cover expenses such as property taxes and upkeep, safeguarding the family's assets.

▪️ Business Owners

Business owners' life insurance pays off debts and business costs and helps plan for the future. It helps ensure the business keeps going smoothly. Additionally, it provides stability to employees and stakeholders.

▪️ Retirees

At the retirement planning stage, life insurance offers a means to cover funeral costs and medical bills. It can also serve as a legacy tool. This allows retirees to leave behind a financial cushion for their heirs.

Ultimately, life insurance is essential throughout various life stages, providing both financial security and peace of mind. It offers crucial protection and support tailored to each period’s unique needs.

Aspects of life insurance you should consider

Life insurance provides various benefits, foremost being financial protection for dependents. But it doesn't stop there, life insurance can assist with estate planning — making it easier to pass assets and possibly lowering estate taxes.

However, there are factors you must consider when selecting your plan. First of all, affordability: premiums depend on factors such as age and smoking status. Health considerations are also crucial, as pre-existing conditions can impact eligibility. In such cases, opting for No Medical life insurance may be the most suitable option.

To choose the right policy, you explore various options and get through the life insurance terms and limitations. We're here to make this process less complicated for you.

To conclude

The best life insurance in Canada is the one that aligns with your individual needs and circumstances.

Key considerations should include whether you have dependents, outstanding debts, and which expenses need to be covered after your passing. Moreover, life insurance benefits can serve other purposes, such as estate planning, leaving a legacy, or supporting charitable causes.

It's crucial to assess your financial situation carefully. Consulting with a licensed advisor can assist you in making informed decisions. Whether you're seeking life insurance for financial protection, retirement planning, or other objectives, an advisor can guide you through the complexities of policy selection, coverage options, and affordability.

Take proactive steps today to secure your family’s financial future and gain peace of mind in life.

Share on social media or send
it to someone you care about

More about life insurance

Back to Blog