What Does Life Insurance Cover? A Complete Guide

No one likes to think about the unexpected, but preparing for it with the right life insurance can help you protect the people who matter most. And you’re in good company as a growing number of Canadians are realizing that life insurance isn’t only necessary later in life, rather it gives you peace of mind today. In fact, a record 23 million Canadians now have life insurance, according to the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association (CLHIA).

Whether you are just starting to consider life insurance or if you’re wondering if the coverage you already have is sufficient, this article can help you along your journey. We outline the different types of life insurance, what a life insurance benefit can help cover and key considerations for choosing the right policy for you. Thinking about what happens after you die can be stressful, but finding the right life insurance policy shouldn’t have to be.

Key takeaways

• Life insurance provides a one-time, tax-free benefit to your beneficiaries in the event you pass away.

• The benefit can be used however your beneficiaries need it most.

• Life insurance policies provide different levels of coverage: either for a set period (term life insurance) or for the rest of your life (permanent life insurance).

• Life insurance can benefit anyone of any age, but especially if you have a family, dependents, debt or sizeable assets.

• Factors such as your age, health and lifestyle will affect the cost of your life insurance premiums.

• It’s important to review your life insurance periodically as your needs may change throughout your lifetime.

• If you’re on a tight budget, you can increase your life insurance protection as your income grows.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company: in exchange for paying your premiums, your insurer will pay out a death benefit to your chosen beneficiary (or beneficiaries).

The death benefit is a one-time, tax-free payment that helps provide financial support to the people who rely on you after your death. The payment can be used however your beneficiaries need; for example, to pay off debt or replace your lost income.

Life insurance policies provide different levels of coverage, either for a set term (typically between 10 and 40 years) or for the rest of your life. Some insurance policies provide only a death benefit, while others may also include a cash value component that can grow over time and help build wealth.

Who needs life insurance?

If you think, “I’m single and young, I don’t need life insurance,” think again. Life insurance isn’t only for older people. In fact, it’s often cheaper to purchase life insurance when you’re young and healthy. While life insurance isn’t mandatory (like car insurance), it plays a useful role in your financial and estate plan. If any of these scenarios apply to you, it may be time to consider life insurance:

You have a spouse or partner

If you share the financial burden of a mortgage, saving for the future or even day-to-day living expenses with a spouse or partner, life insurance can provide vital financial support in the event either one of you dies.

You have children or other dependents

Life insurance can help you provide financially for your children or other dependents, such as grandchildren, while they are still young or used to fund their post-secondary education later. You can even purchase a life insurance policy for your child when they are young and then transfer policy ownership to them when they reach the age of majority.

You have outstanding debt or financial obligations

If you own property that property carries a mortgage, life insurance ensures that there’s money to help pay the debt off after your passing. For other debt, such as credit card debt, life insurance can help pay that down, helping to leave your estate intact.

You’re a business owner

The death benefit from buy sell life insurance provides funds for co-owners or partners to buy your share of the business after your death. This helps ensure a smooth succession for the business and eases the burden of your remaining partners or owners from having to use personal or business assets to fund the agreement.

You’re a high-net-worth individual

If you have an estate that may be subject to expensive probate fees (also known as the estate administration tax) or other taxes, such as capital gains, life insurance can be used to help cover those costs. It can also be used for estate equalization; for instance, if want to bequeath a cottage worth $900,000 to one heir, and $600,000 in investments to another, a life insurance policy can be used to make up the difference, ensuring a more equal inheritance.

Remember, your life insurance needs change over time, so it’s important to revisit your insurance when you experience a life event, such as having a baby, getting married or starting a business.

Types of life insurance

Life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While there are several types of life insurance products available, coverage essentially falls into two main categories: term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Term life insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period or term, such as 10 or 20 years. It’s the most popular life insurance in Canada, likely because it’s more affordable than permanent life insurance and easier to purchase. The proceeds from a term life insurance policy can be used for anything, but typically are earmarked for replacing lost income, paying off debts or funding a child’s education.

Term insurance is intended for short-term needs, so you can align the term length with how long you want coverage. For example, if you have 20-years left on your mortgage, a term life insurance policy with a 20-year term (or a 10-year term that you renew at maturity for a subsequent 10 years) can provide a financial safety net if something happens during that time.

A term life insurance policy has guaranteed renewal at maturity, regardless of health; however, the premium will be higher as it is based on your current age. Your policy may give you the option to convert to permanent coverage. You may also be able to add additional benefits, such as an accidental death rider or joint-first-to-die option. You may or may not require a medical exam.

There is no cash or investment value for your term life insurance policy. The premium you pay goes entirely toward your coverage.

RBC term life insurance may be the right choice for you if:

• You’re between ages 18 to 70

• You want between $50,000 and $25 million in coverage

• You want a term length between 10 to 40 years

• You want affordable premiums

Permanent life insurance

Unlike term life insurance, permanent life insurance provides coverage from the time you take out a policy until your eventual death, provided you maintain your premiums. As well as lifelong coverage, your premiums will remain the same, even if your health changes. 

Permanent life insurance falls into three categories: whole life insurance, universal life insurance, and term 100.

Whole life insurance

Whole life insurance provides the opportunity to build wealth in the form of a savings component (called cash value or accumulation value) within your policy. Part of your premium goes towards paying for the cost of your insurance, while the balance goes into a investment account (managed by your insurer) and grows tax-deferred.

With a participating whole life insurance policy, the earnings in this cash account may be paid out to you as dividends. You can access this cash for any use you want, but you will pay tax on the growth, and the funds will need to be paid back or the death benefit paid out will be reduced. You can also borrow against the built-up cash value in the policy, but you will need to pay interest on the loan.

If you choose a joint whole life insurance policy, you can select joint first-to-die coverage, which pays the death benefit on the first death, providing financial support to those you leave behind.

Alternatively, you can select joint-last-to-die coverage, that pays out after the second death, that can help with any capital gains taxes or other estate expenses.

Whole life insurance provides a death benefit to your beneficiaries, and the cash value component offers financial support while you’re still alive–for example, if you need funds to start a business or if you want to supplement your retirement income.

RBC whole life insurance may be right for you if:

• You’re between ages 0 to 80

• You want between $25,000 and $25 million in coverage

• You want lifelong coverage

• Building a cash value is important to you, with the opportunity for dividends

Universal life insurance

Similar to a whole life insurance policy, universal life insurance provides lifetime coverage and the ability to build wealth and save for the future in a tax-advantaged policy. However, universal life is a more flexible type of permanent life insurance as it allows you to customize the investment portfolio portion of your policy to meet your financial goals. You can select from several interest options, each offering different potential returns to match varying levels of risk tolerance.

RBC universal life insurance may be right for you if:

• You’re between ages 0 to 85

• You want between $25,000 and $25 million in coverage

• You want lifelong coverage

• You want more flexibility in building the investment portion of your policy

Guaranteed life insurance

Guaranteed life insurance is just as it sounds–this policy offers guaranteed acceptance (if you meet the basic criteria) without the need for a medical exam or health questionnaire. It provides lifelong coverage, and your premiums will not increase over time. However, the coverage maximum cap is typically lower, and the premiums are usually higher than comparable term life insurance.

RBC guaranteed acceptance life insurance may be worth considering if:

• You’re between ages 40 to 75

• You want between $5,000 and $40,000 in coverage

• You want lifetime coverage with premiums that will never increase

• You don’t want to take a medical exam or answer any health questionnaire

 Group life insurance

Group life insurance is offered by some employers as part of an employee benefits package. While 83 per cent of life insurance is purchased individually, 17 per cent is provided through a group plan, according to CLHIA.

Group plans are often paid for (and owned) by the employer and the coverage (or death benefit) may be capped at one to two times your annual salary. Most employers offer group term insurance, as opposed to permanent life insurance. This means there’s no cash value outside the death benefit.

Group insurance is not portable; if you leave the company, retire or get laid off, your coverage typically ends. Group insurance can provide an extra layer of protection for your family, but it’s usually not enough coverage on its own.

What life insurance covers

While the specifics of what life insurance covers varies depending on the type of policy you choose, life insurance provides your beneficiaries with a tax-free lump sum of money called a death benefit. That amount can vary greatly; depend on the policy and terms you choose.

There’s no restriction on how the death benefit can be used, but here are some of the things it can help cover:

Income replacement

When creating a family budget, you typically include the income sources of both you and your spouse or partner. If you were to pass away unexpectedly, that income would disappear. Life insurance can help replace lost income. Not sure protection you need? It’s a good rule of thumb to have at least five to 10 times your yearly income in life insurance coverage.

Debt and mortgage protection

When you die, your estate is responsible for paying off any outstanding debt, such as your mortgage, or consumer loans – like credit cards. If a loan is co-signed, such as a joint mortgage with a spouse, the surviving cosigner assumes full responsibility for the debt. A life insurance payout can ensure your family or estate is not burdened with debt obligations.

Funeral expenses

Life insurance can help cover end-of-life expenses, which can run into thousands of dollars. While funeral insurance is one option, guaranteed acceptance life insurance can be used other expenses in addition to funeral costs.

Estate planning

As long as you designate a beneficiary (or beneficiaries) on your life insurance policy, the death benefit is paid out tax-free, ensuring more of your inheritance goes to your loved ones. If your estate has a large tax bill, such as capital gains tax on a secondary residence, a life insurance payout can help cover that cost.

Business continuity

If you co-own a business with another partner (or partners), life insurance through a buy-sell agreement helps provide funds for the remaining partners to purchase your share, thereby ensuring business continuity and a seamless succession after your death.

Charitable giving

Life insurance can be an effective way to leave a charitable gift as part of your estate plan. You can either name the charity as both the beneficiary and owner or name the charity as beneficiary but retain ownership of the policy. If you choose to retain ownership, it provides your estate with a charitable donation receipt upon your death, which could help with reduce taxes owed by your estate.

What life insurance does not cover

As we’ve explained life insurance provides coverage in the form of a death benefit once you pass away. On the most part, life insurance companies do pay out a death benefit, however there are reasons why it could be declined.

That’s why it’s important to understand what life insurance does not cover, so you have peace of mind knowing you and your family are protected.

Fraud or misrepresentation

It is essential to answer truthfully and completely when applying for life insurance, even if it results in a higher premium. Failing to do so could result in your policy not being paid out upon your death, depending on the circumstances. Examples of insurance misrepresentation include:

• Not disclosing that you’re a smoker – keep in mind, smoking also includes tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine products.

• Failing to mention a pre-existing health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes

• Falsifying personal details, such as lying about your age or lifestyle

• Providing an incomplete medical history, such as omitting a consultation with a specialist or a stroke from 10 years ago

Every cause of death

Life insurance policies typically will not pay out if the policy holder dies by suicide within two years of the coverage date. Accidental death benefits may not be paid out if you die while committing a crime or provoked assault, or if your death is related to chronic alcohol or drug use, such as driving while impaired.

Risky activities or hobbies

Extreme activities or hobbies, such as skydiving or scuba, or high-risk occupations, are often excluded. You may be able to secure life insurance, but pay a higher premium or have a lower coverage amount. A payout may also be denied if death is related to these types of risks.

Pre-existing conditions

Depending on the policy you purchase, pre-existing conditions may not be covered, particularly if you die within a certain period after purchasing the insurance, such as 12 months, and if your death is related to that condition.

Policy lapsed due to a missed payment

Your policy is in effect as long as you continue paying the premiums, typically monthly or annually. If you miss a payment, your insurer may allow a grace period (say, 31 days) to make the back payment before the policy terminates. If you died after that date without any attempts to reinstate the policy or take out a new one, then the death benefit will not be paid.

Factors that influence life insurance coverage

When you purchase life insurance, it’s important to understand both the extent and limitations of coverage available.

Policy terms and conditions

While all life insurance policies pay out a lump sum upon your death, terms and conditions differ between insurers and the specific product you choose. It’s important to read the fine print (or work with a licensed insurance professional) to understand the coverage you’ll receive.

Riders and add-ons

Many life insurance policies allow you to add optional coverage, which can increase the scope of protection, for an additional cost. Common riders and add-ons include:

• Children’s term rider: Provides term life coverage for your child

• Accidental death benefit rider: Pays out an additional benefit if you die due to an accident

• Total disability rider: A rider that waives your monthly premiums if you have been totally disabled for six months.

Your health and lifestyle

When assessing the risk of insuring you, insurance companies considering factors such as your age (the younger you are, the cheaper the policy), your health, and your habits and lifestyle (smoker versus non-smoker). The higher your perceived risk, the higher your premium tends to be.

How to choose the right life insurance coverage for you

Making the decision to buy life insurance is sometimes the hardest part—but once you take that first step, finding the right coverage shouldn’t have to be complicated.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Assess your needs

Start by calculating how much coverage you might need. To do this, consider your current income, debt, and future expenses (such as buying a home, or paying for your children’s education). Online life insurance calculators can help you get started with an estimate. If you require more insurance than you can currently afford, you can always increase your coverage when your budget allows or layer more than one policy to protect you in the years when you need it most.

Compare policies

Compare different types of life insurance to assess coverage amounts, how the premiums work, and whether there is any cash value to the policy. If you have questions or are unsure, an accredited life insurance advisor can provide additional guidance and answer your questions.

Customize your policy

Riders and optional benefits, such as accidental death, total disability waiver, or a children’s term rider, help add an extra level of financial security based on your personal situation and needs.

Be honest

Be sure to answer all questions honestly, especially if you’re a smoker. If your insurer discovers that you incorrectly stated, misrepresented or failed to disclose what’s called a “material fact,” your policy can be considered void.

Review and update your policy

Your policy typically includes a money-back cancellation period (usually 10 or 30 days), giving you time to review the fine print. It’s also important to revisit your insurance coverage after major life events, such as getting married, buying a house, having a child or retiring, to ensure your coverage is still compatible with your lifestyle and needs.

Communicate with your beneficiaries

Your death benefit isn’t automatically paid out when you die; instead, your beneficiary must file a claim. Whether it’s your spouse, business partner or family member, tell them about the policy and share key details such as the type of life insurance (term or whole life), the insurer, policy number and how to contact your insurance advisor. While this may feel like an awkward conversation, it will make it easier for your beneficiary to access a payout when needed.

Life insurance is an important tool for financial security

Taking a proactive approach to life insurance affords you the opportunity to build a plan now that will protect your loved ones in the future. While life insurance can cover a variety of needs –from paying off debt, funding everyday expenses, and saving for the future – there are some limitations for applicants with preexisting conditions or with risky hobbies or careers.

However, with many products on the market, there should be a life insurance policy to suit your needs and financial goals. A licensed life insurance advisor can walk you through your options to ensure you select a policy that aligns with your circumstances, budget, and long-term plans. By taking the time to choose the right coverage today, you can secure your family’s financial figure and enjoy greater peace of mind for years to come.

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