Simplified issue life insurance
Simplified issue life insurance: no medical exam, quick answer
A few health questions, no blood test, no medical appointment. Coverage that stays accessible even if you were declined elsewhere or have a health history.
- No medical exam or blood test
- Eligible up to age 80-85 depending on the insurer
- Term or permanent, answer often within days
Connect with a partner financial security advisor.
- AMFCertified advisors
- $0Free quote
- FR · ENBilingual service
- QuebecProvince-wide
What is simplified issue life insurance?
Simplified issue life insurance bases eligibility on a short health questionnaire rather than a full medical exam. Depending on your answers, the insurer issues the policy quickly, often without any further checks.
It comes in term and permanent versions. For people who cannot answer "no" to every question, some insurers offer guaranteed issue insurance: no health questions, but a lower amount and a two-year waiting period for non-accidental death.
At a glance
- Evidence of health
- Questionnaire only
- Relative cost
- $$
- Amounts
- $10,000 to $500,000
- Issue time
- A few days
Free · No obligation · An advisor compares insurers for you
How it works
- 1
Your advisor targets the right tier
Insurers offer several tiers: the more questions you can answer "no" to, the higher the amount offered and the better the premium.
- 2
You answer the questionnaire
From 3 to 15 questions depending on the tier, about recent diagnoses, ongoing treatments and lifestyle. No blood test, no exam.
- 3
The insurer issues the policy
Often within days, sometimes the same day. Some insurers check the prescription record or the Medical Information Bureau.
- 4
You are covered
Immediate life coverage or, for guaranteed issue, a reduced benefit during the first two years for non-accidental death.
Advantages
- No medical exam, no blood test, no appointment
- Accessible to people with a health history, a recent diagnosis or a previous decline
- Fast process: answer within days instead of several weeks
- Available to an advanced age (often 80 or 85 at purchase)
- Term (10, 20 years) and permanent versions available
- Several insurers specialize in this market — comparing makes a real difference
Things to consider
- Higher premium per $1,000 than insurance with an exam, for a healthy profile
- Capped coverage amounts (depending on insurer and tier)
- Guaranteed issue has a two-year waiting period: non-accidental death = refund of premiums rather than the benefit
- An inaccurate answer on the questionnaire can void the policy: answer precisely
- If you are in good health, traditional insurance costs less — your advisor will tell you
Options and riders
Options are more limited than in traditional insurance, but a few additions are common.
Accidental death
Double benefit (or more) if death results from an accident; often included without a waiting period even on guaranteed issue.
Waiver of premium
Offered by some insurers on simplified versions.
Conversion
Term versions are sometimes convertible to permanent without new evidence.
Child rider
Depending on the insurer, a small amount on children can be added.
Final expenses
Small permanent contracts designed to cover death costs, with little or no questionnaire.
Tiers of simplified insurance
General benchmarks; each insurer has its own questions, amounts and ages.
| Type | Questions | Typical amount | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified (upper tier) | 10 to 15 | Up to $500,000 and more | Premium close to traditional insurance |
| Simplified (base tier) | 3 to 8 | $25,000 to $250,000 | For more significant health history |
| Guaranteed issue | None | $5,000 to $50,000 | No health questions; 2-year wait (non-accidental death) |
Who is it for?
- People with a health history (diabetes, hypertension, cancer in remission, etc.)
- Anyone who has been declined or rated before
- People aged 50 to 85 who want to cover funeral costs and leave an amount to loved ones
- Anyone who wants coverage quickly, without medical steps
- High-risk workers or frequent travellers outside the country
Options to compare with your advisor
Trademarks of their respective owners. Sommet Protection is not affiliated with any insurer and does not distribute any product.
How it works
- 1
Request your callback
Your coverage, your first name, your mobile: three answers are enough. The rest is optional.
- 2
An advisor contacts you
Your request goes to one partner advisor, who calls you at a time that suits you. You follow the progress live.
- 3
Receive your scenarios
You get clear options, with the advantages and limits of each. You decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be declined?
With simplified issue, yes, if your answers do not meet the tier's criteria; your advisor will then steer you to a lower tier or to guaranteed issue, where acceptance is assured.
What is the difference between simplified and guaranteed issue?
Simplified asks a few questions and covers from day one. Guaranteed issue asks no questions but limits the amount and applies a two-year wait: for non-accidental death in that period, the insurer refunds premiums paid (sometimes with interest) instead of the benefit.
How much does it cost?
More than insurance with an exam for the same profile, because the insurer has less information. The gap varies a lot between insurers — that is where a broker's comparison makes a difference.
Do I have to disclose my history?
Yes, accurately, for every question asked. A misrepresentation can lead to cancellation of the contract. The insurer may verify with the Medical Information Bureau or your prescription record.
Up to what age can I apply?
Depending on the insurer and product, up to 75, 80 or 85. Permanent final-expense contracts are designed precisely for this market.
Should I still try traditional insurance?
If you are in good health, yes: it costs less. Your advisor can submit your profile to several insurers and recommend the right path.
Free quote
Three answers and a partner advisor calls you back. Free, no obligation.
Check my eligibilityComplementary coverage
Our coverage
Choose the coverage you're interested in — your advisor can also combine them.
Life insurance
Term, permanent, universal, participating or simplified issue: understand the differences, then let an advisor compare insurers for you. Free and without obligation.
Learn moreTerm life insurance
Cover your mortgage, your debts and your family's income for a specific period. Your advisor compares terms, premiums and options from several insurers.
Learn morePermanent life insurance
Coverage designed to last a lifetime, provided the policy stays in force. Depending on the product, premiums and cash values may be guaranteed or variable.
Learn moreUniversal life insurance
Lifetime insurance paired with an investment account you control. You decide the amount deposited, the funds selected and the pace of deposits, within tax limits.
Learn moreParticipating life insurance
Permanent insurance whose death benefit and value increase each year through dividends paid by the insurer — without you having to manage investments.
Learn moreDisability insurance
Illness or accident: your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset. Disability insurance pays you a monthly benefit while you recover.
Learn moreCritical illness insurance
At diagnosis of a covered illness, you receive a tax-free amount to use as you wish: care, time off, help at home, debts. No requirement to be unable to work.
Learn moreSommet Protection is a marketing company: it is neither a firm nor an insurer, does not sell insurance and gives no advice. This site does not allow you to purchase insurance online. Your request is passed on to an independent, AMF-certified partner financial security advisor who will contact you to analyze your needs. Eligibility and premiums are established by the insurer after reviewing your file. Product descriptions are provided for information purposes and do not replace the insurance contract, which alone prevails.