Life insurance
Life insurance can provide a financial payment to your family and loved ones upon your death. When you purchase a life insurance Policy, you name a beneficiary who will receive the death benefit specified in the policy upon your death. You can name either a revocable or irrevocable beneficiary. Regardless of the type of beneficiary you name, your beneficiary will receive the death benefit tax-free.
You may also choose to leave the money to your estate or to a trust. However, if you leave the death benefit to an estate or trust, it will be subject to taxes when the estate is settled.
There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent.
There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent.
Term life insurance
Term Life Insurance provides coverage if you die within a specific period of time unless you do not pay your premium. Term life insurance premiums are generally less expensive than permanent life insurance premiums.
Death benefit
The amount that the insurer will pay your beneficiary or beneficiaries upon
your death. This term is normally used with a life insurance policy.
your death. This term is normally used with a life insurance policy.
Material facts
Things you know that could affect an insurance company’s decision about whether to ensure you and what price (premium) you will pay. For example, if you are applying for life insurance, you need to tell the insurer if you smoke. If you do not tell the insurer about material facts, the insurer could cancel your policy and refuse to pay any claims.
Pre-existing condition
Medical condition you know you already have before you apply for insurance.Rescission right
A policyholder’s right to cancel the insurance policy with the insurance company within 10 days of receiving the policy and to be refunded any premiums paid. Premiums are usually fixed for the length of the term, often at intervals of five or ten years. However, your premiums may increase when you renew the policy. For example, premiums would increase every five years on a five-year renewable policy.
Most life insurance policies will only cover you up to a maximum age. For example, you may not be able to buy coverage once you reach age 75. The death benefit is paid if your death occurs during the term or duration of the policy. For example, your policy will pay the death benefit to your beneficiary if you die before the policy expires. However, once the term ends, the coverage ends, and you or your beneficiaries will not receive any payment. Most term insurance policies do not accumulate a cash value.
Permanent life insurance
It provides coverage throughout your life unless you fail to pay your premiums. At first, premiums are usually higher than for term life insurance policies but may be lower than term premiums in later years. Permanent life insurance policies generally accumulate a cash value that is either added to the face value of your policy and paid out upon your death or returned to you if you cancel your policy. Most policies will also allow you to take a loan against the cash value of your policy. Loans that you have not repaid reduce both the death benefit and any cash value.
The two most common types of permanent insurance are whole life and universal life policies.
• Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that guarantees the number of your
premiums. Your premiums will not change as you get older, and your policy will often have a guaranteed minimum cash value. The death benefit, or the amount paid out upon your death, is also guaranteed.
premiums. Your premiums will not change as you get older, and your policy will often have a guaranteed minimum cash value. The death benefit, or the amount paid out upon your death, is also guaranteed.
• Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that combines life insurance with an investment account. The investment account has a cash value. Withdrawals, as well as loans, may be permitted. You can increase or decrease your premiums within the limits specified in your insurance policy. You can also select how your premiums are invested.
The death benefit and cash value of your investment account may increase or decrease depending on the types of investments you choose to hold in your account and the returns on those investments. The premiums you are required to pay could increase if returns on your chosen investments fall.
Evidence of insurability
Life and health insurance companies may require that you complete a detailed medical questionnaire or exam, also called Evidence of Insurability, before approving you for a policy. In addition to asking you about your past health history and lifestyle, the insurance company may also ask that you undergo medical testing such as saliva or blood tests.However, some types of insurance may require only that you sign a general statement about your
health or respond to a short medical questionnaire to be approved for coverage. The insurer may
conduct a medical history check or request evidence of insurability to confirm whether the insured qualified for coverage after a claim occurs.
health or respond to a short medical questionnaire to be approved for coverage. The insurer may
conduct a medical history check or request evidence of insurability to confirm whether the insured qualified for coverage after a claim occurs.
If your claim were denied, your insurance company would cancel the policy and the premiums paid would be returned to your beneficiary or beneficiaries. This process is known as claim investigation and may apply to life insurance, mortgage life insurance, credit balance insurance or disability insurance. For most types of life insurance, the insurance company cannot increase your premiums based on a change of health after your policy is issued.
Health insurance
There is a variety of health insurance products available that could help you:• pay for services that your regular health care plan does not cover
• supplement your income if you suffer a major illness or severe injury
• pay for your medical expenses if you become ill while on vacation. Check your policy to find out if there is a deductible or if the amount payable is limited to a maximum percentage of the overall claim or a maximum annual amount.
Supplementary health insurance pays for health services, such as prescription drug and dental
services, not generally covered by provincial and territorial government health plans. Before buying supplementary health insurance, check your employer’s benefits plan to make sure that you do not buy coverage you already have. For example, you may already have dental coverage through your employer’s plan.
services, not generally covered by provincial and territorial government health plans. Before buying supplementary health insurance, check your employer’s benefits plan to make sure that you do not buy coverage you already have. For example, you may already have dental coverage through your employer’s plan.
Disability insurance provides coverage if you cannot work temporarily or permanently due to an injury or illness, such as loss of a limb, a heart attack or an operation.
Travel medical insurance pays for medical treatment while you travel outside of Canada.
Critical illness or trauma insurance pays a one-time lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with a critical illness that is specified in your policy, such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. life insurane There are often exclusions, so read the policy carefully. Be sure you know what is and is not covered.
Long-term care insurance provides coverage if you enter a long-term care facility such as a nursing home.
Travel medical insurance pays for medical treatment while you travel outside of Canada.
Critical illness or trauma insurance pays a one-time lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with a critical illness that is specified in your policy, such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. life insurane There are often exclusions, so read the policy carefully. Be sure you know what is and is not covered.
Long-term care insurance provides coverage if you enter a long-term care facility such as a nursing home.
