Non-medical term life insurance combines the affordability of term coverage with the convenience of no medical exams. This popular option provides temporary protection for 10-30 years without the hassle of scheduling appointments or waiting for test results. In 2026, more Canadians than ever are choosing this streamlined path to coverage.

Understanding Non-Medical Term

Non-medical term life insurance provides a death benefit for a specified period without requiring paramedical examinations. Depending on the product and your health, you may answer a few health questions (simplified issue) or none at all (guaranteed issue). The trade-off is typically slightly higher premiums compared to fully underwritten policies.

2026 Available Term Lengths

Term Length	Best For	Premium vs 20-Year	Max Age at Issue
10-Year Term	Short-term debt, young children	30-40% lower	65-70
15-Year Term	Medium-term obligations	15-20% lower	60-65
20-Year Term	Mortgages, children through university	Baseline	55-60
25-Year Term	Extended family protection	15-25% higher	50-55
30-Year Term	Maximum term protection	25-35% higher	45-50

Coverage Limits by Product Type

Product Type	Coverage Range	Age Range	Approval Time
Accelerated Underwriting	$50,000 - $3,000,000	18-55	1-5 days
Simplified Issue	$25,000 - $500,000	18-70	Same day - 48 hours
Guaranteed Issue Term	$5,000 - $25,000	40-80	Instant

2026 Sample Monthly Premiums

Age	$250,000 (20-Yr)	$500,000 (20-Yr)	$1,000,000 (20-Yr)
30	$18-24/month	$28-36/month	$48-62/month
35	$22-28/month	$35-45/month	$60-78/month
40	$30-40/month	$52-68/month	$95-125/month
45	$45-58/month	$78-100/month	$145-190/month
50	$68-88/month	$120-155/month	$225-290/month

* Rates shown are for non-smokers with simplified issue underwriting. Actual premiums vary by insurer and health status.

Key Features to Look For

Renewability

Option to renew at term end without re-qualifying medically. Premiums increase but coverage continues regardless of health changes.

Convertibility

Ability to convert to permanent insurance without medical underwriting. Essential for long-term flexibility.

Level Premiums

Rates that stay fixed for the entire initial term period. No surprises in your monthly budget.

Living Benefits

Accelerated death benefit access if diagnosed with terminal illness. Up to 50% of death benefit while living.

Premium Comparison: No Exam vs Traditional

Underwriting Type	Premium Difference	Approval Time	Best For
Traditional (Full Exam)	Baseline	4-8 weeks	Lowest rates, patient applicants
Accelerated	Same rates	1-5 days	Healthy applicants, ages 18-55
Simplified Issue	10-30% higher	Same day - 48 hours	Moderate health, convenience
Guaranteed Issue	100-200% higher	Instant	Health challenges, guaranteed approval