Life insurance

The need to protect your loved ones against the unexpected has become more important than ever before. A term life insurance plan from Blue Cross Life can protect the health, wellness and financial stability of you and your loved ones when it’s needed most.

The entire process, from getting a quote to the final purchase, is all done online. Speak to an advisor only if and when you choose.

Wondering if you need life insurance?

Use our easy-to-follow chart or watch this short video to help you explore the reasons many people get life insurance and whether they apply to you.

*Underwritten by Assumption Life

Plan details

Find a solution for your stage of life from the most respected life insurance company in Canada. Choose the life insurance coverage that best meets your needs, from $50,000 up to $10 million, and 10-year, 20-year and 25-year terms. Depending on your age and the amount chosen, there may be no medical exam to worry about.

Plus, add a critical illness rider that provides you with a lump-sum benefit if you’re diagnosed with a critical illness, such as heart attack, stroke, accidental loss of limbs and kidney failure (and survive the survival period specified in the contract).

Secure the financial wellness of the ones you love today and tomorrow.

Need health coverage?

For robust health benefits coverage that includes prescriptions, vision, dental and more, find an individual & family plan or retiree plan that suits your needs. Or if you're looking for a basic health plan with ambulance and hospital coverage, learn about our accident plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is life insurance?

Life insurance can be very comforting to you and your loved ones. It provides a one-time payout to your loved ones, giving you the peace of mind you need to know that they are protected in the event of your death. When you purchase a policy, you choose an amount and indicate who you want the money paid to if you pass away.

How does it work?

For most policies, you pay a monthly or annual fee (called a premium) for an amount of coverage determined by you. You choose the amount of coverage – from $50,000 up to $10 million – and the length of time the policy will cover you, up to 25 years. If you pass away with this coverage, your loved ones named in the policy can make a claim for the amount of money insured. You can take comfort knowing that the money is tax-free and can be used for anything they need like funeral expenses, paying off a mortgage and more.

Do I need life insurance?

Everyone has different needs. Most Canadians who are married, own a home, have children or someone who depends on them, such as an elderly parent, or significant financial commitments want the peace of mind that comes with life insurance. The money you leave behind can help your loved ones reduce financial stress as they struggle with your passing.

You may need term life insurance if you are:

  • getting married
  • supporting aging parents financially
  • carrying a loan or debt, including a mortgage
  • self employed
  • wanting to leave your loved ones well cared for
How much coverage do I need?

Your needs are unique.  That’s why we have a simple coverage calculator to help you find the right coverage to protect your loved ones (under “How much coverage do I need?” in Easy answers to tough questions). You can also talk to an advisor for guidance on what is right for you. To contact an advisor, phone 1.800.873.2583.

What if I want to add more coverage at a later date?

With Blue Cross Life, you can increase the initial insurance amount, without new evidence of insurability, when obtaining a new loan (such as a mortgage); increasing an existing loan; or if there is a major life event (marriage, divorce, adoption or childbirth, or graduation with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate).

This allows you to be sure that the coverage amount changes as your life changes. (The amount insured can be increased before age 60 up to 25% of initial insurance amount up to $125,000, if the insured is not disabled. This benefit must be used within 60 days following the events mentioned above. The premium for the new policy or rider will be based on the sex and age of the insured at the time of the new policy or rider.)

Do I need a medical exam?

If you are under 45 years of age, you can get up to $999,999 in coverage with no medical exam. If you are 45 years or older or you would like coverage over $1 million, a medical exam will be required.

I have coverage through my employer. Why do I need another life insurance policy?

You may think you don’t need life insurance if you have coverage through your employer, but have you considered:

  • You may not have enough life insurance through your employer benefit plan to cover your debts and your family’s expenses without your annual income.
  • You would lose your coverage if your job situation changed.
  • Buying additional coverage gets tricky if your health situation changes or declines.
  • It is not always possible to get life insurance for your spouse, or it may not be enough through your employer.

If you rely solely on your group insurance, and you are no longer able to work because of a medical condition, you may be losing your life insurance coverage just when your family may need it the most.

What if I become critically ill or have a disability –  can life insurance assist me financially?

Blue Cross Life is more than just life insurance. All life insurance policies include a built-in extreme disability benefit. This ensures that if the insured, before the age of 60, is in a state of extreme disability for a continued period (longer than six months), 50 per cent of the amount insured may be payable in advance (up to $250,000). Extreme disability means the insured is affected by a medical condition that renders him or her in a state of total and irrecoverable disability as a result of which the insured cannot perform four out of the six activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, continence, transferring or feeding) without a reasonable expectancy of recovery as determined by a physician.

You can also add critical illness insurance up to $50,000 (without exceeding 50 per cent of the initial life insurance coverage) to your life insurance purchase.

What is critical illness insurance?

Critical illness insurance provides you with financial security in the event that you are diagnosed with a serious illness. It provides a tax-free, lump-sum payment to help you take care of expenses, including mortgage, childcare or whatever you need, so you can focus on your health and recovery. The serious conditions that are eligible include heart attack, stroke and cancer.

How much does it cost?

Life insurance is more affordable than you might think.  For a cost similar to your monthly cell phone bill, you can ensure financial peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

How do I buy life insurance?

It’s simple. The good news is that you can get a quote in seconds and purchase online in about 15 minutes. If you have questions or need extra support or guidance, a local Blue Cross representative is available to listen to your needs, give you helpful advice and walk you through the process. To schedule a call, phone 1.800.873.2583.

*Underwritten by Assumption Life
® Registered Trade-mark of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross Plans.
™ Trademark of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross plans. Used under license by Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada. Life Insurance is underwritten by Assumption Mutual Life Insurance Company, doing business under the name Assumption Life.
For full details visit assumption.ca/en/Terms-of-Use.aspx

This information provides an overview of plans offered by Manitoba Blue Cross. This is not a contract or a complete listing of benefits. For more information, call 204.788.6858 or toll-free 1.800.873.2583.

Why choose Manitoba Blue Cross?

Join your local health benefits provider.

  • You are our priority. As a not-for-profit, we prioritize you, not the bottom line. Every dollar we make is reinvested back into our products and services, as well as our communities and people.
  • Your mental health is important to us. Mental health is an intrinsic part of health and well-being, as much as dental and vision care. That’s why we support you with mental health coverage in several of our plans, including professional counselling.
  • You get comprehensive, specialized coverage. With a Manitoba Blue Cross plan, you get the coverage you need, including specialized offerings, such as foot care nurse, athletic therapy coverage, hostel care and treat-no-transport ambulance coverage. We also offer paramedical benefits such as homeopathy, osteopathy and nutritional counselling.
  • You’re part of the renowned Blue Cross network: We offer products from the most recognized and trusted name in health coverage in Canada.
  • We are a local business. With a walk-in customer service centre conveniently located in Winnipeg, excellent relationships with your health care practitioners and a focus on our community, being a Manitoba business is about more than just our postal code.
  • You can access services your way. From our award-winning call centre and walk-in customer service centre to 24/7 access to claim and benefit information online and through our mobile app, you can find information, assistance and resources quickly and easily.
  • Your convenience is key. With direct billing, your health care costs can often be paid directly to the service providers, so you are not out of pocket while you wait for reimbursement.