Can I Get Life Insurance If I Have a Criminal Record?
Yes — many Canadians can still get life insurance even if they have a criminal record. While a criminal history can affect your options, it does not automatically disqualify you from coverage.
Life insurance companies assess risk using many factors, and a criminal record is just one piece of the picture. The type of offence, how long ago it occurred, and whether there have been any repeat offences all matter. In many cases, especially when charges are in the past, coverage is still available.
How a Criminal Record Affects Life Insurance in Canada
Insurance companies look at criminal history differently than employers or lenders. Their primary concern is risk, not punishment.
Underwriters typically consider:
The type of offence (non-violent vs. violent)
Whether the offence resulted in incarceration
How long ago the offence occurred
Whether there have been repeat convictions
Current lifestyle and stability
Minor or non-violent offences from years ago are often viewed more favourably than recent or serious convictions. Each insurer has its own guidelines, which means outcomes can vary widely from one company to another.
Can You Be Declined for Traditional Life Insurance?
Yes — in some cases, traditional fully underwritten life insurance may be declined or postponed if the insurer views the risk as too high. This often happens when:
The conviction is recent
The offence was violent or involved substance abuse
There is ongoing legal or probationary status
However, a decline from one insurer does not mean life insurance is off the table entirely.
Why No-Medical Life Insurance Is Often the Best Option
No-medical life insurance is frequently the most accessible option for people with a criminal record.
These policies:
Do not require medical exams
Ask limited health and lifestyle questions
Typically do not ask detailed questions about criminal history
Offer faster approval than traditional policies
Because underwriting is simplified, insurers rely less on background details and more on age and coverage amount. Premiums are usually higher than fully underwritten policies, but coverage is often available when other options are not.
For many Canadians, no-medical policies provide a realistic path to protection when traditional routes are closed.
What Coverage Amounts Are Available?
No-medical life insurance policies typically offer coverage amounts ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the insurer and your age at application.
These policies are available to adults across Canada, including residents in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, and Halifax, and everywhere in between. Coverage remains in place as long as premiums are paid, regardless of where you live.
Why Life Insurance Still Matters
A criminal record doesn’t erase financial responsibilities. Life insurance is about protecting the people who rely on you.
Coverage can help:
Pay for funeral and final expenses
Protect family members from debt
Cover mortgage or rent obligations
Provide financial stability for children or dependents
Life insurance pays out regardless of employment history or past mistakes. It’s about the future, not the past.
What to Expect When Applying
Honesty matters. If a policy asks about criminal history, answer truthfully. Non-disclosure can lead to denied claims later, even if the policy was approved.
Working with a broker who understands which insurers are more flexible can make a significant difference. Some companies are far more accommodating than others, particularly when the conviction is older or non-violent.
Final Thoughts
So, can you get life insurance if you have a criminal record?
Yes — and for many Canadians, no-medical life insurance is the most practical and achievable option.
Insurance companies recognize that people move forward, rebuild, and deserve access to financial protection. What may have felt impossible years ago is often very achievable today with the right approach.
At Maple Bay, we work with Canadian insurers that offer no-medical and simplified life insurance options. We understand how underwriting works behind the scenes and help guide clients toward policies that are realistic, respectful, and reliable.
Your past doesn’t have to define your financial future. Coverage may be closer than you think, contact our Canadian advisors today to receive a free, no-obligation Life Insurance quote.