Manulife Family Term Life Insurance is one of Canada’s most comprehensive term life insurance solutions, combining flexible coverage options with valuable policy features designed to adapt as your financial needs evolve. It offers coverage ranging from $100,000 to $25 million, as well as multiple premium payment periods. Policyholders can also convert eligible term coverage to permanent life insurance without providing new medical evidence.
The cost of a term policy from Manulife ranges between $7.71 and $147.12 for $100,000 in coverage for a 10-year term. The premiums depend on your age, gender, health, smoking status, coverage amount, selected term, underwriting class, and other related factors.
Quick review
- PolicyAdvisor rating: 4.8/5
- Best for: Families, homeowners, and business owners seeking flexible term life insurance with high coverage limits, strong conversion options, and wellness benefits
- Skip if: You want more fixed term length options, such as 15, 25, 30 years
About Manulife Insurance
Manulife is Canada’s largest life insurance company and one of the country’s most recognized financial services organizations, founded in 1887. Through its Canadian insurance divisions, the insurer offers a wide range of products, including term life, permanent life, critical illness, disability, and travel insurance, as well as group benefits for individuals and businesses.
Manulife Family Term is the company’s flagship fully underwritten term life insurance product. It is designed to provide affordable financial protection while offering extensive flexibility through multiple coverage structures, optional riders, conversion privileges, and policy change options. Backed by more than a century of experience and a strong financial foundation, it remains one of Canada’s leading life insurance providers for individuals, families, professionals, and business owners.
Manulife Insurance’s financial strength (As of 2026)
| AM Best Rating | A+ |
| Insurance Revenue | $28.9B |
| LICAT Ratio | 136% |
| Total assets | C$1.8 trillion |
Disclaimer: Figures and ratings are based on the latest available information and may change over time
What is Manulife Family Term Life Insurance?
Manulife Family Term Life Insurance provides flexible insurance protection through Term 10, Term 20, Term 65, and Term Life coverage options. If the insured passes away while the policy is in force, Manulife pays a tax-free lump-sum death benefit to the named beneficiary, subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.
Manulife Family Term is designed to protect the beneficiaries from financial obligations such as mortgages, replacing lost income, or covering business obligations. Unlike permanent life insurance, Manulife term life insurance policies do not build cash value and focus solely on financial protection for the beneficiaries. The death benefit is usually paid out tax-free and can be used to pay off debts and other financial obligations. The plans also come with Manulife Vitality, a wellness reward program.
Key features of Manulife term life insurance
| Feature | Details |
| Term product name | Manulife Family Term |
| Term length options | Term 10, Term 20, Term 65, or Term Life |
| Coverage amount | Starts at $100,000, with the maximum subject to underwriting |
| Premiums | Guaranteed level premiums during the selected term and while coverage remains in effect |
| Coverage structures |
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| Renewability | Term 10 and Term 20 are guaranteed renewable to age 80, subject to policy terms |
| Convertibility | Convertible to eligible permanent life insurance before the conversion deadline |
| Coverage option changes | Eligible policies may change to other coverage options, subject to policy rules |
| Underwriting | Fully underwritten using Manulife’s Healthstyle classification system, with accelerated underwriting available to eligible applicants |
| Built-in benefits | Compassionate Assistance Program and up to $1,000 in bereavement counselling reimbursement |
| Optional riders |
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Who is eligible for Manulife term life insurance in Canada?
Manulife Family Term Life Insurance is available to Canadian residents who meet the insurer’s age and underwriting requirements. Eligibility depends on the selected policy term, coverage amount, and your ability to satisfy Manulife’s underwriting criteria.
To qualify for Manulife Family Term Life Insurance, applicants generally must:
- Meet the issue-age limits for the selected option: Term 10 is available from ages 18–70, Term 20 from 18–60, Term 65 from 18–45, and Term Life from 60–85.
- Complete Manulife’s underwriting process: Applicants are assessed using Manulife’s Healthstyle categories and insurance ratings, which consider health and lifestyle risk factors.
- Provide health and lifestyle information: Underwriting considers factors such as tobacco use, personal and family medical history, health findings, recreational risks, and occupation.
- Provide additional evidence of insurability: The insurer may ask applicants for additional documents, such as medical tests or physicians’ reports
- Meet financial underwriting requirements: Manulife may request financial information from the applicant for larger coverage amounts
Applicants are assigned a Healthstyle category and insurance rating based on factors such as tobacco use, medical history, family medical history, occupation, and lifestyle. These classifications essentially determine the premium payable for the chosen policy.
Types of Manulife Family Term Life Insurance plans
Manulife offers two versions of its flagship term life insurance product, allowing families to choose the benefits and features they desire. While both plans provide flexible, renewable, and convertible life insurance protection, they differ in the additional benefits available to policyholders.
Here’s an overview of the two plans:
Manulife Family Term
Family Term is Manulife’s standard fully underwritten term life insurance policy, which offers affordable financial protection with flexible premium options, multiple coverage structures, and extensive customization through a series of optional riders.
Policyholders can choose between Term 10, Term 20, Term 65, or Term Life premium options, depending on how long they need coverage. The policy also includes valuable built-in benefits such as a terminal illness cash advance and up to $1,000 for bereavement counselling. In addition, it offers guaranteed renewability and the option to convert to eligible permanent policies without providing new medical evidence within a set conversion deadline.
Manulife Family Term with Vitality Plus
Family Term with Vitality Plus includes all the protection and flexibility of the standard Manulife Family Term policy, but with a higher coverage limit of $25 million and access to the popular Manulife Vitality Plus wellness program. The plan is designed for Canadians seeking more value from their policies through a comprehensive wellness program.
The Vitality program rewards healthy lifestyle habits by offering annual premium savings, personalized health recommendations, wearable device incentives, and a host of discounts from participating health and retail partners.
Manulife also offers CoverMe term life insurance, with options such as Term 10, Term 20, and Easy Issue coverage. These plans are designed for a simpler online buying experience, but they generally offer less flexibility and are more expensive than Family Term. For applicants seeking broader coverage and longer term choices, Manulife Family Term is usually the more comprehensive option.
What is covered under Manulife term life insurance?
Manulife Family Term and Family Term with Vitality Plus provide a tax-free lump-sum death benefit to your beneficiaries if you die while your policy is in force. Beyond this core role of financial protection, the policies offer several valuable features that make them more flexible than many traditional term life insurance products.
Here are the primary benefits and features included with the Manulife Family Term and Family Term with Vitality Plus plans:
Flexible coverage options
Policyholders can choose from several term lengths based on their financial needs:
- Term-10
- Term-20
- Term-65
- Term-Life
Manulife Family Term and Family Term with Vitality Plus plans can be exchanged for longer terms, subject to policy rules.
Guaranteed conversion
Both policies allow policyholders to convert all or part of their term life insurance into an eligible permanent Manulife life insurance policy without providing new evidence of insurability. Policyholders will need to request conversion before the conversion expiry date mentioned in their policy terms.
In addition, both plans offer partial conversions. This allows the insured to convert a percentage of their policy, while the remaining coverage continues as eligible term insurance where available.
Special Joint First-to-Die Benefit
For eligible joint first-to-die policies, if both insured individuals die at the same time, Manulife pays two death benefits. Each benefit is distributed according to the policy’s beneficiary provisions, offering enhanced financial protection.
Survivor’s Benefit
Joint first-to-die policies automatically include temporary term insurance for the surviving insured at no additional cost if they are under age 70. This temporary coverage matches the original death benefit amount and is in force until the earlier of 30 days after the first death or the day before any replacement insurance takes effect following a conversion.
The survivor can then choose to convert this temporary coverage into a new eligible policy without providing evidence of insurability, subject to conversion rules.
Compassionate assistance program
If a policyholder is diagnosed with a terminal illness and death is imminent, they may be eligible to receive an early payment of a portion of the death benefit through Manulife’s Compassionate Assistance Program.
Bereavement counselling assistance
If a death benefit is paid, Manulife reimburses up to $1,000 in eligible bereavement counselling expenses for beneficiaries. This is only available for accredited or certified counsellors, and any receipts must be submitted within 12 months of the insured’s death.
Manulife Vitality
Manulife Vitality is a wellness program that rewards policyholders for healthier lifestyle choices and activities. Members can earn points through eligible health and fitness activities, which may unlock rewards, discounts, and other allied incentives.
What is Manulife Vitality Plus?
One of the biggest features that distinguishes Manulife from most Canadian life insurers is Manulife Vitality Plus. Members earn Vitality Points by completing eligible health, fitness, and wellness activities. This includes running, completing health assessments, undergoing preventive health screenings, and participating in approved wellness programs.
Beyond savings on premiums, Vitality Plus in the Family Term with Vitality Plus plan also provides access to health and lifestyle rewards through participating partners, such as Apple, Garmin, and Oura.
Manulife Family Term comes bundled with the Vitality Go subscription at no additional cost, while Family Term with Vitality Plus offers Vitality Plus and all allied benefits. Here’s a quick comparison of Manulife Vitality Go and Vitality Plus, as offered with Family Term and Family Term with Vitality, respectively:
| Feature | Manulife Vitality Plus | Manulife Vitality Go |
| Insurance savings | Up to 15% annual premium savings on eligible Vitality Plus policies | Not available |
| Apple Watch | Available from $0 | Not available |
| Garmin | Free vívosmart 5 or 30% off select devices | 30% off select devices |
| Oura Ring | 15% off | 10% off |
| Fitness rewards | GoodLife, Orangetheory, Les Mills+ | Les Mills+ only |
| Health services | Medcan, ExamOne, NiaHealth, KixCare, pharmacogenetic testing | Not available |
| Lifestyle rewards | Higher-value offers from adidas, HelloFresh, Amazon, Expedia, Cronometer, PKG and others | More limited offers, including adidas and Expedia |
Learn more about Manulife Vitality Plus in our comprehensive breakdown.
Does Manulife Vitality Plus affect your underwriting?
No, participating in the Manulife Vitality Plus program does not affect your underwriting class or status. Your Healthstyle category is determined during underwriting based on factors such as your tobacco use, personal and family medical history, occupation, recreational activities, and overall health profile.

Pros and cons of Manulife term life insurance
How much does Manulife Family Term Life Insurance cost?
The cost of Manulife term life insurance ranges between $7.71 and $147.12. Your premiums depend on the coverage amount and personal factors, such as gender, age, smoking status, and health.
Here is a sample monthly term life insurance rate for $100,000 in coverage for a 10-year term:
| Age (in years) | Male (non-smoker) | Female (non-smoker) |
| 20 | $9.47 | $7.71 |
| 30 | $9.70 | $8.23 |
| 40 | $11.13 | $10.40 |
| 50 | $18.97 | $15.87 |
| 60 | $48.57 | $35.44 |
| 70 | $147.12 | $101.84 |
What are Manulife Family Term’s payment options and lapse protection features?
Manulife offers several convenient premium payment options, allowing policyholders to choose between:
- Monthly (pre-authorized debit)
- Quarterly
- Semi-annually
- Annually
As long as premiums are paid when due, the policy remains in force throughout the selected premium period. For Quarterly, Semi-annual, and Annual plans, policyholders will need to mail or deliver premiums by cheque to head office.
If a premium is missed, the policy may enter a grace period of 31 days before lapsing, after which reinstatement or resumption may be available, subject to the terms of the policy contract. During the grace period, the policy remains in force. If a claim becomes payable during this period, any unpaid premium may be deducted from the benefit payable.
However, if the policy lapses because premiums are not paid, Manulife generally allows reinstatement within two years of the lapse date, subject to the policy provisions. Policyholders can submit an application and pay all outstanding premiums and interest to restore coverage.
What riders are available with Manulife Family Term Life Insurance?
Manulife Family Term Life Insurance can be customized with several optional riders, such as Accidental Death Benefit, Guaranteed Insurability, Business Guaranteed Insurability, and more. These add-ons provide additional protection and benefits for individuals and families, offering enhanced coverage.
Here’s a quick overview of each rider available with the Manulife Family Term Life Insurance policy:
| Rider | What it provides |
| Child Protection Rider (CPR) |
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| Total Disability Waiver (TDW) |
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| Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Rider |
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| Guaranteed Insurability Option (GIO) Rider |
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| Business Value Protector (BVP) Rider |
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Can you convert Manulife Family Term Life Insurance to permanent insurance?
One of the biggest advantages of a Manulife Family Term policy is the guaranteed conversion privilege, which allows eligible policyholders to convert some or all of their term life insurance to an eligible permanent life insurance policy without providing new medical evidence of insurability.
Even if the policyholder develops a medical condition that might otherwise make it difficult to obtain coverage through traditional underwriting, the privilege allows them to convert their term policies to eligible permanent policies.
Can you increase or decrease your Manulife term life insurance coverage?
Yes, Manulife Family Term allows policyholders to adjust their insurance coverage after the policy is issued, subject to the insurer’s rules and underwriting requirements:
Increasing your coverage: If your insurance needs grow, you can apply to increase your coverage. If approved, the additional coverage is issued as a separate insurance coverage with its own effective date and premium.
Decreasing your coverage: If your insurance needs decrease, you can request to reduce your coverage amount, subject to the rules regarding minimum decreases and minimum amounts of insurance coverage. If combined coverage is decreased, the new amount of insurance must be the same for each policyholder.
Can you exchange Manulife Family Term Life insurance for a longer term?
Manulife allows eligible policyholders to change all or part of their term coverage to a longer-term option without providing new evidence of insurability, provided the request is made within the specified deadline and meets the insurer’s rules.
Here’s an overview of the Manulife Family Term Life term exchange options:
| Current coverage | Can be exchanged to | Exchange deadline |
| Term-10 | Term-20 | On or before the 5th anniversary of the Term-10 coverage date |
| Term-10 or Term-20 | Term-65 | On or before the 5th anniversary of the original Term-10 or Term-20 coverage date |
| Term-10, Term-20, or Term-65 | Term-Life | Any time before the policy’s conversion expiry date |
Can you split a joint Manulife Family Term policy?
Yes, Manulife offers a policy-splitting provision for certain joint coverage arrangements. If a qualifying relationship or business partnership ends, eligible joint policies may be divided into separate individual policies without requiring each insured person to purchase new coverage.
The new policies are issued subject to the conditions in the original contract, making it good for preserving life insurance protection during major life changes such as divorce, separation, or the dissolution of a business partnership.
How does Manulife life insurance compare to other insurance providers?
Manulife Family Term stands out for its flexible coverage structure, comprehensive conversion options, and wellness-focused benefits. Policyholders can choose different terms, with the flexibility to exchange eligible term options and convert their policy to permanent life insurance before the conversion expiry date.
One of Manulife Family Term’s biggest strengths is its built-in policy benefits, including the compassionate assistance program, bereavement counselling assistance, and survivor’s benefit for eligible joint first-to-die policies. Policyholders can further enhance their coverage with a suite of riders, such as the child protection rider, total disability waiver, and guaranteed insurability option. With variable coverage structures, it is well suited for families seeking comprehensive coverage at affordable rates.
Read our guide to the best term life insurance companies in Canada to compare leading insurers side by side.
Our advisor’s take on Manulife term life insurance
At PolicyAdvisor, we recently helped a 36-year-old parent secure Manulife Family Term with Vitality Plus to protect their family’s finances while paying off a mortgage and planning for their children’s future. They were seeking long-term flexibility, access to wellness rewards, and the option to convert to permanent life insurance later without another medical exam.
Client profile
- Age: 36
- Family: Married with two young children
- Primary concern: Mortgage protection and income replacement
- Coverage goal: $1.5 million in Family Term with Vitality Plus insurance
Why we recommended Manulife Family Term with Vitality Plus:
- 20-year term coverage that aligned with the client’s remaining mortgage and their children’s expected years of financial dependency
- Guaranteed conversion privilege, allowing them to convert all or part of their coverage to an eligible permanent Manulife life insurance policy
- Term exchange option, enabling them to upgrade to a longer-term coverage option within the eligible period
- Manulife Vitality Plus program, offering the opportunity to earn premium savings and lifestyle rewards by maintaining healthy habits
- Multiple rider options allowed the policy to be customized with disability protection and children’s insurance
How to purchase Manulife term life insurance in Canada
PolicyAdvisor’s licensed life insurance advisors can help you compare different term life policies offered by Manulife based on your age, budget, health, coverage needs, and financial goals.
Whether you are looking to protect your family, cover your mortgage, or secure affordable coverage for a specific period, our advisors at PolicyAdvisor can help you choose the right term length, coverage amount, and optional riders to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much coverage can I get with Manulife Family Term Life Insurance?
Manulife Family Term offers coverage amounts starting at $100,000. Meanwhile, applicants choosing Family Term with Vitality Plus can apply for coverage starting at $250,000, subject to underwriting approval.
Can I convert Manulife Family Term to permanent life insurance?
Yes, eligible policyholders can convert all or part of their Family Term coverage to an eligible Manulife permanent life insurance policy without providing new medical evidence.
Is Manulife Family Term insurance available for couples?
Yes, Manulife offers several coverage structures for couples. Combined coverage is available with Term 10, Term 20, and Term 65, while joint first-to-die and joint last-to-die coverage are available with Term Life policy duration.
Can I increase my coverage after purchasing the policy?
Yes, you may apply to increase your coverage if your insurance needs change. Coverage increases are subject to Manulife’s underwriting requirements and administrative rules. If approved, the additional amount is issued as a new policy with its own coverage date and premium.
Can I name a minor as beneficiary?
Yes, you can name a minor as a beneficiary as long as you appoint a trustee or an administrator to oversee the proceedings. However, special rules apply to benefits payable to minors, with requirements varying by province.
Does Manulife Family Term have any exclusions?
Yes, Manulife Family Term is subject to exclusions and limitations outlined in the policy contract. For example, a death benefit may not be paid if the insured dies by suicide within the first two years of the policy or following a reinstatement. Manulife may also contest coverage in cases of material misrepresentation or failure to disclose required information, subject to the terms of the policy and applicable law.







