Manulife CoverMe Life Insurance Review (2026)

Manulife CoverMe Life Insurance rating and review

Manulife CoverMe term life insurance is one of the insurance giants few products that can be purchased fully online. While the name recognition that comes with being a global brand synonymous with financial protection is attractive, potential insurance seekers can be better served by other choices in digital life insurance fulfillment. As it stands, CoverMe is more expensive than many of its market alternatives and offers little to no options for longer terms, larger death benefits, riders, and other aspects of a modern life insurance policy.

We would recommend choosing one of the many other insurers in the market at this point in time, given the potential to obtain lower prices and access a wider spectrum of features and optional benefits. Use PolicyAdvisor’s quoting tool to find the right coverage through several competitive quotes from Canada’s best life insurance companies.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Not Recommended

AM Best Rating A+

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Manulife CoverMe Life Insurance pros and cons

Pros

Cons

  • CoverMe life insurance plans are more expensive than alternatives on the market, including Manulife’s own term life insurance
  • Limited options available in terms of amount of coverage
  • Limited options for benefits and riders
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Who is Manulife CoverMe?

Manulife is one of Canada’s largest and oldest insurance companies and most trusted brands. Known originally as Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, Manulife Financial corporation holds over a trillion dollars in assets and offers a wide array of insurance and other financial products in Canada and the United States (through their John Hancock brand). Besides life insurance plans, Manulife offers travel insurance, health and dental insurance, and more protection plans to individuals and groups across the country.

CoverMe is Manulife’s direct-to-consumer, term life insurance purchasing platform. Customers can browse plans across the Life, Travel, and Health categories on CoverMe’s website and view term life insurance quotes online. From there, they can also start the online purchase process for their insurance plans. 

Read our full review of Manulife’s Vitality Life Insurance.

Key facts about Manulife CoverMe

  • When was Manulife CoverMe founded? Manufacturers Life Insurance Company was founded in 1867
  • Where is Manufacturers Life Insurance Company headquarters? Toronto, Ontario
  • AM Best Rating: A+
  • Better Business Bureau Accreditation and Rating: N/A
  • Assets: $200-billion
  • Annual Premiums: $39.2-billion

Types of term life insurance Manulife CoverMe offers

 CoverMe is targeted at those purchasing their first term life policy due to a life event (such as buying a house, getting married, or starting a family). CoverMe’s Term Life Insurance plan is the main offering.

  • Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 70 are eligible to apply. The coverage amount ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000 and is only available in 10-year terms. It is renewable at the end of each term – with no additional medical underwriting requirement – until the age of 85.
  • Only one additional benefit is available: the Terminal Illness Benefit. It provides up to 50% of the coverage amount (with a maximum of $100,000) as a one-time cash advance if you are diagnosed with a terminally illness and have only 12 months or less to live.
  • Applicants between the ages of 18 and 55 are eligible for up to $250,000 in instant coverage without the need for a medical exam.
  • CoverMe is more expensive than Manulife’s other term life insurance products. (For example, for a 35-year-old male, a $500,000, 10-year policy would carry a $42.00 monthly premium through CoverMe. Comparatively, that same policy would cost $26.68 through Manulife Family term).

Apart from CoverMe Term Life Insurance itself, Manulife offers 3 other life insurance products on the CoverMe platform:

CoverMe Easy Issue Life Insurance

This is a simple and quick issue insurance plan which provides a basic level of life insurance coverage. 

  • There is no medical exam – you are instead required to answer two medical questions 
  • Each term lasts 10 years and you can renew till the age of 65 
  • There are only two benefit amounts: $50,000 and $75,000

CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

This is an affordable product which provides basic coverage without any medical exam or medical questions. 

  • Acceptance is guaranteed. 
  • Premiums are guaranteed for life
  • Only available between ages 40 and 75 
  • The death benefit ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 
  • This is a permanent life insurance plan

FollowMe Life Insurance

This insurance plan is designed for those who lose their workplace group life insurance coverage and offers them uninterrupted coverage at an affordable price.

  • Matches the coverage one had in their group plan for themselves and their spouse (provided they were also covered in your group plan). 
  • One must apply within 60 days of their group coverage ending. 
  • This is a no-medical guaranteed acceptance product. 
  • Coverage remains if the policyholder retires or moves to another job, or even if their health situation changes.

Apart from those under the CoverMe umbrella, Manulife has a few other term life products (not available online):

  • Family Term: This is Manulife’s flagship term life insurance product, offering coverage ranging from $250,000 to $25,000,000. It is available in terms of 10 or 20 years or until age 65. It’s also automatically eligible for Vitality Go, an innovative new program that rewards a healthy lifestyl.e 
  • Family Term with Vitality Plus: This is similar to the Vitality Go initiative, but it’s only available for select policies. It boasts of more exclusive rewards than the standard Vitality Go, but also has more penalties. (Read our full Manulife Vitality Term Life Insurance Review.)
  • Business Term: An affordable, flexible policy for business protection: It includes key person protection, buy-sell funding, estate tax coverage, and business collateral insurance.
  • Quick Issue Term: No-medical life insurance. It offers completely electronic paperwork and a fast approval process. It is similar to CoverMe Easy Issue.
manulife coverme life insurance review

Coverage and policy details

  • Available Term Lengths: 10 years
  • Available Term Types: Level guaranteed term
  • Maximum Amount of Coverage: $1 million
  • Renewability: Yes, renewable every 10 years up to the age of 85
  • Convertibility: Eligible for conversion to permanent life insurance within a certain period
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What other insurance policies does Manulife CoverMe offer?

  • CoverMe Travel Insurance for travelling Canadians, visitors to Canada, and students
  • CoverMe Flexcare Plans and FollowMe Plans for Health Insurance
  • CoverMe Critical Illness

Manulife itself offers a huge range of other types of insurance outside the CoverMe brand, including:

Is Manulife’s CoverMe Insurance right for you?

While Manulife Cover Me offers name recognition and basic life insurance coverage products that are a fit for many Canadian consumers  – there may be better options, especially with digital fulfillment. As insurance advisors for multiple life insurance companies and products, we can help you decide if Manulife’s CoverMe products are the best fit for you or if another provider can meet your needs.

As Canada’s best online life insurance advisor, we will assist you in comparing and choosing products across all our partner companies. Speak to our licensed advisors and we will be able to assist you in finding you the best coverage for your needs.

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Beneva Critical Illness Insurance Review (2026)

Beneva is the life insurance company formed from a merger between SSQ Insurance and La Capitale. It is one of the biggest Canadian life insurance companies, offering a suite of products and competitive rates. In this article, we give our review of Beneva’s Critical Illness Insurance product.

Beneva Critical Illness Insurance rating and review

Beneva Insurance offers critical illness insurance with features that compete well with the best plans in Canada. While their name might seem to be new on the Canadian insurance scene, Beneva has roots in two giants in the industry. This makes it a major player in Canadian insurance. And, a reliable, trusted option for insurance solutions.

If community involvement and corporate responsibility are important to you, Beneva might be your first choice. The company is run as a mutualist democracy, which you enter into once you purchase the policy, and thus have a small say in how they are run.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best Critical Illness Insurance For Those Seeking A Mutual

AM Best Rating A

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Pros and cons

Pros

  • Multiple term options available
  • Large coverage amounts and conditions covered (25 conditions)
  • Lifetime coverage and limited pay options available
  • Return of premium options are available
  • Children’s coverage available
  • Assistance Benefit provides additional services free of charge
  • E-policy

Cons

  • Only 4 partial conditions covered, payable once
  • No long-term care conversion option
  • Return of premium riders are expensive
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Who is Beneva?

Beneva is one of the largest insurance companies in Canada. It was only just announced in 2020, making its name fairly new to the Canadian insurance industry. But it is the product of a merger between two well-established life insurance companies founded in Quebec in the 1940s — SSQ Insurance and La Capitale.

Read more about what happened to SSQ and what happened to La Capitale. 

With the combined financial strength and assets of both groups, Beneva is now the 6th largest life insurance company in Canada and one of the biggest insurance mutuals.

As was the case for SSQ Insurance and La Capitale, Beneva is a mutualist organization. This means all policyholders can become co-owners and actively participate in the business direction of Beneva as it strives to adhere to its values of solidarity, equity, responsibility and equality.

Types of critical illness insurance policies Beneva offers

Beneva does offer critical illness insurance coverage for 3 conditions (basic coverage) and 25 conditions (enhanced coverage). It also offers coverage for dependent children.

Coverage and policy details

Beneva’s maximum coverage for critical illness insurance is $2 million.

They offer coverage for loss of independent existence as part of their enhanced coverage. They offer partial payouts, but for only 4 different conditions. The payout is typically 10% of the policy, up to $50,000.

Beneva also offers coverage for 3 additional childhood illnesses.

The survival period (how long you must survive with the illness before you can collect your benefit) is 30 days.

Beneva offers critical illness insurance for 10-year and 20-year term insurance or coverage, up to 75 or 100 years of age.

Limited-pay options are available; a 20 Pay option is available for permanent policies.

Product Name Critical Illness
Critical Illness coverage Basic, enhanced, and children’s coverage
Available Terms 10, 20 years and to age 75 or 100
Limited Pay option Yes, 20 Pay option for permanent coverage
Maximum coverage Up to $2 million
Conditions covered Enhanced – 25 conditions, basic – 3 conditions
Loss of Independent Existence coverage Yes, but only under enhanced coverage policy
Partial payout conditions 4 eligible conditions
Partial payment or early detection payment Yes, 10% up to $50,000
Childhood illnesses coverage 3 additional childhood illnesses covered
Survival period 30 days
Return of Premium on death Yes
Return of Premium on expiry/cancellation Yes, after 20 years or at age 55
Second option No
Electronic application Yes
Online account access No

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Does Beneva’s critical illness insurance offer return of premiums?

Yes, Beneva offers return of premiums on death, and a few different options for return of premium on expiry or cancellation after 20 years or when the policyholder turns 55.

Beneva’s return of premium on expiry is available with Term-10, Term-20, and Term to 75 policies.

Its return of premium on cancellation is available with Term to 75 and Term to 100 policies, and also Term to 100 policies with paid-up 20-year plans.

How do I apply for Beneva’s critical illness insurance?

You can apply for Beneva’s critical illness insurance using the best online life insurance broker in Canada. You can enter your information and look up quotes using the button below or schedule a call with one of our licensed advisors to apply for Beneva’s critical illness insurance, or to find out which critical illness insurance options would be best for you. 

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ivari Critical Illness Insurance Review – Updated 2026

ivari Critical Illness Insurance rating and review

If you’re the type to keep all your services with one company, ivari’s critical illness insurance is for you. You can add $2 million in critical illness coverage as a rider to an existing life insurance plan and save up to 15% on your premiums. Brand loyalty pays off with ivari insurance!

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best Critical Illness Insurance for Bundling

AM Best Rating A+

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Pros and cons

Pros

  • Discounts for bundling services
  • Comprehensive conditions covered (25 full payout illnesses)
  • Children’s coverage available
  • Online account access
  • Digital e-policy

Cons

  • No limited pay options
  • No second option
  • No permanent coverage
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Who is ivari?

Known as Transamerica Life Canada until 2015, the company rebranded to ivari when acquired by new ownership (the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, through Wilton Re). ivari matches employee charitable donations and their own efforts focus on the health and well-being of children with programs and donations helping indigenous youth, those with medical conditions, and more.

They just hope you don’t get them mixed up with Ivari International — the French hair restoration company some media outlets believe to be behind famous celebrity hairdos.

Types of critical illness insurance policies ivari offers

Yes, ivari does sell critical illness insurance; it is named – quite simply – Critical Illness. They offer basic (4 conditions) and enhanced (25 conditions) coverage.

Coverage and policy details

ivari’s maximum coverage for critical illness insurance is $2-million. 

They offer coverage for loss of independent existence. They offer partial payouts for 4 different conditions. The payout is typically 15% of the policy up to $50,000, and partial payments can only be claimed once during the coverage period.

The survival period (how long you must survive with the illness before you can collect your benefit) is 30 days.

ivari offers critical illness insurance for 10-  and 20-year terms or coverage up to 65 years of age.

There are no limited-pay options available.

Product Name Critical Illness
Critical Illness coverage Basic and Enhanced coverage
Available Terms 10 and 20 years and to age 65
Limited Pay option None
Maximum coverage Up to $2-million
Conditions covered Enhanced – 25 conditions, Basic – 4 conditions
Loss of Independent Existence coverage Yes
Partial payout conditions 4 Eligible Conditions
Partial payment or early detection payment Yes. 15% up to $50,000. Payable once.
Childhood illnesses coverage Option is available
Survival period 30 days
Return of Premium on death Yes
Return of Premium on expiry/cancellation No
Second option No
Electronic application Yes
Online account access Yes
Electronic policy delivery Yes
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Does ivari critical illness insurance offer a return of premiums?

No, ivari is one of the few critical illness insurance providers that offer no options for return of premiums.

How do I apply for ivari’s critical illness insurance?

You can apply for ivari’s critical illness insurance using the best online life insurance broker in Canada. You can enter your information and look up quotes using the button below or schedule a call with one of our licensed brokers to apply for ivari’s critical illness insurance.

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The information above is intended for informational purposes only and is based on PolicyAdvisor’s own views, which are subject to change without notice. This content is not intended and should not be construed to constitute financial or legal advice. PolicyAdvisor accepts no responsibility for the outcome of people choosing to act on the information contained on this website. PolicyAdvisor makes every effort to include updated, accurate information. The above content may not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, termination, and other provisions of the policies described, some of which may be material to the policy selection. Please refer to the actual policy documents for complete details. In case of any discrepancy, the language in the actual policy documents will prevail. A.M. Best financial strength ratings displayed above are not a warranty of a company’s financial strength and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. All rights reserved.

If something in this article needs to be corrected, updated, or removed, let us know. Email editorial@policyadvisor.com.

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Empire Life Critical Illness Insurance Review (2026)

Empire Life Critical Illness Insurance rating and review

With a well-rounded mix of terms and features included in their critical illness insurance plans, Empire Life provides a great, comprehensive product. They also offer what is called a multi-life policy. Couples can apply together for critical illness insurance and get a discount.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best Critical Illness for Couples

AM Best Rating A

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Pros and cons

Pros

  • High coverage amounts available
  • Comprehensive: 25 conditions covered
  • Multi-life coverage available
  • Online access
  • Digital e-policy
  • Generous partial benefit payouts

Cons

  • No limited pay options
  • No Return of premium on death (ROPD)
  • No coverage for children
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Who is Empire Life?

Established in 1923, Empire Life is a relative youngster in the world of Canadian insurance. Don’t let youth fool you though, as Empire Life is now one of Canada’s top 10 insurers and amongst Forbes’ top Canadian employers. They accomplish this while following the mantra of CEO Mark Sylvia as quoted in their most recent annual report: “We sell money for future delivery when it is needed most.”

Types of critical illness insurance policies Empire Life offers

Yes. Empire Life’s critical illness insurance products are named CI Protect (basic coverage of 4 of the most common critical illnesses) and CI Protect Plus (enhanced coverage, 25 life-threatening conditions covered).

Coverage and policy details

Empire Life’s maximum coverage for critical illness insurance is $2 million.

The covered conditions include coverage for loss of independent existence. The CI Protect Plus product from Empire Life offers partial payouts for 6 different conditions, and they can be claimed twice without reducing the final payout. The payout is typically 15% of the policy up to a maximum of $50,000.

The survival period (how long you must survive with the illness before you can collect your benefit) is 30 days.

Empire Life offers critical illness insurance for 10- and 20-year terms or coverage up to 75 or 100 years of age.

There is a limited-pay option for their Term to 100 policy (15 Pay).

Benefits of term life insurance
Product Name CI Protect and CI Protect Plus
Critical Illness coverage Basic and Enhanced Coverage
Available Terms 10 years, 20 years, and to age 75 or 100
Limited Pay option 15 Pay option available on Term to 100 policies
Maximum coverage Up to $2 million
Conditions covered Enhanced – 25 conditions
Loss of Independent Existence coverage Yes
Partial payout conditions 6 eligible conditions.
Partial payment or early detection payment Yes, 15% up to $50,000, payable up to two times
Childhood illnesses coverage No
Survival period 30 days
Return of Premium on death Yes
Return of Premium on expiry/cancellation Yes
Second option No
Electronic application Yes
Online account access Yes
Electronic policy delivery Yes

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Does Empire Life critical illness insurance offer a return of premiums?

Empire Life offers a return of premiums on death, and return of premium on expiry or cancellation of the policy.

How do I apply Empire Life’s for critical illness insurance?

You can apply for Empire Life’s critical illness insurance using the best online life insurance broker in Canada. You can enter your information and look up quotes using the button below or schedule a call with one of our licensed brokers to apply for Empire Life’s critical illness insurance.

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SSQ Life Insurance Review (2026)

As of January 2023, SSQ Insurance has merged with La Capitale to form Beneva Insurance Company. This merger makes it one of the largest life insurance companies in Canada.

Learn more and read our full Beneva Life Insurance Review here.

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SSQ life insurance rating and review

SSQ Life Insurance’s flagship Term Plus product is a multi-purpose product that offers life coverage in addition to unique built-in features and customizable options that can comprehensively protect you against life’s biggest risks.  The Term Plus product can be combined with an optional disability and critical illness coverage, allowing for a robust combo product solution from SSQ Life Insurance Company Inc. (now operating as Beneva).

On a stand-alone basis, SSQ Life Insurance Term Plus offers a number of terms (including a 40-year term, advantageous for business owners). SSQ Life Insurance also offers an excellent exchange program; you are able to exchange your original term life policies for a higher term without evidence of insurability.

However, such an exchange must be done between the first and fifth anniversaries of the policy. The built-in guaranteed insurability benefit allows you to increase coverage by up to 25% (or $100,000) to meet any increasing needs for protection in the future.

The SSQ Life Insurance underwriting process is quick and easy with simplified life insurance options. There is no medical exam for coverage of less than $500,000 if you are between ages 18-45.

A SSQ Life Insurance plan also offers a built-in and one of its kind  Extreme Disability Benefit, allowing you to obtain an advance payment of 50% of the life insurance amount, up to $250,000 in the event of extreme disability.

In addition to the traditional level coverage, SSQ Life Insurance also offers a decreasing term insurance product, which is best suited for covering mortgage or loan liabilities.

SSQ Life Insurance also offers an automatic approval of $20,000 in affordable critical illness coverage to those with good health, with no medical exam. It’s a great option for those considering a critical illness rider. However, the critical illness cover is limited to 3 diseases, which explains its lower price.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best Life Insurance for Combo Coverage

AM Best Rating A-

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SSQ Life insurance pros and cons

SSQ life insurance pros

  • A built-in Extreme Disability Benefit is unique in the industry
  • Options to add critical illness and monthly disability indemnity make for a comprehensive financial protection solution
  • Several optional riders including accidental death and dismemberment and child rider
  • Preferred rates available starting at $1,000,000
  • No medical exam for policies with death benefit below $500,000
  • Online services and account access
  • Digital e-policy

SSQ life insurance cons

  • Longer turnaround times for policy approval

Who is the SSQ Insurance Company?

SSQ Insurance Company Inc was a relatively young financial services institution, having started in 1944 in Quebec. The company was founded on mutualist values; all policyholders were able to become co-owners and actively participate in the business direction of SSQ Life Insurance as it strove to adhere to its values of solidarity, equity, responsibility and equality.

The company’s strong financial and capital position was bolstered by the majority ownership vested with Quebec’s labor federation, FTQ’s solidarity fund. While the company has been a leader in group insurance for several decades, it built its individual life insurance business after acquiring AXA’s individual life insurance business Canada in 1992.

In 2020, SSQ Life Insurance Company Inc and Québec-based insurance provider La Capitale announced a merger of their businesses. As of January 2023, they are operating under Beneva Insurance, still with the mutualist values of the two companies that formed its roots. The merger creates the largest mutual insurance company in Canada with significant scale and market access. (Read more about what happened to SSQ Insurance.)

Key facts about SSQ Life Insurance

  • Founded: 1944
  • Headquarters: Québec City, Québec
  • AM Best Rating: A-
  • Better Business Bureau Accreditation and Rating: No / —
  • Assets: $12.4-billion
  • Annual Premiums: $2.5-billion

How much does life insurance from SSQ Insurance cost?

Representative values. Insurance premium based on non-smokers in good health. $500,000 life insurance benefit coverage, 20-year term.

Age Male Female
20 $31.05 $22.05
25 $31.50 $22.05
30 $31.95 $22.95
35 $33.30 $25.20
40 $48.60 $35.55
45 $77.40 $55.35
50 $130.50 $89.10
55 $230.40 $161.10
60 $435.15 $308.25
65 $718.20 $498.60

What types of term life insurance policies does SSQ Insurance offer?

As described above, SSQ Insurance offers term life insurance options to customize coverage.

Term Plus

  • Designed for income replacement, estate planning, and covering personal and business debts
  • Large variety of term lengths available
  • Renewable and convertible
  • Many in-built enhancements, optional riders, and add-ons available for children’s insurance, disability, critical illness, and other coverage
  • Preferred rates available for healthier applicants
  • Accepts applicants who are non-residents 
  • Guaranteed premiums

Coverage and policy details

  • Available Term Lengths: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 years
  • Available Term Types: Level or decreasing available
  • Maximum Amount of Coverage: $10,000,000
  • Renewability: Yes. Renewable every 5 years after the initial term, up to age 85
  • Convertibility: Yes. Convertible to SSQ permanent life insurance, up to age 70
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What other insurance policies does SSQ Insurance offer?

SSQ Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products and other types of life insurance to customers such as:

SSQ permanent life insurance

Permanent life insurance provides you with coverage from the day the policy is settled until the day you die. Premiums are level and guaranteed, and as long as you keep paying the premiums the coverage never expires. SSQ offers two different permanent life insurance policy options: non-participating and universal.

Non-Participating Whole Life Insurance

SSQ offers non-participating whole life insurance with its Whole Life 20, Whole Life 100, and Term 100 policies. All policies give the choice of having a cash surrender value that increases over time and adding other coverages like life insurance for your children or critical illness coverage. Whole Life 20 has a 20-pay option; premiums for Whole Life 100 and Term 100 are paid until the person insured is 100 years old.

Universal Life Insurance

Universal life insurance is like whole life insurance, except there is a self-directed long term investment component: your insurer gives you options for investing the cash value of your policy.

Universal Life Insurance under SSQ is easy to understand. The plan is offering maximum flexibility to the policyholders. You can even add complementary insurance along with the Universal Life Insurance plan. You may also make changes during the policy. The features of the policy are mentioned below.

  • You receive a 1% guaranteed bonus depending on the accumulated value
  • The plan is renewable
  • You don’t have to pay surrender charges
  • The plan offers flexibility for insuring family members at no additional rate
  • The interest investment options for this plan are 1, 3, 5, and 10 years

ssq life insurance reviewSSQ Critical Illness Insurance

Critical illness insurance is a living benefit insurance policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum if you develop a specified illness, health event (like breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, heart attack, and coronary angioplasty), or undergo treatment while under its coverage, after a minimum of 30 days from when you are first diagnosed (90 days for cancer). This coverage is available for a period of time also known as term length; and you determine it when purchasing the policy.

SSQ offers critical illness insurance for adults and children through several policy options:

  • Basic (3 conditions), enhanced (25 conditions) and child (28 conditions) plans offered
  • Coverage available for dependant children
  • Partial payouts available.
  • Maximum coverage is $2 million.
  • This plan’s range is 10 years, 20 years, and up to 75 or 100 years of age.
  • The plan also includes psychological assistance and a second medical opinion.
  • Return of premium on death, expiry, and cancellation available.
  • Survival period is 30 days.

For more information and an in-depth look at their critical illness coverage, read our SSQ Critical Illness Insurance Review.

SSQ Travel Insurance

SSQ is offering insurance for extended and short stays. Their insurance coverage is all-inclusive: from baggage to cancellation and everything in between is covered. If you travel multiple times throughout the year, you can even consider opting for their annual multi-trip insurance.

SSQ Home Insurance

SSQ also provides home insurance for Canadians. You can save up to 20% on your premiums by combining home and auto insurance. Discounts are also offered for Canadian homeowners who install security systems.

Whether from theft or accidents and disasters, SSQ will cover your home. SSQ offers home insurance coverage for apartments, condo units, and freestanding residential property.

SSQ Auto Insurance

SSQ also offers insurance for your wheels. SSQ also allows for flexible and easy cancellations online. The premiums depend upon the kilometres you drive. Also, many of their plans include 24-hour roadside assistance.

SSQ Loan Insurance

SSQ offers comprehensive loan insurance. Policyholders can get a monthly amount to assist in paying the loan premiums should something affect their ability to earn and pay bills. SSQ loan insurance is renewable and convertible and you can combine it with more of SSQ’s insurance products.

SSQ Group Insurance

SSQ Insurance also offers group insurance services for businesses and companies and their individual employees. Through SSQ Group Insurance, members can get coverage for Health Insurance, Prescription Drug Insurance, Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Care Insurance, Health Spending Accounts, Travel Insurance, and more. SSQ’s group insurance portal makes filing claims online easy, and claims are usually settled within 48 hours.

SSQ also offers specialized and custom group insurance plans that can cover Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Critical Illness, Insurance for Expatriates, Retirement or End of Employment coverage, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and general health and wellness programs for members.

Besides insurance, SSQ offers many personal finance and investment products.

SSQ life insurance review

Is SSQ life insurance right for me?

SSQ Insurance offers unique term life insurance coverage products that are a great fit for many Canadian consumers. As insurance advisors for SSQ Insurance products, we can help you decide if they are the best fit for you and find you SSQ Insurance quotes.

As Canada’s best online life insurance brokerage, we will assist you in comparing and choosing a life insurance policy across all our partner companies and help you make an informed decision. Speak to our licensed advisors to complete your financial security plan. We can assist you in finding you the best, most affordable coverage for the insurance amounts you need. You can do this all from the comfort of your own home (no processing of mail or postal services necessary) and cut down on face-to-face interactions in this unprecedented time.

How do I apply for a term life policy with SSQ Insurance?

You can apply for SSQ Life Insurance’s plans by using the best online insurance broker in Canada. You can enter your information and look up quotes using the button below or schedule a call with one of our licensed brokers to apply for SSQ Life Insurance or get an instant quote.

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Foresters Critical Illness Insurance Review – Updated 2026

Foresters Financial Critical Illness insurance rating and review

Foresters has refreshed their critical illness insurance offering and made a strong move up the charts. They now offer both basic (Live Well) and enhanced (Live Well Plus) critical illness insurance which covers 4 and 25 illnesses respectively. They include return-of-premium on death as standard; however, the time for return-of-premium on cancellation is very long (starts at Year 20). They also have a unique Term 80 option.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best For Built-In Features

AM Best Rating A

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Pros and cons

Pros

  • Partial payment for 8 conditions (15% up to $50,000)
  • Access to Foresters’ community benefits
  • Return of premium options available
  • Unique Term-to-80 option available
  • Child Cover available (with 5 additional conditions)
  • Digital e-policy

Cons

  • Partial payout reduces final coverage
  • No limited pay options available
  • No permanent coverage
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Who is Foresters?

Foresters Financial derives from the Independent Order of Foresters – a socially responsible, international financial services provider that has served North America for 140 years since splitting from a UK-based parent group. Foresters Financial has been an early champion of gender and racial equality and is known internationally for its charitable efforts in times of tragedy and need.

Types of critical illness insurance policies Foresters Financial offers

Foresters offers two critical illness insurance products. Live Well Plus is their enhanced coverage plan (covering 25 conditions), while Live Well provides basic coverage (4 conditions).

Coverage and policy details

Foresters’ maximum coverage for critical illness insurance is $2-million. 

They offer coverage for loss of independent existence. They offer partial payouts for 8 different conditions, and they can be claimed twice. The payout is typically 15% of the policy up to $50,000, and partial payments can be claimed once during the coverage period (which reduces the final benefit).

Foresters survival period (how long you must survive with the illness before you can collect your benefit) is 30 days.

Foresters offers critical illness insurance for a 10- or 20-year term or coverage up to 80 years of age.

There are no limited-pay options available.

Product Name Live Well Plus (Enhanced), Live Well (Basic)
Critical Illness coverage Basic and Enhanced Coverage
Available Terms 10, 20 years and to age 80
Limited Pay option None
Maximum coverage Up to $2-million
Conditions covered 4 (basic) and 25 (enhanced)
Loss of Independent Existence coverage Yes
Partial payment or early detection payment Yes
Childhood illnesses coverage Yes for enhanced coverage
Survival period 30 days
Return of Premium on death Yes
Return of Premium on expiry/cancellation Yes. Year 20 onwards
Second option No
Electronic application Yes
Online account access Yes
Electronic policy delivery Yes

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Does Foresters critical illness insurance offer a return of premiums?

Yes, Foresters offers return of premiums on death and return of premium on expiry or cancellation of the policy after its 20th year.

How do I apply for Foresters’ critical illness insurance?

You can apply for Foresters’ critical illness insurance using the best online life insurance broker in Canada. You can enter your information and look up quotes using the button below or schedule a call with one of our licensed brokers to apply for Foresters’ critical illness insurance.

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SSQ Critical Illness Insurance Review (2026)

As of January 2023, SSQ Insurance has merged with La Capitale to form Beneva Insurance Company. This merger makes it one of the largest life insurance companies in Canada.

Learn more and read our full Beneva Critical Illness Insurance Review here.

SSQ Critical Illness Insurance rating and review

SSQ (operating as Beneva, as of January 2023) offers critical illness insurance with features that compete well with the best plans in Canada. Their youth shows in their easier-to-understand digital materials and website. If community involvement and corporate responsibility are important to you, SSQ might be your first choice. The company is run as a mutualist democracy, which you enter into once you purchase the policy, and thus have a small say in how they are run.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best Critical Illness Insurance For Those Seeking A Mutual

AM Best Rating A-

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Pros and cons

Pros

  • Variety of terms available
  • Large coverage amounts and conditions covered (25 conditions)
  • Lifetime coverage and limited pay options available
  • Return of premium options are available
  • Children’s coverage available

Cons

  • Only 4 partial conditions covered, payable once
  • No long term care conversion option
  • Return of premium riders are expensive
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Who is SSQ?

SSQ was one of Canada’s youngest insurance companies, having started in 1944 in Quebec. The company was founded on mutualist values; all policyholders were able to become co-owners and actively participate in the business direction of SSQ as it strove to adhere to its values of solidarity, equity, responsibility and equality.

In 2020, SSQ Life Insurance Company Inc and Québec-based insurance provider La Capitale announced a merger of their businesses. As of January 2023, they are operating under Beneva Insurance, still with the mutualist values of the two companies that formed its roots. The merger creates the largest mutual insurance company in Canada with significant scale and market access.

Read more about what happened to SSQ Insurance.

Types of critical illness insurance policies SSQ offers

Yes, SSQ does sell critical illness insurance. They offer basic (3 conditions) and enhanced (25 conditions) plans, as well as coverage for dependent children.

Coverage and policy details

SSQ’s maximum coverage for critical illness insurance is $2-million. 

They offer coverage for loss of independent existence as an additional rider. They offer partial payouts, but for only 4 different conditions. The payout is typically 10% of the policy up to $50,000.

SSQ also offers coverage for 3 additional childhood illnesses.

The survival period (how long you must survive with the illness before you can collect your benefit) is 30 days.

SSQ offers critical illness insurance for 10- and 20-year terms or coverage up to 75 or 100 years of age.

Limited-pay options are available; a 20 Pay option is available for permanent policies.

Product Name Critical Illness
Critical Illness coverage Basic, enhanced, and children’s coverage
Available Terms 10, 20 years and to age 75 or 100
Limited Pay option Yes, 20 Pay option for permanent coverage
Maximum coverage Up to $2-million
Conditions covered Enhanced – 25 conditions, basic – 3 conditions
Loss of Independent Existence coverage Yes
Partial payout conditions 4 eligible conditions
Partial payment or early detection payment Yes, 10% up to $50,000
Childhood illnesses coverage Yes, 3 additional childhood illnesses covered.
Survival period 30 days
Return of Premium on death Yes
Return of Premium on expiry/cancellation Yes, after 20 years or at age 55
Second option No
Electronic application Yes
Online account access Yes

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Does SSQ’s critical illness insurance offer return of premiums?

Yes, SSQ offers return of premiums on death, and they offer return of premium on expiry or cancellation of the policy after 20 years or when the policyholder turns 55.

How do I apply for SSQ’s critical illness insurance?

You can apply for SSQ’s critical illness insurance using the best online life insurance broker in Canada. You can enter your information and look up quotes using the button below or schedule a call with one of our licensed brokers to apply for SSQ’s critical illness insurance.

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La Capitale life insurance review

La Capitale, now part of Beneva following its merger with SSQ Insurance, is a well-established provider of life insurance in Canada. Known for its diverse range of life insurance products, La Capitale caters to individuals, families, and business owners alike. 

In this review, we’ll explore the key features of La Capitale’s life insurance offerings, their benefits, policy costs, and how they compare to competitors. Whether you’re looking for affordable term coverage or lifelong protection with cash value growth, this guide will help you determine if La Capitale is the right choice for your insurance needs.

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What is La Capitale insurance?

La Capitale is a Canadian insurance provider that offers a range of life insurance products, including term life, whole life, and universal life insurance. Later, La Capitale merged with SSQ Insurance in 2020 to form Beneva Inc. 

Despite the rebranding, La Capitale’s life insurance policies continue to provide financial protection for individuals, families, and business owners. The payout can cover final expenses, replace lost income, and ensure financial security for beneficiaries. 

Key facts about La Capitale Life Insurance

  • Founded: 1940
  • Headquarters: Québec City, Québec
  • AM Best Rating: —
  • Better Business Bureau Accreditation and Rating: No / —
  • Assets: $25 billion (2020) under Beneva
  • Annual Premiums: $6 billion (2020) under Beneva 
  • Annual Premiums: $2.5-billion

La Capitale life insurance rating and review

La Capitale’s flagship product is their Enhanced term insurance, which automatically includes a Loss of Autonomy benefit and coverage for estate fees up to $1000 (Quebec only). This product is renewable and convertible and can be combined with Beneva’s full suite of insurance products such as critical illness insurance, disability insurance, and other savings and investment products. 

La Capitale also offers a more basic term life insurance product, known as their “Pure” series product line. This term life insurance offers similar coverage amounts and convertibility compared with the Enhanced series but is a little cheaper as it does not come with the Loss of Autonomy or Succession Advantage benefit. 

La Capitale also offers simplified and no-medical life insurance products, meaning no medical exam is required. For their simplified life insurance product, known as “Simplified Advantage,” coverage is available up to $100,000.

You can apply for their no-medical product, called “Affirmative,” after answering only four qualifying questions—but, their no-medical coverage is only up to $25,000. Notably, La Capitale only offers permanent simplified and no-medical life insurance, meaning term options are not available for these products.

Since the merger with SSQ under the new name Beneva, those looking to apply for La Capitale life insurance can do so through a quick online process.

PolicyAdvisor Rating

Best Life Insurance for Full Suite of Products

AM Best Rating N/A

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What are the pros and cons of La Capitale life insurance?

La Capitale has several pros such as a strong financial background, a wide range of products with various customization options, estate fee coverage, and more. However, there are certain disadvantages in terms of limitations in simplified coverage and no-medical coverage.

Pros of La Capitale life insurance

  • Strong financial stability: Backed by the merger with SSQ under the Beneva brand, ensuring long-term reliability
  • Comprehensive policy customization: Offers multiple optional riders, including children’s term insurance and critical illness coverage
  • Built-in Loss of Autonomy benefit: Included with enhanced products, providing additional financial support in case of loss of independence
  • Estate legal fee coverage: Covers up to $1,000 in legal expenses for estate settlement 
  • Convenient digital access: Provides online account management, e-policy services, and seamless digital access for policyholders

Cons of La Capitale life insurance

  • Limited simplified coverage: La Capitale’s coverage is capped at $50,000 for applicants over age 71, which may be insufficient for some needs
  • Restricted no-medical coverage: Maximum coverage for no-medical exam policies is limited to $25,000, which may not provide adequate financial protection
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What term life insurance amounts and coverage do La Capitale and Beneva offer?

La Capitale offers a variety of term insurance products including the Enhanced Fixed Term, Pure Fixed Term, Enhanced Decreasing Term, as well as a variety of life insurance riders. 

Pure Series Term Insurance

  • Straight-forward, basic term insurance product designed for income replacement, estate planning, and covering personal and business debts
  • Option to exchange the contract term for a longer term during the first 5 years, without evidence of insurability

Coverage and policy details

  • Available Term Lengths: 10, 20, 25, 30, or 35 years
  • Available Term Types: Level or decreasing 
  • Maximum Amount of Coverage: $5,000,000
  • Renewability: Yes. Renewable as 10-year term to age 85
  • Convertibility: Yes. Convertible to up to age 70

Enhanced Series Term Insurance

  • Flexible term insurance product designed for income replacement, estate planning, and covering personal and business debts
  • Option to exchange the contract term for a longer term during the first 5 years, without evidence of insurability
  • Total loss of autonomy benefit built-in
  • Succession advantage included (up to $1000 to cover reimbursement of estate fees, Quebec only)

Coverage and policy details 

  • Available Term Lengths: 10, 20, 25, 30, or 35 years
  • Available Term Types: Level or decreasing
  • Maximum Amount of Coverage: $5,000,000
  • Renewability: Yes. Renewable as 10-year term to age 85
  • Convertibility: Yes. Convertible to up to age 70

What other insurance coverage does La Capitale under Beneva offer?

La Capitale offers a variety of customizable insurance products as well as saving and investment products. 

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent life insurance provides you with coverage from the day the policy is settled until the day you die. Premiums are level and guaranteed, and as long as you keep paying the premiums the coverage never expires. SSQ offers three different permanent life insurance policy options: non-participating (Advantage Non-Participating, Pure Term to 100, Enhanced Term to 100)  simplified life insurance (Simplified Advantage), and no-medical life insurance (Affirmative). 

Simplified Life Insurance

Simplified life insurance coverage has no requirements for a medical exam. To apply, all you need to do is answer some simple questions regarding your health.

The waiting process is shorter and can oftentimes grant you immediate coverage. The tradeoff? Generally, premiums are higher for simplified coverage, and the coverage amount is lower than what you can get with traditionally underwritten life insurance. 

La Capitale offers the following simplified life insurance coverage: 

  • Up to $100,000 in coverage based on age 
  • Advanced payment up to 50% of coverage if the event results in shortened life expectancy

Critical Illness Insurance

Critical illness insurance is a living benefit insurance policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum if you develop a specified illness, health event (like breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, heart attack, and coronary angioplasty), or undergo treatment while under its coverage, after a minimum of 30 days from when you are first diagnosed (90 days for cancer).

This coverage is available for a period of time also known as term length, and you determine it when purchasing the policy.

La Capitale, under Beneva, offers critical illness insurance coverage for children and adults with several policy options: 

  • 25 covered illnesses or surgeries 
  • Partial payouts for certain conditions
  • Renewal up to age 75 and convertible up to age 60 
  • Available as a separate policy or rider
  • Coverage options from $10,000 – $20,000 
  • Access to Teladoc network (network of doctors and specialists) 

Read our full Beneva Critical Illness Insurance Review. 

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance, sometimes also referred to as income protection insurance is an insurance product that offers you protection against loss of income by replacing a substantial portion of your paycheque if you become disabled. 

La Capitale offers disability illness insurance coverage called the “Pillar Series” income protection plan. It offers: 

  • Up to $6,000 monthly benefit amount
  • Partial benefit options (up to 6 months) 
  • Coverage on 1st day of hospitalization (90-day elimination period or less)
  • Basic coverage for accidents with sickness coverage available as a rider
  • Additional simplified accident insurance available (no medical exam required) 

Investment and Financial Products

In addition to insurance products La Capitale also offers investment services with over 42 investment accounts available with 5 asset categories: fixed income, balanced, Canadian equity, American and international equity, and portfolios. They also offer RRSP loans and other annuities.

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How to access La Capitale insurance policies under Beneva?

To access your La Capitale insurance policy under Beneva, you can use the Beneva Client Centre. If you previously had an online account with La Capitale, your login credentials will remain the same. 

Simply visit the Beneva Client Centre and log in to manage your policy, view coverage details, submit claims, and access important documents. If you haven’t registered for an online account yet, you can create one on the same platform by following the registration steps.

You can also use the Beneva mobile app which is available for download on your smartphone. The app allows you to manage your policies, submit claims, and view your insurance documents from anywhere

Does Beneva have an app?

Yes, Beneva has a mobile app that allows policyholders to manage their insurance on the go. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides access to key features such as:

  • Viewing insurance policies and coverage details
  • Submitting and tracking claims
  • Accessing digital insurance documents
  • Finding healthcare providers (for health insurance users)
  • Contacting customer support

Is Beneva a reliable insurance provider?

Yes, Beneva is considered a reliable insurance provider in Canada. Formed through the merger of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva combines decades of experience from both companies, creating one of the largest mutual insurance providers in the country. 

Beneva offers a wide range of insurance products, including life, health, auto, home, and business insurance, ensuring comprehensive coverage for individuals and families. 

With a strong financial foundation, extensive product offerings, and a customer-focused approach, Beneva has positioned itself as a trustworthy option for insurance seekers.

How do I apply for a term life policy with La Capitale Insurance?

You can apply for La Capitale Life Insurance’s plans by using the best online insurance broker in Canada. You can enter your information and look up quotes using the button below or schedule a call with one of our licensed brokers to apply for La Capitale Life Insurance through Beneva or get an instant quote.

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Frequently asked questions

Does La Capitale life insurance cover critical illness?

La Capitale offers an optional critical illness rider under the Beneva name, allowing policyholders to receive a lump-sum payout if diagnosed with a covered critical illness. This rider can be added to eligible life insurance policies for enhanced financial protection.

Will my existing La Capitale life insurance policy be affected by the transition to Beneva?

No, if you had a life insurance policy with La Capitale before the transition, your coverage, benefits, and terms remain unchanged. The only difference is that Beneva now handles policy administration and customer service.

Can I still buy a new La Capitale life insurance policy, or do I need to apply through Beneva?

New life insurance policies are now issued under the Beneva brand, but they still include many of the same coverage options that La Capitale previously offered. Existing policyholders can continue managing their policies as usual.

Has Beneva introduced any changes or improvements to La Capitale’s life insurance products?

While core policy offerings remain similar, Beneva has focused on improving digital services, streamlining customer support, and expanding coverage options to provide a better overall experience for policyholders.

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What happened to SSQ Insurance?

In a major shake-up of Canada’s insurance landscape, SSQ Insurance and La Capitale officially merged in January 2023 to form Beneva Insurance Company. For decades, SSQ has been a trusted provider of life and health insurance, earning a strong reputation among Canadians. 

Now, with this merger, the company is entering a new era—one that promises expanded services and greater benefits for policyholders. But what does this transformation mean for new and existing clients? Let’s take a closer look.

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History and ownership: SSQ Financial Group

SSQ Insurance traces its roots back to 1944 when Dr. Jacques Tremblay founded Coopérative de Santé de Québec in Quebec City. Originally created to provide affordable insurance and social services to working-class French Canadians, the company quickly gained traction. 

As it expanded, it was renamed Les Services de Santé de Québec, from which the abbreviation SSQ originates. Over the years, SSQ underwent multiple rebrandings, eventually becoming SSQ Financial Group and later SSQ Insurance.

As a mutual insurance company, SSQ was owned by its policyholders, meaning its profits were reinvested to enhance products and services rather than benefiting external shareholders. With a strong focus on life, health, and critical illness insurance, SSQ expanded beyond Quebec, growing into one of Canada’s most trusted insurance providers.

Merger and consolidation: How was Beneva formed?

In 2020, SSQ announced that it would be merging with La Capitale to form a new group called Beneva. This major change took effect at the start of 2023. Both SSQ and La Capitale — two separate Canadian life insurance companies — shed their names for this merger. They are now consolidated as a single company operating under the Beneva name but with a combined expertise in insurance.

The point of merging was to create a larger and more diversified company, with better products and services to offer customers. And, according to data from SSQ, the merger has achieved just that. 

Beneva has more than 3.5 million customers across Canada and $25 billion in assets under management. It has also kept the mutualist values of the companies that formed its roots, so policyholders have a small say in how the organization is run.

Impact on policyholders

For existing SSQ policyholders, the transition to Beneva has been seamless—current policies remain unchanged, ensuring continued coverage without disruptions. However, the merger brings added benefits, including enhanced digital tools, better customer support, and access to a broader range of insurance solutions. 

As Beneva strengthens its national presence, policyholders can expect a more streamlined experience, competitive products, and improved service offerings tailored to their needs.

SSQ and La Capitale have merged to form Beneva Insurance Inc.

About La Capitale

La Capitale itself was another well-established Canadian insurance company based in Quebec City. It was a bit older than SSQ, being founded in 1940. Like SSQ, it was also an insurance mutual. And, again like SSQ, it was also a trusted name for life insurance products. PolicyAdvisor also ranked La Capitale among the best insurance providers in Canada. The company offered a wide range of options, and their policies were known for being affordable.

Read more about what happened to La Capitale.

What is SSQ called now?

The companies and subsidiaries that were merged to create what is now known as Beneva Insurance Company include:

  • SSQ Insurance / SSQ Assurance
  • SSQ, Life Insurance Company Inc.
  • SSQ Financial Security / SSQ Financial Services
  • SSQ Financial Group
  • La Capitale Insurance
  • La Capitale Financial Security / La Capitale Financial Group

Although the Beneva insurance name might be new, the company will likely soon become well-known as one of the largest insurance companies in Canada. Because it’s formed from the union of two major insurers, its assets and AM Best financial strength rating are already high up in the ranks.

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What products do Beneva offer?

Beneva provides a wide range of affordable insurance products, including traditional life insurance and health insurance, as well as financial services. In addition to the products already offered by SSQ Life Insurance and La Capitale, Beneva also intends to offer new products and services to customers, thanks to the increased scale and resources of the merged company.

Beneva Insurance offers clients insurance solutions that can be tailored to fit different needs, as well as additional professional services through Beneva Investment Services Inc. These enhanced service offerings include:

A huge plus for Beneva life insurance policyholders is that the company is also offering SSQ’s unique built-in Extreme Disability Benefit. SSQ was one of the few Canadian insurers with this specialty offering in insurance. So, it’s a major win that Beneva will continue to provide this option for disability coverage on top of other types of coverage.

Is SSQ the same as Beneva?

No, SSQ Insurance is not the same as Beneva, although they are now part of the same organization. While SSQ was previously a well-established brand in the Canadian insurance market, its merger with La Capitale created a new entity, Beneva, which combines the strengths and resources of both companies.

So, while Beneva now carries forward many of SSQ’s policies and customers, Beneva is the new brand that represents the merged company, with expanded services and a broader national reach. Existing SSQ policyholders will see no immediate changes to their coverage, but they are now part of the Beneva family.

Does the merger affect my existing SSQ policies?

Your existing SSQ policies remain unchanged following the merger with La Capitale to form Beneva. This means your coverage, premiums, benefits, and claims process stay the same, ensuring no disruptions to your plan.

Although the SSQ brand is now part of Beneva, policyholders will continue to receive the same level of service and benefits as before. Over time, you may experience enhancements in customer support, upgraded digital tools, and access to a broader range of insurance solutions as Beneva expands its offerings.

Will my everyday experience be impacted?

SSQ’s merger into Beneva should not have a significant impact on your everyday experience. You will continue to be able to submit claims and access your policy information as before. And Beneva has committed to providing the same level of customer service to clients as it has under SSQ and La Capitale.

But your monthly or annual premium payments will be different. If you are paying through your bank or financial institution, you need to update the service provider listed as a payee to Beneva instead of SSQ.

Another change is that the Beneva website itself looks different than SSQ’s did.

Aside from these two aspects, though, you shouldn’t see much more of a difference.

What are the advantages of the Beneva merger for the customers?

The merger of SSQ Insurance and La Capitale into Beneva brings several advantages for customers, including a wide array of offerings, enhanced customer service, new digital tools, and greater financial stability.

1. Expanded insurance offerings

With the combined resources of both companies, Beneva offers a wider range of insurance products, including life, health, home, auto, and business insurance. This allows customers to bundle policies and access more comprehensive coverage options under one provider.

2. Enhanced customer service

Beneva is investing in improved customer support, ensuring faster response times and better assistance for claims, policy inquiries, and general support. The larger company structure provides more resources to cater to customer needs efficiently.

3. Improved digital tools & online services

The merger enables Beneva to develop and implement more advanced digital tools, making it easier for customers to manage their policies, file claims, and get support online. These enhancements provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience.

4. Greater financial stability

As a larger mutual insurance company, Beneva benefits from stronger financial backing, ensuring long-term stability, reliability, and security for policyholders. This reduces risk and increases confidence in the company’s ability to honor claims and provide consistent service.

5. Competitive pricing & discounts

With greater operational efficiency and a larger customer base, Beneva may offer more competitive pricing and potential cost savings through better policy rates, discounts, and customized insurance solutions tailored to individual needs.

6. Policyholder-owned model

Since Beneva remains a mutual insurance company, it continues to prioritize customer interests over shareholders, meaning profits are reinvested into improving products, services, and customer benefits rather than being distributed as dividends.

Will I have to drop certain SSQ products?

No, you will not have to drop any SSQ products you may have had prior to the merger. In fact, Beneva adopted all of the products that SSQ carried, so everything will remain the same. As we mentioned above, there will not be any change to any existing insurance policies or current contracts you have with SSQ.

How do I submit a claim to SSQ?

You can submit your claim easily online through the Beneva website, or by contacting the company or your insurance advisor directly. Any SSQ product you have will now fall under Beneva, so you can use the Beneva claim form to submit your claim.

Is Beneva insurance reliable?

Yes, Beneva is considered a reliable insurance provider in Canada. Formed through the merger of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva combines decades of experience from both companies, creating one of the largest mutual insurance providers in the country. 

Beneva offers a wide range of insurance products, including life, health, auto, home, and business insurance, ensuring comprehensive coverage for individuals and families. 

With a strong financial foundation, extensive product offerings, and a customer-focused approach, Beneva has positioned itself as a trustworthy option for insurance seekers.

How do I contact SSQ?

You will have to contact Beneva, either through their website, via email, or by calling them at 1-855-747-7712. You can also head into one of their offices near you, if you’d prefer something in-person. Details of their office locations are available on their website.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the Beneva merger bring new insurance products for SSQ customers?

Yes, with the merger, Beneva brought new insurance products and expanded coverage options that were not previously available under SSQ. This includes more comprehensive health, life, and home insurance options, along with online portals and mobile applications for smooth operation.

How does the merger affect SSQ’s customer support?

The merger with La Capitale into Beneva has brought about improvements in customer support, including faster claim processing, more personalized service, and expanded support channels. Beneva ensures that customers can access better resources and assistance when needed, making sure that the overall experience is seamless.

Can SSQ policyholders expect any changes in how they access their accounts after the merger?

There may be some minor changes to how SSQ policyholders access their accounts, as Beneva rolls out its new digital platforms. However, Beneva is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will provide clear instructions and support to help customers adapt to any changes.

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What happened to La Capitale?

La Capitale was a major insurance company in Canada, with its head office in Quebec. In 2020, it announced a regrouping or merger with SSQ Insurance, another Canadian insurer. The two companies operated as separate entities till January 2023, when they merged to form the Beneva brand.

The merger raised concerns among existing policyholders and those considering La Capitale or SSQ for their insurance needs. This article explains the reason for the merger and how it will affect La Capitale life insurance policyholders.

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History and ownership: La Capitale

La Capitale was established in 1940 in Quebec City, Canada, by government employees seeking a more effective way to cover funeral expenses. Originally named La Mutuelle Des Employés Civils, it began as a mutual fund before evolving into an insurance mutual.

The name La Capitale General Insurance emerged in 1976, marking the company’s expansion beyond Quebec and its shift to serving a broader customer base beyond government employees.

Up until the time of its merger, La Capitale was known for its wide range of insurance product offerings, including term and permanent life insurance, critical illness insurance, disability insurance, and other financial and professional services.

The merger of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance: How Beneva was formed

January 2020, La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services and SSQ Insurance announced their decision to merge, aiming to create the largest mutual insurance company in Canada. The merger was officially completed on January 1, 2023, resulting in the formation of Beneva Inc. 

Reason for the merger: Strengthening the Canadian insurance market

The merger was driven by the goal of creating a more influential entity in the Canadian insurance landscape. By combining the resources and expertise of both the former companies, the new company aims to enhance its competitive position in Canada and better serve its clients.

Impact on policyholders

For existing policyholders of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, the merger into Beneva has been designed to ensure continuity. The terms and conditions of existing products and coverage remain unchanged, and no action is required from policyholders. 

Beneva continues to offer the same products and coverage, maintaining the commitments made by the original companies.

SSQ and La Capitale have merged to form Beneva Insurance Inc.

About SSQ Insurance

 SSQ Insurance was a well-known mutual insurance company. It was also founded in Quebec but in 1944 — just a few years behind when La Capitale was founded. Like La Capitale, SSQ grew significantly over the years and expanded outside of Quebec. It was one of the biggest life insurance companies in Canada up until its merger with La Capitale. SSQ was also one of the few Canadian insurance companies offering an Extreme Disability Benefit, which was built into its life insurance policies.

Read more about what happened to SSQ Insurance.

What is La Capitale called now?

The companies and subsidiaries that were merged to create what is now known as Beneva Insurance Company include:

  • La Capitale Insurance
  • La Capitale Financial Security / La Capitale Financial Group
  • La Capitale Financial Services
  • SSQ Insurance / SSQ Assurance
  • SSQ, Life Insurance Company Inc.
  • SSQ Financial Security / SSQ Financial Services
  • SSQ Financial Group

Although the Beneva insurance name might be new, the company will likely soon become well-known as one of the largest insurance companies in Canada. Because it’s formed from the union of two major insurers, its assets and AM Best financial strength rating already rank very high.

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What products does Beneva offer?

Beneva provides a wide range of affordable insurance products, including traditional life insurance and health insurance, as well as financial services. In addition to the products already offered by La Capitale and SSQ Life Insurance, Beneva also plans to offer new products and services to customers, thanks to the increased scale and resources of the merged company.

Beneva Insurance offers clients insurance solutions that can be tailored to fit different needs, as well as additional professional services through Beneva Investment Services Inc. These enhanced service offerings include:

What will happen to my La Capitale life insurance policy?

There will not be any changes to existing La Capitale life insurance policies. The policy will now fall under Beneva’s purview but you’ll keep all of the same conditions agreed upon in your original insurance contract. If you need to make changes to your existing policy, you can still use La Capitale forms to do so.

Likewise for life insurance claims, there will not be any change to how they are processed. If you already have a claim underway, it will still be processed as normal. You can also still use the La Capitale claim form to submit your claim.

However, if you had home, car, or recreational vehicle insurance with La Capitale, your policy number will change when you renew it with Beneva.

If you have any concerns about your policy, you can always contact Beneva directly or speak with your insurance advisor to clarify. Or, you can speak with PolicyAdvisor‘s own experts in insurance who will gladly help you out!

How to access La Capitale insurance policies under Beneva?

To access your La Capitale insurance policy under Beneva, you can use the Beneva Client Centre. If you previously had an online account with La Capitale, your login credentials will remain the same. 

Simply visit the Beneva Client Centre and log in to manage your policy, view coverage details, submit claims, and access important documents. If you haven’t registered for an online account yet, you can create one on the same platform by following the registration steps.

You can also use the Beneva mobile app, available for download on your smartphone. The app allows you to manage your policies, submit claims, and view your insurance documents from anywhere.

Does Beneva have an app?

Yes, Beneva has a mobile app that allows policyholders to manage their insurance on the go. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides access to key features such as:

  • Viewing insurance policies and coverage details
  • Submitting and tracking claims
  • Accessing digital insurance documents
  • Finding healthcare providers (for health insurance users)
  • Contacting customer support

What are some of the pros and cons of Beneva Inc?

Beneva has several advantages in terms of a strong financial foundation, wide array of products, a policyholder-oriented operating model and strong customer service. But, there are certain disadvantages such as limited national presence and fewer discount options.

Pros of Beneva Inc

  • Strong financial stability – Formed through the merger of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva benefits from a solid financial foundation, ensuring reliability for policyholders
  • Wide range of insurance products – Offers life, health, auto, home, business, and group insurance, providing comprehensive coverage for individuals and businesses
  • Policyholder-oriented model – As a mutual insurance company, Beneva prioritizes the interests of its members rather than shareholders, which offers customer-focused services
  • Digital accessibility – Provides an easy-to-use website and mobile app, allowing customers to manage their policies, file claims, and get support conveniently
  • Strong customer service – Multiple support channels, including phone, email, and online chat, enhance customer experience and accessibility

Cons of Beneva Inc

  • Limited national presence – While growing, Beneva’s primary customer base is still concentrated in Quebec, with a lesser presence in other provinces compared to larger national insurers
  • Potential service transition challenges – Since Beneva is a new brand, some customers transitioning from La Capitale or SSQ Insurance may experience delays or policy adjustments during the integration process
  • Fewer discounts compared to competitors – Some policyholders may find that other insurers offer more extensive bundling discounts or additional perks

Will my everyday experience be impacted?

No, La Capitale’s merger into Beneva should not have a significant impact on your everyday experience. You will continue to be able to access your policy information as before. And Beneva has committed to providing the same level of customer service to clients as it has under La Capitale and SSQ.

But the way you pay your monthly or annual premium payments may be slightly different because of the new name. If you are paying through your bank or financial institution, you need to update the service provider listed as a payee to Beneva instead of La Capitale.

Another change is that Beneva’s website looks different than La Capitale’s did.

Aside from these two aspects, though, you shouldn’t see much more of a difference. And newcomers to La Capitale or SSQ will purchase insurance directly from Beneva.

How do I submit a claim to La Capitale?

You can submit insurance claims easily online through the Beneva website, or by contacting the company or your insurance advisor directly. You will have to use the same La Capitale insurance claim forms from before, so there’s no major difference in how claims are handled under Beneva.

Is Beneva a reliable insurance provider?

Yes, Beneva is considered a reliable insurance provider in Canada. Formed through the merger of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva combines decades of experience from both companies, creating one of the largest mutual insurance providers in the country. 

Beneva offers a wide range of insurance products, including life, health, auto, home, and business insurance, ensuring comprehensive coverage for individuals and families. 

With a strong financial foundation, extensive product offerings, and a customer-focused approach, Beneva has positioned itself as a trustworthy option for insurance seekers.

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Frequently asked questions 

Is Beneva the same as La Capitale?

While Beneva was created from the merger of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, it operates as a new brand with expanded services. Many of La Capitale’s policies and offerings continue under Beneva, but the company has streamlined operations and digital services to enhance customer experience.

How does Beneva compare to La Capitale in terms of coverage and service?

Beneva retains most of the insurance products previously offered by La Capitale, including life, home, auto, and business insurance. However, Beneva has expanded digital services, a new customer portal, and a mobile app, making it more modern and accessible compared to La Capitale’s previous operations.

Do I need to switch my La Capitale policy to Beneva?

No, if you had an active policy with La Capitale, it was automatically transferred to Beneva with the same coverage and terms. There is no need to take any action unless you want to make changes to your policy or explore new options under Beneva.

Can I still use La Capitale’s website and customer service?

No, La Capitale’s website and branding have been fully integrated into Beneva. To access your policy, make a claim, or contact support, you’ll need to visit Beneva’s website, use the Beneva app, or call their customer service team.

What happened to La Capitale policyholders after the merger?

The existing La Capitale policyholders have automatically transitioned to Beneva, meaning their coverage, benefits, and terms remained unchanged. However, they now manage their policies through Beneva’s platform instead of La Capitale’s previous system.

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