When choosing life insurance or health coverage, pre-existing medical conditions are one of the most critical factors to consider. If you’re a parent planning to visit Canada under a Super Visa or looking for permanent life insurance solutions, understanding how your health history impacts your eligibility is crucial.
Empire Life, a trusted insurance provider in Canada, offers a thoughtful and client-centric approach to applicants with pre-existing conditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how Empire Life handles pre-existing conditions, what your options are, and how you can still secure the right protection for yourself and your family.
What Are Pre-Existing Conditions?
In insurance terms, a pre-existing condition refers to any illness, injury, or medical diagnosis that existed before the start date of an insurance policy. Common examples include:
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Cancer
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Asthma
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Mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety)
Pre-existing conditions can affect your insurance application, premiums, and the types of policies you are eligible for.
Empire Life’s Approach to Pre-Existing Conditions
Empire Life reviews pre-existing conditions with a careful but accommodating process. Here’s how they typically manage it:
1. Health Questionnaire
As part of the application process, you’ll be required to complete a detailed health questionnaire. This includes questions about:
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Current medications
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Past surgeries
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Chronic illnesses
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Recent hospitalizations
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Family medical history
Honesty is critical. Providing accurate and complete information ensures the insurer can assess your application fairly.
2. Medical Underwriting
After the questionnaire, medical underwriting begins. Empire Life’s underwriting process may involve:
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Medical exams (sometimes required for higher coverage amounts)
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Doctor’s reports
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Blood tests or diagnostic reports
Depending on the findings, Empire Life will either approve standard coverage, offer coverage with modified terms, or (in some cases) decline the application.
Options for Applicants with Pre-Existing Conditions
Even if you have a health history, Empire Life offers several pathways to coverage:
1. Standard Life Insurance with Rating
If your condition is well-managed and stable, you may be approved for standard coverage, sometimes with an additional cost called a “rating.” A rating means you’ll pay a slightly higher premium to account for increased risk.
For example:
A parent with well-controlled Type 2 Diabetes might get insured at a 25% higher rate than someone without any medical conditions.
2. Simplified Issue Life Insurance
Empire Life also offers Simplified Issue products, which require no medical exams — only health-related questions.
This is a good option for:
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Older parents or grandparents
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Individuals with minor, manageable pre-existing conditions
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Those needing faster approval for Super Visa insurance or visitor insurance
While premiums may be slightly higher, the convenience and accessibility make it an attractive choice.
3. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
If your condition is severe and prevents you from qualifying for medically underwritten policies, Empire Life provides access to Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance.
Features include:
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No medical exams
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No health questions
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Immediate acceptance (for qualified age groups)
However, coverage amounts are usually lower (e.g., $5,000–$25,000) and there may be a two-year waiting period before full death benefits are payable for non-accidental deaths.
Key Factors Empire Life Considers for Pre-Existing Conditions
When evaluating an application with a pre-existing condition, Empire Life focuses on:
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Condition Stability: Has the illness been under control (without major symptoms or changes) for a significant period?
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Current Treatment Plan: Are you adhering to prescribed medications or therapies?
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Severity of Condition: How advanced is the illness? Are there any ongoing complications?
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Lifestyle Choices: Healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking can positively influence underwriting decisions.
For example, a parent with controlled hypertension and a healthy lifestyle may qualify for better rates than someone with poorly managed diabetes and a history of hospitalizations.
Pre-Existing Conditions for Visitor Insurance (Super Visa Insurance)
If you’re applying for Super Visa Insurance through Empire Life, pre-existing conditions are treated with particular attention. Some plans allow limited coverage for pre-existing conditions, provided they are:
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Stable for a specified period (typically 90 to 180 days before the policy starts)
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Not under investigation or recently worsened
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No pending surgeries or diagnostic tests
Coverage for stable pre-existing conditions often costs a bit more but can offer critical protection during your visit to Canada.
How to Improve Your Chances of Approval
If you’re concerned about getting insured with a pre-existing condition, consider these tips:
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Maintain Regular Medical Checkups: Keep your health condition stable under medical supervision.
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Follow Prescribed Treatments: Skipping medication can negatively impact underwriting decisions.
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Be Honest: Always disclose complete and accurate health information to avoid claim denials later.
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Work with Licensed Advisors: Consulting with experts at SuperVisaInsuranceCost.ca can help you navigate the best options available.
Conclusion
Navigating life insurance with a pre-existing condition doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Empire Life handles pre-existing conditions thoughtfully, offering multiple pathways to protection, whether through standard, simplified, or guaranteed issue policies.
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or visitor to Canada, knowing your options gives you the confidence to move forward with securing your family’s future. Empire Life’s flexible solutions, even for those with a medical history, demonstrate their commitment to protecting what matters most.
Ready to explore your insurance options?
Get a personalized quote today at SuperVisaInsuranceCost.ca and find the best coverage for you and your loved ones!