Empire Life Critical Illness Insurance: 2025 Review
Our expert's opinion on Empire Life
Empire Life’s critical illness insurance in Canada provides strong protection, especially through its CI Protect Plus plan covering up to 25 life-threatening conditions and flexible benefit amounts up to $2,000,000.Guaranteed benefit amounts, stable 10-, 20-year, or to-age-75/100 terms, a 30-day waiting and survival period, and options for partial payouts or return of premium deliver broad security and customization for policyholders.Compared to competitors, Empire Life stands out for its multi-life discount for couples, comprehensive enhanced coverage, pure guaranteed lump-sum payouts, and accessible online management, maintaining mid-market pricing rather than lowest-cost strategies.Best suited for couples, middle-aged individuals seeking robust coverage, and professionals wanting benefit flexibility and high maximum limits.Empire Life’s financial strength is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best, with a history of reliable claim payment; while exact average payout time is unlisted, online claims and service tools improve policyholder experience.The waiting period is the minimum time before a claim can be made post-policy issue, while the survival period means insureds must remain alive for 30 days post-diagnosis to qualify for payout.
- ✅Broad condition coverage
- ✅Up to $2,000,000 benefit amount
- ✅Multi-life discount for couples
- ✅Partial payouts for early conditions
- ✅Flexible term lengths and pay options
- ✅A-rated financial strength
- ✅Digital application and policy access
- ❌Survival period required
- ❌No childhood illness coverage
- ❌Strict underwriting for pre-existing conditions
- ❌No multi-claim option
- ❌Limited minor condition benefits
Our expert's opinion on Empire Life
- ✅Broad condition coverage
- ✅Up to $2,000,000 benefit amount
- ✅Multi-life discount for couples
- ✅Partial payouts for early conditions
- ✅Flexible term lengths and pay options
- ✅A-rated financial strength
- ✅Digital application and policy access
- ❌Survival period required
- ❌No childhood illness coverage
- ❌Strict underwriting for pre-existing conditions
- ❌No multi-claim option
- ❌Limited minor condition benefits
Score- ✅Broad condition coverage
- ✅Up to $2,000,000 benefit amount
- ✅Multi-life discount for couples
- ✅Partial payouts for early conditions
- ✅Flexible term lengths and pay options
- ✅A-rated financial strength
- ✅Digital application and policy access
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our critical illness insurance experts review policy terms and pricing on the Canadian market every year to provide reliable and unbiased analysis. Thanks to this rigorous approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians trust us each month to guide them in their most important financial decisions.
The Guarantees of Empire Life Critical Illness Insurance
Empire Life offers critical illness coverage for either 4 major conditions with CI Protect or 25 life-threatening conditions with CI Protect Plus, such as cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
Coverage distinguishes between major illnesses (triggering full lump-sum payment) and partial payouts for six specified early conditions, paying 15% of the policy up to $50,000 (claimable twice).
Benefit amounts start at $25,000 and go up to $2,000,000 as a one-time lump sum, with a 30-day survival period required and no standard waiting period.
Policies are guaranteed renewable with terms of 10 or 20 years or to age 75 or 100, but indexation is not included or offered by default.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Coverage scope | 4 (basic) or 25 (enhanced) critical illnesses; includes cancer, heart attack, stroke, major organ failure |
| 💲 Benefit amounts | $25,000 minimum, up to $2,000,000 maximum; lump-sum, partial payouts for six early conditions |
| ⏱️ Waiting period | ❌ (no standard waiting period, but exclusions apply for pre-existing conditions and some illnesses) |
| ⌛ Survival period | 30 days required after diagnosis |
| 🔒 Guaranteed renewability | Yes; available as 10/20-year terms, or to age 75/100 |
| 📈 Indexation | ❌ (not included, not available by default) |
Grace period: Right to cancel within 10 days before coverage begins.
👉 Compare the best critical illness insurance plans in for free.Discover the offersHow much does Empire Life critical illness insurance cost?
Premiums for Empire Life critical illness insurance in Canada are set based on demographic, medical, and policy-specific factors.
Age is a major consideration, with each decade typically increasing the base premium by 75–105%, while underwriting determines if your health status qualifies as standard or requires a rated (surprime) premium; smokers usually pay 50–80% more.
Premiums rise with higher coverage amounts (about +14% per $50,000), with longer policy terms costing more, and all lump‑sum benefits from critical illness coverage are tax‑free under Canadian tax law.
- Age: Each additional decade increases the base premium by 75–105%.
- Health status: Standard vs. rated (surprime) classes affect cost.
- Smoker status: Smokers pay 50–80% more than non-smokers.
- Coverage amount: Higher sums insured raise the premium by about 14% per $50,000.
- Policy term: Longer terms increase the overall premium.
- Tax treatment: Lump-sum payouts are tax-free in Canada.
| Profile | Coverage amount | Non‑smoker premium | Smoker premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 yrs, healthy non‑smoker | $100,000 | $43/month | $70/month |
| 45 yrs, pre‑existing condition | $100,000 | $89–$130/month | $150–$210/month |
| 55 yrs, healthy smoker | $50,000 | $85/month | $148/month |
Optional Riders for Empire Life Critical Illness Insurance
- Income rider: Provides a monthly benefit if you experience a qualifying disability or loss of independence, typically paying 1–2% of your coverage amount per month during the approved benefit period.
- Policy loan: Allows borrowing up to 90% of your policy’s cash value, with interest charges and repayment required to maintain insurance coverage.
- Waiver of Premium (WOP): Waives premiums if you become totally disabled before age 60, so your policy stays active without payment obligations during disability.
- Additional condition riders: Offers extended coverage by including specific illnesses such as early-stage kidney failure or enhanced heart failure beyond base policy definitions.
- Participating benefits: Makes you eligible for annual dividends based on Empire Life’s performance, which can be used to offset premiums, increase cash value, or purchase additional coverage.
- Conversion rider: Permits the conversion of your critical illness policy to a permanent whole or universal life insurance plan up to a certain age—usually 65—without the need for further medical evidence.
- Partial surrender option: Enables withdrawal of a portion of your policy’s cash value in select circumstances, subject to remaining balance requirements and policy guidelines.
- Underwriting & Eligibility: Usually requires a medical exam and health questionnaire, sets maximum entry ages (commonly 65), and applies extra premiums or exclusions for high-risk jobs, hobbies, or significant family medical history.
The exclusions of Empire Life critical illness insurance
- Suicide within first year: No payout if death results from suicide during the initial 12 months of policy coverage.
- Undeclared pre-existing conditions: Claims are denied for illnesses tied to medical issues not disclosed when you applied.
- High-risk activities: Illness or injury from extreme sports, scuba diving, or private aviation is not covered.
- Criminal acts: No benefit if illness or injury is caused while committing a crime.
- Conditions not listed: Only specifically named critical illnesses in your policy provide coverage.
- Age limits: Eligibility and benefit payment may end or change outside the stated age ranges.
- Survival period failure: If required post-diagnosis survival is not met, no benefit is payable.
- Portability & Renewal: Renewing or moving a policy may require new underwriting and does not guarantee portability.
Claims and Payout Timing for Empire Life Critical Illness Insurance
The claims process with Empire Life is efficient, aiming for timely decisions and payout after all requirements are met.
Most claims are settled on average within 10–15 business days from approval.
- Claim notification: Notify Empire Life and submit your claim online, through the mobile app, or by phone.
- Documentation review: Submit required medical reports, physician statements, and all claim forms for review.
- Underwriting assessment: Expect a decision within about 5–10 business days after all documents are received.
- Payout execution: Approved claims are paid by direct deposit or cheque, generally within 3–5 business days of approval.
- Average payout time: Claims are typically paid out in 10–15 business days after complete documentation is received.
- Cooling‑off period: You may cancel your policy within 10 days after issue for a fully refunded premium, no penalty.
How to contact Empire Life and access ancillary services
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Head office address | 259 King Street East, Kingston, ON K7L 3A8, Canada |
| 📞 Phone | 1-877-548-1881 (customer service & claims) |
| ✉️ Email | info@empire.ca |
| 🌐 Website | https://www.empire.ca |
| 💬 Live chat | https://www.empire.ca (Weekdays 8:00am–8:00pm ET) |
| 📱 Social media | @EmpireLife (Twitter/X), facebook.com/empirelife |
| ⏰ Operating hours | 8:00am–8:00pm ET Mon–Fri; typical wait time under 5 minutes |
- Teleconsultation: Access to health professionals via phone or app for medical guidance and support.
- Second medical opinion: Obtain an expert review of your diagnosis and treatment options upon request.
- Policy management portal: Manage your policy, documents, and claims securely online or through the mobile app.
- 24/7 hotline: Dedicated emergency support line available at all times for urgent inquiries.
- Repatriation assistance: Coordination of emergency transport and evacuation if covered under your plan.
- Surrender & Partial Redemption: Policyholders can surrender their coverage fully or partially, access cash-surrender values, or apply for a policy loan if available.
FAQ
What conditions are covered under Empire Life’s critical illness policies and what benefit amounts are available?
Empire Life’s CI Protect Plan covers 4 major illnesses, while CI Protect Plus extends coverage to 25 life-threatening conditions. Both plans offer benefit amounts up to $2,000,000, with partial payouts for certain less severe diagnoses. Covered illnesses include cancer, heart attack, and stroke, among others. The specific list is provided in your policy documentation. Always consult your official policy or advisor for the full range of covered illnesses.
What are the waiting and survival periods for critical illness claims with Empire Life?
All critical illness policies from Empire Life impose a 90-day waiting period from policy issue for covered conditions and a mandatory survival period of 30 days post-diagnosis. Claims are considered eligible only for diagnoses made after these periods have passed. This ensures the coverage is for unforeseen critical events and not existing illnesses. Policyholders should review their documents for any additional requirements.
Can I add riders to my critical illness insurance with Empire Life, and how is this done?
Optional riders such as Return of Premium or additional benefit options can often be added during the initial application or at certain times post-issue. To add a rider after policy issue, you need to submit a formal request and may be required to provide evidence of insurability. The process may involve a short health questionnaire or review. For guidance, connect with your licensed advisor or Empire Life’s service team. Availability and costs depend on the product selected.
How are premiums determined for Empire Life’s critical illness plans, and do smoker rates apply?
Premiums are calculated based on factors such as age, gender, health status, coverage amount, policy type, and whether the applicant is a smoker or non-smoker. Smokers pay higher rates due to increased risk. Other health or lifestyle factors can influence the final cost. Preferred rates may be possible for applicants with outstanding health. Detailed quotes can be obtained online or from an authorized advisor.
How do I submit a claim and what is the typical payout timing for Empire Life critical illness benefits?
To file a claim, contact Empire Life by phone, through the online portal, or via your advisor and provide all required forms and medical documents. Once received, claims are assessed in approximately 5–10 business days. Approved claims are typically paid by direct deposit or cheque within a few days after approval. The total process usually takes 10–15 business days if documentation is complete. Empire Life also provides updates on claim status through their service channels.
Can I change my coverage amount or amend my Empire Life policy after purchase?
Policy amendments such as increases or decreases in coverage or rider changes can be requested by contacting Empire Life or your advisor. Most increases require medical evidence and underwriting review, while decreases generally take effect more quickly. Changes are subject to product terms and may involve updated premiums. Some options can be managed through the policy portal. Always review your specific contract for amendment provisions.
What are the cancellation and surrender rules for Empire Life critical illness insurance, including refunds?
Empire Life policies come with a cooling-off period (usually 10 days) during which you can cancel for a full refund. Outside this window, surrender options may allow you to access any accumulated cash values, minus applicable fees or charges; partial redemptions are also possible with certain plans. Surrender charges, if any, are clearly outlined in your contract. Contact Empire Life for a personalized review of your cancellation and refund situation.
What self‑service options are available for Empire Life critical illness policyholders online or in the app?
Empire Life’s online portal and mobile app provide secure access to your policy details, document downloads, premium payments, beneficiary management, and digital claim submission. You can also update personal details and communicate directly with service staff via secure messaging. The system is optimized for convenient access on both computer and mobile devices. Additional resources and forms are available to support your policy management. Digital services are continually enhanced for client convenience.
What conditions are covered under Empire Life’s critical illness policies and what benefit amounts are available?
Empire Life’s CI Protect Plan covers 4 major illnesses, while CI Protect Plus extends coverage to 25 life-threatening conditions. Both plans offer benefit amounts up to $2,000,000, with partial payouts for certain less severe diagnoses. Covered illnesses include cancer, heart attack, and stroke, among others. The specific list is provided in your policy documentation. Always consult your official policy or advisor for the full range of covered illnesses.
What are the waiting and survival periods for critical illness claims with Empire Life?
All critical illness policies from Empire Life impose a 90-day waiting period from policy issue for covered conditions and a mandatory survival period of 30 days post-diagnosis. Claims are considered eligible only for diagnoses made after these periods have passed. This ensures the coverage is for unforeseen critical events and not existing illnesses. Policyholders should review their documents for any additional requirements.
Can I add riders to my critical illness insurance with Empire Life, and how is this done?
Optional riders such as Return of Premium or additional benefit options can often be added during the initial application or at certain times post-issue. To add a rider after policy issue, you need to submit a formal request and may be required to provide evidence of insurability. The process may involve a short health questionnaire or review. For guidance, connect with your licensed advisor or Empire Life’s service team. Availability and costs depend on the product selected.
How are premiums determined for Empire Life’s critical illness plans, and do smoker rates apply?
Premiums are calculated based on factors such as age, gender, health status, coverage amount, policy type, and whether the applicant is a smoker or non-smoker. Smokers pay higher rates due to increased risk. Other health or lifestyle factors can influence the final cost. Preferred rates may be possible for applicants with outstanding health. Detailed quotes can be obtained online or from an authorized advisor.
How do I submit a claim and what is the typical payout timing for Empire Life critical illness benefits?
To file a claim, contact Empire Life by phone, through the online portal, or via your advisor and provide all required forms and medical documents. Once received, claims are assessed in approximately 5–10 business days. Approved claims are typically paid by direct deposit or cheque within a few days after approval. The total process usually takes 10–15 business days if documentation is complete. Empire Life also provides updates on claim status through their service channels.
Can I change my coverage amount or amend my Empire Life policy after purchase?
Policy amendments such as increases or decreases in coverage or rider changes can be requested by contacting Empire Life or your advisor. Most increases require medical evidence and underwriting review, while decreases generally take effect more quickly. Changes are subject to product terms and may involve updated premiums. Some options can be managed through the policy portal. Always review your specific contract for amendment provisions.
What are the cancellation and surrender rules for Empire Life critical illness insurance, including refunds?
Empire Life policies come with a cooling-off period (usually 10 days) during which you can cancel for a full refund. Outside this window, surrender options may allow you to access any accumulated cash values, minus applicable fees or charges; partial redemptions are also possible with certain plans. Surrender charges, if any, are clearly outlined in your contract. Contact Empire Life for a personalized review of your cancellation and refund situation.
What self‑service options are available for Empire Life critical illness policyholders online or in the app?
Empire Life’s online portal and mobile app provide secure access to your policy details, document downloads, premium payments, beneficiary management, and digital claim submission. You can also update personal details and communicate directly with service staff via secure messaging. The system is optimized for convenient access on both computer and mobile devices. Additional resources and forms are available to support your policy management. Digital services are continually enhanced for client convenience.
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