Foresters Life Insurance Canada Review: Updated 2024

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Nishadh Mohammed updated on 5 December 2024

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Founded in 1874, Foresters Financial has been serving Canadians for nearly 150 years. Whether you need short-term coverage or lifelong security, Foresters Life Insurance offers affordable and flexible policies that can adapt to your changing needs. But is it the right choice for you?

In this Foresters Life Insurance review, we tell you everything you need to know: What are the coverage options? What do they cost in 2024? Are you eligible? How to access your policy? How to cancel your policy?

You can also use our free tool to compare personalized quotes from Foresters Financial and other top Canadian companies so you get the best rates on life insurance.

Foresters Life Insurance Company: 7 Key Points

  • Founded in 1874 with a long history of offering insurance and financial solutions
  • With over 3 million clients, it is one of the oldest insurers in Canada
  • Offers term life, non-participating and participating whole life insurance
  • Coverage up to $5,000,000 with no-medical exam insurance options
  • Multiple term lengths of 10, 20, and 30 years
  • You cannot get Foresters Life Insurance does not offer online quotes
  • Call the dedicated Foresters Life Insurance phone number 1-800-828-1540 for quotes

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Our Foresters Life Insurance Review

Foresters Life Insurance offers a small but impressive range of flexible life insurance products, including term life insurance and whole life insurance. Their term life insurance comes with options for 10, 20, and 30-year terms and coverage up to $5,000,000, making it an affordable option for those seeking temporary coverage for financial obligations like mortgages or children's education.

Whole life insurance options are available, including both participating and non-participating policies. These plans provide lifelong coverage with guaranteed premiums and offer the potential for dividends (for participating policies) or a fixed cash value accumulation (for non-participating policies).

Foresters term life policies can be converted into permanent coverage without the need for additional medical exams, which makes it an excellent choice for individuals whose needs might change over time. The company also offers several riders, such as accidental death benefits, children’s life insurance, and a charity benefit provision. The charity benefit allows policyholders to donate a portion of the death benefit to a registered charity, which sets Foresters apart from many other insurers in the market.

Compared to competitors like iA Insurance or Beneva, which also offer no-medical-exam products, Foresters distinguishes itself by allowing applications up to age 80, with higher term life coverage amounts.

Nevertheless, Foresters does have a few limitations. They do not offer online quotes, making it necessary for customers to speak with an advisor, which could be inconvenient for those seeking quick quotes. Additionally, the company does not offer universal life insurance, which may limit options for policyholders looking for more flexible permanent coverage.

Overall, Foresters Life Insurance is best for young families, individuals with short-term financial obligations, or those seeking long-term coverage with guaranteed premiums. However, it might not be ideal for those who want the lowest premiums available or for individuals looking for more customizable options like universal life insurance.

Expert advice

Foresters Life Insurance is a strong option for families and individuals seeking affordable term and permanent life coverage with fixed premiums and a reliable history. The no-medical-exam option and convertible policies make it ideal for those seeking a simple, flexible plan. However, for those in search of the lowest possible premiums or more advanced options, such as universal life insurance, exploring other providers like Sun Life or Canada Life might be more beneficial.

You could use our HelloSafe comparator below and compare multiple plans and coverage and get free personalized quotes from Canada's best life insurance providers. Get more than 20 free quotes in a few moments.

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Pros of Foresters Life Insurance Canada

  • Multiple term lengths of 10, 20, and 30
  • Up to $5,000,000 coverage
  • Participating and non-participating whole life insurance options
  • Term life insurance plans are convertible to permanent coverage
  • Multiple riders including children's life insurance, accidental death insurance, and charitable donations

Cons of Foresters Life Insurance Canada

  • No online quotes option
  • Customers must leave their email or phone to be contacted by an independent agent
  • No online claims
  • No universal life insurance option

How to contact Foresters Life Insurance?

Foresters life insurance company requires you to speak to an advisor for a quote or detailed policy information. You can contact them in one of the following ways:

Method of CommunicationForesters Life Insurance Company Contact Details
Foresters Life Insurance Phone Number
1-800-828-1540
(Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET)
Email
[email protected]
Fax
1-877-329-4631
Website
www.foresters.com/en-ca
Mailing Address
789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, ON, M3C 1T9
Foresters Life Insurance Canada Contact

What does Foresters Life Insurance Canada cost?

Here are Foresters Life Insurance Canada quotes for an Ontario resident. This is for a non-smoker, in good health, paying monthly premiums for a 20-year term life insurance policy with $500,000 coverage.

AgeMaleFemale
20
$33.84$23.64
25
$33.84$23.64
30
$34.30$24.10
35
$35.69$26.88
40
$51.91$38.47
45
$82.97$58.40
50
$139.98$94.55
55
$266.05$176.59
60
$494.55$332.33
65
$992.35$677.64
Foresters Financial 20-year term life insurance pricing ($500,000)

These are indicative prices only. The price of life insurance, whether taken out with Foresters or another provider, depends on several factors:

  • Your age
  • Your gender
  • Whether you are a smoker or not
  • The amount of life insurance coverage you wish to take out
  • Riders or add-ons if any
  • Applicable discounts

What types of life insurance does Foresters Financial offer?

Foresters offers two types of life insurance plans:

  1. Foresters Term Life Insurance
  2. Foresters Whole Life Insurance

Here are the main features of Foresters Life Insurance Canada plans:

Foresters Life Insurance Canada PlansTerm Life InsuranceParticipating Whole Life InsuranceNon-Participating Whole Life Insurance
Term Length
10, 20, or 30 yearsLifetimeLifetime
Coverage Amount
Up to $5,000,000Up to $500,000Up to $500,000
Medical Exam
None for certain coverage amountsNo medical exam requiredNo medical exam required
Premiums
Fixed for the termFixed, guaranteed for lifeFixed, guaranteed for life
Conversion Option
N/AN/A
Cash Value
Dividends
Potential for dividends
Riders Available
  • Accidental Death
  • Waiver of Premium
  • Children’s Insurance
  • Term life riders and
  • Accidental Death
  • Children’s Benefit
  • Term life riders and
  • Accidental Death
  • Waiver of Premium
Charity Benefit
up to $100,000
Eligibility
18 to 80 years18 to 70 years18 to 80 years

What does Foresters Term Life Insurance cover?

Foresters Term Life Insurance is an affordable and flexible option for individuals looking for temporary coverage to protect their loved ones during a specific period, such as when paying off a mortgage or ensuring their children's education. With guaranteed premiums that remain level for the entire term, it offers peace of mind without the worry of escalating costs. This is ideal for people with short-term financial obligations who want to keep premiums low.

  • Best for: Young families, individuals with mortgages, and those seeking affordable coverage for a fixed term without long-term commitment.
  • Term Options: 10, 20, or 30 years
  • Coverage Amount: $50,000 to $5,000,000
  • Premiums: Fixed, guaranteed for the term selected
  • Conversion Option: Convert to permanent coverage without evidence of insurability before age 71
  • Features: Joint coverage, bereavement assistance, charity benefit provision, and preferred insurance classes for healthier individuals
  • Riders Available: Accidental death benefit, waiver of premium, children’s insurance, and more.

What does Foresters Whole Life Insurance cover?

Foresters offers two types of whole life insurance: Advantage Plus Whole Life (participating) and Non-Participating Whole Life. Both options are designed for long-term coverage, allowing you to secure your family’s financial future and accumulate cash value. However, the participating policy offers more flexibility with dividends that can be used in various ways, while the non-participating policy provides affordable protection without dividends.

Advantage Plus Whole Life (Participating)

  • Best for: Individuals seeking lifelong protection with the potential for dividends, people looking to leave a legacy for their family, or those who wish to donate to charity.
  • Death Benefit: Guaranteed tax-free death benefit
  • Cash Value: Builds over time and can be accessed via withdrawals or loans
  • Dividends: Can be used to purchase additional insurance, reduce premiums, or left to accumulate interest
  • Charity Benefit: Foresters will donate 1% of the basic death benefit (up to $100,000) to a registered charity when a claim is paid
  • Children’s Insurance Benefit: Includes $3,000 of term insurance for each child under 25
  • Smoker Incentive: Lower premiums for the first two years if you quit smoking
  • Riders: Available to customize coverage with options like term riders, accidental death rider, and guaranteed insurability rider.

Non-Participating Whole Life Insurance

  • Best for: Individuals seeking affordable, lifelong coverage without the complexity of dividends, ideal for those who want a straightforward policy with fixed premiums.
  • Death Benefit: Guaranteed lifetime death benefit
  • Cash Value: Accumulates over time, can be accessed or borrowed against
  • Premiums: Your Foresters life insurance payments are fixed and guaranteed for life
  • Features: No dividends, lower premiums compared to participating whole life insurance
  • Riders: Includes optional riders like term riders, accidental death benefit, and waiver of premium in case of disability.

You can compare what other life insurance companies offer before deciding upon Foresters and also look for a plan that truly first your needs. For that, you could simply use our comparator below and get access to the various plans offered by Canada's best life insurance companies and also get free quotes from them in seconds.

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How to get a Foresters life insurance quote?

While Foresters Life Insurance Company does not offer online quotes, you can use our partner link below to get a free quote and grab the best deals.

You can also request a quote through the company website. Fill out their online form to request a call or email from an advisor. To reach a Foresters advisor, click on "Connect with an Advisor" on the top right corner of the Foresters website and then fill out the form. You'll need to provide some basic contact information and wait for Foresters to contact you. Depending on the plan be prepared to follow up with additional medical information and a questionnaire about your lifestyle.

foresters life insurance quote

Before settling on Forester, it is important to compare coverages from other providers. While it may seem like a daunting process, we've made it simple for you. You could use our comparator below to compare plans and get free quotes from Canada's best life insurance companies. You only need to give some basic details of what you're looking for and voila you get 20+ free life insurance quotes in a few moments.

Compare the best life insurance companies

Get 20+ quotes in seconds

How much Foresters Life Insurance do I need?

When choosing a life insurance policy, start by asking yourself how much coverage you need. A life insurance calculator can help you answer this if you’re unsure. Determine how much coverage you need and what kind of policy is best for you. 

There is a free Foresters Life Insurance calculator to help determine the right coverage for your needs through its website. You will be asked questions about your monthly expenses, income, any debts, and other basic financial information. You can see the results in less than a minute.

When using the Foresters life insurance calculator, keep these important factors in mind:

  • Consider your financial obligations, such as outstanding debts, income replacement, and future expenses like education.
  • Take into account any existing savings or investments to avoid over-insuring.
  • Align your term length with your financial responsibilities, like the duration of your mortgage or until your children are financially independent.
  • Factor in inflation, and remember that your lifestyle and health can impact your premiums.

Alternatively, HelloSafe’s life insurance calculator provides an easy-to-use interface. Once you know how much insurance you need, compare the best life insurance rates from different insurers in one place using the HelloSafe comparator tool. 

Compare the best life insurance companies

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How do I access my Foresters life insurance policy?

To access your Foresters Life Insurance policy, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to Your Online Account:
    • The easiest way to access your policy is through the Foresters Financial online portal. Visit their website and log in using your account credentials. If you don't have an account, you can easily create one by registering on the website.
  2. Use MyForesters Mobile app:
    • You can also use MyForesters Mobile app to access your policy. This app allows you to view your policy details, make payments, track claims, and manage your account. You can download MyForesters Mobile from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. After installation, log in with your credentials to start managing your policy right from your mobile device.
  3. Contact Customer Service:
    • If you’re unable to access your policy online or through the app, you can call Forester Life Insurance customer service at 1-800-828-1540. They can assist with policy details, account updates, or any other inquiries.
  4. Mailing Statements:
    • Foresters may also send physical copies of your policy statements. Be sure to update your mailing address with them to continue receiving your documents.

How do I cancel my Foresters life insurance policy?

To cancel your Foresters Life Insurance policy, follow these steps:

  1. Contact Customer Service: You can cancel your policy by calling Foresters Life Insurance customer service at 1-800-828-1540. They are available to assist you with the cancellation process.
  2. Request Cancellation in Writing: Alternatively, you may be required to submit a written request to cancel your policy. You can send a letter or email to the customer service team at [email protected] detailing your intent to cancel the policy. Make sure to include your policy number and any relevant personal information.
  3. Cancellation Terms: Review your policy for any cancellation terms, as some policies may have specific guidelines regarding cancellation fees, refunds, or the need for written notice within a certain period. If you cancel within a certain timeframe (such as during the free-look period), you might be eligible for a full refund.
  4. Policy Refund: If you are eligible for a refund, Foresters may issue a refund of premiums, depending on the type of policy and the cancellation terms. Be sure to confirm this with customer service during the cancellation process.
  5. Confirmation of Cancellation: After submitting your request, request confirmation of the cancellation in writing. Keep this confirmation for your records in case of any future issues.

How to file a Foresters life insurance claim?

To file a claim with Foresters, you will need to fill out the appropriate claim forms for Canada. You can download the Foresters Life Insurance Claim Forms right here. Then follow the steps mentioned below.

If death occurred in the first 2 yrs of policy/ policy reinstated in the last 2 yrs

If death occurred between policy yrs 3-5 and policy wasn’t reinstated in last 2 yrs

If death occurred after year 6 and the policy wasn’t reinstated

  1. Contact Foresters: At 1-800-828-1540 to inform them of your loved one's passing and initiate the claim.
  2. Complete Your Claims Form: You’ll need to fill out the appropriate claims form, depending on the timing of the death. You can download the forms we've provided above.
  3. Gather Required Information:
    • Completed claimant’s statement
    • Certified death certificate
    • Cause and manner of death (if available)
    • Medical authorization (for contestable claims or living benefits)
    • Police, toxicology, or coroner’s reports (for accident or homicide-related claims)
    • Additional medical records may be required for contestable claims.
  4. Send the Completed Claim: Once you have completed the claimant’s statement and gathered the required documents, mail everything to:
    Foresters Life Insurance
    789 Don Mills Road
    Toronto, ON, M3C 1T9
  5. What to Expect: After submitting the claim, Foresters will review your forms and contact you if any additional information is needed.
    • Non-contestable claims: If the claim is non-contestable, Foresters will process it within 15 business days, excluding mail time.
    • Contestable claims: If the death occurred within the first two years of the policy or the policy was reinstated within the last two years, Foresters will request medical records, and the claims process may take up to 30 business days after receiving all required medical records.

FAQs on Foresters Life Insurance

What is Foresters life insurance?

Foresters Life Insurance offers a range of coverage options including term life insurance and permanent life insurance with or without participation. With over 3 million clients, Foresters has been serving Canadian policyholders for decades. As a socially conscious organization, Foresters Financial considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in its investments. This includes more than $383 million of assets in sustainable or green bonds.

What's the Foresters life insurance phone number?

You can contact Foresters Life Insurance at 1-800-828-1540 for customer support and inquiries. The customer service team is available to assist with any questions regarding policies, claims, and account management.

How do I cancel my Foresters life insurance?

To cancel your Foresters Life Insurance policy, contact their customer support team at 1-800-828-1540. You may also be able to request cancellation via your customer portal or the mobile app. Be sure to review any applicable terms and conditions, such as cancellation fees or refunds, before proceeding.

Who owns Foresters life insurance?

Foresters Life Insurance is owned by Foresters Financial, a global, not-for-profit financial services organization. It has been providing financial products and services to individuals and families for over 140 years. Foresters operates in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., focusing on life insurance and other financial solutions.

How do I access my Foresters life insurance policy?

To access your Foresters Life Insurance policy, log in to your customer portal on the Foresters Financial website. From there, you can view your policy details, make payments, and manage your coverage. You can also access it using the Foresters mobile app.

Is Foresters a good insurance company?

Foresters Financial is considered a reliable and reputable insurance company, particularly known for its long history and commitment to offering affordable life insurance products. Established over 140 years ago, it has built a solid reputation in Canada and the U.S. Foresters Financial is a mutual organization, meaning it is owned by its policyholders rather than shareholders, which aligns the company's interests with those of its customers.

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Nishadh Mohammed
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Nishadh Mohammed is a seasoned news editor and financial writer, working with HelloSafe since May 2023. Nishadh has developed expertise in financial markets, insurance, and investment products, with a deep understanding of the Canadian financial landscape. He has honed his SEO skills and content marketing strategies while writing for Canadian publishing houses. Armed with a master's in Business Analytics and extensive journalistic experience, Nishadh uniquely combines data proficiency and thorough research to deliver comprehensive and accessible information.

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