Why Canadians get final expense insurance from insurers

Funerals can be expensive. But the last thing you want is for your loved ones to be left scrambling to cover the bill.

That's why many Canadians are looking for an easier way to plan ahead and ensure they’ll secure the coverage they need with guaranteed acceptance. Direct final expenses insurance in Canada gives people a fast, simple way to ensure their families won't be stuck with unexpected financial burdens when they're gone, with no medical checks required either.

As the name suggests, direct final expenses insurance is purchased directly from an insurance company (rather than going through an insurance broker), with no medical tests or blood work and guaranteed acceptance, in most cases. This makes it a stress-free way to provide financial support for your family when they need it most.

What is final expenses insurance?

Think of final expenses insurance — also called funeral insurance — as a smaller, more focused life insurance policy. Unlike traditional life insurance products, which can involve extensive medical checks (like blood tests), final expenses insurance coverage offers a concise level of coverage.

This policy can cover funeral and burial costs, outstanding unpaid bills, and other immediate expenses when you pass away. When you buy final expenses insurance, you choose a coverage amount that makes sure your loved ones aren't left footing the bill for things like funeral expenses or any unpaid debts after you pass.

Planning ahead means your family can focus on remembering you — not worrying about how to cover funeral costs.

Getting final expenses insurance directly vs. going through a broker

There are two main ways to secure final expenses insurance:

1. Direct from an insurance company – This is a faster and simpler process, often with guaranteed acceptance and no medical checks required. Since you’re buying directly, you avoid extra fees and lengthy consultations. Plus, you’ll gain access to a licensed advisor to help you through your insurance journey and policies can be approved quickly, giving you immediate peace of mind that your loved ones will be protected.
2. Through a broker – A broker can help you compare different insurance policies, determine how much coverage you need, and navigate exclusions (excluding suicide, accidental death limitations, or whether you can change beneficiaries later). However, this process can take longer, and some brokers may charge fees or work on commission, which could increase your final insurance expenses cost.

At the end of the day, whether you go direct or through a broker, the goal is the same: securing a lump sum payment (death benefit) so your family doesn't have to worry about funeral costs, final expenses, dipping into retirement accounts, or seeking financial support to cover everything.

Is direct final expenses insurance available to Canadians?

Yes, you can purchase final expenses insurance directly in Canada. It's available to Canadian residents, including people who struggle to qualify for traditional life insurance coverage due to medical checks or age restrictions.

However, some insurance policies have specific conditions, like excluding Quebec or setting different requirements based on smoking status or other personal factors. That's why it's important to read the details in the insurer’s Policy Document (PD) or speak directly with an insurance company.

Another key part of getting final expenses insurance? Understanding what a beneficiary is and setting up the right beneficiary designations. You'll need to decide who will be your primary beneficiary (the first in line for the life insurance payout) as well as other beneficiaries, such as a contingent beneficiary (a backup option).

Setting up the right beneficiary designations ensures your money and assets are distributed in line with your wishes.

Do I need final expenses insurance?

It depends. If you already have a strong life insurance policy or enough in your investment accounts or retirement accounts to cover funeral costs, then you might not need extra coverage.

But if your life insurance payout won't be available immediately — or if you're worried about leaving behind unpaid bills, lingering debt, or a financial burden for your family members — then a final expenses insurance is worth considering.

It's about peace of mind. The last thing you want is for your loved ones to be stressed out over finances while they're grieving.

Things to consider when you’re looking to get final expenses insurance directly from an insurance company

Before choosing a final expenses insurance policy, there are some things to ask yourself:

• "How much coverage do I need?" - Estimate the amount your loved ones might need to cover funeral costs, final expenses, or any unpaid bills.
• "What exclusions apply?" - Some policies might not cover accidental death or have conditions excluding suicide.
• "What's the application process?" - Is there a medical exam, or does it offer guaranteed acceptance?
• "Who should be my beneficiary?" - Think about the person you want to nominate and if they should be a primary or contingent beneficiary or if you want multiple beneficiaries instead.
• "What's the cost?" - Compare final expenses insurance costs and benefits to find the best coverage for your financial situation.

No one likes thinking about death. But making sure your family members are taken care of is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. By choosing the right insurance policies, setting up clear beneficiary designations, and making sure your loved ones have the financial support they need, you're giving them the ultimate gift: peace of mind.

Find out how North Cover Final Expenses Insurance can help protect your family, because planning for the future means they can focus on what matters most — remembering and celebrating you.