What Happens to My Life Insurance If I Leave Canada?
What happens to your insurance if you move
If you're a Canadian planning to move abroad — whether it’s for work, family, or just a change of scenery — you’ve probably wondered: “What happens to my life insurance if I move out of the country?” It’s a smart question. And the good news is, you usually don’t have to cancel your policy. But there are a few important things to keep in mind.
The Short Answer
If you already have a life insurance policy in place before leaving Canada, in most cases it will remain valid —
even if you move abroad. Canadian life insurance policies typically follow you wherever you go because the insurance contract is based on your
residency and health at the time of application, not where you end up living later on.
So... Can I Just Move and Keep My Policy?
Yes, if:
- Your policy is already active
- You continue to pay premiums from a Canadian account
- You keep your contact and banking info up to date with the insurer
Be careful if:
- You’re moving to a high-risk country (e.g. war zones, countries under sanctions)
- You let your Canadian banking or contact information lapse
In most standard cases, your policy continues as long as you keep up your payments and your insurer has a way to stay in touch.
What About Claims?
If you pass away while living overseas, your Canadian life insurance policy can still pay out. However, your beneficiary may need to provide:
- An official death certificate from the local authority
- A certified English translation (if applicable)
- Additional documents, depending on the country
This doesn’t stop the claim from being processed, but it might slow things down slightly due to extra verification steps.
Pro Tip: Let Your Insurer Know
It’s a good idea to inform your insurance provider if you’re planning to move abroad. This helps them:
- Keep your file and contact details current
- Avoid billing issues or lapsed coverage
- Be prepared in case a claim ever needs to be processed from outside Canada
Final Thoughts
Moving abroad doesn’t mean your life insurance disappears. As long as your policy is in good standing, it can continue to protect your loved ones even if you’re living on the other side of the world. A quick conversation with your advisor can help ensure that everything stays on track — no matter where life takes you.
