Can you convert group life insurance to an individual policy when you leave a job?

Usually yes, within 31 days of losing the group coverage and before age 65. Canada Life says that in most cases “the conversion process must take place within the first 31 days after the reduction or loss of your group coverage”, and Desjardins states you have “31 days following your last day at work” to convert “without having to provide evidence of insurability”. Converted policies are priced for people who could not pass underwriting, so a healthy newcomer is often better off buying a new term policy. Either way, decide inside the window.

What is the conversion privilege?

A right in most Canadian group life plans to turn your group coverage, or part of it, into an individual policy with the same insurer when the group cover ends, without health questions. It exists so that someone who became uninsurable while employed is not left with nothing when the job ends.

Details from the two insurers’ public pages, reviewed October 2026. Your own plan’s certificate governs; other group insurers use similar but not identical terms. Confirm with the group insurer at once when notice is given.

When should a newcomer convert?

When a new individual application would be declined, rated or postponed. Three cases: a health condition diagnosed while employed, a work permit expiring within three months, or a status that caps new cover below the group amount. In those cases the conversion right is worth more than its premium.

Conversion is a contractual right and generally does not re-check immigration status; a new application does. See eligibility for work permit holders.

Why is a new term policy often cheaper?

Because the converted policy is priced for a pool that includes everyone who could not pass underwriting, while a new term policy is priced for your health class. PolicyAdvisor’s sample table shows $500,000 of 20-year term, non-smoker, regular health, at $30 a month for a 30-year-old man, $45 at 40 and $124 at 50, seen Oct 2026 — verify at quote time. Converted premiums are not published and vary by plan; ask the group insurer for the figure in writing.

The comparison is simple: get the conversion quote and a new term quote for the same amount inside the 31 days. If the new policy is issued at a lower premium, let the conversion right expire. If underwriting rates or declines you, convert before day 31. Do not let the window close while waiting for a new policy; apply for the new policy on day one.

How do you convert, step by step?

1. On receiving notice, ask HR for the last day of group coverage and the group insurer’s conversion form.
2. Note the deadline: 31 days from the loss of coverage in the plans above.
3. Request the conversion premium for the full group amount and for a partial amount.
4. In the same week, book a needs call and apply for a new term policy; see how to compare quotes.
5. If the new policy is issued at a lower premium before day 31, decline conversion.
6. If the new application is rated, postponed or declined, submit the conversion form and first premium before day 31.
7. Keep the confirmation; a conversion submitted on day 32 is refused.

What you need: the group certificate or benefits booklet, the termination letter with dates, and identification.

What else ends with the job?

Disability, extended health and often critical illness. The FCAC notes many employers offer disability insurance; it rarely converts. The gap in health benefits between jobs is covered on our employer health plans page. If you have a condition and the plan includes critical illness, ask whether it converts; most do not, so apply for individual critical illness while still covered. See critical illness vs disability.

A newcomer’s group life is often one or two times salary, below the 5 to 10 times a family needs; see how much coverage. Many families hold an individual term policy alongside group cover so that a job change never leaves them uninsured.

What should you do today if you still have a job?

Read the booklet for the life amount and the conversion clause, and buy an individual term policy while you are healthy and employed. The FCAC advises looking at what coverage you already have through your employer; the point is to know what you lose on leaving.

Super Visa Direct Insurance Services arranges individual life and critical illness insurance with Canadian life insurers, including Wawanesa Life and Canada Protection Plan (underwritten by Foresters Life Insurance Company), through a managing general agency; we do not administer group plans. Our advisor disclosure explains how we are paid. Nothing here is advice for your situation until you have spoken to a licensed advisor. Contact us with your last day of coverage, the group amount and your health notes, and we will quote a new policy inside the window.