The Full Emma Life Insurance Review for Canadians

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In This Article

Key takeaways:

  • Emma is an online insurance company geared towards young families in Canada.
  • They offer yearly renewable term policies as well as 10 to 20-year terms with fixed premiums (i.e. your monthly payments don't change).
  • Emma's yearly renewable term life insurance start out really cheap, but premiums go up every year.
  • You don't need to do a medical exam to get their term life insurance.
  • It's only available in Quebec and Ontario.

Our Emma life insurance review

To help you determine whether Emma life insurance is right for you, we reviewed their different products, prices, features and customer feedback.

Our Emma rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Who is Emma Life Insurance?

Emma Insurance is a Canadian insurtech start-up that was founded in 2017 by current CEO Félix Deschatelets as well as CMO Jacomo Deschatelets and CTO Guillaume Plante.

In early 2022, Emma announced they had raised $6M in funding from investors. In late 2022, they said they'd raised an additional $2M in loans from Silicon Valley Bank.

Emma is backed by Humania Assurance Inc., a reputable Quebec-based insurer that was founded in 1874.

Emma quick facts for 2023

  • Headquarters: Quebec
  • Founded: 2017
  • AM Best Financial Strength Rating: n/a
  • Better Business Bureau Rating: A+ (for Humania)
  • Backed by Humania Assurance Inc.

Emma life insurance rates for 2023

Let's take a look at how much it would cost for a 40-year-old nonsmoking woman in average health to get $500,000 in term coverage for 20 years with Emma:

Term life insurance: $66.60 per month

+ $16.32 per month for $10,000 in whole life insurance*

+ $11.25 per month for $25,000 in child coverage, per child.

= $94.17 per month

screenshot of emma life insurance

*Your term life insurance coverage reduces to $490,000.

Emma life insurance: pros and cons

Pros of Emma life insurance

  • The quote and application process is completely online, meaning there's no in-person meetings or paperwork.
  • The prices for yearly renewable life insurance start at $6 per month, making it an affordable choice for those looking for short-term coverage they can personalize.
  • Those in their 20s and early 30s will benefit from the lower prices.
  • You don't need to do a medical exam to get Emma's life insurance.
  • Pregnant women or new parents will not be denied coverage just because of their pregnancy.
  • Email, chat and phone support are available from Emma's advisors.

Cons of Emma life insurance

  • To get a quote, you have to apply online for a life insurance policy first.
  • Though you don't need to do a medical exam to get Emma's life insurance, the application includes many questions about your lifestyle and health.
  • Emma's life insurance coverage is only available for those up to age 55, which is lower than the industry average.
  • Child coverage is not included for free. You have to pay to add it to your policy.
  • Yearly renewable life insurance prices go up every year.
  • Emma life insurance is only available in Ontario and Quebec currently as of 2024.
  • No critical illness insurance or other rider options.

Emma life insurance: Product Details

Term life insurance: fixed premiums

  • Coverage: $100,000 to $1M
  • Term lengths available: 1, 10, 20
  • Three levels of premiums: an Elite rate that can get you up to $1M in coverage, a Superior rate that gets you up to $500,000 in coverage and the standard rate which gets you $300,000 in coverage.
  • Riders: Child life insurance rider
  • You can only buy the policy until age 55, which is pretty low.
  • Renewable after the term ends until age 65.
  • Convertible to a permanent policy until age 55.
  • Must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen to qualify.

Term Life Insurance: Yearly Renewable Premiums (1-Year Policy)

Emma is most known for their yearly renewable policy, where you pay insurance premiums for one of year coverage and then renew it yearly.

  • Premiums stay the same for the first five years after the policy starts. After that, Humania can increase premiums maximum once a year.
  • The premium renewal schedule is included in your policy contract and is not available online anymore. It is not included in the sample policy.
  • This means it's hard to know how much you'll pay in future until you go through the application process.
  • Otherwise, Emma's yearly renewable product has the same features as their level term product that we just talked about above.

Permanent Life Insurance

  • Emma offers a T100 product, meaning you get lifelong protection until age 100, after which you stop paying premiums and the policy remains in force.
  • Coverage: Up to $1M in coverage, according to their sample policy.
  • Application Process: When you apply online, Emma shows you a price for getting both term life and whole life insurance. You'll see a larger death benefit for term life to cover your current financial obligations, and a smaller death benefit, such as $10,000, for whole life to cover funeral expenses. It's up to you whether you want both, but you'll pay less if you only get term life.

Child Coverage

  • $11 per month (per child) estimate for $25,000 in coverage.
  • Choose from $15,000 or $25,000 in coverage per child.
  • This type of policy pays out upon the death of a child, which Emma defines as under 21 years old or under 25 years old if they are a student.
  • Can be converted to five times the initial amount of coverage, so up to a max of $125,000 in coverage.

Bottom line: Emma is best for young parents or homeowners

Young parents in their 20s or early 30s who are homeowners are the best fit for Emma's life insurance policy. You can personalize your coverage by the year to protect your family and give yourself the peace of mind that you are covered.

If you are in your 40s or have other priorities like estate planning needs, you can probably find a policy that suits your personalized needs better. Anyone with health issues or a family history of disease should also look elsewhere, such as with Canada Protection Plan.

But overall, Emma Life is a good idea for those needing a little bit of coverage for the cheapest price possible.

FAQ: Emma life insurance review

Who owns Emma insurance?

Emma Life Insurance is owned by Emma Labs Inc., a Canadian company based in Montreal, Quebec. Emma Labs Inc. focuses on making life insurance straightforward and accessible for families across Canada. As a local company, they operate under Canadian insurance regulations, ensuring their products meet the specific needs of Canadian families.

Founded by Félix and Jacomo Deschatelets and the currrent Chief Technology Officer Guillaume Plante, Emma Insurance aims to simplify the process of buying life insurance. They use technology to streamline the experience, making it quicker and easier for Canadians to get coverage. Emma Insurance is known for its transparency and customer service, making it a reliable choice for those looking to protect their loved ones with ease.

Who underwrites Emma insurance?

Emma Insurance is the primary interface for customers, but its insurance products are underwritten by Humania Assurance. Humania Assurance is a reputable life and health insurance company also based in Quebec. This strategic partnership ensures Emma Insurance can provide seamless and reliable service.

With Emma Life Insurance, you benefit from Humania Assurance's established presence in the Canadian market. Their underwriting process ensures your coverage is straightforward and dependable. This partnership allows Emma to provide competitive rates and quick approvals, making it easier for Canadians to get the financial protection they need.

What is the best life insurance for over 50?

Choosing the best life insurance for those over 50 depends on your needs and budget. For many Canadians, term life insurance is a solid choice. It provides coverage for a set period (like 10, 15, or 20 years) and is generally more affordable than whole life insurance. This makes it ideal if you’re looking to cover specific financial obligations, such as a mortgage or other debts, or if you want to ensure your loved ones have a financial cushion. Term policies can be tailored to your specific needs and adjusted as life changes, providing a flexible option as you age.

For those seeking lifelong coverage, whole life insurance might be more suitable. It covers you for your entire life and includes a cash value component that can grow over time, offering a form of savings. While more expensive than term policies, it’s a good option if you’re looking to leave a legacy or cover final expenses without the policy expiring. Some insurers also offer simplified or no-medical-exam policies, which can be a great option if you have health concerns. Always compare quotes and consider speaking with a non-commissioned advisor to find the best fit for your situation.

Want to learn more about other life insurance options? Here are more reviews of Canadian life insurance companies:

PolicyMe Editorial Team

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