Claiming life insurance

Money from a life insurance policy is considered a separate part of the succession.

You must contact the insurance company to obtain payment for the deceased's life insurance. You may also wish to contact the deceased's employer; life insurance may have been arranged in the event of the employee's death.

Finding a lost life insurance policy

If you have reason to believe that a life insurance policy has been lost, examine the deceased's papers. Bank statements could indicate that an insurance premium has been paid. You can also contact your insurance agent or employer.

The Ombudsman's website provides information on how to search for evidence that a life insurance policy exists.

You can ask the Ombudsman for Life and Health Insurance ombudsman to search for a lost life insurance policy, if you have reason to believe one exists. The search can be carried out under certain conditions:

• You must have proof that the policy exists.
• Less than two years and more than three months have elapsed since the person's death.
• The life and health insurance policy was issued in Canada.
• The Ombudsman for life and health insurance must conclude that it is reasonable to conduct a search.

Ombudsman for life and health insurance

In Québec (toll-free): 1-866-582-2088
In Canada (toll-free): 1-888-295-8112
Relay service for the deaf and hearing-impaired: 1-800-855-0511