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Our most competitive term rates in years

Discover how competitive pricing introduced in February, lower renewal rates and a streamlined digital experience can help support today's insurance conversations.

Updated
5 min. read

For many Canadians, term life insurance remains one of the most effective ways to secure meaningful protection at an affordable cost. Yet a troubling gap persists: Millions of Canadians either lack insurance altogether, or are underinsured.

As Canadians’ needs change with mortgages, growing families and, debt repayment, advisors like you play a critical role in ensuring clients get the right coverage at the right time. Making coverage more affordable and creating a smoother path to coverage are important parts of that equation.

The lower term rates introduced in February remain among our most comprehensive updates in years, with decreases across all ages and coverage bands. On average, this amounts to around a 5% overall premium reduction, helping you quote stronger, more compelling options in a market where pricing differences can determine whether a client moves forward now or later.

“Affordability is only part of closing Canada’s protection gap,” says Rohit Thomas, President and CEO, BMO Insurance. “We’re also modernizing how coverage gets placed — from simplifying underwriting with data and analytics to introducing digital tools like Rovr AI. By removing complexity for advisors and making insurance easier to understand and accessible for our clients, we’re building a more inclusive experience for Canadians.”   

Check the numbers: See how BMO Insurance Term stacks up

This table compares BMO Insurance’s average competitive ranking for term life insurance before and after the February 2026 reprice. Across term 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30, BMO Insurance’s average ranking has improved compared to the previous rates, with premium decreases ranging from approximately 3% to 8%. The largest improvement appears in term 20, which shows the biggest average reduction.

Term

 Average rank vs competitors footnote 1 

Average premium decrease

T10

2

-6.3%

T15

1

-4.2%

T20

2

-7.5%

T25

1

-4.3%

T30

1

-3.4%

This table shows how BMO Insurance’s term 10 non smoker rates rank against competitors by age, coverage amount and gender.

This table presents competitive rankings for BMO Insurance’s term 20 non smoker rates by age, coverage amount and gender.

This table outlines competitive rankings for BMO Insurance’s term 30 non smoker rates by age, coverage amount and gender.

 Footnote star details Source: The Wave 59 and Lifeguide. Ranking comparison was performed based on information regarding annual premiums of comparable term products, believed to be reliable and in effect as of August 31, 2026. BMO Insurance is not liable for any errors or omissions in the information derived from third party sources.

Renewal rates that support long-term protection 

We’ve also introduced proportionately lower renewal rates, strengthening the long-term value of our term solutions. As clients approach their renewal periods, pricing can be a critical factor in whether they maintain coverage, convert to permanent insurance or explore alternative options.  

This enhancement also supports you in preserving long-term relationships. Lower renewals reinforce your advice, ease the pressure during annual reviews, and create opportunities to discuss broader needs like conversion, layering coverage or adjusting protection as circumstances evolve.

Faster underwriting with SmartDecision

Competitive pricing can help start the conversation, but a streamlined application experience can help bring coverage into force sooner. Through SmartDecision, powered by VUE (Virtual Underwriting Engine), eligible applicants may receive an instant underwriting decision during the application process. Instant decisions are available for eligible coverage amounts up to $5 million across term, universal life and whole life insurance products. SmartDecision helps reduce delays, improve efficiency and support stronger client engagement throughout the application journey.

Added value with the new Empathy program 

Every BMO Insurance Term policy also includes Empathy loss support services at no additional cost. This service provides compassionate, practical support to beneficiaries during one of life’s most difficult moments. From managing administrative tasks to guiding families through complex decisions, Empathy helps reduce emotional and logistical burdens when support matters most. 

For you as an advisor, Empathy represents added value you can highlight in conversations, demonstrating that BMO Insurance offers not only competitive pricing but also meaningful support when it’s needed most. It strengthens your ability to recommend term life as a holistic solution that extends beyond financial protection. 

The bottom line 

The term life and underwriting improvements are part of a broader effort at BMO Insurance to modernize how Canadians experience insurance protection. From competitive pricing and lower renewal rates to digital innovations such as SmartDecision, we're helping advisors deliver a more efficient and client-friendly insurance experience.

Have questions? Reach out to your regional sales team. If you’re pressed for time and need help understanding specific details about the policy, try asking Rovr AI, our AI-powered digital assistant.  

Frequently asked questions

How is BMO Insurance making term insurance easier to place?

BMO Insurance continues to invest in digital tools designed to simplify the insurance journey for advisors and clients. SmartApp enables electronic insurance applications, while eligible applications may receive an underwriting decision through SmartDecision during the application process. Together, these capabilities can help streamline application submission and underwriting. Learn more.

How competitive is BMO Insurance Term pricing at lower coverage amounts? 

For clients seeking more modest amounts of coverage, competitive pricing at lower coverage bands can help make protection more affordable and accessible. Learn more in Where competitive pricing meets a smoother path to sales.

What is a term rider reset strategy? 

A term rider reset strategy can help clients maintain needed temporary coverage while creating flexibility to transition portions of their insurance plan toward permanent coverage over time. Learn more in Term rider resets explained.

How can I help clients understand term insurance conversion options? 

Many term life insurance policies include conversion privileges that may allow clients to transition to permanent insurance without additional medical evidence, subject to policy terms and conditions. Share this explainer to help clients understand how term insurance conversion works. 

How can I help clients understand combined coverage term insurance?

Combined coverage term insurance can provide two full death benefits under a single policy, offering administration simplicity and potential cost advantages compared to purchasing separate policies. Share the Combined coverage term insurance explainer with clients. 

Are there special insurance planning options for business owners?

The Business Guaranteed Insurability Option (BGIO) rider allows eligible clients to purchase additional insurance without medical evidence, subject to financial qualification requirements. It can support planning for business growth, succession, key-person coverage and buy-sell agreements. Learn more about Business Guaranteed Insurability Option (BGIO).

 Footnote 1 details  Ranking comparison was performed based on information regarding annual premiums of comparable term products, believed to be reliable and in effect as of August 31, 2026. BMO Insurance is not liable for any errors or omissions in the information derived from third party sources. Source: The Wave 59.0 and Lifeguide.

Disclaimer:

Information contained in this article is general in nature and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to seek the advice of other professionals such as legal and tax experts. Rovr AI is an automated system powered by Microsoft Azure AI and is intended to provide access to BMO Insurance underwriting documentation, product information and advisor resources. Do not use any client personal information in any queries. The results are for reference purposes only and are not a substitute for specific advice. They should be used as a starting point, and all information should be verified through the linked sources. SmartDecision is available for eligible applications and subject to applicable underwriting requirements. Eligibility and outcomes may vary. The applicable policy contract governs. Please consult the appropriate policy contract for details on the terms, conditions, benefits, guarantees, exclusions and limitations. The actual policy issued governs. Each policy holder’s financial circumstances are unique, and they must obtain and rely upon independent tax, accounting, legal and other advice concerning the structure of their insurance, as they deem appropriate for their particular circumstances. BMO Life Assurance Company does not provide any such advice to the policyholder or to the insurance advisor.

Insurer: BMO Life Assurance Company

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