Tell us what you need — term life, whole life, critical illness, disability, TFSAs, FHSAs, RESPs — and we'll connect you with a vetted, licensed advisor who specializes in exactly that.
Vetted & LLQP Licensed
Connected within 24 hrs
Independent Advisors
Always Free to Use
Who We Are
We don't sell insurance. We find you the right person who does.
SummitShield is a free advisor-connection platform for Canadians. Tell us what you're looking for, and we connect you with a vetted, independent, LLQP-licensed advisor who specializes in exactly that product — at no cost to you, ever.
Every advisor in our network is independently licensed, carrier-independent, and held to a strict standard of client-first advice. No captive agents. No pushy salespeople. Just qualified professionals who earn your trust.
"The best financial decision isn't always about the product — it's about finding the right person to guide you to it."
All Advisors Are Vetted
Every advisor in our network holds an active LLQP licence and is in good standing with their provincial regulator.
Truly Independent
Our advisors are not captive to any single carrier — they shop the market to find you the best fit.
Free for Clients, Always
You never pay to use SummitShield. Advisors are compensated by the carriers — your consultation is 100% free.
What Advisors Cover
Every product, paired with the right specialist.
Click any product to learn what it is and who it's for — then get connected with an advisor who specializes in exactly that.
T
Term Life Insurance
Pure, affordable protection for 10 to 30 years. Lock in a low rate while your family needs coverage most.
Protection
W
Whole Life Insurance
Permanent coverage that builds guaranteed, tax-sheltered cash value over time.
Permanent
U
Universal Life Insurance
Flexible permanent protection with an investment account inside your policy.
Permanent
C
Critical Illness Insurance
A tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with cancer, a heart attack, stroke, or other covered conditions.
Health
D
Disability Insurance
Replace up to 85% of your income if illness or injury stops you from working.
Income
I
Investments & Savings
Segregated funds with principal guarantees. TFSA, FHSA, RESP — tax-advantaged accounts for every goal.
Wealth
How It Works
Connected with your advisor in four simple steps.
No cold calls. No random referrals. A deliberate, transparent process that puts you in front of exactly the right person.
One
Tell us what you need
Fill out a short form — which product you're exploring and a bit about your situation. Takes under two minutes. No commitment required.
Two
We find your advisor
Within 24 hours, we identify the advisor in our network who best fits your needs — by product expertise, availability, and how they work. You'll hear from them directly.
Three
Have a free consultation
Your advisor will walk you through your options, compare carriers, and give you a clear, unbiased recommendation — no pressure, no sales script.
Four
Move forward on your terms
If you're ready to apply, your advisor handles the paperwork and guides you through underwriting. If you need more time, that's fine too — there's no pressure, ever.
Client Reviews
Real people. Real outcomes.
"I came in knowing nothing about life insurance. I left with a 20-year term policy that fits my budget perfectly. The whole thing was explained in plain language — no pressure, no rush."
A
Amandeep S.
Term Life · Brampton, ON
"Set up an FHSA and TFSA in one meeting. The advice was completely unbiased — they showed me three options and walked me through the trade-offs of each. Genuinely refreshing."
S
Sarah T.
FHSA + TFSA · Mississauga, ON
"As a self-employed contractor, I always worried about what happens if I can't work. Got critical illness and disability sorted in one call. The most straightforward insurance conversation I've ever had."
R
Rajdeep K.
CI + Disability · Vaughan, ON
Find your advisor.
Tell us what you need — we'll connect you with the right advisor within one business day. Free, always.
Your information is never sold or shared. By submitting you consent to being contacted by a licensed advisor from our network. Opt out anytime.
You're connected.
We're identifying the best advisor for your needs. You'll hear from them within one business day — no cold calls, just the right person.
What Our Advisors Specialize In
Know what you need. We'll find who can help.
Browse the products our advisors specialize in. Click any one to learn how it works and who it's best for — then get connected with an advisor who specializes in it.
Protection
Term Life Insurance
Affordable coverage for a set period — 10 to 40 years
Protection
Term life insurance is the most straightforward and affordable form of life insurance in Canada. You choose a coverage amount and a term length — typically 10, 20, or 30 years — and pay a fixed monthly premium for the duration. If you pass away during the term, your beneficiaries receive a tax-free lump sum death benefit. If the term ends and you're still alive, the coverage expires or renews at a higher rate.
It's best suited for Canadians who have dependants, a mortgage, or income that others rely on — and who want maximum coverage at minimum cost during the years it matters most.
10–40 yrs
Typical term lengths available in Canada
$0
Cash value — pure protection only
Tax-free
Death benefit paid to beneficiaries
Who is it for?
New parents — protect your family if the unexpected happens during your child's formative years
Homeowners with a mortgage — ensure your family can stay in the home if you're gone
Young professionals — lock in low rates now while you're healthy; premiums rise significantly with age
Business owners — use term to cover a business loan or key-person risk
Pros & Considerations
✓ Strengths
Lowest cost per dollar of coverage
Simple to understand
Death benefit is 100% tax-free in Canada
Most policies are convertible to permanent coverage without a new medical exam
Some policies include built-in critical illness riders
! Things to know
No cash value — nothing back if the term expires
Renewals after the initial term are significantly more expensive
Coverage ends at a set age (typically 80–85 max)
If your health changes, getting new coverage may be harder
Canadian tax note: Life insurance death benefits paid to a named beneficiary bypass probate entirely, saving your family thousands. Proper beneficiary designation is a key part of Canadian estate planning.
Permanent Life Insurance
Whole Life Insurance
Lifelong coverage with guaranteed cash value growth
Permanent
Whole life insurance provides permanent, lifelong coverage that never expires as long as premiums are paid. It also builds guaranteed cash value that grows tax-deferred inside the policy. This cash value can be accessed through policy loans or withdrawals, making it both a protection tool and a long-term financial asset.
In Canada, whole life is popular for estate planning, business succession, and tax-sheltered wealth accumulation — especially once TFSA and RRSP contribution room has been maximized.
Lifetime
Coverage never expires
Guaranteed
Cash value growth — no market risk
Tax-deferred
Cash value grows sheltered inside the policy
Who is it for?
Estate planners — guarantee a tax-free legacy regardless of when you pass
High-income Canadians — shelter additional savings from tax once TFSA/RRSP room is used up
Business owners — a tax-efficient vehicle inside a corporation (corporate-owned whole life is a popular Canadian strategy)
Parents of young children — lock in low rates early and build a cash asset for your child's future
Pros & Considerations
✓ Strengths
Permanent — never expires, no renewal risk
Guaranteed cash value growth regardless of markets
Participating policies may earn annual dividends
Excellent for corporate-owned insurance strategies in Canada
Policy loans don't appear on a credit bureau
! Things to know
Significantly higher premiums than term
Cash value takes several years to become meaningful
Less flexible than Universal Life — premiums are fixed
Surrendering early can result in a loss
Canadian strategy: Corporate-owned whole life is widely used by Canadian business owners to move retained earnings out of their corporation tax-efficiently. Speak with us and a tax advisor to see if this applies to your situation.
Universal Life Insurance
Flexible permanent coverage with an investment component
Permanent
Universal Life (UL) separates the insurance cost from an investment account inside the policy. You pay a flexible premium — anything above the insurance cost goes into an investment account that grows tax-sheltered. You choose how it's invested, from low-risk GIC-like options to equity-linked funds.
UL gives you adjustable coverage and premiums, making it one of the most flexible permanent products in Canada — but one that requires more active management.
Flexible
Premiums and death benefit are adjustable
Tax-sheltered
Investment account grows inside the policy
Lifetime
Coverage is permanent
Who is it for?
Financially sophisticated clients who want control over how their cash value is invested
Business owners who want permanent insurance with premium flexibility during slower business years
Estate planning clients who want to maximize the tax-free death benefit their heirs receive
Pros & Considerations
✓ Strengths
Maximum flexibility — adjust premiums and coverage over time
Investment account can be linked to equity markets for higher growth potential
Excellent tax-sheltering vehicle for high earners
Can be used as collateral for a bank loan (bank leveraging strategy)
Death benefit can increase over time
! Things to know
More complex — requires regular review
Investment risk falls on the policyholder (unlike whole life)
If underfunded, the policy can lapse
Costs of insurance inside the policy increase with age
Canadian bank leveraging strategy: Some Canadians use the accumulated cash value in their UL policy as collateral for a bank line of credit. The loan proceeds are tax-free and interest may be deductible in certain situations. Always review with a tax advisor.
Health & Income Protection
Critical Illness Insurance
A tax-free lump sum if diagnosed with a serious illness
Health
Critical Illness (CI) insurance pays a one-time, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a covered serious condition — typically 30 days after diagnosis. Unlike disability insurance, CI gives you cash you can use however you choose: pay off your mortgage, cover treatments not covered by provincial health plans, take time off to recover, or hire home help.
In Canada, CI typically covers cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, major organ failure, and more.
Tax-free
Lump sum — use it any way you need
25–30+
Conditions typically covered
30 days
Typical survival period before benefit pays
Covered conditions (typical)
Cancer (life-threatening)
Heart attack and coronary artery bypass surgery
Stroke resulting in permanent neurological deficit
Major organ transplant or failure (kidney, liver, lung, heart)
Blindness, deafness, loss of limbs
Aortic surgery, heart valve replacement, and more
Pros & Considerations
✓ Strengths
No restrictions on how you use the money
Covers gaps provincial health plans don't
Return of premium option — get all premiums back if you never claim
Can be added as a rider to a life insurance policy
Protects your savings from being wiped out by a health event
! Things to know
Doesn't pay if you pass away immediately (life insurance covers that)
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded
Survival period must be met before benefit is paid
Premiums rise significantly if purchased at older ages
Canadian health context: Provincial health plans cover many treatments, but not all. Private cancer clinics, experimental treatments, lost income during recovery, and home care are typically your responsibility. A CI benefit fills exactly these gaps.
Disability Insurance
Replace your income if illness or injury stops you from working
Income
Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable financial asset. Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income — typically 60–85% of your gross earnings — if you become unable to work due to illness or injury. Benefits are paid monthly and are generally tax-free when you personally pay the premiums.
In Canada, disability is statistically far more likely to disrupt your working years than death — making this one of the most overlooked but important protections available.
60–85%
Of your gross income replaced monthly
Tax-free
Benefits when premiums are personally paid
To age 65
Maximum benefit period (most policies)
Key policy features to look for
Own occupation definition — pays if you can't do YOUR specific job, even if you could work another
Non-cancellable & guaranteed renewable — the insurer cannot cancel or raise your premiums as long as you pay
COLA rider (Cost of Living Adjustment) — your benefit increases with inflation while on claim
Short vs. long-term disability — short-term covers 90–180 days; long-term can cover to age 65
Elimination period — the waiting period before benefits begin (typically 30, 60, or 90 days)
Pros & Considerations
✓ Strengths
Protects your lifestyle even if you can't work for months or years
Critical for the self-employed — no employer benefits to fall back on
Benefits are tax-free when premiums are personally paid
Riders available for partial disability and recovery periods
! Things to know
Higher premiums for high-risk occupations
Mental health and back conditions may have limited coverage periods
Benefits through work (group plans) are taxable and may not be portable
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded or rated
Self-employed Canadians: CPP disability benefits are modest and difficult to qualify for. If you're self-employed — a contractor, freelancer, or business owner — you have no employer group plan to fall back on. Individual disability insurance is especially critical for you.
Savings & Wealth
Segregated Funds
Market-linked investing with built-in guarantees
Wealth
Segregated funds are investment products available exclusively through Canadian insurance companies. They function similarly to mutual funds but come with insurance-based features that mutual funds don't offer: principal guarantees, creditor protection, and estate planning benefits.
Most seg funds guarantee 75–100% of your principal at maturity (typically 10 years) or upon death — meaning even if markets crash, you won't lose everything.
75–100%
Principal guaranteed at maturity or death
Bypass
Probate — assets go directly to named beneficiary
ASSURIS
Protected up to $100K if the insurer fails
Key features unique to seg funds in Canada
Maturity guarantee — at contract end, you're guaranteed 75–100% of what you put in regardless of market performance
Death benefit guarantee — your beneficiary receives the higher of market value or the guaranteed amount
Creditor protection — in most provinces, seg fund assets with a designated beneficiary are protected from creditors
Bypass probate — proceeds pass directly to your named beneficiary, avoiding delays and probate fees
Reset feature — lock in market gains by resetting your guarantee to the current higher value
Pros & Considerations
✓ Strengths
Downside protection — you can't lose more than 25% even in a market crash (with 75% guarantee)
Creditor protection — ideal for business owners
Estate planning advantages over mutual funds
Can be held in registered accounts (RRSP, TFSA, RRIF)
! Things to know
Higher MERs than comparable mutual funds
Guarantees apply at maturity or death — not if you withdraw early
Less fund variety than the broader mutual fund universe
ASSURIS protection: Canadian seg fund holders are protected by ASSURIS — an industry-funded plan that guarantees up to $100,000 of your accumulation value if the issuing insurance company becomes insolvent.
TFSA — Tax-Free Savings Account
Grow your money completely tax-free, forever
Wealth
The TFSA is one of Canada's most powerful savings tools. Any growth — dividends, interest, capital gains — earned inside a TFSA is completely tax-free, forever. Withdrawals are also tax-free and don't affect government benefits like OAS or GIS. Withdrawn amounts are added back to your contribution room the following calendar year.
We can hold your TFSA in segregated funds, giving you market exposure with the added benefits of principal guarantees and creditor protection that a bank TFSA doesn't offer.
$7,000
2024 annual TFSA contribution limit
$95,000+
Lifetime room if 18+ since 2009
100%
Of growth and withdrawals are tax-free
Why hold your TFSA with us (vs. a bank)?
Seg funds inside your TFSA — get principal guarantees a bank GIC or mutual fund TFSA doesn't offer
Creditor protection — unlike a bank TFSA, a seg fund TFSA with a named beneficiary is protected from creditors in most provinces
Bypass probate — assets go directly to your named beneficiary
Personalized investment strategy — we tailor your fund selection to your risk tolerance and timeline
Important: Overcontributing to a TFSA results in a 1% per month penalty tax. If you're unsure of your available room, check your CRA My Account portal — or ask us and we'll help you verify before investing.
FHSA — First Home Savings Account
Canada's newest account — save for your first home tax-free
Wealth
Introduced in 2023, the FHSA combines the best features of the RRSP and TFSA: contributions are tax-deductible (like an RRSP), and withdrawals used to buy a qualifying first home are completely tax-free (like a TFSA).
If you don't end up buying a home, your FHSA funds can be transferred to your RRSP or RRIF with no tax impact — you lose nothing.
$8,000
Annual contribution limit
$40,000
Lifetime contribution limit
Dual
Tax deduction in + tax-free out
Who qualifies?
Must be a Canadian resident, at least 18 years old
Must be a first-time home buyer — no principal residence owned in the current year or previous 4 calendar years
Must close the FHSA within 15 years of opening, or by age 71
Can combine with the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan — up to $40K from FHSA + $35K from RRSP = up to $75,000 tax-free
Pros & Considerations
✓ Strengths
Deduct contributions from your income (immediate tax refund)
All growth and qualifying withdrawals are tax-free
Unused room can be carried forward (up to $8,000 per year)
If you never buy — transfer to RRSP with no penalty
Can stack with HBP for a larger down payment
! Things to know
Must close account within 15 years of opening
Non-qualifying withdrawals are fully taxable
Only available to first-time buyers as defined by CRA rules
Pro tip: Open your FHSA as early as possible — contribution room accumulates the year you open the account, not the year you contribute. Opening it at 18 or 19 builds more room than waiting until you're actively saving.
RESP — Registered Education Savings Plan
Save for your child's education with government grants
Wealth
The RESP is designed to help families save for post-secondary education. The biggest advantage is the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) — the government matches 20% of your contributions up to $2,500 per year, giving you a free $500 annually from the federal government.
Growth inside the RESP is tax-deferred, and when withdrawn for education, it's taxed in the student's hands — who typically pays little to no tax.
$500/yr
Free government grant (CESG) per year per child
$7,200
Lifetime maximum CESG per beneficiary
$50,000
Lifetime contribution limit per beneficiary
Government grants available
CESG — 20% match on contributions up to $2,500/year = $500 free per year, $7,200 lifetime
Additional CESG — lower-income families get an extra 10–20% on the first $500 (up to $200 more/year)
Canada Learning Bond (CLB) — low-income families may receive up to $2,000 with no contribution required
Quebec Education Savings Incentive (QESI) — additional 10% grant for Quebec residents
Pros & Considerations
✓ Strengths
Immediate 20% return via the CESG — unmatched anywhere
Tax-deferred growth for potentially 18+ years
Withdrawals taxed in student's hands (very low or zero tax)
Can be transferred to a sibling if first child doesn't attend post-secondary
Seg funds inside RESP add guarantees and creditor protection
! Things to know
Grants must be repaid if child doesn't pursue post-secondary education
Non-educational withdrawals are taxable + subject to a 20% penalty
Account must be closed by the end of the 35th year after opening
Start early: The CESG can be earned from birth to age 17. Starting early maximizes grant years and gives your investment the most time to compound. Even small monthly contributions grow significantly over 18 years with grants and compounding.
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