Accidental death insurance

Protect your loved ones in case of accidental death.

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Last updated: February 20, 2025

What is accidental death insurance?

Accidental death insurance is a type of coverage that provides a tax-free cash pay-out to your loved ones, if you die due to an accident. An accident is a bodily injury that happens as a direct result of a violent, sudden, and unexpected action from an outside source.

When you purchase a Sun Life Go life insurance policy, you can choose to add Sun Life Go Accidental Death insurance coverage from $25,000 to $500,000, available in units of $25,000. You’re automatically accepted since this is a type of guaranteed life insurance and will be covered until you turn 70 years old, provided you pay your monthly premiums.

Why get accidental death insurance?

Planning for the future can give you peace of mind, especially when it comes to unforeseen events. Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance is an optional add-on to a life insurance policy that can help your family in case you die because of an accident. This coverage helps protect your loved ones if the unexpected happens. While that’s difficult to think about, it can give you peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be supported financially.

Key Features of Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance:

  • Add up to $500,000 to your life insurance coverage without any health questions.
  • You’re guaranteed to qualify – no medical questions asked.
  • This type of insurance will only pay if you pass away within 90 days of, and as a direct result of an accident and before you reach age 70.
  • You can cancel anytime. If you cancel within the first 30 days, you’ll  receive a full refund.

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Get a quote and apply online for Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance in minutes.

Please note, to apply for accidental death insurance through the Sun Life Go online application, you must first select a life insurance policy. Then you can add accidental death as an optional add-on. It cannot be purchased as a stand-alone policy online.

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The details you need to know

Who should consider Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance?

People who want an affordable insurance top-up to their existing life insurance in case of accidental death, without answering any health questions.

What are the eligibility criteria for Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance?

  • To qualify for accidental death insurance in Canada, you must be a Canadian resident between the ages of 18 and 65.
  • You also must first select a life insurance policy. Then you can add accidental death as an optional add-on.

What is covered under Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance?

The accidental death benefit is paid if you die:

  • While your policy is in effect
  • As a direct result of an eligible accident
  • Independently of any other cause
  • Within 90 days of the accident, and
  • Before your 70th birthday

How much Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance coverage can I get?

You can get coverage of $25,000 up to $500,000 in units of $25,000. Speak to an advisor to determine how much accidental death insurance is right for you.

What is not covered under Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance?

The accidental death benefit won’t be paid if you die as a direct or indirect result of:

  • Operating a vehicle while your blood alcohol level is more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood – whether the vehicle was moving or not.
  • Committing or trying to commit a crime.
  • Taking or trying to take your own life or injure yourself. This is regardless of whether you had a mental illness or understood or intended the consequences of your action(s).
  • Taking drugs other than those prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.
  • Inhaling or ingesting any poisonous substance or inhaling any type of gas - whether voluntarily or not.
  • Having a mental or physical illness or receiving treatment for that illness.
  • Receiving dental or surgical treatment.
  • Getting an infection – unless the infection was caused by an external, visible wound received in an accident.
  • Travelling by air, which includes leaving the aircraft. This is unless you’re a fare-paying passenger on a regularly scheduled airline.

Find more exclusions and limitations in the Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance sample policy.

Sun Life Go Accidental Death Insurance sample policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Natural death results primarily from a disease or illness. Accidental death is the result of an accident and is determined when there is little or no evidence of an intent to cause harm.

The details of a policy will determine whether the circumstances of the insured person’s death will qualify for an accidental death benefit payout.

Consult our accidental death insurance sample policy to learn more about exclusions and limitations.

The main difference between accidental death insurance and life insurance is that accidental death insurance only pays out for a death caused by an eligible accident. Life insurance, however, provides a lump-sum payout regardless of the cause of death, with certain exceptions such as suicide.

Life insurance will cover you no matter how you die (with the exception of the suicide exclusion in the first 2 years). Accidental death insurance is intended to top up life insurance coverage and will only cover you if you die because of an eligible accident.

No, accidental death insurance doesn't have a cash value. For the first 30 days of an accidental death life insurance policy, you can cancel the coverage and get your money back.

Want additional coverage?

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Give us a call

Speak to an advisor to get advice about your insurance needs. They can go over your life insurance options and answer your questions.

Call: 1-844-528-0583

Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 8p.m. ET

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer, and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. is licensed to offer life and health insurance in all jurisdictions in Canada.