What the insurer assesses
Medical history, medication, lifestyle, smoking, risky occupations and hobbies, family history, sometimes an exam or blood work. These determine acceptance, any extra premium, and exclusions.
The duty to disclose
The Civil Code of Québec requires the policyholder to disclose all known circumstances likely to influence a reasonable insurer in assessing the risk. The duty is not limited to the questions asked.
Misrepresentation and concealment
Omitting or distorting relevant information can allow the insurer to have the contract annulled or the benefit reduced. Severity does not turn on your intent: a good-faith omission can suffice.
The link to the cause of death
Depending on the nature of the misrepresentation, a contestation can succeed even with no link between the omitted information and the cause of death. This point is poorly understood and carries heavy consequences.
When the problem surfaces
Never at underwriting: always at the claim, when the insurer reviews the medical file and the insured is no longer there to explain. The people who bear the refusal are the beneficiaries.
Good practice
Answer precisely, have any error corrected before the policy takes effect, keep a copy of what you signed, and raise any doubt about a past condition with your advisor rather than deciding yourself.
No rate, price, or recommendation on this page. Amounts and limits change: verify them with official sources before deciding.