iA Financial Group: life insurance, critical illness and investments
One of Canada's largest insurance and wealth groups, founded in Quebec City in 1892. Here are its term, permanent, critical illness and investment products, who each suits, and how to buy through a licensed advisor.
The short answer
iA Financial Group (Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc., TSX: IAG) is a Quebec City-based insurer founded in 1892 and one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada. For families it offers Pick-A-Term term life (terms from 10 to 40 years), Access Life for people who want simplified or guaranteed acceptance, permanent plans including iA PAR participating whole life and Genesis and EquiBuild universal life, plus critical illness and disability coverage. On the investment side, its segregated funds guarantee 75% or 100% of deposits at maturity or death (Classic 75/75, Series 75/100, Ecoflex 100/100), and it offers guaranteed investment options and FORLIFE lifetime income. iA does not sell Secure Travel (RIMI) visitor insurance; that plan is underwritten by Lloyd's.
iA Financial Group at a glance
Industrial Alliance grew from Alliance Nationale (1892) and Industrial Life (1905). Today iA Financial Group serves millions of clients in Canada and the United States through independent advisors.
iA Financial Group insurance and investment products
What each product does and who it suits. Names and features as published by iA Financial Group, reviewed October 2026.
| Type | Product | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term life | Pick-A-Term | Level premiums for a term you choose, from 10 to 40 years; renewable and convertible to permanent coverage without new medical evidence. | Mortgages, young families, income replacement |
| Simplified / guaranteed | Access Life | Simplified-issue or guaranteed-acceptance coverage as term or lifelong insurance, with no medical exam. | People with health issues or who were declined |
| Whole life | Whole Life (non-participating) | Guaranteed premiums, death benefit and cash values for life. | Final expenses, estate costs, predictable budgets |
| Participating whole life | iA PAR | Whole life that also pays annual dividends, which can buy more coverage, reduce premiums or be taken in cash. | Estate building, tax-sheltered growth, business owners |
| Universal life | Genesis | Permanent coverage with an investment account you direct, and quick-pay options of 10, 15 or 20 years. | High earners and corporations wanting flexibility |
| Universal life | EquiBuild | Universal life focused on long-term growth, with annual bonuses that increase coverage. | Long-term estate growth |
| Living benefits | Life and Serenity 65 / Child Life and Health Duo | Lifelong coverage with extra protection for loss of autonomy, or child life plus critical illness in one plan. | Seniors' planning; parents insuring a child |
| Critical illness | iA Critical Illness | A tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of a covered illness such as cancer, heart attack or stroke, as term or lifelong coverage. | Income protection during recovery |
| Investments | Segregated funds: Classic 75/75, Series 75/100, Ecoflex 100/100 | Market investments with 75% or 100% of deposits guaranteed at maturity or death; possible probate savings and creditor protection. | RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RRIF and non-registered savings |
| Retirement income | FORLIFE Series and guaranteed investments | Guaranteed lifetime income from segregated funds, and fixed-rate guaranteed interest options. | Pre-retirees and retirees |
Availability, ages and amounts depend on the product, province and underwriting. The contract and illustration govern.
Which iA Financial Group product fits you?
Pick your main goal, age and health. You'll see the iA Financial Group products to ask about, and when another insurer may be the better fit.
A planning aid, not advice or underwriting. Pankaj compares iA Financial Group with the other insurers he represents before recommending.
Where iA Financial Group stands out
- A very wide product shelf: term, whole life, participating, universal life, CI, disability and investments under one company.
- Pick-A-Term lets you choose almost any term length to match a mortgage or children's ages.
- One of Canada's largest segregated fund providers, with over $50 billion in seg fund assets.
- Access Life gives an option to people who were declined or have health issues.
What to watch
- Universal life is complex; it needs an illustration and regular reviews.
- Segregated fund guarantees cost extra fees, especially Series 75/100 and Ecoflex 100/100.
- Simplified and guaranteed-acceptance coverage costs more than fully underwritten insurance.
- Term pricing isn't always the lowest; compare before you buy.
How to buy iA Financial Group through Pankaj
The premium is the same as buying direct; you also get an advisor who compares other insurers.
1. Talk about needs
Income, debts, family, goals and budget. Pankaj runs a needs analysis and compares iA Financial Group with other insurers.
2. Apply
Most applications are electronic, with e-signature. Some coverage needs a phone interview, paramedical exam or tests.
3. Policy and service
Pankaj delivers and explains the policy, then helps with changes, beneficiary updates, renewals and claims.
iA Financial Group: frequently asked questions
Is iA Financial Group the same as Industrial Alliance?
Yes. iA Financial Group is the brand of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc., founded in Quebec City in 1892 and listed on the TSX as IAG.
The name comes from two companies: Alliance Nationale (1892) and Industrial Life (1905).
Does iA underwrite RIMI Super Visa insurance?
No. Secure Travel (RIMI) visitor and Super Visa insurance is underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd's, with claims by MSH. iA Financial Group is a separate company.
See the RIMI Super Visa guide for that plan.
How long can an iA Pick-A-Term policy last?
You choose the term, from 10 up to 40 years, with level premiums for that period.
The policy can be renewed or converted to permanent insurance without new medical evidence, within the contract's limits.
Does iA offer life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes. Access Life offers simplified-issue and guaranteed-acceptance coverage, as term or permanent insurance.
It costs more than fully underwritten coverage, so healthy applicants usually pay less with Pick-A-Term.
What are iA segregated funds?
Investment funds sold by a life insurer that guarantee 75% or 100% of your deposits at contract maturity or death, whatever the market does.
iA offers Classic 75/75 (lowest fees), Series 75/100 (100% at death) and Ecoflex 100/100 (100% at maturity and death). Values otherwise go up and down with the markets.
What is iA PAR?
iA's participating whole life insurance. Besides guaranteed coverage and cash values, it can pay annual dividends.
Dividends are not guaranteed. They can buy paid-up additions, reduce premiums, or be paid in cash.
Can I buy iA insurance through an independent advisor?
Yes. iA sells through licensed advisors. Pankaj Bhatia is contracted with iA and can compare it with other insurers.
The premium is the same as through any other iA advisor.
Written by Pankaj Bhatia, CHS, PFA
Licensed insurance & financial advisor · Insure In Canada Inc. · Mississauga & Cambridge, Ontario
Pankaj is a licensed insurance and financial advisor (Insure In Canada Inc.) who represents iA Financial Group alongside other Canadian insurers. He has helped families with life, critical illness and investment planning for 11 years.
Call 647-640-2222 · WhatsApp · About Pankaj · Google reviews
Get a iA Financial Group quote or a second opinion
Send Pankaj your age, coverage amount and goal. He'll show you the iA Financial Group option and how it compares.
Sources and related pages
Other insurers Pankaj represents
- Manulife
- Sun Life
- Canada Life
- Desjardins
- RBC Insurance
- BMO Insurance
- Equitable Life
- Canada Protection Plan
- Empire Life
- Foresters Financial
- Co-operators
- Wawanesa Life
Independent guide by Pankaj Bhatia, a licensed advisor; not published by iA Financial Group. Product names and features are summarized from iA Financial Group's published materials and independent reviews as of October 2026 and can change. The policy contract, illustration and fund facts govern. Segregated fund values fluctuate except for the applicable maturity and death benefit guarantees.