Securian Canada research flags protection gap among recent graduates
New Securian Canada findings show that one in five recent post-secondary graduates carries no life, health, or critical illness insurance, exposing early-career Canadians to financial risk at a vulnerable life stage.
What happened
Securian Canada has released research showing that roughly 20 percent of recent Canadian post-secondary graduates go without life, health, or critical illness insurance coverage. The finding points to a notable protection shortfall at a stage when many young adults are taking on new financial responsibilities such as student debt repayment, renting, and entering the workforce.
What it means for consumers
For new graduates, the gap translates into practical risk: a serious illness, injury, or death during early adulthood could leave families absorbing medical costs, funeral expenses, or lost income with no insurance safety net. Many young workers assume their employer plan is enough, but group benefits often stop when a job ends, exclude certain conditions, or provide only baseline coverage. Comparing personal policies — especially affordable term life and critical illness products priced for younger, healthier applicants — can close the gap before it becomes costly.
What it means for premiums
No direct premium change has been announced.
Coverage considerations
The data suggests insurers and brokers may increasingly tailor products and educational outreach toward young adults, who commonly view insurance as irrelevant or unaffordable. Expect more emphasis on simplified critical illness and term life offerings sized for entry-level incomes, as well as guidance on transitioning off parental or student plans. Advisors may also focus on portability — ensuring coverage does not lapse when graduates change jobs or move between provinces.