Insurance Underwriter Jobs at Manulife Financial Canada
Company: Manulife Financial
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Remote and Hybrid options available)
Location: Multiple locations across Canada (Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and more)
Posted: July 4, 2026
Company Overview
Manulife Financial is a leading international financial services group headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. With operations across Canada, the United States, Asia, and globally, Manulife provides financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups, and institutions. The company operates as John Hancock in the United States and as Manulife elsewhere.
Manulife’s mission is to make decisions easier and lives better. The company serves over 34 million customers worldwide and manages more than $1.3 trillion in assets under management and administration. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded companies, Manulife is committed to delivering on its promises to clients while driving sustainable growth and positive social impact.
At Manulife, a sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates the culture, which the company considers the key to its success. With a global footprint and positions at every level, Manulife offers opportunities for every stage of your career. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just learning the ropes, you will find the support and encouragement to be your best self.
Manulife is deeply committed to inclusion and diversity, creating an environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work. The company offers comprehensive benefits, flexible work arrangements, and clear career development pathways that empower employees to grow and succeed on a global scale.
Job Details
| Job Title | Insurance Underwriter |
| Department | Individual Insurance – Underwriting |
| Employment Type | Full-Time, Permanent (Remote and Hybrid options available) |
| Experience Level | Entry-Level to Senior-Level |
| Education Required | High School Diploma or equivalent (Post-secondary preferred) |
| Certifications | ALU, FLMI, or related insurance designations preferred; underwriting training provided |
| Work Model | Remote, Hybrid, or On-Site (varies by role and location) |
Job Description
The Insurance Underwriter at Manulife Financial plays a critical role in the company’s individual insurance operations. As an underwriter, you will evaluate life insurance applications, assess medical and financial risk factors, and make informed decisions that protect Manulife’s financial interests while ensuring fair and equitable treatment of applicants.
This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment. You will review application information, medical records, financial documentation, and other relevant data to determine appropriate risk classification and pricing. Your decisions directly impact the company’s profitability and the ability to deliver on its promises to policyholders.
Manulife offers various underwriting roles, from entry-level positions handling standard cases to senior roles managing large and complex life insurance applications with approval limits ranging from $3 million to $5 million in life insurance and $250,000 in critical illness coverage. The company also offers specialized underwriting consultant positions that involve fieldwork and direct agent collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Application Review: Evaluate life insurance applications by analyzing medical history, financial information, lifestyle factors, and occupational risks to determine insurability.
- Risk Assessment: Assess and classify risk based on established underwriting guidelines, mortality tables, and actuarial data to determine appropriate premium rates and coverage terms.
- Decision Making: Make underwriting decisions including approval, modification, declination, or referral to senior underwriters or medical directors for complex cases.
- Medical Record Analysis: Review and interpret attending physician statements, medical test results, and other health-related documentation to evaluate applicant health status.
- Financial Underwriting: Analyze financial documentation to ensure proposed coverage amounts are appropriate and justified based on income, net worth, and insurable interest.
- Case Management: Manage a portfolio of underwriting cases from initial application through final decision, ensuring timely and accurate processing within service standards.
- Agent Collaboration: Communicate with insurance advisors, agents, and field underwriting consultants to gather additional information and clarify application details.
- Reinsurance Coordination: Identify cases requiring reinsurance and coordinate with reinsurance partners to secure coverage for high-risk or high-value applications.
- Guideline Development: Contribute to the development and refinement of underwriting guidelines, policies, and procedures based on emerging trends and data.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure all underwriting decisions comply with regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry best practices.
- Reporting: Maintain accurate records and generate reports on underwriting activity, decision outcomes, and risk portfolio trends.
Qualifications & Skills
Professional Designations (Preferred)
ALU (Associate in Life Underwriting) – Preferred for intermediate and senior roles
FLMI (Fellow, Life Management Institute) – Preferred for career advancement
ALHC (Associate, Life and Health Claims) – Considered an asset
Underwriting Training – Comprehensive training provided for entry-level candidates
Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent (GED); post-secondary education in Business, Science, Mathematics, or a related field is preferred
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex medical and financial data
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and decision-making
- Solid written and verbal communication skills for interacting with agents, medical professionals, and internal stakeholders
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases simultaneously within tight deadlines
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort with underwriting software systems
- Sound judgment and decision-making abilities balanced with empathy and fairness
- Legal eligibility to work in Canada
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in insurance underwriting, claims, or a related analytical role
- Knowledge of life insurance products, medical terminology, and mortality risk factors
- Bilingualism (English/French) – highly valued for serving Canadian markets nationwide
- Experience with automated underwriting systems and digital tools
- Background in healthcare, nursing, or medical sciences
Key Skills:
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to synthesize large volumes of data and identify patterns, risks, and anomalies
- Medical Knowledge: Understanding of medical terminology, conditions, and treatments relevant to mortality and morbidity risk
- Financial Acumen: Capability to analyze income statements, tax returns, and net worth statements for financial underwriting
- Decision Making: Confidence in making independent decisions with significant financial and legal implications
- Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication with agents, applicants, and internal teams
- Time Management: Efficient prioritization and management of case workflows to meet service standards
- Regulatory Awareness: Knowledge of insurance regulations, privacy laws, and anti-discrimination policies
- Technology Proficiency: Comfort with underwriting platforms, CRM systems, and data analytics tools
Salary & Benefits
Compensation
Annual Salary Range: CAD $46,000 – $103,000 per year (based on experience, role level, and location)
Entry-Level Range: Approximately $46,000 – $60,000 per year
Intermediate Range: Approximately $60,000 – $80,000 per year
Senior Range: Approximately $80,000 – $103,000 per year
Bonus & Incentives: Performance-based bonuses, productivity incentives, and recognition programs
Note: Salaries vary significantly by experience level, geographic location, and specific underwriting role. Remote positions may have adjusted compensation based on local market conditions. Senior underwriters with high approval limits and specialized expertise command premium salaries.
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
- Competitive Compensation: Market-competitive salary with performance-based bonus opportunities
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; mental health support; employee assistance program
- Retirement Savings: Pension plan and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions
- Work Flexibility: Remote work options, hybrid arrangements, and flexible scheduling where role permits
- Career Development: Internal and external training, professional development programs, tuition reimbursement, and clear advancement pathways
- Professional Designations: Support for obtaining ALU, FLMI, and other industry certifications
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal leave, and paid holidays
- Employee Recognition: Formal reward programs and recognition for high performance and quality outcomes
- Inclusive Environment: A supportive, collaborative workplace that values diversity and empowers every employee
- Global Opportunities: Access to international career opportunities across Manulife’s global network
- Employee Perks: Special rates on Manulife insurance and investment products
Job Location
Manulife is hiring Insurance Underwriters in multiple cities and communities across Canada, including:
- Ontario: Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Mississauga, Ottawa, London, Hamilton
- Quebec: Montreal, Laval, Quebec City
- British Columbia: Vancouver, Burnaby, Victoria
- Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton
- Manitoba: Winnipeg
- Saskatchewan: Regina, Saskatoon
- Atlantic Canada: Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton
Many underwriting roles offer remote work options across Canada, allowing qualified candidates to work from home while serving national operations. Specific work arrangements will be discussed during the interview process based on role requirements and candidate preference.
How to Apply
Ready to make decisions easier and lives better? Follow these steps to apply for the Insurance Underwriter role at Manulife:
- Visit Manulife Careers: Go to the official Manulife Careers Portal and search for “Underwriter” or “Insurance Underwriter.”
- Create Your Profile: Register for an account and complete your candidate profile with your resume, cover letter, and details of any relevant experience or designations.
- Submit Application: Select your preferred location and work arrangement (remote, hybrid, or on-site) and submit your application online.
- Online Assessment: Complete any required assessments, which may include analytical reasoning tests, situational judgment evaluations, and underwriting scenario exercises.
- Interview Process: If shortlisted, participate in one or more interviews (phone screening, video interview, or in-person meeting with underwriting leadership).
- Background Verification: Successful candidates will undergo reference checks, background verification, and credential confirmation.
- Offer & Onboarding: Receive your offer letter and begin Manulife’s comprehensive onboarding, training, and professional development program.
Important Fraud Alert: Manulife is aware that company brands may be used to carry out fraudulent job postings on external job boards. If you apply to a role posted by Manulife, you will be redirected to the company’s official career site. Manulife does not provide advance payments, communicate outside internal email systems, or ask for banking details at the application stage.
Notice to Third Party Agencies: Manulife does not accept unsolicited resume submissions from external recruitment agencies and search firms.
Apply Now at Manulife CareersManulife is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, veterans, newcomers to Canada, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Summary
The Insurance Underwriter position at Manulife Financial offers a compelling opportunity for analytical professionals seeking a rewarding career in the Canadian insurance industry. With a competitive salary ranging from CAD $46,000 to $103,000 annually (based on experience and role level), comprehensive benefits, remote work flexibility, and clear pathways for professional growth, this role is ideal for both entry-level candidates and experienced underwriters.
Manulife distinguishes itself as an employer through its global reach, commitment to employee development, and culture of mutual respect and mindfulness. The company provides extensive training for new underwriters, support for professional designations, and a collaborative environment where analytical excellence is valued and rewarded. Whether you are transitioning from a healthcare background, advancing from an entry-level insurance role, or seeking remote work flexibility, Manulife offers the resources, support, and global platform to build a successful underwriting career.
If you possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and a desire to contribute to a company that makes decisions easier and lives better, apply for the Insurance Underwriter role at Manulife Financial today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need prior underwriting experience to apply for an entry-level underwriter role at Manulife?
A: No, prior underwriting experience is not always required for entry-level positions. Manulife provides comprehensive training programs for new underwriters. Candidates with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and backgrounds in healthcare, finance, or customer service are encouraged to apply.
Q: What is the difference between an Underwriter and an Underwriting Consultant at Manulife?
A: An Underwriter typically works in a centralized operations centre reviewing applications and making decisions. An Underwriting Consultant often works in the field, visiting agents and advisors, managing large or complex cases, and providing expert guidance on underwriting matters. Consultants typically have higher approval limits and more specialized expertise.
Q: What professional designations should I pursue to advance my underwriting career at Manulife?
A: The ALU (Associate in Life Underwriting) and FLMI (Fellow, Life Management Institute) are highly valued designations for career advancement. Manulife supports employees in obtaining these credentials through professional development programs and tuition assistance.
Q: What is the typical career progression for an Insurance Underwriter at Manulife?
A: Underwriters can advance from entry-level to intermediate, senior, and principal underwriter roles. From there, opportunities include Underwriting Consultant, Underwriting Manager, Director of Underwriting, or specialized roles in reinsurance, product development, or risk management.
Q: Does Manulife offer remote work for Insurance Underwriters?
A: Yes, Manulife offers remote and hybrid work arrangements for many underwriting positions across Canada. Group Intermediate Underwriter and other roles are available as fully remote positions, allowing qualified candidates to work from anywhere in Canada.
Q: Is bilingualism required for underwriting roles at Manulife?
A: Bilingualism (English/French) is required for some roles, particularly those serving Quebec or national operations. Many positions specifically seek bilingual underwriters. However, English-only roles are also available depending on the team and location.
Q: How long does the Manulife hiring process take?
A: The typical hiring process takes 2 to 4 weeks from application submission to offer, depending on the volume of applicants, interview rounds, and background verification requirements. Manulife strives to keep candidates informed throughout the process.
Q: What kind of training does Manulife provide for new Insurance Underwriters?
A: New hires receive comprehensive onboarding covering Manulife’s products, underwriting guidelines, medical terminology, financial underwriting principles, and regulatory compliance. Ongoing training includes mentorship, professional development workshops, and support for industry designations.
Q: What are the approval limits for underwriters at Manulife?
A: Approval limits vary by experience level and role. Entry-level underwriters may have limits of $500,000 to $1 million, while senior underwriters and consultants can have approval limits of $3 million to $5 million in life insurance and $250,000 in critical illness coverage. Cases exceeding these limits are referred to medical directors or reinsurance partners.
Related Reading: Looking for more insurance and financial services opportunities in Canada? Explore our guide to Top Insurance Jobs in Canada for 2026 to discover similar roles at Sun Life, Great-West Life, Desjardins, and Industrial Alliance.
Disclaimer: Job details, salary ranges, and benefits are based on publicly available information and may be subject to change. Please verify all details directly with Manulife Financial before applying.
© 2026 Job Bank Canada. All rights reserved.