GUELPH, ON, May 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators and Hunter McCorquodale announced the launch of a first-of-its kind life insurance product now available to many Canadians seeking substantial amounts of coverage, but who have been unable to obtain it due to their medical or lifestyle history. Acceptional Life^TM is fully underwritten life insurance that helps to fill a significant gap in the Canadian life insurance market.

Approximately 10 per cent of all life insurance applications are declined every year because of an applicant's medical or lifestyle history. While limited amounts of coverage may be available to some, many are unable to purchase an adequate amount of life insurance. The Co-operators and Hunter McCorquodale have partnered to fill this gap by offering Acceptional Life^TM, a product designed to satisfy this unmet need.

"Medical advances and new treatments are increasingly helping people survive serious illness and live longer," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "For the first time, many Canadians who have been turned down for life insurance will be able to purchase coverage and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have adequate insurance to protect their loved ones."

Acceptional Life^TM is a non-renewable, non-convertible term life insurance product fully underwritten by Co-operators Life Insurance Company. It incorporates expert underwriting and several unique product features including, for the first time in Canada, the use of medical exclusions.The policies' face amounts range from a minimum of $300,000 to a maximum of $10,000,000.

"There has long been a need for an innovative new approach to expand the range of options available to advisors to help their hard-to-insure clients", said Ken Hunter, Managing Director of Hunter McCorquodale.  "We are delighted to partner with the Co-operators to bring this new solution to the market."

Quotes may be requested through the Acceptional Life website. The product is available through Hunter McCorquodale's independent advisor, benefit consultants and national account distributors as well as Co-operators advisors. Due to legal requirements, the product is not available in Quebec.

About The Co-operators
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian co-operative with more than $40 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

About Hunter McCorquodale
Established in 1997, Hunter McCorquodale's mission is to develop, distribute and underwrite Special Risk Life, Disability, Personal Accident and Contingency products to provide solutions for client needs that cannot be fully satisfied in the regular market.  Hunter McCorquodale offers its suite of niche solutions through insurance advisors, benefit consultants, and selected MGAs and national account distributors across Canada.

SOURCE The Co-operators