Best Insurance Companies to Work for in Canada

Last Updated on October 4, 2026 by Jacques Wong, B.Sc.

Breaking into Canada’s insurance industry starts with the right training and credentials. Most people begin their careers as licensed insurance brokers, helping clients find the right protection from Canada’s top insurance companies.

While brokers and insurers work closely together, their roles are different. Most brokers build long-term, rewarding careers right within the brokerage channel. Still, it helps to understand who the major insurers are, since they design and underwrite the products you’ll be selling and servicing every day.

To help you get familiar with the landscape, the PNC Learning team has created a guide to Canada’s leading insurance companies: the firms behind the products that power the brokerage industry.

Want to explore brokerage career paths next? Learn more in our upcoming article: Best Insurance Brokerages to Work For in Canada.

Why Work in Insurance in Canada?

For those who are not brokers, there are plenty of insurance jobs available in Canada. Top insurers need to fill all sorts of roles, which means that you can find a variety of fulfilling careers with diverse focuses, from underwriting to serving as a claims adjuster or a sales-side agent. 

Insurance tends to be a very stable field, too. In fact, the Canadian government has a positive outlook for career opportunities in the insurance field over the next three years. The prospects for insurance careers in most provinces range from moderate to very good, and top markets include Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.

Here are some compelling reasons to build a career here:

• Stability and demand: Insurance is a cornerstone of the financial services ecosystem, as people need protection in all economic climates 
• Career diversity: Within a single firm, you can pursue roles like underwriting, claims, risk analytics, and sales 
• Advancements and specialization: Leading Canadian insurers offer opportunities to earn specialty professional designations 
• Employee benefits: Top workplaces offer strong company culture, compensation, perks, and work flexibility 
• Job satisfaction: The job is purposeful and can provide you with a sense of fulfillment 
• Impact and purpose: Working in insurance means helping clients protect what matters most 

However, not all employers deliver equally. Industry leaders with positive employment reviews sit at the top of the workplace rankings. They simply offer more than other firms, including better support and a stronger culture that you will be proud to be a part of. 

Top Insurance Companies to Work for in Canada

The best insurance companies to work for in Canada are:

1. Manulife Financial Corp

Manulife is Canada’s largest insurer and one of the most globally recognized financial services companies. With operations in North America and abroad, Manulife offers career opportunities across insurance, banking, and wealth management. Its global footprint means employees can gain experience in diverse markets while benefiting from the firm’s financial stability. 

Manulife made our list because of the following:

• International career mobility
• Comprehensive benefits, including wellness and retirement plans
• Leadership development programs and continuing education support
• Emphasis on diversity and inclusion across offices

Manulife appeals to professionals who are seeking both long-term career growth and global exposure within a stable, industry-leading firm. 

2. Great-West Lifeco

Great-West Lifeco, which is best known through its flagship brand, Canada Life, is one of the strongest players in life and health insurance. The company has exceptional credibility and innovation. It offers stability for employees and excellent service for clients. The company invests heavily in technology, positioning itself as a forward-looking employer in the financial services space. 

Highlights of working at Great-West Lifeco include the following:

• Trusted brand presence across Canada and internationally
• Career opportunities in life, health, group benefits, and pensions
• Modernization efforts that drive digital transformation projects
• Employee support programs for learning, development, and wellness 

If you are looking to work at a forward-thinking company that embraces tradition while adopting new tech, Great-West Lifeco is a great fit. 

3. Desjardins Group 

Desjardins is North America’s largest cooperative financial group. The company offers both insurance and banking services. The cooperative model means that the company is member-driven, which creates a unique work environment that is tough to beat. Insurance professionals can work in both life and health, as well as property and casualty. 

Why employees value Desjardins:

• Cooperative model that emphasizes community and shared ownership
• Strong P&C presence bolstered by several acquisitions
• Emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility
• Professional growth in both insurance and banking services 

As a member of Desjardins, you can expect to engage in meaningful work in a member-focused organization. It’s a strong choice if you want career stability and social impact. 

4. Sun Life Financial

Sun Life is one of Canada’s most iconic insurance brands. Today, it operates across the globe, offering life, health, and group benefits. Sun Life is consistently ranked among the best financial services workplaces in Canada. The supportive culture and career development opportunities are plenty to draw insurance pros to the company.

Employee benefits at Sun Life include:

• Career mobility across Canada and international offices
• Professional training programs
• Competitive pay packages and comprehensive health benefits 

Sun Life offers a mix of heritage and global reach. It’s an excellent employer for those looking to thrive long-term with the same organization. 

5. Fairfax Financial Holdings

Fairfax Financial stands apart as a diversified insurance and investment holding company. Its subsidiaries in property and casualty operate with relative independence. The result? Employees gain exposure to dynamic, fast-paced environments with plenty of room for upward mobility. Fairfax is known for its strong financial management and investment strategy. 

Why Fairfax is a top option:

• Entrepreneurial culture with subsidiary autonomy
• Exposure to international markets and specialty insurance
• Strong investment-focused approach to business growth
• Opportunities in both underwriting and finance

Fairfax offers a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace with a worldwide footprint. You’ll enjoy a challenging and rewarding career path. 

6. Intact Financial Corporation

Intact is Canada’s largest provider of property and casualty insurance, insuring millions of homes, vehicles, and businesses nationwide. It is well-regarded for its innovative claims systems and customer-first approach. Employees at Intact are part of a large-scale operation with opportunities in underwriting, claims, risk management, and digital innovation.

Career highlights at Intact include:

• Strong investment in digital platforms and claims technology
• Wide-ranging roles in P&C underwriting, analytics, and customer service
• Comprehensive training and advancement programs
• Competitive pay and employee recognition programs 

If property and casualty insurance is what you are interested in, a role with Intact may be a great fit. 

7. The Co-Operators Group

The Co-operators is a cooperative insurance company that emphasizes community values and sustainability. It offers a wide array of insurance products, including life, auto, home, and farm. It also offers wealth management and group benefits. Its cooperative nature creates a culture rooted in shared responsibility and employee empowerment. 

Key advantages of working at Co-operators include the following:

• Purpose-driven mission focused on community and sustainability
• Career options in multiple insurance lines and financial services
• Strong employee culture with emphasis on inclusion and engagement
• Recognition for corporate social responsibility initiatives 

Employees who value meaningful work, social impact, and a cooperative environment will find this firm to be an excellent employer. 

8. iA Financial Group

iA Financial is a leading life and health insurer with a strong presence in Quebec and a growing influence across Canada. It combines life, health, and investment offerings, giving employees exposure to multiple disciplines. iA has a reputation for balancing tradition with modern growth strategies, making it a stable and forward-thinking employer. 

Why employees choose iA Financial:

• Wide-ranging opportunities in life, health, and wealth management 
• Emphasis on professional development and continuing education
• Strong market presence in Quebec with national reach
• Inclusive culture with community involvement 

For professionals seeking both stability and growth opportunities in life and health insurance, iA offers a balanced workplace. 

9. Empire Life

Empire Life is a smaller, specialized insurer with a strong reputation in life, health, and group benefits. Its size creates a more agile workplace where employees can gain broad exposure and quickly advance their careers. The company places emphasis on employee input and collaboration, fostering a close-knit corporate culture.

Highlights of working at Empire Life include:

• Opportunities to take on varied responsibilities early in your career
• Supportive work environment with strong mentorship 
• Focused product mix
• Recognition for employee engagement and satisfaction 

Empire Life offers an agile and supportive culture, ideal for professionals who want to make an impact with a smaller but respected insurer. 

10. Aviva Canada 

Aviva Canada is a major property and casualty insurer with strong backing from its global parent company. It insures millions of Canadians and is recognized for its digital service options. Aviva has a strong culture and competitive benefits. 

Why Aviva is appealing to employees:

• Strong Canadian presence
• Career paths in auto, home, business, and specialty insurance
• Investments in the latest tools and certifications

Aviva is a well-rounded insurance company with a lot to offer employees. 

How to Get Hired by Canada’s Top Insurance Companies

Now that you know about the best insurance companies to work for in Canada, how do you land a job with them? Here’s a breakdown of common expectations and how PNC Learning can help you rise to the opportunity:

• Strong communication and relationship skills: Insurance involves working with clients and brokers, so you need the gift of gab
• Financial literacy: You need to understand risk metrics, claims data, and underwriting processes relevant to your role 
• Technical/digital aptitude: Many insurers are investing heavily in technology, so skills in data analytics are valued 
• Continuous learning mindset: Be willing to learn and grow throughout your career so you can stay one step ahead of the competition 

Here are some tips to help you stand out:

• Mention any in-progress licenses or certifications
• Show project or volunteer experience
• Network with insurance professionals and potential mentors
• Stay current on industry trends 
• Emphasize your ability to adapt and grow

Take Your Next Step with PNC Learning 

This list highlights the top insurance companies in Canada, the major carriers that underwrite and design the policies Canadians rely on. But they aren’t the only great places to work. Many professionals launch their careers at independent brokerages, where they can represent multiple insurers and work directly with clients.

Stay tuned for our next guide on the best insurance brokerages to work for in Canada, where we’ll cover how brokerage careers differ and what skills and licenses can help you stand out.

As you prepare your path into the industry, investing in foundational knowledge via PNC Learning’s exam prep courses can give you a crucial advantage.

Explore PNC Learning’s exam prep courses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Top 5 Insurance Companies in Canada?

The five largest insurance companies in Canada are:

• Manulife Financial Corp
• Great-West Lifeco
• Desjardins Group
• Sun Life Financial
• Fairfax Financial Holdings

Before choosing a company, do your research and consider what your professional goals are. There are options out there for everyone. 

Which Insurance Company Pays Its Employees the Best?

Compensation depends heavily on your role, experience, and location. Sales roles tend to be commission-based, whereas underwriting and technical roles pay a salary. Consider whether you want a performance-driven income or fixed pay. 

Which Insurance Company Is Best for Employees?

“Best” depends on what you value most. Are you looking for a great work-life balance and flexibility? Do you want uncapped earning potential? There are companies that check each of these boxes. The companies on our list often rank among the best workplaces, with each offering different perks. 

Is Insurance a Good Career in Canada? 

Yes, insurance provides a stable demand and numerous paths for growth. The industry is resilient to recessions and economic challenges, as businesses and people always need protection.