Should I get a 20 or 30-year Term?

Canadian LIC
Canadian LIC

By Harpreet Puri

CEO & Founder

SUMMARY

The blog compares a 20-year and 30-year Term Life Insurance Plan in Canada, helping individuals choose the right coverage based on budget, family needs, and long-term goals. It discusses Term Life Insurance Rates, renewal costs, and why many prefer a 30-year term for stability. It also explains how Term Life Insurance Brokers assist in getting the best Term Life Insurance quotes in Canada and whether to buy Term Life Insurance online or through an agent.

Introduction

Every day, Canadians are confronted with the dilemma of whether to choose a 20-year or 30-year Term Life Insurance Plan. Often, this choice is accompanied by stress, uncertainty, and worries about future financial security. Some are afraid to commit to a longer-term policy, fearing that they will be overpaying for coverage that they do not need. Others fear that a shorter-term policy may leave them unprotected at the worst possible time when their family still depends on them.

This is a situation that we constantly come across in Canadian LIC- The Best Insurance Brokerage. Most clients come to us for a recommendation after listening to various friends, family, or online suggestions. They require clarification on which suits their specific case. The fact is—not every client can have the same kind of insurance. However, by knowing what makes a 20-year and a 30-year Term Life Insurance Plan different, you are in a position to make a well-informed decision.

Understanding Term Life Insurance Coverage

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A Term Life Insurance Plan is paid for for a specific number of years, commonly 10, 20, 30 or 50 years. In case the insured passes away within the term, then the beneficiaries get a one-time death benefit, which helps their loved ones be financially secured from debts, mortgage payments, school fees, and everyday expenses.

Among the popular ones, term life policies are usually selected for either 20 years or 30 years of coverage. Which one is right for you? Read on to find out.

The Case for a 20-YearTerm Life Insurance Plan

Ideally suited for a short fixed period need of coverage while the individual wouldn’t want the duration to last long, A 20-year Term Life Insurance is best recommended for those seeking cover for such short durations.

  • Lower Premiums- Since the term is shorter, a 20-year term is cheaper than a 30-year term. Thus, it becomes an economical option for those who want to have coverage over themselves without a strain on their pocket.
  • Coverage for Critical Financial Years –  In case you have children of younger age or are planning to retire in the next 15-20 years with your mortgage still being serviced, then this length will go quite well with your financial obligations.
  • Flexibility for Future Planning – Some persons expect to become financially independent 20 years hence. By that time, the debts will have been paid, their children should be self-dependent, and coverage may not be required as much.
  • Better for Temporary Needs –  If covering specific financial obligations, such as a mortgage business loan or college tuition, is your primary interest, a 20-year Term Life Insurance can be just perfect.

Who Should Consider a 20-Year Term?

  • Young professionals with short-term financial commitments
  • Parents who anticipate that their children will be self-sufficient in twenty years
  • Homeowners with a mortgage that will be paid off in 20 years.
  • Business people with a fixed period for repaying a loan

The Case for a 30-YearTerm Life Insurance Plan

This policy covers for a longer period of 30 years, ensuring the insured extended financial security. That is why many prefer this kind of policy.

  • Longer Protection – If you will have financial obligations for more than 20 years—such as supporting children, paying off a long mortgage, or maintaining a spouse’s financial stability—a 30-year policy is a better choice.
  • Locks in Affordable Rates for a Longer Period – The younger you are when you purchase a policy, the lower your Term Life Insurance Rates. A 30-year policy allows you to secure a low premium for three decades, avoiding higher renewal costs later.
  • Peace of Mind for Dependents  If you have young children or special needs dependents, you can ensure long-term protection for them with a 30-year term.
  • Avoids Gaps in Coverage –  Many people live longer than the 20-year term of a policy and cannot afford coverage as they get older. A 30-year policy eliminates the likelihood of needing a new policy in the future when rates could be much higher.

Who Should Consider a 30-Year Term?

  • Individuals with long-term financial responsibilities
  • Families who want coverage until retirement
  • Homeowners with a mortgage lasting 25–30 years
  • Those who prefer predictable, long-term coverage with locked-in rates

ComparingTerm Life Insurance Rates: 20 vs. 30 Years

The greatest determinant of the selection between a 20-year and a 30-year term life coverage policy is cost. Since the 30-year term period is longer, Term Life Insurance Premiums will also be higher; yet, it may be worth the slightly higher price for the extended benefits.

For instance, a 30-year-old nonsmoker male buying a $500,000Term Life Insurance policy can expect:

  • 20-year term: $25–$35 per month
  • 30 years term: $40–$55 per month

Because a 30-year policy is costlier, it will save from having to pay a higher premium later if the coverage is still required after 20 years.

What Happens If You Outlive Your Term?

One concern many people have is: What happens if I outlive my Term Life Insurance Plan?

If your term expires, you usually have three options:

  • Renew the Policy – Some policies do offer renewal, but the renewal Term Life Insurance Rates will depend on your age at that point, making it much more costly.
  • Convert to Permanent Life Insurance – The conversion option may be exercised for many policies to a permanent policy. For example, it is possible to convert into whole life insurance without medical underwriting. This is advantageous for those who still require coverage.
  • Reapply for a New Term Policy – Provided you are in good health, you can reapply for a new term policy, but your premiums will now be much higher because of risk factors due to age.

This is why the term length needs to be selected in a way that aligns with long-term needs.

Which One Should You Choose?

When deciding between a 20-year or 30-year term, ask yourself:

  • How long will my dependents rely on me financially?
  • How much debt do I have, and when will it be paid off?
  • Do I want to lock in lower rates for a longer time?
  • Can I afford the slightly higher premiums of a 30-year term?

 A 20-yearTerm Life Insurance policy is suitable for those with a relatively short period of financial obligations. A 30-year Term Life Insurance policy is best when seeking a long time of protection and stability.

20-Year vs. 30-YearTerm Life Insurance Policy Comparison

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How to Get the BestTerm Life Insurance Plan in Canada

If you are looking forward to purchasing Term Life Insurance, then Term Life Insurance Brokers will be able to help you compare the best options. The Best Insurance Brokerage, Canadian LIC, helps you buy Term Life Insurance online at competitive rates with expert guidance. We make sure you get the most suitable Term Life Insurance Plan by assessing your unique financial situation.

A crucial financial decision relates to the terms of 20 years and 30 years of a term plan. The difference between choosing the right coverage can ensure long-term financial protection now for you and your family. Get your quote for term insurance in Canada today.

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FAQs: Should I Get a 20 or 30-year Term Life Insurance Plan in Canada?

Most people can’t decide between a 20-year and 30-year Term Life Insurance Plan. Everything depends on different needs and circumstances, whether one has enough budget, long-term plans, or family responsibilities. Moreover, clients frequently ask Canadian LIC to make the right choice. Some of the most critical questions regarding Term Life Insurance Plans available in Canada are listed below:

The length of coverage and the price are usually the biggest differences between a 20-year and a 30-year Term Life Insurance Plan. A 30-year term would generally have a higher Term Life Insurance rate; however, the security it would provide over an extended period may be worth paying for. Often, people would opt for the 30-year plan if they want to secure their mortgage through the entire payment period or till their children grow up and do not need further financial support.

Long-term financial obligations of young families include mortgages, car loans, and children’s education. A 30-yearTerm Life Insurance Plan ensures that there would be financial stability in case something happens to the primary breadwinner. Most people want an extended-term policy to “lock” affordable Term Life Insurance Rates while still in good health and young.

Yes, a 30-year Term Life Insurance Plan would be more expensive than a 20-year term because the insurer is exposed to a greater risk of having to pay out during a longer term. Many of the clients that choose a 30-yearTerm Life Insurance policy at Canadian LIC do so for the fixed rate of Term Life Insurance during their younger years so that they don’t have the potential of premiums increasing when they renew a 20-year term later.

Use Term Life Insurance Brokers to compare different options for the best Term Life Insurance Rates. Canadian LIC can assist clients in identifying the best policies available and even offer Life Insurance quotes in Canada. The earlier that a policy is bought, the lower the premiums will be. Insurance increases with age and various health conditions.

When a 20-year Term Life Insurance Plan has expired, one will have to renew it or convert it to a Permanent Life Insurance Policy or buy another one. Renewal premiums, however, are much higher due to aging and health changes. Many of the clients who bought a 20-year term from Canadian LIC regret this move when they notice the rise in Term Life Insurance Rates after renewal. A 30-year term plan avoids the problem since its rates are level for a more extended period.

You cannot convert a 20-year Term Life Insurance Plan into a 30-year term once the policy is in place. You have to apply for a new Term Life Insurance if you need a longer term. The problem with this is that you would probably pay higher rates because you would be older and more at risk for health issues. This is why most clients opt for a 30-year term upfront so they avoid problems later on.

Both options exist, but a Term Life Insurance broker like the Canadian LIC assures you of their professional advice. Brokers tend to compare and contrast several service providers to deliver the best available term life quotes in Canada that fit your budget or coverage requirements. If you still want to buy online Term Life Insurance, be sure to do due diligence on your policy details first.

Yes, theTerm Life Insurance policy does cover death due to accidents and illnesses if only that policy is active with all premiums paid on time. However, if a person engages in dangerous activities and keeps hazardous health conditions, their respective insurance company will cover some exceptions under their coverage. Thus, always discuss your policy with Canada LIC’s confident Term Life Insurance Brokers before buying.

Yes, you can cancel your Term Life Insurance Plan at any time, but you will not get a refund for past premiums. If you feel that you have changed financially, you can discuss better coverage options with the advisors of Canadian LIC rather than cancelling the policy. Most clients later regret cancelling and wish they had kept their policy active.

The sooner you buy Term Life Insurance, the better. The younger and healthier, the lower your Term Life Insurance Rates will be. Many people delay the purchase of insurance when they end up with higher rates. Typically, clients coming into Canadian LIC reveal regrets over never buying while they were younger; hence, with time, the rates they want would be far-fetched.

Most Term Life Insurance policies cover you regardless of where you move, though the terms may vary with providers. Some may have certain limitations based on your destination. Check with Canadian LIC’s Term Life Insurance Brokers before making any long-term moves.

Term Life Insurance can be purchased online, yet Term Life Insurance Brokers offer you the opportunity to get better rates along with expert advice. Most prefer an agent’s assistance, so they choose the right coverage. Comparing policies, answering questions, and finding the cheapest quotes available for Term Life Insurance in Canada can be daunting, and this is where Canadian LIC is of help to clients.

Your Term Life Insurance Rates will depend on the age, health, coverage amount, and length of the term. A 30-year Term Life Insurance is costlier than a 20-year Term Life Insurance, but it provides more long-term security. Smokers and people suffering from pre-existing health conditions can also expect a higher premium. Getting insured young and healthy will ensure that one has low-term Life Insurance Rates.

Yes, most insurers permit you to purchase riders with additional critical illness, disability or accidental death cover. These ensure extra protection and safety for the financial security of your family members. If you are not sure about any of these options, experienced brokers of Canadian LIC will guide you based on your necessities.

You can get quotes for Term Life Insurance in Canada from various providers online or through Term Life Insurance Brokers like Canadian LIC. Brokers compare policies to get the best coverage possible at the lowest cost.

The decision between a 20-year Term Life Insurance and a 30-year Term Life Insurance depends on your long-term intentions. A 30-year term will ensure extended protection and offer protection against renewed increasing costs; a 20-year term, on the other hand, can be suitable when the financial obligations are relatively short. Should you wish to seek professional advice, then Canadian LIC- The Best Insurance Brokerage- will guide you in finding the best insurance policy that fits your needs. Get your Term Life Insurance quotes in Canada today and secure your family’s future.

Sources and Further Reading

  • Government of Canada – Life Insurance Guide
    https://www.canada.ca

    • Provides an overview of life insurance types, including Term Life Insurance and regulatory guidelines in Canada.

    Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA)
    https://www.clhia.ca

    • Offers details on life insurance policies, industry best practices, and consumer protection.

    Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)
    https://www.ibc.ca

    • Explains different insurance products, including Term Life Insurance, and how to choose the right coverage.

    Canadian Bankers Association – Life Insurance Information
    https://www.cba.ca

    • Covers financial planning with life insurance, comparing term vs. permanent policies, and key considerations for buyers.

    Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)
    https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency.html

    • Offers resources on understandingTerm Life Insurance Rates, policy options, and tips for purchasing coverage.

    Canadian Underwriter – Life Insurance Insights
    https://www.canadianunderwriter.ca

    • Provides industry news, expert opinions, and trends in life insurance, including term policies.

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