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Article Contents
Picture of By <span>Matthew Roberts</span>
By Matthew Roberts

Updated on October 18, 2024

Visit author page
Picture of By <span>Matthew Roberts</span>
By Matthew Roberts

Updated October 18, 2024

Visit author page

5 minute read

Article Contents

When shopping for life insurance, you’ll often come across a term 20-year policy. This affordable policy provides peace of mind and aligns with your financial goals for two decades, even if your health changes. However, 20 years may seem like a long time. What happens when your term expires? What if your financial responsibilities change? This guide will answer all your pressing questions about term 20-year life insurance in Canada.

What is Term 20-Year Life Insurance in Canada?

Team 20-year life insurance is a sub-category of term life insurance that provides essential coverage for 20 years. This policy offers financial protection to beneficiaries in case the policyholder passes away during the 20 years. The death benefit can cover funeral costs or pay outstanding mortgages, bills, and debts. 

Unlike permanent life insurance, a term 20-year policy has no cash value component. However, it is the cheapest policy to buy.

How Does a 20-Year Term Policy Work?

A 20-year term policy works by providing policyholders with a fixed coverage amount or death benefit over 20 years. The policyholder assigns beneficiaries to receive the death benefit in case of their untimely death. 

When the policy expires, so does the coverage, and the beneficiaries won’t receive protection. Policyholders can renew, though premiums will typically rise significantly. You can also convert term 20-year life insurance to a permanent policy.

How much coverage you get for a 20-year term policy will depend on your financial goals. For example, you might purchase enough coverage to pay off a mortgage or provide income replacement for your loved ones in case of your death. 

How Does Term 20 Life Insurance Compare to Other Popular Life Insurance Products? 

If you’re considering term 20-year life insurance, here’s how it compares to other popular options.

Term 20-Year
Life Insurance
Whole
Life insurance
Universal
Life Insurance
Coverage period20 yearsLifelongLifelong
Cash value
accumulation
NoYesYes
PriceCheapestMore expensive
than term life
More expensive
than term life
Income tax-free
death benefit
YesYesYes

Pros & Cons of Term 20 Life Insurance

Like all life insurance policies, term 20-year life insurance has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you should consider before buying a term 20 life insurance policy.

  • It’s the most affordable option for families and is predictable, as rates are fixed.
  • It’s flexible and allows applicants to choose their coverage amount.
  • Its policy terms are easier to understand than permanent life insurance.
  • It provides a tax-free death benefit.
  • There is no penalty for cancelling a policy.
  • Policyholders can renew or convert their insurance.
  • Many companies offer term life insurance policies without requiring a medical examination.
  • Coverage is temporary and expires after 20 years.
  • It doesn’t build cash value, so you won’t get any money back.
  • There may be upper age limits for older applicants. 
  • Premiums rise significantly if you renew your policy.

How Much Does a 20-Year Term Life Insurance Policy Cost?

Below are the average monthly rates for a term 20-year life insurance policy for non-smoking males and females of average health.

Age and
Gender
$250,000 Coverage$500,000 Coverage$1,000,000 Coverage
35-year-old
male
$19.32/mo
$0.26 saved with MyChoice
$29.50/mo
$1.92 saved with MyChoice
$48.45/mo
$2.53 saved with MyChoice
35-year-old
female
$15.12/mo
$0.18 saved with MyChoice
$23.04/mo
$0.91 saved with MyChoice
$36.89/mo
$2.71 saved with MyChoice
45-year-old
male
$40.26/mo
$2.27 saved with MyChoice
$65.90/mo
$5.69 saved with MyChoice
$107.94/mo
$4.56 saved with MyChoice
45-year-old
female
$29.84/mo
$0.54 saved with MyChoice
$50/mo
$1.30 saved with MyChoice
$85.09/mo
$6.99 saved with MyChoice
55-year-old
male
$109.31/mo
$13.80 saved with MyChoice
$177.75/mo
$5.72 saved with MyChoice
$320.14/mo
$22.76 saved with MyChoice
55-year-old
female
$78/mo
$5.89 saved with MyChoice
$123.44/mo
$7.06 saved with MyChoice
$226.69/mo
$1,91 saved with MyChoice

How Do I Know if a 20-Year Term Policy Is Right For Me?

  • You are a young, newlywed couple in good health with multiple financial needs, such as paying mortgages and student loans and preparing for future financial needs like further education or childcare.
  • You are a business owner needing to pay off debts, expenses, and overhead costs. 
  • You are the sole financial provider in your family and want to prepare income replacements in case of your death.
  • You’re a stay-at-home parent and need to pay for childcare and other household-related expenses.
  • You’re within 20 years of retirement age and want to replace your income.
  • You’re an individual with significant debts.
  • You have a special-needs child requiring lifelong care.
  • You want a policy like universal insurance that accumulates cash value or is wealth-building.
  • You’re an older applicant who can benefit more from senior insurance.
  • You’re looking for an option to fund your retirement.
  • You want lifelong coverage. 

FAQs

What happens after the 20-year term is over?

After the 20-year term is over, your coverage expires and you no longer have financial protection.

Can you extend a term 20-life policy?

You can extend a term 20-life policy until you reach the age of 95. Some companies may have a guaranteed renewability feature allowing policyholders to extend their coverage without undergoing a new underwriting process. However, your insurance premiums will likely rise significantly, especially if you become diagnosed with a chronic illness or start smoking.

Can I convert my term 20 policy to a permanent policy if I change my mind?

You can convert your term 20 policy to a permanent policy anytime. Most Canadian insurance policies offer convertible plans without a medical exam.

Is term 20 life insurance generally cheaper or more expensive than term 10?

Term 20 life insurance is generally more expensive than its term 10 counterparts because it provides coverage for a longer period. A longer coverage period increases the risk of an insurance company having to pay out a death benefit, which higher premiums compensate for.

Is term 20 life insurance generally cheaper or more expensive than term 30?

Term 20 life insurance is generally cheaper than a term 30 policy because the coverage period is shorter. Thus, the chances of an insurance company paying out a death benefit with a term 20 policy are lower than with a term 30 policy.

What happens if I die while my 20-year term life policy is still active?

If you die while your 20-year term life policy is still active, the insurance company will pay out your death benefit to your beneficiaries. Your beneficiaries would receive this amount as a tax-free lump sum, and they can use it to cover funeral costs or pay for other financial needs.

Do you need a medical exam for a 20-year term life insurance policy?

You don’t necessarily need a medical exam for a 20-year term life insurance policy in Canada. Many Canadian insurance companies offer exam-free policies for smaller coverage amounts, though the underwriting process may involve accessing medical records and require applicants to answer health-related questions.
You may have to undergo a medical exam if you have certain health conditions, drink alcohol, or are a smoker.

What are some alternative options to 20-year term life insurance?

Some alternative options to 20-year term life insurance include the following:

– Shorter-term insurance, like term 10, if you feel you only need coverage for a shorter period;

– Longer-term insurance, like term 30, if you feel you need coverage for a longer period;

– Permanent life insurance, like whole life insurance, if you want to accumulate cash value;

– Guaranteed issue life insurance, if you’re having trouble obtaining coverage due to health issues;

– Final expense insurance, if all you need is to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and outstanding debts at the end of your life;

– Group life insurance, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option;

Can I cash out my 20-year term policy before the end of the term?

No, you can’t cash out your 20-year term policy before the end of the term, as term insurance policies don’t accumulate cash value. However, you can typically cancel term insurance anytime, if you feel you no longer need it.

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