BASICS
COMMON INQUIRIES
- Can I Have Both Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance?
- Should Both Husband and Wife Get Term Life Insurance?
- Can I Change Beneficiaries on My Canadian Term Life Policy?
- What Does Term Life Insurance Cover and Not Cover?
- Does Term Insurance Cover Death?
- What are the advantages of Short-Term Life Insurance?
- Which Is Better, Whole Life Or Term Life Insurance?
- Do Term Life Insurance Rates Go Up?
- Is Term Insurance Better Than a Money Back Policy?
- What’s the Longest Term Life Insurance You Can Get?
- Which is better, Short-Term or Long-Term Insurance? Making the Right Choice
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is the minimum income for Term Insurance?
- How Does Income Affect Your Term Life Insurance Policy?
- Can You Buy Term Life Insurance Online with a Low Income?
- How Can You Lower Your Term Life Insurance Cost?
- How Much Term Life Insurance Do You Need?
- Can Your Term Life Insurance Policy Be Adjusted Over Time?
- Why Term Life Insurance Is Ideal for Lower-Income Canadians
- Final Thoughts
- More on Term Life Insurance
How Limited Term Insurance Plans Work And Who Should Consider Them?


By Harpreet Puri
CEO & Founder
- 11 min read
- April 17th, 2025
SUMMARY
Limited Term Life Insurance Plans let you finish paying premiums in 10–20 years while keeping coverage for 20–30 years. This blog explains how they work, who should consider them—like high earners, parents, and freelancers—and compares them to traditional plans. It also highlights common mistakes to avoid and how Canadian LIC helps clients choose the right plan for their future.
Introduction
Struggles That Make You Rethink Long-Term Premium Commitments
Let’s be honest — no one wants to pay premiums forever. At Canadian LIC, we’ve been across the table from enough hardworking Canadians who asked us the same question: “Is there any way that I can finish paying for my Term Life Insurance early and still maintain coverage?”
They’re not wrong to ask. Others are self-employed parents who are uncertain about their business. Others are middle-aged Canadians struggling already with mortgage payments, RESP contributions, and ballooning day-to-day costs. The majority were simply seeking low-cost Term Life Insurance Plans that didn’t entrap them for decades.
Many of these families had long delayed purchasing a Term Life Insurance Coverage, as the thought of spending 20 or 30 years paying for one seemed like a long, vicious cycle. That’s when we presented them with the option of Limited Term Life Insurance Plans — and everything changed.
Now, you could be facing a similar situation. You might be a person who knows you want plenty of protection but doesn’t want to be shackled to premium payments for a lifetime. The set design may be a painstaking and costly endeavour. Well, if yes, then this blog is solely for you.
Let’s take a look at how Limited Term Life Insurance Policies actually work in Canada — and, more importantly, who they’re best suited for.
What Is a Limited Pay Term Life Insurance Plan?
A Limited Term Insurance Plan is just what it sounds like. This lets you pay premiums for a shorter period of time — 10 years, say, or 15 — but keeps your Term Life Insurance Policy in force for a longer period, say, 20 or 30 years.
Unlike regular term policies, for which you must continue paying premiums for the entire term, limited pay plans allow you to front-load the payment, thus freeing yourself from future obligations.
It’s like paying off your mortgage early — you’re done with the payments, but the coverage remains.
This option is also something we frequently explain to Canadian LIC clients with erratic income inflows or who otherwise simply want to be financially closed out of commitments as early as possible.
For example, one of our clients, a truck driver from Brampton, wanted a policy to protect his family, but he didn’t want the hassle of paying premiums once he turned 60. He had a solid 10-15 year earning window and elected a 15 year limited pay option on a 30 year term. Now he sleeps more easily knowing his family has coverage and he won’t be stuck worrying about payments later, when his income drops.
How Does a Limited Term Life Insurance Plan Work?
Let’s break it down into simple steps, just the way we explain it to our clients during our daily consultations:
- You choose the term of your policy — say 20 or 30 years.
- You decide how long you want to pay premiums — this is the “limited pay” part, often 10, 15, or 20 years.
- You pay higher premiums during the payment period than what you’d pay in a traditional plan, but only for a shorter duration.
- Once that period ends, you stop paying, but your coverage stays active for the entire term.
It’s straightforward. Make a larger payment upfront for fewer years, then come out of the other side getting coverage without the price tag.
Not so recently, we helped a young couple that lived in the city of Mississauga, and both were in IT. They were juggling daycare and a mortgage and car payments and had two kids. They said they didn’t want another “forever bill.” It was easy for them — a 20-year term and 10-year limited pay structure, which means they pay more monthly now, but they’ll be free of the premium in a few years while keeping their affordable Term Life Insurance package in place.
Who Should Consider Limited Term Insurance Plans?
We’ll be honest — this option won’t be for everyone. But it’s great for a couple of kinds of Canadians that we see every day at Canadian LIC:
High Earners With Opportunities To Transfer
Doctors, lawyers, engineers, and entrepreneurs also pass through income phases. A career man in their 30s or 40s might have 10-15 good earning years. So, they pay off their Term Life Insurance Policy in that phase, allowing future flexibility.
Retirement Planning for Individuals
If your goals include early retirement, the last thing you want is to be paying insurance premiums after you retire. A limited pay plan can allow you to finish paying while you’re still working and earning.
Parents with Growing Children
We advise many parents to seek coverage while their children are still dependent. They don’t want to be trying to figure out tuition fees and insurance premiums simultaneously. A decade of paying will ensure that they’re finished long before university fees kick in.
People With Variable Incomes
Business owners, seasonal employees and freelancers often have years in which they earn lots of money. Reduced pay options let them maximize good years without worrying about sluggish months.
A client from Alberta, a seasonal construction manager, took a 15 year limited pay option on his Term Life Insurance Policy which is a 20 year term. It was cash flow management for him. He understood his career had a shelf life, and he wanted to wrap up his commitments as soon as possible.”
How Do Limited Pay Plans Compare to Traditional Term Plans?

People often ask us at Canadian LIC why limited pay options cost more in total. It’s a fair question. The answer is—you’re packing the same protection into fewer years. That naturally raises the monthly rate. But in return, you gain flexibility and long-term breathing space.
And that, for many Canadians, is worth every dollar.
Let’s talk about what people really want to know—the cost.
A standard 30-year-old male non-smoker might pay:
- $25/month for a $500,000 traditional 20-year term policy
- $40–$45/month for the same policy with a 10-year limited pay option
The increase is clear. But you would only pay that higher amount for 10 years. After that, you’re done.
Clients will often request Term Life Insurance Policy Quotes Online just to compare. And that’s smart. Always compare costs and know what’s within your income and place in life.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients do side-by-side comparisons because they want to know for themselves if limited pay is worth paying for. In many cases, it is. Particularly for those for whom flexibility is important later in life.
It’s all about timing — more so than most people think. We meet so many clients at Canadian LIC who delay their life insurance decisions. Others are waiting until their income recovers. Others believe they’re too young to be worried at this point.
But here’s the well-known fact we explain to customers every single day — The younger and healthier you purchase Limited Term Life Insurance, the cheaper your plan will be.
Recently, we spoke with a 28-year-old marketing professional who wasn’t keen on paying higher premiums upfront. When we explained the difference between her age and what it would be five years later, she was fascinated. That five-year deferral would’ve hiked her premium by more than 25% — for the same coverage with a limited pay duration.
Getting started early gives you the dual benefit of lower premiums and a wider selection of plans. Also, you’re more likely to be eligible for coverage with no exclusions or health-related conditions. This ensures your inexpensive Term Life Insurance Policy is a solid bargain—not just today but also a no-worry answer tomorrow.
Once again, it’s tempting to get a little excited about catching up on your premium payments ahead of schedule. But as we advise every prospective client that walks through Canadian LIC’s doors — don’t go racing into a plan without knowing what it entails.
Here are some common mistakes people make — and ways to avoid them:
Underestimating the Premiums
Low out-of-pocket cost options generally have higher monthly premiums. If you don’t budget for that financially, you can end up struggling to keep up with payments. Go over your monthly budget first, and be honest about what’s in your price range.
Choosing the Inappropriate Payment Duration
A few clients select the shortest pay period (e.g., 10 years) because they want to secure payment quickly. But if that puts you under financial strain, it then defeats the purpose. In some cases a 15 or 20-year pay schedule is a more suitable option.
One of our clients, who was in his late 40s, chose a 10-year limited pay plan at first. He switched to a 15-year plan, after reviewing the quotes for Term Life Insurance Policies found online. That lessened his monthly burden but still met his coverage requirements.
Not Comparing Policy Quotes
People often assume all policies are the same. That’s far from true. Policy terms, conversion options, and renewal rates can vary widely. Always request multiple Term Life Insurance Policy Quotes Online and speak with a licensed advisor before deciding.
In short, at Canadian LIC, we guide our clients through the five easy steps of the process. This approach has helped thousands of families make the right insurance choices based on their financial goals and life stages.
Step 1: Understand Your Term Duration Needs
Are you seeking coverage until your children are adults? Until you paid off your mortgage? Or until retirement? This will allow you to choose a 20-year, 25-year or 30-year terms.
Step 2: Determine Your Preferred Payment Window
Ask yourself: How many years are you willing to pay premiums? Consider planning for future life changes — kids starting school or college, retirement goals, or a career change.
Step 3: Compare Low-Cost Term Life Insurance Policies
Receive side-by-side estimates from several providers. Look beyond premium amounts, too — look for renewal options, conversion clauses and exclusions.
Step 4: Consult with Term Life Insurance Experts
We invite you to speak with one of our experienced advisors at Canadian LIC. We’re not only Term Life Insurance agents—we’re listeners first. We guide you to tailor your plan according to your income and lifestyle.
Step 5: Apply Confidently & Track Your Policy
After you have settled on a plan, we will assist you in submitting the application and track each step until you are approved. No confusing paperwork. No follow-up stress. Just simple, guided help.
With rising living costs and unpredictable job markets, more Canadians now prefer to pay off major financial responsibilities sooner rather than later. We see this trend growing daily, especially among:
- Young professionals entering their peak income years
- Mid-life families planning for university expenses
- Pre-retirees aiming to reduce monthly outflows
- Business owners managing cash flow in cycles
Short-term pay plans provide a clean method to obtain coverage now and free yourself of long-term commitments later. It’s a savvy play if you know how long you’ll be bringing in income and want to organize around it.
At Canadian LIC, one thing that we often hear after someone learns about this option is, Why haven’t I heard about this before? That’s why we educate, explain and guide — so people can navigate their financial lives with confidence.
Every insurance brokerage can offer policies, but not all of them will understand your life story the way we do.
We’ve built Canadian LIC around the idea that insurance should fit your life, not the other way around. That means we focus on:
- Listening to your needs before quoting anything
- Helping you compare and understand options clearly
- Supporting you with ongoing service, not just a one-time sale
Whether you’re beginning with growing a family, or looking to take care of your legacy, our team is here to help you every step of the way. We’ve done this with thousands of Canadians just like you.
We have had clients in their 20s purchase limited pay plans as they plan their financial future. We’ve helped families who want coverage but don’t want the hassle of lifetime premiums. And we’ve dealt with retirees who wanted to pay for final expenses but didn’t want to make monthly payments into their 70s or 80s.
As Term Life Insurance agents, our job isn’t to sell a product — it’s to protect your story. And that begins by selecting the appropriate coverage, at the right moment, for the right price.
If you’ve ever felt exhausted at the prospect of signing up for 30 years of insurance, you’re not alone. We see that fear every day — and it’s also valid.
The Limited Term Insurance Plan provides something which most of the policies don’t provide, and that is freedom. You get years of protection without years of payment. You pay when it works for your life. And when it’s over, it’s over.
It’s flexible. It’s strategic. And it’s intended for Canadians seeking more control over their finances.
So, if you’re ready to take advantage of this smart option, take that first step today.
An index comparing Term Life Insurance pricing. Ask questions. Consider your income prospect for the next 10 or 15 years. Also, get in touch with someone you trust and who knows your background.
With Canadian LIC, you can create a safe, uncomplicated, and financially sound future.
More on Term Life Insurance

FAQs: Limited Term Life Insurance Plans in Canada
A Limited Term Insurance Plan lets you pay all your premiums in a shorter time—like 10 or 15 years—but keeps your coverage active for a longer term, like 20 or 30 years.
At Canadian LIC, we help many clients who want to be free of monthly payments after retirement or when their income reduces. They choose limited pay plans so they don’t have to keep paying for decades.
Yes, they can be. While monthly payments may be higher during the pay period, many clients at Canadian LIC see them as smart planning tools. They fit well into affordable Term Life Insurance Plans when you look at long-term value.
For example, one of our clients—a young dentist from Ontario—chose a 15-year pay option on a 30-year term. He finished his payments early, and now he’s covered without any future costs.
People who have short earning windows or those who want to finish payments before retirement should consider this. Every day, we guide clients who are freelancers, business owners, or professionals with strong early incomes.
They tell us they feel relieved knowing they’ll be done with payments long before their policy ends.
It’s easy. At Canadian LIC, we help clients compare Term Life Insurance Policy Quotes Online from different insurance providers. We also explain what each quote includes so you’re not just comparing numbers but real value.
We had a family in Calgary looking for the best limited pay option. After comparing quotes online with our help, they chose a 10-year payment plan for a 25-year policy. It gave them strong coverage and budget clarity.
That depends on your budget and income flow. If you can afford slightly higher payments for 10–15 years, then a limited pay plan may work better for you.
We always ask clients to think about what their future looks like. One self-employed carpenter from Nova Scotia told us, “I want to stop paying before I turn 60.” We helped him set that up through a 15-year limited pay plan.
In most cases, no. That’s why it’s important to get the structure right from the start. At Canadian LIC, we make sure our clients fully understand what they’re committing to before signing anything.
We sit with every client, check their income expectations, and help them choose a plan they can afford today and tomorrow.
Yes. The coverage amount is the same. What changes is the payment period.
When we explain this to our clients—like a couple from Winnipeg—they’re often surprised. They thought shorter pay meant shorter coverage. But once they knew they could pay for 10 years and still be covered for 30, they said yes right away.
Yes, the total cost can be slightly more than a regular term plan. But many clients at Canadian LIC tell us it’s worth it to pay early and forget the burden later.
For example, a teacher from Quebec told us she felt more comfortable paying extra now while she was working full-time. That way, she didn’t have to deal with insurance bills when she retired.
Yes, absolutely. Every day, we help clients find affordable Term Life Insurance Plans that include limited pay features.
The key is planning early. The younger and healthier you are, the more affordable your limited pay policy becomes. That’s why we suggest exploring options in your 20s, 30s, or 40s.
We listen. That’s our first step. We ask about your goals, your income, and your family. Then, we look at your budget and pull up the best Term Life Insurance Policy Quotes Online that fit your needs.
Clients often tell us they appreciate how simple we make the process. There’s no pressure—just guidance based on real conversations.
Yes, you can. But it’s better to talk with an advisor first. Many of our clients begin by looking at quotes online, then reach out for help.
That way, they avoid mistakes and pick a plan that works long-term. We support them with every step—application, follow-up, and policy tracking.
Missing a payment can affect your policy. It may lapse or cost more to reinstate. That’s why we always help clients set up pre-authorized payments and reminders.
At Canadian LIC, we work closely with clients to manage payment schedules so they don’t run into issues later. We even help adjust timelines when needed.
Yes, they often do. Many of our clients use limited pay plans as part of their bigger financial plans—like retiring early or paying off a mortgage.
One client from Surrey wanted to sync his insurance payments with his RRSP contributions. We helped him structure it so that his insurance ended before his retirement began. He said it gave him confidence moving forward.
People want control over their money. They don’t want to be stuck with payments in their 60s or 70s. That’s why limited pay plans are becoming more popular.
We hear this from clients all over Canada—from students just starting out to older couples approaching retirement. Everyone wants simple, smart, and affordable Term Life Insurance Plans that don’t drag on forever.
Start with a conversation. Think about your income today and your future goals. Then, speak with one of our expert advisors. We’ll show you the best Term Life Insurance Policy Quotes Online, and we’ll help you pick the right plan—step by step.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help you every day.
Sources and Further Reading
Government of Canada – Life Insurance Overview
Website: https://www.canada.ca
Provides a neutral, educational overview of life insurance types, including term policies, benefits, and consumer rights in Canada.
2. Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA)
Website: https://www.clhia.ca
As the national trade association for life and health insurers, CLHIA offers insights into policy structures, consumer protections, and market trends.
3. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) – Life Insurance Information
Website: https://www.ibc.ca
IBC provides consumers with foundational knowledge on life insurance policies, costs, and risk management—ideal for comparison with Limited Term Life Insurance.
4. Canadian Institute of Actuaries – Life Insurance and Financial Planning Reports
Website: https://www.cia-ica.ca
This site offers actuarial perspectives on life insurance pricing, affordability, and payment duration models—useful for understanding how limited pay plans are structured.
5. Canada Life – Understanding Term Life Insurance Options
Website: https://www.canadalife.com
As one of Canada’s major insurance providers, Canada Life provides comprehensive and clear examples of how Term Life Insurance works, including customizable pay periods.
6. Manulife – Term Life Insurance Guide
Website: https://www.manulife.ca
This resource outlines the cost, benefits, and features of flexible Term Life Insurance options that may include limited pay plans.
7. Sun Life – Life Insurance Tools and Calculators
Website: https://www.sunlife.ca
Sun Life offers calculators and guides to help Canadians understand term lengths, premium estimates, and long-term savings advantages of limited pay options.
8. Desjardins Insurance – Term Life Insurance FAQs
Website: https://www.desjardins.com
Desjardins provides easy-to-understand FAQs and examples of limited payment period options, which is great for new insurance customers.
Key Takeaways
- Limited Term Life Insurance Plans let you pay premiums for a shorter time—like 10, 15, or 20 years—but keep your life insurance coverage for a longer term, such as 20 or 30 years.
- These plans are ideal for people who want to finish payments early and avoid paying premiums during retirement or when their income drops.
- Affordable Term Life Insurance Plans can include limited pay options, especially when purchased early in life when rates are lower.
- Clients at Canadian LIC often choose limited pay plans to match their career timelines, financial goals, or retirement plans.
- Comparing Term Life Insurance Policy Quotes Online helps you find the right limited pay structure based on your age, income, and coverage needs.
- While limited pay plans may have higher monthly premiums, they offer long-term financial relief by ending payments sooner.
- These plans work best for professionals with high early income, business owners, parents with young children, and early retirees.
- Planning ahead is key—choosing the right payment window and term length ensures the policy supports your financial future.
- Avoid common mistakes like underestimating the premium amount or picking a plan without comparing quotes or getting professional advice.
- Canadian LIC helps clients daily by offering personalized advice, clear comparisons, and step-by-step support when choosing the best limited pay option.
Your Feedback Is Very Important To Us
We’d love to hear from you! Help us understand the challenges you face when learning about limited pay term insurance plans.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. One of our experienced advisors from Canadian LIC may follow up to assist you better.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- How Limited Term Insurance Plans Work And Who Should Consider Them
- What Is a Limited Pay Term Life Insurance Plan?
- How Does a Limited Term Life Insurance Plan Work?
- Who Should Consider Limited Term Insurance Plans?
- How Do Limited Pay Plans Compare to Traditional Term Plans?
- How Much Do Limited Term Insurance Plans Cost?
- Why Timing Matters When Choosing Limited Term Life Insurance
- Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Limited Pay Term Life Insurance Plan
- How to Buy the Right Limited Pay Term Life Insurance Plan
- Why Canadians Are Turning to Limited Pay Options More Than Ever
- What Sets Canadian LIC Apart When Choosing Limited Term Life Insurance?
- Why You Should Consider a Limited Term Life Insurance Plan Today