Glenn has made some good points. You may be able to modify your current insurance without canceling it.

Here is one idea, for the future.

Insured Annuity

A life income annuity (payable until death) is attractive because the insurance company has to pay for life, even if you live to 110. However if you die much earlier than you expect, the insurance company keeps all of the money. Rather than gamble with your family’s inheritance, consider purchasing an insured annuity. This is a 2 step process where the annuity is backed by a life insurance policy for the same amount. If you die early, the life insurance is paid to your beneficiary tax free.

Back to Back Annuity (insured annuity)
This example compares GIC vs a life annuity with a matching life insurance policy.

Example:

* Current GIC rate 3.25% (five year rate lock-in)
* 65 year old male purchases $100,000 non-reg annuity and $100,000 life insurance policy
* Tax bracket 31.41% ($40,970 up to $65,345) Ontario

Insured annuity GIC
Gross income $8,165.28 $3,250
Taxes payable $742.90 $1,012.37
Life insurance $3,240 $0
Total net $4,182.38 $2,237.63

After taxes are considered, a GIC of over 6% is needed to equal the annuity. At higher tax brackets, a GIC paying over 8% is needed! Also, under the annuity strategy, he pays less tax as he is showing less taxable income and is less susceptible to OAS claw backs and age amount (age 65) claw back. This could mean many hundreds or thousands of dollars saved every year.

Currently interest rates are low, but because the way annuities are taxed, they will always pay a higher income than GIC’s at higher rates.

Early Planning is Best

To lower the insurance premium required to cover the annuity and to get an even higher rate of return, permanent insurance should be considered at a much earlier age (and better health) if cash flow permits. Or to give more options in retirement, such as selling the house in retirement and living off the capital. Insurance fills the hole after the money is spent.