💰 Cost Guide 2025

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost?

Updated January 2026 • Term & whole life rates • By age and coverage

🎯 Get Your Personalized Rate

Find out exactly how much you'll pay based on your age and health.

✓ No exam options ✓ Compare top insurers ✓ From $15/month

Average Life Insurance Costs (2025)

📊 Quick Stats (Healthy 35-year-old, non-smoker)

  • $250K term (20-year): $15/month
  • $500K term (20-year): $26/month
  • $1M term (20-year): $45/month
  • Whole life (same coverage): 5-15x more expensive
  • Key factor: Age at purchase—rates increase ~8% per year

Term vs. Whole Life Costs

Policy Type $500K Coverage Best For
20-Year Term $26/month Most people; temporary needs
30-Year Term $42/month Longer protection period
Whole Life $350+/month Permanent coverage; cash value
Universal Life $200+/month Flexible premiums; cash value

Cost by Age (20-Year Term, $500K)

Age is the #1 factor in life insurance pricing. Rates increase approximately 8-10% for every year you wait.

Age Male (Monthly) Female (Monthly) Annual Cost
25 $19 $16 $210
30 $21 $18 $234
35 $26 $22 $288
40 $38 $32 $420
45 $58 $48 $636
50 $95 $75 $1,020
55 $155 $115 $1,620
60 $265 $185 $2,700

*Rates for healthy, non-smoking individuals. Smokers pay 2-3x more.

Cost by Coverage Amount

Doubling your coverage doesn't double your cost. Per-dollar costs decrease with higher coverage amounts.

Coverage 35-Year-Old 45-Year-Old 55-Year-Old
$250,000 $15/mo $32/mo $85/mo
$500,000 $26/mo $58/mo $155/mo
$750,000 $35/mo $78/mo $210/mo
$1,000,000 $45/mo $98/mo $265/mo
$2,000,000 $82/mo $175/mo $480/mo

What Affects Your Life Insurance Cost?

🎂 Age

Rates increase ~8% per year. Lock in rates while you're young.

🩺 Health

Health conditions like diabetes or heart disease can increase rates 50-300%.

🚬 Tobacco Use

Smokers pay 2-3x more. Quitting for 12+ months can get you non-smoker rates.

👫 Gender

Women typically pay 15-20% less due to longer life expectancy.

🏋️ Lifestyle

High-risk hobbies (skydiving, racing) and dangerous jobs increase rates.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family History

Family history of cancer or heart disease can impact your rate class.

Life Insurance Cost FAQs

How much does life insurance cost per month?

Term life insurance costs about $26/month for a healthy 35-year-old for $500,000 in coverage. Costs vary by age, health, coverage amount, and term length. Whole life costs 5-15x more than term.

Is life insurance worth it?

Life insurance is worth it if anyone depends on your income. For less than $1/day, you can protect your family from financial hardship. It's most important if you have a mortgage, children, or a spouse who depends on your income.

Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?

Yes! No-exam policies are available but typically cost 10-25% more and have lower maximum coverage amounts (usually $500K-1M). They're great for convenience or if you have health concerns.

When should I buy life insurance?

The best time is now—rates increase with age and health changes. Buy when you're young and healthy to lock in low rates. Key times: getting married, buying a home, having children.

Lock In Your Rate Today

Life insurance rates increase every year. Get quotes now while you're young and healthy.