Life insurance rates change as you get older, which is why the best time to buy coverage is usually sooner rather than later. Understanding how age affects pricing can help you choose the right policy and lock in the most affordable rate for your family’s needs.
Why Age Matters in Life Insurance
Age is one of the most important factors insurance companies use when determining life insurance pricing. Generally, the younger and healthier you are when you apply, the lower your premiums will be. This is because younger applicants present less risk to insurers, which translates to more affordable coverage and greater policy options. Understanding how life insurance rates by age change can help you choose the right time to buy coverage — and avoid paying significantly more later in life.
As you get older, life insurance costs by age tend to rise quickly due to increased health risks and a shorter expected lifespan. Even a few years of waiting can lead to noticeably higher premiums or more limited policy options. That’s why many people secure coverage earlier rather than later, locking in lower rates for the long term. Purchasing life insurance at a younger age not only saves money but also ensures your family is protected regardless of how your health may change over time.
How Life Insurance Rates Change as You Age
Life insurance pricing is closely tied to age, which means the younger you are when you apply, the lower your rates will typically be. As you get older, insurers see a higher risk of health issues and shorter life expectancy, which naturally increases premiums over time.
Here’s how age affects life insurance rates:
- Younger applicants pay the lowest rates, especially in their 20s and 30s
- Rates rise steadily with age, as health risks become more common
- The price increases sharply after key age milestones, such as 40, 50, and 60
- Waiting even a few years can significantly increase your monthly premium
This simple breakdown helps users understand why buying coverage sooner — and reviewing the chart below — can make a big difference in affordability.
Life Insurance Rates by Age
Use the dropdowns below to select the insured’s age, policy amount, and term length.
The table will display estimated monthly life insurance rates for both males and females.
| Term Length | Age | Policy Amount | Male Rates | Female Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Year | 25 | $250,000 | $10–$25 | $8–$23 |
| 10 Year | 25 | $500,000 | $15–$30 | $11–$26 |
| 10 Year | 25 | $1,000,000 | $24–$39 | $15–$30 |
| 10 Year | 35 | $250,000 | $10–$25 | $9–$24 |
| 10 Year | 35 | $500,000 | $16–$31 | $13–$28 |
| 10 Year | 35 | $1,000,000 | $24–$39 | $20–$35 |
| 10 Year | 45 | $250,000 | $17–$32 | $15–$30 |
| 10 Year | 45 | $500,000 | $27–$42 | $23–$38 |
| 10 Year | 45 | $1,000,000 | $45–$60 | $37–$52 |
| 10 Year | 55 | $250,000 | $37–$52 | $28–$43 |
| 10 Year | 55 | $500,000 | $66–$81 | $50–$65 |
| 10 Year | 55 | $1,000,000 | $121–$136 | $90–$105 |
| 10 Year | 65 | $250,000 | $102–$117 | $77–$92 |
| 10 Year | 65 | $500,000 | $189–$204 | $122–$137 |
| 10 Year | 65 | $1,000,000 | $358–$373 | $253–$268 |
| 15 Year | 25 | $250,000 | $10–$25 | $9–$24 |
| 15 Year | 25 | $500,000 | $15–$30 | $12–$27 |
| 15 Year | 25 | $1,000,000 | $25–$40 | $17–$32 |
| 15 Year | 35 | $250,000 | $11–$26 | $10–$25 |
| 15 Year | 35 | $500,000 | $18–$33 | $14–$29 |
| 15 Year | 35 | $1,000,000 | $28–$43 | $22–$37 |
| 15 Year | 45 | $250,000 | $21–$36 | $17–$32 |
| 15 Year | 45 | $500,000 | $35–$50 | $28–$43 |
| 15 Year | 45 | $1,000,000 | $63–$78 | $48–$63 |
| 15 Year | 55 | $250,000 | $46–$61 | $33–$48 |
| 15 Year | 55 | $500,000 | $84–$99 | $59–$74 |
| 15 Year | 55 | $1,000,000 | $161–$176 | $109–$124 |
| 15 Year | 65 | $250,000 | $132–$147 | $101–$116 |
| 15 Year | 65 | $500,000 | $258–$273 | $183–$198 |
| 15 Year | 65 | $1,000,000 | $476–$491 | $344–$359 |
| 20 Year | 25 | $250,000 | $12–$27 | $11–$26 |
| 20 Year | 25 | $500,000 | $18–$33 | $15–$30 |
| 20 Year | 25 | $1,000,000 | $29–$44 | $22–$37 |
| 20 Year | 35 | $250,000 | $13–$28 | $12–$27 |
| 20 Year | 35 | $500,000 | $20–$35 | $17–$32 |
| 20 Year | 35 | $1,000,000 | $33–$48 | $28–$43 |
| 20 Year | 45 | $250,000 | $26–$41 | $21–$36 |
| 20 Year | 45 | $500,000 | $45–$60 | $36–$51 |
| 20 Year | 45 | $1,000,000 | $84–$99 | $65–$80 |
| 20 Year | 55 | $250,000 | $59–$74 | $44–$59 |
| 20 Year | 55 | $500,000 | $112–$127 | $82–$97 |
| 20 Year | 55 | $1,000,000 | $216–$231 | $157–$172 |
| 20 Year | 65 | $250,000 | $194–$209 | $154–$169 |
| 20 Year | 65 | $500,000 | $380–$395 | $308–$323 |
| 20 Year | 65 | $1,000,000 | $734–$749 | $527–$542 |
| 25 Year | 25 | $250,000 | $15–$30 | $13–$28 |
| 25 Year | 25 | $500,000 | $23–$38 | $19–$34 |
| 25 Year | 25 | $1,000,000 | $40–$55 | $28–$43 |
| 25 Year | 35 | $250,000 | $18–$33 | $16–$31 |
| 25 Year | 35 | $500,000 | $28–$43 | $24–$39 |
| 25 Year | 35 | $1,000,000 | $50–$65 | $42–$57 |
| 25 Year | 45 | $250,000 | $37–$52 | $29–$44 |
| 25 Year | 45 | $500,000 | $64–$79 | $49–$64 |
| 25 Year | 45 | $1,000,000 | $120–$135 | $91–$106 |
| 25 Year | 55 | $250,000 | $100–$115 | $70–$85 |
| 25 Year | 55 | $500,000 | $186–$201 | $129–$144 |
| 25 Year | 55 | $1,000,000 | $334–$349 | $249–$264 |
| 25 Year | 65 | $250,000 | $345–$360 | $276–$291 |
| 25 Year | 65 | $500,000 | $661–$676 | $542–$557 |
| 25 Year | 65 | $1,000,000 | $1276–$1291 | $1067–$1082 |
| 30 Year | 25 | $250,000 | $17–$32 | $14–$29 |
| 30 Year | 25 | $500,000 | $28–$43 | $22–$37 |
| 30 Year | 25 | $1,000,000 | $46–$61 | $34–$49 |
| 30 Year | 35 | $250,000 | $21–$36 | $18–$33 |
| 30 Year | 35 | $500,000 | $34–$49 | $28–$43 |
| 30 Year | 35 | $1,000,000 | $63–$78 | $50–$65 |
| 30 Year | 45 | $250,000 | $42–$57 | $33–$48 |
| 30 Year | 45 | $500,000 | $76–$91 | $59–$74 |
| 30 Year | 45 | $1,000,000 | $145–$160 | $113–$128 |
| 30 Year | 55 | $250,000 | $112–$127 | $90–$105 |
| 30 Year | 55 | $500,000 | $229–$244 | $173–$188 |
| 30 Year | 55 | $1,000,000 | $449–$464 | $316–$331 |
| 30 Year | 65 | $250,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 30 Year | 65 | $500,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 30 Year | 65 | $1,000,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 35 Year | 25 | $250,000 | $21–$36 | $17–$32 |
| 35 Year | 25 | $500,000 | $33–$48 | $27–$42 |
| 35 Year | 25 | $1,000,000 | $58–$73 | $44–$59 |
| 35 Year | 35 | $250,000 | $25–$40 | $21–$36 |
| 35 Year | 35 | $500,000 | $42–$57 | $35–$50 |
| 35 Year | 35 | $1,000,000 | $78–$93 | $62–$77 |
| 35 Year | 45 | $250,000 | $54–$69 | $46–$61 |
| 35 Year | 45 | $500,000 | $96–$111 | $74–$89 |
| 35 Year | 45 | $1,000,000 | $183–$198 | $142–$157 |
| 35 Year | 55 | $250,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 35 Year | 55 | $500,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 35 Year | 55 | $1,000,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 35 Year | 65 | $250,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 35 Year | 65 | $500,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 35 Year | 65 | $1,000,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 40 Year | 25 | $250,000 | $25–$40 | $20–$35 |
| 40 Year | 25 | $500,000 | $42–$57 | $33–$48 |
| 40 Year | 25 | $1,000,000 | $71–$86 | $56–$71 |
| 40 Year | 35 | $250,000 | $38–$53 | $29–$44 |
| 40 Year | 35 | $500,000 | $70–$85 | $52–$67 |
| 40 Year | 35 | $1,000,000 | $134–$149 | $92–$107 |
| 40 Year | 45 | $250,000 | $96–$111 | $76–$91 |
| 40 Year | 45 | $500,000 | $185–$200 | $145–$160 |
| 40 Year | 45 | $1,000,000 | $364–$379 | $284–$299 |
| 40 Year | 55 | $250,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 40 Year | 55 | $500,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 40 Year | 55 | $1,000,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 40 Year | 65 | $250,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 40 Year | 65 | $500,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 40 Year | 65 | $1,000,000 | N/A | N/A |
Life Insurance Rates at 30
Life insurance is still very affordable in your 30s, making this one of the best times to secure long-term coverage.
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Lowest rates for most adults
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Great time for first-time coverage
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Popular for starting families and buying homes
Life Insurance Rates at 40
Rates rise slightly in your 40s, but coverage is still affordable and widely available.
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Small increase compared to 30s
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Ideal for income replacement + family protection
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Many choose 20–30 year term policies
Life Insurance Rates at 50
Life insurance rates increase more noticeably in your 50s as health risks become more common.
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Rates rise sharply
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Good decade for term + final expense policies
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Approval may depend more on health history
Life Insurance Rates at 60
In your 60s, life insurance is still available, but options begin to narrow.
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Term policies available into early 60s
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Many choose whole life or final expense coverage
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Great for covering final expenses or smaller financial needs
Life Insurance Rates at 70+
Life insurance is still possible at age 70 and beyond, but options and amounts become more limited.
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Mostly small whole life or guaranteed issue policies
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Higher premiums due to advanced age
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Designed primarily for final expenses
What Affects Rates Besides Age?
While age is one of the biggest factors in determining life insurance premiums, it’s not the only thing insurers evaluate. Your overall health, lifestyle habits, and the type of policy you choose all play a major role in how much you’ll pay. Understanding these life insurance cost factors can help you estimate your rate more accurately and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Several key factors influence life insurance pricing beyond age, including your health, tobacco use, and gender, as well as your coverage amount, term length, and policy type (such as term, whole life, or universal life). Healthier individuals typically pay lower rates, while smokers or those with certain medical conditions may see higher premiums. Choosing a longer term or larger benefit amount can also increase costs, while shorter terms and smaller policies are usually more affordable. Knowing how these elements impact pricing helps you make more informed decisions as you compare your options.
Life Insurance Rates by Age: FAQs
How does age affect life insurance rates?
Age is one of the biggest factors in determining life insurance premiums. Younger applicants pay significantly lower rates because they are considered lower risk. As you age, the likelihood of health issues increases — which causes premiums to rise each year you wait.
Why do life insurance rates increase as you get older?
Rates increase because insurers base premiums on risk of mortality. As people age:
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Health risks rise
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Medical conditions become more common
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Life expectancy decreases
This makes older applicants more costly to insure, resulting in higher premiums.
When is the best age to buy life insurance?
The best age to purchase life insurance is as early as possible — typically in your 20s or early 30s. Rates are lowest during these years, and you can lock in pricing for decades. However, it’s never too late to secure coverage if you have financial dependents.
Can seniors in their 70s or 80s still get life insurance?
Yes, but options are more limited. Most insurers offer:
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Final expense whole life up to age 85
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Guaranteed issue life insurance with no medical exam
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Short-term policies for healthy seniors
Premiums are higher, but coverage is still accessible.
How does gender affect life insurance rates?
Gender plays a role — statistically, women live longer than men. As a result:
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Women generally pay lower premiums
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Men tend to pay slightly more for the same coverage
Both genders should compare quotes to ensure best pricing.
How do health and lifestyle influence rates by age?
As you age, insurers look closely at:
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Blood pressure and cholesterol
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BMI and weight
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Tobacco use
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Family medical history
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Medications
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Driving record
These factors can shift an applicant into a better or worse rate class, dramatically impacting cost.
Do life insurance rates stay the same after purchase?
Yes — for level term and whole life policies, your premiums are locked in for the duration of the policy. Rates only increase when:
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You buy a new policy
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You renew a term policy after expiration
This is why buying early is so beneficial.
Is it cheaper to buy term life insurance at a younger age?
Absolutely. Term life is most cost-effective when purchased early. Even waiting one year can increase your rates, especially after age 35. Buying young saves thousands over a lifetime.
Can I improve my life insurance rates at any age?
Yes. You may qualify for better rates if you:
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Lose weight
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Quit smoking
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Improve blood pressure or cholesterol
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle
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Re-shop your coverage
Some insurers allow reconsideration within 1–3 years of improving health.
Are life insurance rate charts accurate?
Rate charts provide helpful estimates, but actual pricing depends on:
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Your medical exam
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Rate class assigned
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Policy type
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Health history
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Lifestyle factors
Getting personalized quotes ensures the most accurate cost assessment.
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