Life Insurance Cost by Age Calculator
Term life insurance premiums double roughly every decade of age. See your estimated monthly premium for 20-year or 30-year term coverage, by age, sex, and smoker status — based on 2026 carrier rates.
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Life insurance premiums double roughly every decade of age — a 30-year-old pays about half what a 40-year-old pays for the same coverage. Other major rate factors: smoking (2.5× premium), health rating (preferred class 20% cheaper than standard), and sex (women pay 20–25% less). Lock in coverage young to save tens of thousands over 30 years.
Average Term Life Premiums 2026
For $500,000 of 20-year term coverage, healthy non-smokers pay roughly: Age 30: $20–30/month. Age 40: $30–45/month. Age 50: $80–125/month. Age 60: $250–400/month. Smokers pay 2–3× more. Source: NAIC industry data and carrier rate tables.
Major Rate Factors
Smoking — single biggest factor (2.5× premium). Even occasional cigar/cannabis use can flag you as a smoker. Health class — Preferred Plus is the best rating; requires excellent labs and no family disease history. Build — BMI in 25–28 range is ideal; both too low and too high trigger surcharges. Driving record — DUI or reckless driving in past 5 years is disqualifying.
When to Buy
Buy as young and healthy as possible — premiums lock for the entire term length. A 30-year-old buying 30-year coverage locks rates until age 60. Waiting until age 40 to buy the same coverage typically costs 60–80% more over the same coverage period.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: NAIC Insurance Reports, LIMRA Insurance Statistics.