Life insurance cost by age — 2026
See exactly how much a 20-year term life insurance policy costs at every age from 25 to 60.
20-year term life insurance — $500,000 coverage — healthy nonsmoker — approximate monthly rates
| Age | Male nonsmoker/mo | Female nonsmoker/mo | Annual (male) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | $22 | $18 | $264 |
| 30 | $25 | $21 | $300 |
| 35 | $32 | $27 | $384 |
| 40 | $48 | $40 | $576 |
| 45 | $75 | $62 | $900 |
| 50 | $125 | $100 | $1,500 |
| 55 | $205 | $170 | $2,460 |
| 60 | $350 | $290 | $4,200 |
This is an estimate for informational purposes only based on national and state averages. Actual rates vary by insurer and individual circumstances. For an accurate quote, contact a licensed insurance agent.
Why rates increase so sharply with age
Life insurance mortality risk roughly doubles every 8-10 years after age 30. A 50-year-old has statistically higher mortality during a 20-year term than a 35-year-old by a factor of 4-5x. That actuarial reality drives the steep pricing curve. Locking in your rate at 30 or 35 instead of waiting until 45 saves tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the policy.