Compare Your Term Life Insurance Rates Chart Today

Think of a term life insurance rates chart as your roadmap to potential costs. It's a simple tool that lays out estimated monthly premiums, letting you see at a glance how factors like your age, coverage amount, term length, and health classification will affect what you pay. It’s the perfect first step to figuring out how much policy you can comfortably afford.

How to Read Term Life Insurance Rate Charts

At first glance, these charts can seem a little intimidating, but they're actually quite straightforward. Just think of it as a grid. Each row and column represents one of the key factors that insurance companies use to calculate your premium. All you have to do is find where your personal details intersect on the chart, and you'll have a solid ballpark figure for your monthly cost.

Understanding your options has never been more relevant. In the United States, the individual life insurance market has been booming, largely because more people are recognizing its importance. Before 2020, annual premium growth was chugging along at about 3%. Since then, the industry has seen record-breaking sales. This surge has pushed forecasted life insurance premiums to an estimated USD 15.9 billion in 2024, with even more growth on the horizon. If you’re interested in the data behind these trends, LIMRA's 2025 forecast offers an in-depth look.

The Core Components of a Rate Chart

To get an accurate estimate from any chart, you first need to know what you’re looking at. These are the fundamental pieces that insurers use to assess their risk, which directly translates into the price you’ll pay.

• Age: This is usually the first thing you'll find, often listed down the side. It's a massive factor in pricing—the younger and healthier you are when you buy, the cheaper your policy will be.

• Health or Risk Class: Insurance companies place applicants into different tiers based on their overall health and lifestyle. Common classes include Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard. The better your health, the better your class, and the lower your premium.

• Coverage Amount (Face Amount): This is the payout your beneficiaries would receive. The chart will show different prices for common coverage levels, like $250,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000.

• Term Length: This is simply how long your coverage lasts—typically 10, 20, or 30 years. Longer terms cost more because the insurance company is on the hook for a longer period, increasing their statistical risk.

So, to find your rate, you’d start by finding your age, then move across to your desired coverage amount, making sure you’re looking at the column that matches your likely health class and the term length you want. It’s a simple process of elimination.

Here's a quick example of what this looks like in practice.

Sample Monthly Term Life Insurance Rates (Non-Smoker) This table shows estimated monthly premiums for a 20-year term policy for an individual in the 'Preferred Plus' health class.

Age	$250,000 Coverage	$500,000 Coverage	$1,000,000 Coverage
30	$12.45	$20.01	$34.25
40	$17.68	$29.13	$51.72
50	$39.55	$71.04	$135.59
60	$98.12	$185.73	$362.40

As you can see, the rates climb significantly with age. This is why financial experts often advise getting a policy sooner rather than later to lock in a lower rate for the entire term.

Understanding Your Health and Risk Classification

While your age plays a big role in your premium, it's your health and risk classification that truly drives the final cost. Think of it this way: insurance carriers are in the business of measuring risk. To do that, they review your entire health profile and assign you a specific rating. This rating is the single most important factor determining the numbers you'll see on any term life insurance rates chart.

It’s a bit like a credit score, but for your health and lifestyle. A better rating tells the insurer you're a lower risk, and they reward that with lower premiums. These ratings aren't just pulled out of thin air; they're the result of a detailed underwriting process that looks at very specific health and lifestyle markers.

The Tiers of Health Ratings

Insurance companies sort applicants into a tiered system. The names for these tiers can differ slightly from one carrier to another, but the basic structure is almost always the same. Knowing where you're likely to fit in is the key to getting a realistic idea of what you’ll pay.

Here are the most common health classes you’ll encounter:

• Preferred Plus (or Super Preferred): This is the gold standard, the absolute best rating you can get. It’s reserved for people in truly excellent health with ideal height-to-weight ratios, perfect cholesterol and blood pressure, no family history of early-onset diseases like cancer or heart conditions, and a squeaky-clean driving record.

• Preferred: This is still a fantastic rating for people in great shape who might just barely miss the strict cutoffs for the top tier. Maybe your cholesterol is a touch high, or you’re carrying a few extra pounds according to their charts.

• Standard Plus (or Select): A solid rating for those in above-average health. You might have a minor health issue that's completely under control, be a bit overweight, or have some family history of a particular illness.

• Standard: This is the baseline rating for the average person. Applicants in this class might have a higher BMI, managed high blood pressure, or other common health concerns that are being treated effectively.

It's also important to note that insurers have entirely separate classes for tobacco users, like Preferred Tobacco and Standard Tobacco. As you'd expect, these come with much higher premiums than the non-tobacco equivalents.

How Health Metrics Affect Your Class

Even what seem like minor details in your health profile can be enough to shift you from one classification to another—and that shift can have a huge impact on your monthly premium.

For example: Let's look at two 40-year-old men, both seeking a $500,000, 20-year term policy. John is in excellent health and easily qualifies for Preferred Plus. His quote is $29 per month. Mark, on the other hand, has slightly elevated but managed blood pressure, which places him in the Standard class. His quote comes in at $55 per month.

Over the full 20-year term, that small difference in health adds up to an extra $6,240 for Mark.

This is exactly why understanding the criteria is so critical. Underwriters look at everything from your driving record and prescription history to your hobbies—things like scuba diving or flying planes are considered higher risk. The more you know about what they're looking for, the better you can read a rates chart and even take steps to improve your health profile before you apply.

Term Life Insurance Rates for Ages 20 to 59

For most of us, the years between 20 and 59 are packed with major life events. Think about it: buying a first home, starting a family, and hitting your peak earning years. This is precisely why it’s the most critical time to lock in life insurance. A term life insurance rates chart for this age group tells a compelling story about the huge financial benefit of acting sooner rather than later.

The market itself reflects this growing awareness. In 2024, the global life insurance market grew by a substantial +10.4%, with North America experiencing even stronger growth at 14.4%. This surge was partly fueled by economic shifts like rising interest rates, which made certain insurance products more attractive. If you're curious about the deeper economic drivers, you can read the full Allianz global insurance report for a detailed breakdown. What's clear is that more people are recognizing just how essential this financial safety net is.

The infographic below gives you a quick visual of how monthly premiums can evolve as you get older.

As you can plainly see, the cost of coverage jumps noticeably with each decade. It’s a powerful argument for not putting off getting a policy.

Analyzing the Rates by Life Stage

Each stage of life comes with its own financial picture, and a rate chart is the perfect tool to help you match your coverage to your current reality. The examples below show sample monthly premiums for a healthy, non-smoking male to give you a clearer idea.

• In Your 20s: This is, without a doubt, the cheapest time to buy life insurance. A young family could easily lock in a $500,000, 30-year policy for somewhere around $25-$35 per month. That's a small price to pay to cover debts and replace income for the next three decades.

• In Your 30s: Your financial responsibilities have likely grown. You might have a bigger mortgage and kids who depend on you. A $1,000,000, 20-year term could cost between $40-$60 per month, providing a crucial safety net until your children are independent.

• In Your 40s & 50s: The focus often shifts toward protecting your income stream until retirement. A $500,000, 20-year policy might now cost $70-$150+ per month—still a very reasonable expense to guarantee your spouse's financial security if something happens to you.

The takeaway here is that looking at a term life insurance rates chart is a key part of smart financial planning. It’s not just a price list; it’s a strategic roadmap. When you understand how much your age affects your premiums, you can make an informed decision and lock in an affordable policy that truly protects your family for the long haul.

Life Insurance in Your 60s: A Different Ball Game

When you hit your 60s, your perspective on life insurance often shifts. The days of needing a massive policy to replace decades of lost income are likely behind you. Now, the focus narrows to more specific, short-term goals.

Many people at this age are simply looking to tie up loose ends. Think about covering final expenses, paying off the last few years of a mortgage, or leaving a small inheritance for the grandkids. It’s less about income replacement and more about creating a financial cushion for your loved ones.

It's no surprise that premiums are higher in your 60s and beyond. From an insurer's point of view, the statistical risk is greater, and that’s reflected in the price. Because of this, you’ll find that term life insurance rates charts for seniors tend to highlight shorter terms, like 10 or 15 years, and smaller coverage amounts that fit these more targeted financial plans.

What's the Right Amount of Coverage?

A $1,000,000 policy probably isn't what you need anymore. Instead, most folks in their 60s find that coverage between $25,000 and $100,000 gets the job done. An amount in this range is usually plenty to cover funeral costs—which can easily top $10,000—and clear up any small, outstanding debts so your family doesn’t have to.

Let's look at an example. A 65-year-old in pretty good health might just need a $50,000, 10-year policy. The objective is straightforward: to make sure their spouse or kids have immediate cash for final arrangements. The rate chart is the perfect tool to pinpoint an affordable premium for that specific, time-sensitive need.

You'll also see a lot of talk about no-medical-exam policies. They're certainly convenient, but that convenience comes at a cost. The premiums are typically higher because the insurance company is taking on more unknowns about your health. Still, they can be a great alternative if you have health issues that might make getting a traditional, fully underwritten policy a challenge.

Term Life Insurance Rates for Seniors (Sample Monthly Premiums)

Age	Gender	$50,000 Coverage (10-Year Term)	$100,000 Coverage (10-Year Term)
60	Male	$45 - $60	$85 - $110
60	Female	$35 - $50	$65 - $85
65	Male	$70 - $95	$130 - $175
65	Female	$50 - $70	$90 - $125

Heads up: These are just estimates for non-smokers in a Standard health class. Your actual rate will depend on your personal health profile and a full underwriting review.

At the end of the day, the goal for seniors is to match the policy precisely to the financial job at hand. If a term policy ends up being too expensive or you can't qualify, don't worry. There are other options, like final expense insurance, which is a form of whole life insurance designed to offer a permanent solution for those end-of-life costs.

How Term Length and Coverage Affect Your Premiums

Aside from your age and health, two fundamental choices will drive your final premium: how long the policy lasts (the term) and how much coverage you get (the face amount). These are the two biggest levers you can pull, and they directly influence the numbers you'll see on any term life insurance rates chart. Getting a handle on how they work is the first step to building a policy that fits your budget.

It’s pretty straightforward: a longer term means a higher monthly premium. For the same person, a 30-year policy will always cost more than an identical 10-year policy. Why? Because the insurance company is locking in your rate for a much longer time, which increases its long-term risk.

In the same way, a larger coverage amount—the actual death benefit paid to your beneficiaries—naturally leads to a higher premium. It makes sense that a $1,000,000 policy will cost more than a $250,000 one, since the potential payout for the insurer is four times larger.

Finding the Sweet Spot Between Cost and Value

Now, here's where it gets interesting. While a bigger policy costs more in total, it can actually give you much better value on a per-dollar basis.

Insurers often price their policies using a "cost-per-thousand" model. This means the rate you pay for each $1,000 of coverage often goes down as you buy more coverage.

For example, a 40-year-old might pay $18 per month for a $250,000 policy, which breaks down to $0.072 per thousand. But a $1,000,000 policy might only cost them $52 per month, or just $0.052 per thousand. You're getting four times the protection for less than three times the price.

This kind of pricing reflects a growing and competitive market. The global life insurance industry is expanding significantly, with total premiums projected to climb from USD 3.1 trillion in 2024 to USD 4.8 trillion by 2035. This growth is fueled by an increasing demand for solid financial protection. If you're interested in the economic forces behind this trend, you can read the full outlook from Swiss Re.

Ultimately, your goal is to find that perfect balance. Use our term life insurance rates chart to find a term length that covers your biggest financial responsibilities (like a mortgage) and a coverage amount that truly secures your family's future—all without breaking your budget.

Actionable Strategies to Lower Your Life Insurance Cost

While our term life insurance rates chart gives you a solid starting point, the premium you're quoted isn't necessarily what you have to pay. The good news is, you have a surprising amount of influence over that final number. A few smart, proactive moves can meaningfully lower your monthly costs, letting you lock in great protection for your family without breaking the bank.

The biggest lever you can pull is also the simplest one: apply when you are young and healthy. As you can see from the charts, age is one of the most significant factors in determining your rate. Getting a policy in your 20s or 30s can literally save you thousands of dollars over the term compared to waiting until you're in your 40s or 50s.

Make Smart Lifestyle Adjustments

Even small, positive changes in your daily life can have a huge impact on your health classification, which directly affects your premium. Life insurance companies love to see healthy habits, and they'll reward you with better rates.

Think about tackling these high-impact areas:

• Quit Smoking: This is, without a doubt, the single best thing you can do to slash your premium. Once you’ve been tobacco-free for a full year, you can often qualify for non-smoker rates. The difference is staggering—it can cut your costs by 50% or more.

• Improve Health Metrics: Before you schedule that medical exam, focus on getting your blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI into a healthier range. These numbers are critical data points for underwriters.

• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Yes, insurers look at your driving history. A record that's free of DUIs, reckless driving, and other major violations shows them you're a responsible person and a lower risk.

Remember, locking in a low rate isn't just about saving a few bucks today. It's about securing a predictable, manageable expense for the next 10, 20, or even 30 years. The effort you put in now pays dividends for a long, long time.

Optimize Your Policy and Payment Structure

Finally, don't overlook the details of how you set up and pay for your policy. You should always compare quotes from multiple insurers. You'd be amazed at how much prices can vary for the exact same coverage from one A-rated company to the next, such as America First Financial or its competitors.

Here's another easy win: pay your premium annually instead of monthly. Most insurers will give you a discount of 3% to 8% just for paying in one lump sum each year. It saves them administrative headaches, and they're happy to pass some of those savings on to you.

Answers to Your Top Questions About Term Life Rates

When you're looking at a term life insurance rates chart, a few key questions almost always come up. Let's get you some clear, straightforward answers so you can feel confident in your next steps.

Will My Term Life Insurance Rates Go Up?

No. For a standard level-term life insurance policy, your premiums are locked in for the entire term. The price you get on day one is the price you'll pay for the next 10, 20, or 30 years. It's guaranteed.

That predictability is one of the biggest benefits of term life insurance—it makes budgeting simple. The only way your rate would ever change is if you decide to renew the policy after your original term ends. At that point, the insurance company would calculate a new premium based on your age and health at that time.

What Happens If I Outlive My Term Policy?

If you reach the end of your term, the policy simply expires. You stop making payments, and the insurer's obligation to pay a death benefit ends. It's important to remember that you don't get a refund of the premiums you've paid over the years.

When your term is about to expire, you'll have a few choices:

• Apply for a brand new policy.

• Convert your term policy into a permanent one (if you have a conversion rider).

• Simply go without coverage if your financial situation has changed.

Think of it this way: outliving your term policy is often a good thing! It usually means your biggest financial burdens, like the mortgage or raising kids, are behind you, which is exactly what you planned for.

Do I Have to Get a Medical Exam for Term Life Insurance?

Not necessarily, but it can save you a lot of money. Many companies now offer "no-medical-exam" life insurance, which is incredibly convenient. These policies use data and algorithms to estimate your risk instead of requiring a physical exam.

The trade-off for that convenience is usually a higher price tag. A fully underwritten policy, which includes a medical exam, gives the insurer a complete and accurate picture of your health. If you're in good shape, this almost always results in a lower, more competitive rate.