The average cost of life insurance per month varies greatly from person to person because rates are determined by several factors including age, gender, overall health, and the type of coverage being purchased.
In this insider’s guide, we’ve provided sample rates for term, whole, and guaranteed universal life insurance to help you estimate the cost of your life insurance policy.
How Life Insurance Companies Determine Your Rates
Life insurance companies use rate classes to determine an individual’s overall risk and ultimately the price of their policy. There are 4 primary rate categories for non-smokers that are in average or better health for their age group, we’ve outlined these below:
#1. Preferred Best – This is the best rate class available for people in excellent health. Less than 10% of the population will qualify for this rating. To qualify for preferred best with any insurer, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Blood pressure of 136/86 or less, with or without medication
- Cholesterol range of 120 to 300, with or withour medication
- Cholesterol ratio of 5.0 or less (divide total cholesterol by HDL)
- No history of respiratory, heart, or circulatory disorders
- No family history of hereditary cancer before 60
- No tobacco use for at least 3 years, an occasional cigar may be acceptable
#2. Preferred – Preferred is the second-best rate class available to individuals in good health for their age group. Roughly 10%-12% of the U.S. qualifies for the preferred life insurance rates.
- Blood pressure of 146/90 or less, with or without medication
- Cholesterol range of 120 to 300, with or without medication
- Cholesterol ratio of 5.5 or less (divide total cholesterol by HDL)
- No history of respiratory, heart, or circulatory disorders
- No tobacco use for at least 2 years, an occassional cigar may be acceptable
#3. Standard Plus – This is the third-best rate class for applicants in above average health for this age group. About 10% of life insurance applications will get approved at the standard plus risk class.
- Blood pressure of 152/92 or less, with or without medication
- Cholesterol range of 120 to 300, with or without medication
- Cholesterol ratio of 7.0 or less (divide total cholesterol by HDL)
- No history of respiratory, heart, or circulatory disorders
- No cigarette use for at least 1 year, other forms of tobacco may be acceptable
#4. Standard - Standard rates are reserved for applicants inaverage health for their age. This is the most common rate class in the life insurance industry and 20% to 30% of the population will be approved at this risk classification.
- Blood pressure of 156/94 or less, with or without medication
- Cholesterol range of 120 to 300, with or without medication
- Cholesterol ratio of 8.0 or less (divide total cholesterol by HDL)
- No cigarette use for at least 1 year, other forms of tobacco may be acceptable
If you have serious health issues, you will probably qualify for a substandard rate class. Most life insurance providers offer at least 8 substandard risk classes, also known as table-rated, with Table 1 being the lowest risk and Table 12 being the highest. About 25% of the population will get approved at a substandard rate.
To learn more about the rate classes used in the life insurance industry, see our article, 'Here’s What Each Life Insurance Rate Class Means.' You can also compare life insurance quotes from more than 50 providers in less than a minute with our free quote form.
Other Factors That Impact the Cost of Your Life Insurance
In addition to overall health, the life insurance rates are determined by the following factors:
- Age – As get older, our mortality risk increases
- Gender – Women have greater lifetime expectancies than men, so they pay less for their life insurance
- Build – Most insurers use BMI or height/weight charts
- Immediate Family History – Only applies to applicants under age 60 whose parent(s) were diagnosed with cancer or cardiovascular disease before age 60
- Hazardous Occupations – Examples include derrick operators, loggers, miners, high-rise erectors, linemen, roofers, and explosive ordinance disposal technicians
- Driving Record – History of DUIs or more than 2 moving violations in a 3-year period
- Tobacco Use – After 5 years, all insurers stop considering prior tobacco use, other forms of tobacco may be overlooked by a few insurers
- Type of Coverage – Permanent life insurance coverage is more expensive than term insurance
To learn more about lifestyle risks that can impact the cost of your life insurance, read our article, “Riding A Motorcycle Won’t Affect Your Life Insurance Rates, but These 12 Things Will.” Remember, every life insurance company evaluates risk differently, and what one insurance considers to be a ‘high-risk’ may be a non-issue for another provider.
For instance, scuba diving up to 130 feet will not prevent you from qualifying for preferred best rates with Pacific Life, but with State Farm, you can expect to be declined or pay considerably more. That’s why it’s important to work with an agency that represents at least a few dozen providers.
Average Cost of Term Life Insurance Per Month
Offering a limited protection period makes term life insurance more affordable than permanent life insurance. This type of coverage is ideal for many situations because it can be tailored to the life events you need to protect. For instance, if you have roughly 10 years left on your mortgage, a 10-year term may be ideal for your coverage needs.
10-Year Term Life Insurance Rates
A 10-year term is typically the shortest term available from most providers. These policies are commonly purchased by business owners securing an SBA loan, individuals nearing retirement, or younger applicants seeking to protect their student loans.
The following tables provide life insurance rates by age for a 10-year term for an applicant in excellent health:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
15-Year Term Life Insurance Rates
A 15-year term is less common than a 10 or 20-year term, but it can be ideal for a breadwinner in their early 50s who wants to secure a source of income replacement for their family until retirement, or an individual with about 15 years left on their mortgage.
The following tables provide monthly rates for a 15-year term policy. These rates are for an individual in excellent health:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
If you have a few health issues, you will probably qualify for a lower rate class. The following table offers some additional rates for applicants with pre-existing medical issues. To learn more about the rate classes used by insurance providers, see our article, 'Here's What Each Life Insurance Rate Class Means.'
The following tables provide 15-year term rates with $250,000 of coverage for individuals in average to excellent health:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
20-Year Term Life Insurance Rates
The most common term life insurance policy is a 20-year term. These policies are often purchased by couples with young children and homeowners with about 20 years left on their mortgage.
In the tables below, we’ve provided some sample monthly rates for a 20-year term life insurance policy:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
The rates displayed in the table above are for someone in excellent health for their age. If you have a few health concerns, you will probably qualify for preferred or standard rates. You can also call us at 855-247-9555 for a personalized quote.
The following tables provide 20-year term rates with $250,000 of coverage for individuals in average to excellent health:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
25-Year Term Life Insurance Rates
The least commonly purchased life insurance policy is a 25-year term. Depending on the client’s age and health background, a 30-year term or guaranteed universal life (GUL) insurance policy may offer a longer protection period with comparable rates.
The following table displays the monthly cost of a 25-year term for individuals in excellent health:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
If you have a few health concerns, you may qualify for a ‘standard’ or better rate. The following table provides preferred, standard plus, and standard rates to help you estimate the cost of your coverage.
The following table provides 25-year term rates with $250,000 of coverage for individuals in average to excellent health:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
30-Year Term Life Insurance Rates
A 30-year term is ideal for someone who recently purchased a new home or anyone planning to have children within a few years. While a handful of companies sell 35 and 40-year terms, a 30-year term is the longest policy most insurers are willing to offer.
The following tables display the monthly cost of a 30-year term for individuals in excellent health:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
Individuals in less than perfect health likely qualify for a 'standard' or better rate class. You can also call us directly at 855-247-9555 to speak with an expert who will be able to help you estimate your rate class and the cost fo your policy.
The following tables provide 30-year term rates with $250,000 of coverage for individuals in average to excellent health:
*Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
35-Year Term Life Insurance Rates
Several leading life insurance providers offer 35-year terms to applicants aged 50 or younger. Even if you're over 50, you can obtain coverage for 35-years or longer with a guaranteed universal life insurance policy. These policies operate similarly to term insurance, with no investment component, level premiums, and a fixed death benefit.
The following table provides sample monthly rates for a 35-year term life insurance policy for applicants in great health:
Monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
Those with health issues may qualify for a 'standard' or better rate class, depending on their overall health, and the extent of their health concerns. Standard is the most commonly issued rate class in the life insurance industry.
The tables below provide 35-year term life insurance rates for $250,000 of coverage for individuals in average to excellent health:
*Displayed monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
40-Year Term Life Insurance Rates
As of December 2025, only two life insurance companies offer 40-year term life insurance policies. While more expensive than 35 or 30-year terms, they provide an extended period of protection. A 40-year term may suit young professionals planning to buy a house or have children. It can also provide coverage for your significant other until your planned retirement age or beyond.
In the following tables we've provided 40-year term life insurance rates for those in great health:
*Displayed monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
If you have a few health issues, you're likely to qualify for a standard, standard plus, or preferred rate class. For a personalized life insurance quote or to learn more, feel free to connect with one of our experts at 855-247-9555.
In the following tables, we've provided 40-year term life insurance rates by health class for $250,000 of coverage:
*Displayed monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only. GUL rates may be displayed for some age brackets.
To view more term life insurance rates by age and gender, see our article, 'Actual Term Life Insurance Rates by Age', or select your state from the map below. In less than a minute you can compare rates and coverage options from dozens of highly rated companies.
Average Monthly Cost of Permanent Life Insurance
There are many forms of permanent life insurance. Some are designed to help with burial costs and final expenses, while others are designed to build a cash value. The least expensive form of permanent life insurance is called guaranteed univeral life (GUL). Like term insurance, GUL insurance offer level rates and coverage for a fixed amount of time, usually until age 90 or later.
These policies are not designed to build a cash value; instead, the policyholder only pays for the cost of their coverage, making GUL insurance more affordable than other forms of permanent life insurance that require overpaying premiums to accumulate savings. There is no investment risk, and your policy can locked in until age 121, if needed. Because of the guarantees it offers and it's affordability, GUL insurance is an ideal choice for:
- Estate planning
- Funding a trust
- Leaving an inheritance
- Maximizing a pension
GUL Insurance Rates to Age 90 or Later
The following tables present GUL insurance rates for an applicant in excellent health purchasing $250,000 of coverage:
*Displayed monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only.
To learn more about guaranteed universal life insurance, see our article, 'What is GUL Insurance and How Does it Work?' You can also select your state from the map below to instantly compare rates and plans from dozens of insurance providers.
Traditional Whole Life Insurance Rates
Traditional whole life insurance policies usually provide up to $50,000 of permanent coverage for individuals in average or better health for their age. These types of whole life insurance policies do not require a medical exam, but the insurer will electronically review an applicant's medical records and prescription history to verify their insurability.
Although whole life insurance policies are renowned for accumulating cash value, these policies are predominantly bought to cover end-of-life expenses, unexpected medical bills, and burial costs. While they will build a small savings, their primary benefit is the level premiums and fixed death benefit they offer.
Additionally, they can be purchased over the phone in less than 15 minutes, and full coverage starts when the first premium is paid. The downside to these policies is the limited amount of coverage they offer and their cost. Taking a medical exam will probably save money and allow you to secure a larger policy.
The tables below display whole life insurance rates by gender for $5,000 to $50,000 of coverage:
*Displayed monthly rates are accurate as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only.
To view more whole life insurance rates and compare policies from the best whole life insurance companies, visit our article,'Whole Life Insurance Rate Charts' or select your state from the map below for a free instant quote.
Limited-Pay Whole Life Insurance Rates
Limited-pay whole life insurance is a type of permanent coverage that requires premium payments for a fixed period, usually 10 or 20-years. After the payment period ends, coverage continues until the age of 121, unless the policyholder chooses to surrender their policy for its cash value.
These policies are an excellent choice for individuals who require lifelong coverage, but prefer not to continue paying premiums indefinitely. However, due to the limited payment collection period, these policies tend to be more expensive than other forms of whole life insurance.
Some limited-pay whole life insurance providers also offer customizeable policy payment periods, although the most common are 7, 8, 10, 15, and 20-pay policies. Besides providing permanent life insurance, these policies also have the ability to build cash-value that can be used to supplement your retirment.
Below, we've displayed 10-pay and 20-pay life insurance quotes for $250,000 of coverage for someone in excellent health:
*Displayed monthly rates are valid as of 03/15/2024 and are provided for illustrative purposes only.
To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of limited-pay whole life insurance, read our insider's guide, 'Exploring Limited-Pay Life Insurance: Sample Rates and Key Insights.' You can also compare rates and coverage options using the free quote form below.
Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance Rates
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a type of whole life insurance for individuals with serious health issues that would prevent them from qualifying for other forms of life insurance. The policies do not require a health exam for approval, and most companies ask limited health questions.
The downside to guaranteed issue life insurance is its limited coverage for the first two years, typically capped at $25,000. These policies rema/in inforce for your entire lifetime, but some providers will send a check for your policy's full death benefit if you reach age 100. Most guaranteed issue policies also have a minimum issue age of 40 or 45.
The following tables provide guaranteed issue life insurance quotes for $5,000 to $25,000 of coverage:
*Displayed monthly rates are valid as of 12/18/2025 and are provided for illustrative purposes only.
To learn more about guaranteed acceptance life insurance and the benefits it can offer, see our article, 'What is Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance and How Does it Work?' You can also enter your information into the form below to instantly compare quotes and coverage options.
How We Can Help
Whether you need term or permanent life insurance, we can help you find the policy the best suits your needs and budget. Our independent agency represents 63 highly rated life insurance providers, and we're licensed to sell life insurance in every state.
While our competitors claim to offer a comparable experience, the truth is, most agencies only work with a handful of insurance providers. By having access to 5 to 10 times more companies than our competitors, we're able to save our clients up to 73% on the cost of their life insurance coverage.
Connect with a live agent now at 855-247-9555, or select your state from the map below to instantly compare life insurance quotes from dozens of top-rated providers. Our consultative services are completely free and there is no cost to apply for life insurance.
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