The complete 2026 rate guide for term life insurance — see exactly what you'll pay at every age, across 10, 20, and 30-year terms, for all four health classes.
20-year term · Non-smoker · 2026 estimates
| Age | Preferred Plus | Preferred | Standard Plus | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | ~$16/mo | ~$19/mo | ~$24/mo | ~$29/mo |
| 30 | ~$19/mo | ~$22/mo | ~$28/mo | ~$33/mo |
| 35 | ~$24/mo | ~$28/mo | ~$35/mo | ~$42/mo |
| 40 | ~$36/mo | ~$42/mo | ~$53/mo | ~$63/mo |
| 45 | ~$55/mo | ~$65/mo | ~$81/mo | ~$98/mo |
| 50 | ~$89/mo | ~$105/mo | ~$131/mo | ~$158/mo |
| 55 | ~$149/mo | ~$175/mo | ~$219/mo | ~$263/mo |
| 60 | ~$234/mo | ~$275/mo | ~$344/mo | ~$413/mo |
★ Most common purchase age. Rates shown for non-smoker; smoker rates typically run 2–3× higher for the same coverage.
Preferred health class · Non-smoker · 2026 estimates
| Age | 10-Year Term | 20-Year Term | 30-Year Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | ~$12/mo | ~$19/mo | ~$29/mo |
| 30 | ~$14/mo | ~$22/mo | ~$34/mo |
| 35 | ~$18/mo | ~$28/mo | ~$43/mo |
| 40 | ~$27/mo | ~$42/mo | ~$65/mo |
| 45 | ~$42/mo | ~$65/mo | ~$101/mo |
| 50 | ~$68/mo | ~$105/mo | ~$163/mo |
| 55 | ~$114/mo | ~$175/mo | N/A |
| 60 | ~$179/mo | ~$275/mo | N/A |
30-year term typically unavailable for applicants 55 and older. N/A = not generally offered.
Adjust all variables — your premium estimate updates instantly.
Term life insurance is the simplest form of life coverage: you pay a fixed monthly premium for a set number of years (the "term"), and if you die during that period, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If you outlive the term, coverage ends and no benefit is paid.
The key advantage is that your premium is locked in on day one. A 35-year-old who buys a 20-year term policy today pays the same monthly premium at age 54 as at age 35 — even as their actuarial risk increases. This lock-in is what makes buying early so valuable.
Age — the single largest factor. Actuarial mortality risk increases significantly with each decade. Waiting 5 years can increase your premium by 30–55% at the critical 35–50 age range.
Health class — assigned after medical underwriting. Preferred Plus can be 30–40% cheaper than Standard for the same age and coverage. Your BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, and medication history all factor in.
Smoker status — smoker rates typically run 2–3× higher than non-smoker rates. Most carriers require 12 months nicotine-free (some require 24–36 months) to qualify for non-smoker rates.
Term length — longer terms mean higher premiums, but also longer coverage certainty. A 20-year term costs about 55% more than a 10-year term at the same age.
Coverage amount — rates scale linearly: $1M is roughly 2× the cost of $500K at the same age and health class.
The cheapest term life insurance is a 10-year term for a young, healthy non-smoker. A 25-year-old preferred non-smoker can get $500,000 of 10-year term for approximately $12/month in 2026. $250K runs about $6/month. However, shorter terms require re-underwriting at expiration — often at significantly higher rates.
For most buyers under 45, a 20-year term is the right call — it covers the period when financial obligations are highest. A 30-year term makes sense if you're in your 30s and want continuous coverage through retirement, or have a 30-year mortgage. The premium difference at 35: $28/mo (20yr) vs. $43/mo (30yr). Over the respective terms, the 20-year total cost is $6,720 vs. the 30-year total of $15,480.
For a 35-year-old buying $500K preferred non-smoker coverage: 10-year term = ~$18/mo, 20-year = ~$28/mo, 30-year = ~$43/mo. The tradeoff is certainty — a longer term locks in your rate and health class, so you're protected even if your health deteriorates during the policy period.
Preferred Plus gives you the lowest rates — about 15% below Preferred. Qualifications: no tobacco for 3+ years, BMI 18.5–27, blood pressure under 130/80, cholesterol under 200, clean family history. Most healthy non-smokers who complete a medical exam qualify for Preferred or better. Standard rates run 50% above Preferred.
Yes — most term policies include a conversion rider allowing you to switch to permanent coverage (whole life or universal life) without a new medical exam. This is especially valuable if your health changes during the term. Conversion must typically be done before age 65–70 or before the term ends. Check the conversion deadline carefully when purchasing.
If you outlive your term, coverage ends. You receive no payout and no premium refund (unless you bought a Return of Premium rider, which costs significantly more). Most advisors view this as the intended outcome — ideally, by the end of your term, your children are financially independent, your mortgage is paid off, and your retirement savings make you self-insured.