Educational examples · Not an insurance illustration
Term life sample ranges, age by age
Educational examples of what $500,000 of 20-year term life with Living Benefits can run — so you can see how age, smoking, and health move the numbers before you ever talk to anyone.
Important educational disclaimer — please read
These are illustrative examples only for educational and discussion purposes. They are not insurance quotes, not offers of insurance, and not guarantees of rates or availability.
- Actual premiums depend on your exact age, gender, health history, height/weight, medications, family history, state of residence, carrier underwriting guidelines, exact face amount, term length, and many other factors.
- Ranges shown are illustrative 2026 market ranges for a typical build at a $500,000 / 20-year benchmark. Your underwritten rate can be meaningfully higher or lower.
- Living Benefits (accelerated access to part of the death benefit if you become critically, chronically, or terminally ill) are often included at no extra cost by many carriers — but terms, maximums, and eligibility vary by company and policy.
- Type 2 diabetes ranges assume well-controlled (good recent A1C, no major complications). Poor control or complications raise rates significantly or may require different products.
- These illustrations do not include any company logos, product names, or carrier information. They are designed for general consumer education only.
- Always obtain a personalized, carrier-specific illustration from a licensed insurance professional. Insurance is subject to underwriting approval and state regulations.
One table, every age band
$500,000 face amount · 20-year level term with Living Benefits · monthly premiums
| Age band | Healthy non-smoker | Smoker | Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–24 | $15–25 /mo | $45–80 /mo | Quoted case by case |
| 25–30 | $18–28 /mo | $50–85 /mo | Quoted case by case |
| 35–40 | $25–40 /mo | $80–150 /mo | $50–80 /mo |
| 45–50 | $40–70 /mo | $150–300 /mo | $80–150 /mo |
| 50–55 | $70–120 /mo | $250–500 /mo | $150–250 /mo |
| 55–60 | $120–220 /mo | $400–800 /mo | $250–400 /mo |
| 60–65 | $220–400 /mo | $700–1,500 /mo | Quoted case by case |
These are illustrative 2026 market ranges for a typical build. Women often pay less, and your underwritten price could be even better depending on your exact health.
How to read the numbers
- Every range is a monthly premium for a $500,000, 20-year level term policy with Living Benefits.
- Ranges reflect a typical build at a male baseline. Women often pay less for the same age and health.
- This table has no 30–34 band — those ages are quoted case by case through the licensed process.
- Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes has its own column where ranges apply; in the other bands it is quoted case by case.
- Past 65, 20-year terms become scarce — shorter terms and other products usually fit better. That conversation is exactly what the free call is for.
- These are starting-point educational samples only. Your underwritten number will be different.
What Living Benefits add
- Many modern term policies let you access a large portion of the death benefit while you are still alive if you are diagnosed with a qualifying critical illness (heart attack, stroke, invasive cancer, etc.), chronic illness, or terminal illness.
- Money can help with medical bills, lost income, or other needs — protection you can use while living, not just after death.
- Frequently included at no extra premium with many top carriers in 2026; maximums, waiting periods, and eligibility vary by policy.
Key takeaways
- Age is the biggest driver of cost. Buying earlier locks in a lower rate for the entire 20-year term.
- Smoking typically multiplies the premium 2.5–4× (sometimes more).
- Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes usually means Standard rates rather than a decline — many good options exist.
- Women often pay less than the ranges shown for the same age and health — sometimes substantially.
- Living Benefits turn a term policy into protection you can use while living — and are frequently included free.
- These numbers are educational illustrations only. Your underwritten rate requires a full application and underwriting.
Final compliance reminder
This entire page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation of any insurance product. No specific insurance company, product name, or agent is endorsed or identified. Rates and availability are subject to change and to full underwriting. Living benefits have specific definitions, waiting periods, maximum percentages, and conditions that vary by policy. Always review the actual policy illustration and contract language provided by a licensed producer. State insurance laws govern all sales. This material is not a substitute for personalized advice from a licensed insurance professional.
These samples are the starting point — the personalized illustration on your own numbers always comes from a licensed agent.
Protecting a mortgage specifically? See the mortgage protection sample ranges →