Legal & General, Pacific Life and Protective are the best young adult life insurance providers. Depending on your specific needs, other options may be better for you:
Best Life Insurance for Young Adults (2026)
Shopping for life insurance in your 20s? Smart move. Buying now means lower premiums, better coverage options, and easier approval. Legal & General, Pacific Life, and Protective are the best young adult life insurance companies in 2026.
Find out if you're overpaying for life insurance below.
Select age group
Updated: January 10, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Legal & General is the best term life insurance company for young adult men, with average rates of $30 per month. For young adult women, the best option is Assurity, with average rates of $22 per month.
Pacific Life offers the best no-exam policies for young people, with $3 million maximum coverage, while Protective offers the best rates for 20 to 25 year olds at high coverage levels of $1 million and higher.
North American is the best whole life insurance for young adults, with average rates at $281 for 25-year-old women and $347 for men.
Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek
We analyzed 248,399 life insurance quotes from 29 insurance companies covering ages 18 to 30 for smokers, non-smokers, men, and women at various heights, weights, and health levels across a range of term limits and coverage levels. MoneyGeek maintains editorial independence and doesn't receive compensation from insurance companies for life insurance rankings or recommendations. For more information, read our full methodology.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Young Adults
Legal & General | Term: $26 (F), $30 (M) | 20 | 10-40 years | Yes | 4.7 | |
Pacific Life | Term: $26 (F), $30 (M) Whole: $313 (F), $377 (M) | 18 | 10-30 years | No | 4.7 | |
Protective Insurance | Term: $23 (F), $29 (M) Whole: $308 (F), $350 (M) | 20 | 10-40 years | Yes | 4.6 | |
Assurity | Term: $22 (F), $30 (M) | 18 | 10-30 years | No | 4.6 | |
Guardian Life | Term: $27 (F), $33 (M) | 18 | 10-30 years | Yes | 4.5 | |
North American | Term: $22 (F), $28 (M) Whole: $281 (F), $347 (M) | 18 | 10-30 years | Yes | 4.5 |
* Rates shown here are for healthy, non-smoking 25-year-olds of average height and weight at $500,000 coverage on 20-year terms. Your rates will vary by state, health profile, coverage needs and other factors. Compare personalized quotes from multiple providers to get the best rates.
Best Life Insurance for Young Men
Legal & General
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Avg. Monthly Rate (Term)
$26 (F), $30 MMin. Supported Age
20Term Lengths
10-40
Best No-Exam Young Adult Life Insurance
Pacific Life
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Points
Avg. Monthly Rate (Term)
$25 (F), $30 (M)Avg. Monthly Rate (Whole)
$313 (F), $377 (M)Min. Age Supported
18Term Lengths
10-30 years
Best High Coverage Life Insurance for Young Adults
Protective
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.3/5Coverage Points
Avg. Monthly Rate (Term)
$23 (F), $29 (M)Avg. Monthly Rate (Whole)
$308 (F), $350 (M)Min. Age Supported
20Term Lengths
10-40 years
Best Life Insurance for Young Women and Smokers
Assurity
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.5/5Coverage Points
Avg. Monthly Rate (Term)
$22 (F), $30 (M)Min. Age Supported
18Term Lengths
10-30 years
Best Customer Experience
Guardian Life
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.9/5Customer Experience
4/5Coverage Points
Avg. Monthly Rate (Term)
$27 (F), $33 (M)Min. Supported Age
18Term Lengths
10-30 years
Best Whole Life Insurance for Young Adults
North American
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.8/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
3.3/5Coverage Points
Avg. Monthly Rate (Term)
$22 (F), $28 (M)Avg. Monthly Rate (Whole)
$281 (F), $347 (M)Min. Supported Age
18Term Lengths
10-30 years
Average Cost of Young Adult Life Insurance
For young adults, term life insurance costs $20 to $35 monthly, with women paying less than men across all insurers. North American offers the lowest term rates, while Guardian Life charges the most. Whole life insurance is more expensive, starting at $59 for 20-year-old women and $70 for men.
Assurity | $21 (F), $30 (M) | $22 (F), $30 (M) | $23 (F), $30 (M) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Protective Insurance | $21 (F), $28 (M) | $23 (F), $29 (M) | $24 (F), $30 (M) | $59 (F), $84 (M) | $308 (F), $350 (M) | $403 (F), $433 (M) |
North American | $20 (F), $27 (M) | $22 (F), $28 (M) | $24 (F), $29 (M) | $66 (F), $70 (M) | $281 (F), $347 (M) | $361 (F), $432 (M) |
Pacific Life | $25 (F), $30 (M) | $26 (F), $30 (M) | $27 (F), $30 (M) | $78 (F), $81 (M) | $313 (F), $377 (M) | $396 (F), $455 (M) |
Legal & General | $26 (F), $30 (M) | $26 (F), $30 (M) | $26 (F), $30 (M) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Guardian Life | $27 (F), $33 (M) | $27 (F), $33 (M) | $27 (F), $35 (M) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
* Your actual rates may vary based on health, lifestyle, and other factors. Request quotes from multiple companies when researching the best life insurance plans for you.
What is the Best Type of Life Insurance for Young Adults?
Term and permanent (which includes whole and universal) are the two main types of life insurance. Term life insurance is usually the best option for young adults, allowing you to secure lower rates while you're young and healthy. Select a plan that lasts 20 or 30 years to protect your loved ones from financial challenges if you pass away unexpectedly.
Guarantees a Death Benefit | Yes | Yes |
Allows Access to Living Benefits | Limited (accelerated death benefit only) | Yes (multiple options) |
Coverage Length | 10-40 years | Your entire life |
Premium Cost | Affordable | More expensive |
Change in Premium Cost | May remain the same or may increase over time, depending on what type you get | Remains the same over time |
Earns Cash Value | No | Yes, cash value accumulates over time |
Eligible for Dividends | No | Yes, depending on the insurer |
Allows for Withdrawals While Policy Is in Effect | No | Yes, but loans will cause the death benefit to be reduced if unpaid |
Requires a Health Exam | Depends on the insurer | Depends on the insurer |
Is Life Insurance Necessary for Young Adults?
Life insurance for young adults comes down to whether anyone depends on your income or would inherit your debt if you died.
When Young Adults Need Life Insurance
Have financial dependents
If a partner, child, or aging parent relies on your income, life insurance replaces your earnings if you die unexpectedly.
Carry co-signed debt
Student loans, mortgages or personal loans with a co-signer may require the co-signer to assume responsibility if you die, though federal student loans are typically discharged upon death. Life insurance covers these balances so your family isn't stuck with your debt.
Consult with legal and financial professionals about specific debt obligations, as laws vary by state and debt type.
Planning a family
Buying coverage before marriage or children arrive locks in low rates while you're young and healthy.
Own a business
Business owners need life insurance to fund buy-sell agreements or cover key person losses.
When Young Adults Can Skip Life Insurance
Single with no dependents or debt
If no one depends on your income and you don't have co-signed loans, you can skip life insurance for now.
Have enough employer coverage
Group life insurance through work might cover your needs if you're single or have minimal obligations. Group policies end when you leave your job.
Building emergency savings first
Focus on a three to six-month emergency fund before buying life insurance if your budget is tight.
*This general guidance doesn't replace personalized advice from a licensed insurance professional who can assess your specific situation
Best Young Adult Life Insurance: Bottom Line
Young adult life insurance costs $20 to $35 monthly for term coverage, making it affordable to protect your family during your peak earning years. Legal & General leads for young men at $30 monthly, while Pacific Life offers no-exam policies up to $3 million and Assurity provides the lowest rates for women and smokers.
Protective excels for high coverage needs above $1 million with an A+ rating, and Guardian Life delivers top-tier customer service. North American offers the most affordable whole life policies starting at $66 monthly, though term insurance usually makes more sense for young adults building financial protection.
Life Insurance for Young Adults: FAQ
We answer common questions about getting life insurance as a young adult. Although life insurance may seem unnecessary right now, this financial safeguard will protect your loved ones if you die unexpectedly.
Why should you get life insurance at a young age?
There are several benefits to buying life insurance at an early age. You're more likely to be in better health, which lets you get lower rates. If you choose a permanent life plan, buying life insurance earlier also gives you more time to let your policy earn cash value.
How young can you get life insurance?
The earliest age at which you can get your own life insurance is 18 years old, based on the companies we reviewed, though some insurers offer policies to younger applicants with parental consent.
For those under 18, parents can get life insurance coverage for children through either individual policies or child riders on their existing policy.
Is life insurance cheaper when you’re younger?
Yes, life insurance rates are more affordable when you buy at a young age, based on industry data and insurer underwriting practices. If you choose a term life plan, you're more likely to outlive the policy. You'll also be less likely to have health conditions, which leads to insurers offering lower rates.
Can I get life insurance if I have student loans?
Student loans don't prevent you from getting life insurance. Buy enough coverage to pay off co-signed loans so your parents or spouse don't inherit your debt.
What happens if I buy life insurance and then get married?
Your existing life insurance stays in force when you get married, but you'll likely need to increase your coverage. Most term life policies let you add coverage through riders or by buying a second policy. You can also update your beneficiary from your parents to your spouse.
Marriage often triggers the need for more coverage, especially if your spouse relies on your income or you plan to have children.
What's the difference between term and whole life for young adults?
Term life insurance covers you for a set period, like 20 or 30 years. Whole life insurance lasts your entire life and builds cash value, but costs more than term policies. Most young adults choose term life insurance because it covers the years when dependents need financial support. Buy whole life only if you need permanent coverage or want to use it as an investment vehicle.
Our Review Methodology
Finding the right life insurance in your 20s feels overwhelming when you're already juggling student loans, career changes and maybe starting a family. That's why we built our research specifically around what matters most to young adults: affordable premiums that won't strain your budget and straightforward coverage.
Our Scoring Framework
We evaluated insurers using three key factors, weighted to reflect what matters most to young adults:
- Affordability (55%): How do rates stack up against other providers for the same coverage?
- Customer Experience (30%): We looked at customer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), J.D. Power customer satisfaction index, A.M. Best financial strength ratings and what people say in online reviews. We also checked out digital tools and payment flexibility. Young adults want to manage everything online and pay however works best for them.
- Coverage Options (15%): We examined plan types, coverage limits, age restrictions, term lengths, riders and ways to customize policies.
Each company got up to five points per category. We converted those scores into a weighted total out of five points based on our percentages.
Sample Profile Details
We collected 248,399 life insurance quotes using a baseline young adult profile:
- Ages 18 to 30
- Nonsmoker
- Average health level
- Average height
- Average weight
- Coverage amounts ranging from starter policies to family protection
- Different term lengths for various financial goals
We adjusted this profile by age, gender, health rating, and location to see how rates shift across the young adult demographic. This shows pricing patterns so you can estimate what you'll pay. Rates in this article reflect healthy, non-smoking 25-year-olds of average height and weight unless we note otherwise.
Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.