30-Year Term Life Insurance Policy Rates

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Updated: August 25, 2025

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Key Takeaways

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The average cost of 30-year term life policies varies by age, with young adults getting cheaper rates than seniors.

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Based on average rates, Protective and Lincoln Financial offer some of the cheapest 30-year term life insurance.

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Smokers and people who are overweight are considered riskier to insure, so they pay higher life insurance rates.

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Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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What Is 30-Year Term Life Insurance?

A 30-year term life insurance policy provides coverage for 30 years. Unlike permanent life insurance, which can be expensive, term life insurance is much more affordable. With a 30-year term policy, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit if you pass away during the coverage period, provided premiums are current and the policy remains in force.

For example, if you purchase a $500,000 policy at age 35, you're covered until age 65. If you pass away at 55, your beneficiaries submit a claim, and once approved, your insurer pays the death benefit as a tax-free lump sum. Your beneficiaries can use the money to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, handle household expenses or pay for educational expenses for your children.

How Much Is a 30-Year Term Life Insurance Policy?

The average cost of a 30-year term life insurance policy varies by age and coverage amount. Health and lifestyle also affect rates. The tables below show the average costs for 30-year life policies.

30-Year Term Life Insurance Rates by Age and Coverage Amount

The older you are, the more expensive premiums become because you're less likely to outlive your policy. A 40-year-old's monthly costs for a $250,000 30-year term policy range from $25 to $448, depending on gender.

A 30-year-old male pays an average of $33 monthly for a $250,000 policy. A 50-year-old with $1 million in coverage pays an average of $368 monthly. The table below shows how monthly rates increase across various ages and coverage amounts.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:40
Select
Gender:Male
$100,000$29$337
$150,000$40$482
$200,000$49$570
$250,000$50$598
$300,000$58$669
$350,000$59$718
$400,000$74$851
$450,000$74$894
$500,000$87$1,000
$550,000$79$950
$600,000$100$1,148
$650,000$92$1,108
$700,000$111$824
$750,000$121$1,457
$800,000$130$1,494
$850,000$118$1,425
$900,000$145$1,662
$950,000$131$1,583
$1,000,000$156$1,792
$1,250,000$174$2,093
$1,500,000$229$2,628
$2,000,000$301$3,454
$2,500,000$418$2,537
$3,000,000$448$5,132

Average Cost of 30-Year Term Life Insurance for Smokers

Life insurance for smokers costs much more than coverage for nonsmokers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking shortens your life expectancy by at least 10 years, making smokers riskier to insure.

The table below shows average rates for smokers across different coverage amounts.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:40
Select
Gender:Male
$100,000$91$1,096
$150,000$125$1,507
$200,000$155$1,869
$250,000$155$1,860
$300,000$179$2,157
$350,000$235$2,837
$400,000$228$2,740
$450,000$292$3,523
$500,000$267$3,202
$550,000$245$2,957
$600,000$321$3,857
$650,000$285$3,450
$700,000$391$4,711
$750,000$391$4,694
$800,000$418$5,019
$850,000$367$4,435
$900,000$464$5,580
$950,000$408$4,928
$1,000,000$499$5,989
$1,250,000$815$9,816
$1,500,000$737$8,850
$2,000,000$950$11,418
$2,500,000$1,353$16,235
$3,000,000$1,414$16,990

Cost of 30-Year Term Life Insurance for Overweight People

Weight can affect life insurance costs, with overweight people paying higher premiums. The table below shows the average 30-year term life insurance costs for different coverage levels.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:40
Select
Gender:Male
$100,000$47$541
$150,000$64$773
$200,000$79$916
$250,000$80$960
$300,000$93$1,073
$350,000$95$1,152
$400,000$119$1,366
$450,000$119$1,435
$500,000$139$1,604
$550,000$126$1,524
$600,000$160$1,843
$650,000$147$1,778
$700,000$178$1,322
$750,000$195$2,338
$800,000$209$2,398
$850,000$189$2,286
$900,000$232$2,667
$950,000$210$2,540
$1,000,000$250$2,876
$1,250,000$279$3,359
$1,500,000$367$4,218
$2,000,000$483$5,543
$2,500,000$671$4,072
$3,000,000$718$8,236

30-Year Term Life Insurance Cost: Factors Affecting Rates

Several factors affect what you'll pay for a 30-year policy, including your age, gender, health, occupation and hobbies. Insurance providers use this information to assess your risk of dying during the policy term. The higher the risk, the higher your premium.

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    Age

    Age is a major factor, as older policyholders are more likely to pass away during the policy term, so they pay higher premiums.

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    Gender

    Women typically live longer than men and pay lower premiums.

    Some states prohibit or limit the use of gender in life insurance pricing. Check your state's regulations for specific requirements.

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    Health

    Health is an important factor; people with pre-existing medical conditions or unhealthy habits like smoking are more likely to die during the policy term and pay higher premiums.

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    Occupation and lifestyle

    Your job and hobbies can affect your policy cost, since some are riskier than others, such as construction work or skydiving.

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    Coverage amount

    The more coverage you want, the higher your premium.

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    Term length

    Longer terms typically cost more than shorter ones.

Cheapest 30-Year Term Life Insurance

MoneyGeek’s research compared multiple life insurance quotes with various coverage amounts from different insurers nationwide. Protective and Lincoln Financial are among the cheapest providers for most coverage levels.

Compare how rates change across insurers based on coverage amounts to help determine how much coverage you can afford.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:$250,000
Protective Insurance$35$420
Lincoln Financial$36$427
Columbus Life$42$499
North American$42$509
Midland National$42$509
AAA$43$514
CoreBridge$45$534
Fidelity Life$45$539
Legal&General$45$546
Pacific Life$45$546
Cincinnati Life$46$553
Assurity$46$557
SBLI$47$563
TransAmerica$47$562
Principal National$48$572
Gerber Life (Fabric)$49$589
Guardian Life$51$614
Life Insurance Co of The South West$52$624
National Life Group$52$624
Prudential$53$638
Securian$53$636
Foresters Financial$54$641
Nationwide$57$688
Mutual of Omaha$62$742
John Hancock$65$788
Royal Neighbors of America$93$1,124

*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male with average health.

Cheapest 30-Year Term Life Insurance Providers for Smokers

Columbus Life and AAA offer some of smokers' most affordable life insurance policies across coverage amounts. The table below compares rates from different companies to help narrow your options.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:$250,000
Columbus Life$106$1,266
North American$119$1,434
Midland National$119$1,434
Protective Insurance$123$1,488
Assurity$132$1,590
AAA$132$1,602
Fidelity Life$135$1,604
Cincinnati Life$143$1,725
Legal&General$144$1,738
CoreBridge$144$1,720
SBLI$146$1,766
Pacific Life$148$1,788
TransAmerica$152$1,823
Securian$155$1,850
Prudential$157$1,896
Lincoln Financial$158$1,876
Foresters Financial$168$2,007
Life Insurance Co of The South West$170$2,044
National Life Group$170$2,044
Guardian Life$171$2,047
Nationwide$171$2,063
Mutual of Omaha$181$2,170
Principal National$183$2,195
John Hancock$212$2,567
Gerber Life (Fabric)$229$2,761

*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male with average health.

Cheapest 30-Year Term Life Insurance if You're Overweight

MoneyGeek also compared quotes for overweight people. Protective offers the lowest average rates for most coverage levels.

Compare rates in the table below to find the best deal for different coverage amounts.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:$250,000
Protective Insurance$56$673
Lincoln Financial$58$685
Columbus Life$67$802
North American$68$817
Midland National$68$817
AAA$68$826
CoreBridge$72$857
Fidelity Life$73$864
Legal&General$73$877
Pacific Life$73$877
Cincinnati Life$73$888
Assurity$74$894
SBLI$75$903
TransAmerica$75$903
Principal National$77$918
Gerber Life (Fabric)$78$945
Guardian Life$82$986
Life Insurance Co of The South West$83$1,002
National Life Group$83$1,002
Prudential$85$1,024
Securian$85$1,021
Foresters Financial$86$1,029
Nationwide$91$1,103
Mutual of Omaha$99$1,190
John Hancock$105$1,265
Royal Neighbors of America$150$1,805

*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male with average health.

Is a 30-Year Term Life Insurance Policy Right for You?

Choosing the right term length for life insurance can feel overwhelming when you balance coverage needs with budget constraints. You have multiple term length options, typically 10 to 30 years. Consider your financial situation to determine if a 30-year term works for you. A 30-year policy makes sense if you:

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    Have young children

    Thirty-year policies work well for parents because they're affordable and provide long-term protection. Term life insurance costs much less than permanent policies, making it easier to secure higher coverage amounts.

    A 30-year policy also ensures your children have funds for college tuition. Since the policy covers their entire education timeline, they'll have financial support to complete school.

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    Need mortgage protection

    Thirty-year policies align perfectly with most mortgages. If you have a $300,000 mortgage, consider $400,000 to $500,000 in coverage for the mortgage plus other family expenses.

    MoneyGeek's analysis shows a healthy 35-year-old can secure $400,000 in 30-year term coverage for $53 monthly. This costs less than mortgage protection insurance from lenders, which decreases as your mortgage balance drops. Your 30-year term policy maintains the full death benefit throughout the entire term, giving your family flexibility to pay off the mortgage and cover ongoing expenses like property taxes and living costs.

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    Have long-term debts

    If you have significant long-term debts, a 30-year policy provides coverage that matches your debt timeline. The death benefit can pay off outstanding debts, protecting your family from financial burden.

    Term life insurance premiums cost less than permanent coverage, making a 30-year policy cost-effective debt protection.

    contractor icon

    Want coverage during working years

    A 30-year policy provides long-term protection during your peak earning years. If you're the primary breadwinner, this coverage protects your dependents' financial security.

    The policy also supports long-term financial goals like mortgage payments or college savings, ensuring your family can achieve these objectives.

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CONSIDER PERMANENT LIFE INSURANCE FOR LONGER COVERAGE NEEDS

While a 30-year term is usually the longest term option available, permanent life insurance may be better if you need coverage for a longer period.

How to Find the Best 30-Year Term Life Insurance

Getting 30-year term life insurance is simpler than most people think. The application process takes around two to four weeks from start to finish, and understanding each step helps you prepare and avoid delays.

  1. 1

    Determine your coverage needs

    Start by calculating how much coverage you need. A common rule suggests 10 to 12 times your annual income, but your specific situation matters more. Consider your mortgage balance, children's education costs and family expenses.

    For example, if you earn $75,000 annually with a $200,000 mortgage and two young children, you might need $750,000 to $1 million in coverage. Use our coverage calculator above to get a personalized estimate based on your financial obligations.

  2. 2

    Research and compare companies

    Not all insurers offer the same rates or underwriting standards. Compare at least three to five companies for rates, financial stability ratings and customer service scores. Focus on insurers with high AM Best ratings to ensure they can pay claims.

    If you might want permanent insurance later, pay attention to each company's conversion options. Some insurers allow conversion up to age 70, while others limit it to age 65.

  3. 3

    Complete the application

    The application asks detailed questions about your health, lifestyle, finances and family medical history. Answer every question honestly. Misrepresenting information can void your policy later.

    • Common application topics include:
    • Current and past medical conditions
    • Prescription medications
    • Height, weight and tobacco use
    • Dangerous hobbies or occupations
    • Financial information and existing coverage
    • Beneficiary designations

    Most applications take 30 to 45 minutes to complete online or over the phone with an agent.

  4. 4

    Schedule your medical exam (if required)

    Many 30-year term policies require a medical exam, especially for coverage amounts above $250,000. The exam is free and typically happens at your home or workplace.

    The examiner will:

    • Measure your height, weight and blood pressure
    • Collect blood and urine samples
    • Ask basic health questions
    • Review your application with you

    The exam takes about 30 minutes. Results usually reach the insurance company within one week.

  5. 5

    Review and accept policy terms

    Once approved, you'll receive your policy contract and rate confirmation. Review all details carefully, including:

    • Premium amount and payment schedule
    • Coverage amount and policy term
    • Beneficiary information
    • Conversion and renewal options

    You typically have 30 days to review your policy and cancel for a full refund if you're not satisfied.

Compare 30-Year Term Life Insurance Quotes

Life insurance premiums depend on individual factors. To get the best rates, compare quotes from multiple providers. The life insurance calculator below provides quick estimates to help narrow down your options.

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NO-EXAM POLICY OPTIONS

If you want to skip the medical exam, consider simplified issue or guaranteed acceptance policies. These options cost more and offer lower coverage amounts, but approval is faster.

Simplified issue policies ask health questions but don't require an exam. Coverage typically ranges from $2,000 to $500,000. Guaranteed acceptance policies don't ask health questions but usually limit coverage to $25,000 or less. Some insurers offer up to $50,000 but include waiting periods.

MoneyGeek's research shows that traditional fully underwritten policies offer the best value for healthy applicants seeking substantial coverage amounts.

What Happens After 30-Year Term Life Insurance?

If you're still alive at the end of your 30-year term, you have three main options: renew your coverage, convert to permanent insurance or apply for a new policy. Consider your health status and financial situation before deciding.

    Renew your existing policy

    Renewing your existing term policy means much higher rates since you'll be 30 years older with a shorter life expectancy. However, renewal isn't subject to additional underwriting, making it your best choice if your health declines.

    If your health has worsened since you first bought coverage, renewing may be your best option since you won't face medical exams or potential denial.

    Apply for a new term policy

    Getting a new (and possibly shorter) policy works well if you're still in good health. You may get better rates than renewing, but you'll be subject to medical underwriting.

    Buying a new policy requires medical exams, and you could be denied coverage. Only consider this option if your health remains good and you're comfortable with the application process.

    Convert to permanent life insurance

    Most 30-year term policies include conversion rights, allowing you to convert some or all of your coverage to permanent life insurance without a medical exam. Most insurers allow conversion up to age 65 or 70, or within the first 10 to 20 years of your policy term.

    Convert when you want lifelong coverage, your health has declined or you need coverage for estate planning purposes. Permanent life insurance costs more than term insurance — these policies can cost 10 to 15 times more than term coverage.

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YOU MAY ALSO LET YOUR POLICY EXPIRE

Giving up coverage may be your best option if you're financially independent and don't have children or a spouse who depends on you financially. Life insurance isn't always necessary.

Consider ending coverage if your mortgage is paid off, children are financially independent or you've accumulated enough savings for your family's needs without needing a life insurance payout.

30-Year Term Life Insurance Policies and Costs: Bottom Line

A 30-year term life insurance policy offers solid financial protection for your loved ones. This guide covers what 30-year policies are, how much they cost and whether they're the right choice for your family's financial security.

Compare Life Insurance Rates

Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Why do we need ZIP code?

30-Year Term Life Insurance Policy: FAQ

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about 30-year term life insurance.

How does a 30-year term life policy work?

How much does a 30-year term policy cost?

Can term life be extended after 30 years?

Does COVID-19 affect getting term life insurance?

Best 30-Year Term Life Insurance Rates: Our Ratings Methodology

Choosing 30-year term life insurance means you're planning decades ahead, protecting your family's financial future while your mortgage, children's education costs and other major expenses are at their highest. We designed our analysis around this long-term commitment, focusing on companies that maintain competitive rates and strong financial stability over three decades.

How We Analyzed 30-Year Term Rates

We collected quotes using a 40-year-old male profile, the most common age when people buy 30-year term policies. 

This baseline included:

  • Nonsmoker
  • 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds
  • Average health rating
  • Standard underwriting across all carriers

Why this profile matters: Most people shopping for a 30-year term policy are in their 30s and 40s, establishing financial protection during peak earning years. This age represents the sweet spot where premiums remain affordable but coverage needs are highest.

Coverage Analysis Beyond the Baseline

We modified the profile by age, gender, height, weight, tobacco use, health rating and geographic location to collect quotes and determine the best life insurance company for different customer types. We also collected quotes for term life insurance with varying term lengths and coverage amounts.

This comprehensive approach reveals how your specific situation affects 30-year term pricing, which is important since these policies lock in rates for three decades.

Data Extensions and Projections

We identified pricing patterns across our dataset and used those trends to calculate projections for scenarios beyond our initial quote collection. This method helps estimate costs for demographic combinations and coverage amounts not directly quoted.

Why Trust MoneyGeek?

We analyzed insurance quotes alongside customer satisfaction, financial stability reports product offerings and more to determine the best life insurance companies for various needs.

Recency

Coverage costs and company information for life insurance providers were updated in 2025.

30-Year Term Life Insurance: Related Pages

About Mark Fitzpatrick

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Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.

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