30-Year Term Life Insurance Policies & Costs in January 2024

If you're looking for financial protection for your loved ones, a 30-year term life insurance policy can offer peace of mind. But with so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out the best option for you. That's where MoneyGeek comes in — we're here to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Below, we break down everything you need to know about 30-year life insurance policies, including how they work, how much they cost, and whether they're the right choice to provide financial protection for your loved ones.

• What Is a 30-Year Term Life Policy?
• How Much Does a 30-Year Term Life Policy Cost?
• Which Companies Have Lowest 30-Year Term Rates?
• Is a 30-Year Term Life Policy Right For You?
• What Happens After the 30-Year Term?

A 30-year term life insurance policy is a type of term life insurance that provides coverage for a period of 30 years. Unlike permanent life insurance, which can be expensive, term life insurance is significantly more affordable. With a 30-year term life insurance policy, your beneficiaries will receive the death benefit if you pass away while the policy is still in effect, as long as you have not missed any premium payments.

For instance, if you purchase a policy with a $500,000 face value at 35, you will be covered until you are 65 years old. If you were to pass away at the age of 55, your beneficiaries would have to submit a claim, and once approved, your insurer would pay out the death benefit as a tax-free lump sum. Your beneficiaries could then use the money as needed, such as to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, handle household expenses or pay educational expenses for your children.

While a 30-year term life insurance policy is the longest term option available, if you require coverage for a more extended period, permanent life insurance may be a better choice.

The cost of a 30-year term life insurance policy is determined by several factors, including the policyholder’s age, gender, health, occupation, and hobbies. Insurance providers use this information to assess the policyholder's risk of dying during the policy term. The higher the risk, the higher the premium the policyholder will have to pay.

Age is a significant factor, as older policyholders are more likely to pass away during the policy term, so their premiums will be higher. Gender also plays a role, as women typically live longer than men and, therefore, have lower premiums.

Health is another critical factor, as policyholders with pre-existing medical conditions or unhealthy habits like smoking are more likely to die during the policy term and will face higher premiums. Occupations and hobbies can also affect the cost of the policy, as some jobs and activities are riskier than others, such as construction work or skydiving.

Additionally, the amount of coverage desired, or the face value of the policy, will impact the cost. The higher the face value, the higher the premium. Finally, the length of the policy term will also impact the cost, with longer terms typically costing more than shorter ones.

The table below shows how monthly rates increase for 30-, 40- and 50-year-old buyers across various coverage amounts.

MoneyGeek’s study compared multiple life insurance quotes with various coverage amounts from different insurers nationwide. Regardless of your policy’s face value, you can typically purchase the most affordable term life insurance from Transamerica. It offers the following rates for each coverage amount:

• $250,000: $21.80 per month
• $500,000: $33.43 per month
• $1,000,000: $53.78 per month

Examine how rates change across insurers based on the coverage amount to help determine how much coverage you can afford.

Life insurance for smokers costs much more than that of non-smokers. 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 most affordable life insurance policies for smokers come from Transamerica. The average premiums of its term policies for different coverage amounts are as follows:

• $250,000: $66.13 per month
• $500,000: $117.00 per month
• $1,000,000: $219.46 per month

Take a look at how rates vary from company to company to narrow down your options.

MoneyGeek also compared quotes for policyholders who have poor health. Mutual of Omaha offers the lowest average rates across different coverage levels for this type of customer:

• $250,000: $25.08 per month
• $500,000: $40.34 per month
• $1,000,000: $71.52 per month

Learning more about how much each company charges policyholders in poor health can help you find the best deal for term life insurance.

The older you are, the more expensive premiums become because there is a lower likelihood that you’ll outlive your policy. Transamerica offers the cheapest average 30-year term life insurance rates for older buyers. Its rates for the different coverage amounts are:

• $250,000: $69.76 per month
• $500,000: $124.27 per month
• $1,000,000: $229.64 per month

Take a look at the varying rates offered by different insurers and consider which ones suit your needs.

You have multiple options for policy length when purchasing term life insurance, typically ranging from 10 to 30 years. The best way to figure out whether a 30-year term is appropriate for you is to examine your current financial situation. Depending on your profile, a 30-year term life insurance policy may or may not suit your needs.

If you are still alive at the end of the 30-year term, you can either extend your coverage for another term or give it up. Before you decide which direction is most appropriate for you, there are several factors you need to consider.

If you choose to continue having life insurance, sometimes it's a better idea to purchase a new (and possibly shorter) policy. Choosing to renew your existing term policy opens you up to significantly higher rates — at this point, you’ll be 30 years older, and your life expectancy is 30 years shorter.

However, if you're in worse health since the first time you bought life insurance, renewing may be a better option since a renewal is not subject to additional underwriting. On the other hand, if you decide to purchase a new policy after your term policy ends, you may be subject to medical underwriting and face the potential of being denied coverage.

If you're financially independent and don't have children or a spouse who depends on you financially, giving up coverage may be your best option. Life insurance, although extremely helpful, isn't necessary for everyone at all times.

A 30-year term life insurance policy is an excellent option for some buyer profiles but may not be for everyone. Understanding the answers to some frequently asked questions about this type of insurance can help you determine if it fits your needs.