How Long Should I Get Life Insurance For?

The length of your life insurance policy should match the time your loved ones would struggle financially without your income. That usually means covering major responsibilities that don't last forever, like a mortgage, raising kids or paying off debt.

Term life insurance is made for this. It gives you coverage for a set number of years, typically 10, 20 or 30. Some insurers also offer shorter or longer terms, from as short as five years to as long as 40. To choose the right term, ask yourself: how long will someone depend on my income? When that ends, your need for coverage probably will too. A term policy costs much less than permanent insurance, often saving you thousands.

Your term length should match your needs and budget. Consider these factors when making your decision:

Weighing these factors helps you pick the right term length so you're covered when you need it and without paying for coverage you don't.

You might consider stopping term life insurance when personal and financial changes reduce your need for coverage. Here are key scenarios when discontinuing term life insurance makes sense:

Term life insurance covers you at a fixed rate for a set number of years. After this period, you are no longer insured. You may skip coverage or get new coverage with different rates or conditions.

Term life insurance focuses on providing a financial safety net for a set period based on your needs.

Term life insurance usually lasts 10, 20 or 30 years, which are fixed periods that cover you during your highest-need years. Some insurers also offer shorter terms like five years or longer ones of up to 40 years. The longer your term, the more you’ll pay because the insurer is covering you for more time. Shorter terms cost less upfront, but if you outlive the policy, renewing later could mean much higher premiums as you age.

If you have long-term responsibilities like raising kids or paying off a mortgage, a 20- or 30-year term often makes the most sense. It balances affordable coverage now with protection that lasts through life’s biggest financial commitments.

Short-term life insurance provides coverage for just a few years, which is useful when you need temporary protection during a life change or to cover short-term debts. It’s a flexible option if you don’t want to commit to a longer policy but still want financial backup for your loved ones.

Some insurers offer term life insurance policies that last up to 40 years, which is the longest option available. These are useful if you want coverage for most of your working life or have long-term financial obligations, like a 30-year mortgage or supporting a child through college.

Not all companies offer 40-year terms. Currently, only two providers (Protective Life and Legal & General) make this option available. These longer terms give you predictable coverage and locked-in rates without having to reapply later in life.

Choose a term length based on your financial obligations, age, health and future plans. Matching your policy to the years your loved ones would rely on your income ensures you're covered when it matters and you're not overpaying when you don't need it.

If you're just starting a family, paying off a mortgage or managing long-term debt, a longer term may give you more peace of mind. For short-term needs or budget flexibility, shorter policies or renewable terms may be the better fit. Always compare options before locking in your coverage.

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about life insurance term lengths to help you determine the best coverage for your needs.

Why Trust MoneyGeek?

MoneyGeek analyzed life insurance quotes and term length options from top-rated national insurers to help you understand how long your policy should last based on your needs and budget. We gathered real-world pricing data and combined it with expert-backed insights to guide you through choosing the right coverage duration.

Data Recency and Sources

All rate data and insurer information were updated in 2025. We used publicly available online quotes, company disclosures, and insurer term offerings to compare policies across multiple coverage lengths.

How We Evaluated Term Lengths

We collected quotes for multiple term lengths — including 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-year policies — to show how premium costs change with longer coverage. Using this data, we highlighted key trade-offs between short- and long-term policies, such as affordability, flexibility, and long-term value.

Customer Profile Used for Quotes

To generate life insurance quotes, we used a sample profile based on common industry standards:

• 40-year-old male  
• Nonsmoker
• Excellent health
• $500,000 term life policy
• Quotes for 10-, 20-, and 30-year terms (with select 40-year quotes from insurers that offer them)

We adjusted this profile where needed to analyze how age, health, and coverage length influence cost.

Expert Insight and Guidance

MoneyGeek’s recommendations are informed by licensed insurance professionals and supported by financial planning best practices. We also reviewed insurer offerings for features like conversion options, annual renewability, and medical exam requirements — all of which impact how long your policy may need to last.

Why It Matters

The term length you choose affects not just what you pay today, but how well your loved ones are protected in the future. Our goal is to help you make a confident decision — whether you're protecting your family for 10 years or planning for long-term commitments like a mortgage or college funding.