Understanding the Cost of Life Insurance
A good life insurance policy may provide more than it costs, but the nuances are complicated. Health risks are perhaps the biggest factor determining life insurance rates. Like all forms of insurance, life insurance is designed to manage risk. To do this, insurers calculate risks based on what’s insured.
For life insurance, it’s essential to assess the health risks that can influence your life expectancy. Although discussing this topic may feel uncomfortable, it is a fundamental aspect of life insurance.
Consequently, applicants who are healthier and younger typically benefit from lower life insurance costs. Nonetheless, the premiums for life insurance can vary based on the specific policy type and the amount of coverage selected.
Average Cost of Life Insurance Plans
The average life insurance cost varies based on demographics and policy types. However, there are some consistent trends in pricing. For example, life insurance rates usually increase with the applicant’s age. For this reason, policies with fixed rates are often sought after by younger applicants seeking to secure and lock in low rates. Term policies can offer fixed rates at relatively low price points compared to other types of life insurance.
For a ten-year Term life plan with a $1,000,000 payout, the average monthly cost for non-smokers is $58 at age 25, $65 at age 35, $135 at age 45, $316 at age 55, and $790 at age 65. This progression of rate average by age helps to highlight why many individuals choose to secure Term plans while they’re still young. For smokers, these averages rise significantly. In many cases, they’re more than double non-smoker rates.
Calculating Life Insurance Costs
Although companies tend to keep their proprietary rating systems private, many offer free online quotes. Life insurance calculator cost estimates are some of the fastest and easiest ways to get a sense of your potential life insurance policy rates. Since the estimates are based on incomplete data, the rates may differ from the finalized costs. Still, these numbers are generally close and provide some of the most effective ways for applicants to see their expected rate level.
If you’re wondering if now is a good time to buy life insurance, consider that Term life insurance is more affordable than ever for many people. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute (iii), half of the American population expects Term life insurance policies to cost at least threefold what they’d be charged. This disparity in perception is another reason to utilize free online estimates. While estimates aren’t perfect, they’re often close to the mark.
Types of Life Insurance
Each type of life insurance policy serves a unique purpose, with Term life being the most straightforward and traditional option. These policies are designed for a specific duration, referred to as the policy term, and must be renewed or replaced after this period if you wish to maintain your life insurance coverage.
When discussing standard life insurance, it is often Term plans that come to mind. On the other hand, permanent life insurance policies provide lifelong coverage, contingent upon the payment of premiums. Whole life insurance, a popular form of permanent insurance, typically features fixed premiums and includes an investment component that builds cash value available for the policyholder during their lifetime. Due to these investment elements, Permanent life insurance policies tend to be more expensive than their Term counterparts.
Buying Life Insurance
While you shop, keep in mind some valuable tips for purchasing life insurance. First, be mindful of your timing; the ideal moment to buy life insurance varies based on personal circumstances, yet your age and other factors can significantly affect affordability. Second, consider your financial situation, as life insurance serves as a risk management tool only when it aligns with your budget, making it an opportune time to use a coverage calculator.
Third, evaluate which type of life insurance suits you best. Legacy Life Group LLC specializes in Term and Whole life policies, allowing most applicants to apply without a medical exam, though some health questions remain. You can generally complete the online application process from the comfort of your home. If you’re thinking about Term or Whole life insurance, obtain a free quote through Legacy Life Group LLC today to find out what your life insurance premium could be.