The Cost of Waiting: What 10 Years Can Cost You in Life Insurance
Most people don’t avoid life insurance because they don’t believe in it. They wait because they assume they have time.
“I’ll look into it later.”
“I’m still healthy.”
“I’ll do it when life slows down.”
What’s the problem? With life insurance, waiting is one of the most expensive decisions you can make.
Life Insurance Is One of the Few Things That Gets More Expensive With Age
Life insurance pricing is based primarily on age and health. Even if you remain healthy, rates increase as you get older — and once you lock in a policy, that rate typically stays level for the length of the term.
Here’s what that looks like in real numbers.
Real-World Cost Comparison (Healthy Individuals)
Healthy Male – $500,000 | 30-Year Term
Age 35: ≈ $40 per month
Age 45: ≈ $87 per month
That’s more than double the monthly cost — for the same coverage.
Over 30 years, that difference adds up to over $16,000 in additional premium paid simply for waiting.
Healthy Female – $500,000 | 30-Year Term
Age 35: ≈ $34 per month
Age 45: ≈ $70 per month
Again, roughly double the cost for waiting 10 years — even with good health.
**Rates shown are examples for healthy, non-smoking individuals and are for illustration purposes only. Actual rates vary based on age, health, underwriting, carrier, and policy details.**
Why the Gap Is So Large
Two things are always working in the background:
Age increases every year
Health risks increase with time — even if you feel fine
Life insurance underwriting doesn’t wait for warning signs. Blood pressure, cholesterol, weight changes, or a new medication can all quietly impact your rates.
Once that happens, the lower pricing window is gone.
“I Have Life Insurance Through Work” Isn’t the Same Thing
Employer-provided life insurance is helpful, but it usually:
Isn’t portable if you change jobs
Isn’t enough to fully protect a family
Can’t be locked in long term
Personal life insurance puts you in control, regardless of where you work.
Buying Early Isn’t About Expecting the Worst
It’s about making a smart financial decision.
Buying earlier means:
Lower monthly costs
Better long-term value
More flexibility if life changes
And once it’s in place, it’s one less thing on your to-do list.
A Simple Question That’s Worth Asking
“What would this cost if I did it now instead of later?”
For many people, seeing the numbers side-by-side makes the decision much clearer.
How much would your actual cost be?
If you’re curious what the cost looks like for your age and situation, we’re happy to walk through the numbers with you — no pressure, just clear information. Just give us a call or text at 317-758-5828
