Choosing the best life insurance at the right age is one of the most important financial steps you can take to protect your family. Life insurance provides financial security during the most uncertain moments of life, but the cost of coverage and the type of policy you need change dramatically depending on your age, health, and long-term goals. Understanding when to buy life insurance can help you lock in lower premiums, secure long-term protection, and avoid the rising costs that come with waiting.
This guide breaks down the best age to get life insurance, when most people typically buy coverage, expert insights from financial leaders, and how choosing the best life insurance early can save thousands over a lifetime. Whether you are young and building your financial foundation, in midlife with dependents, or planning for retirement, this article explains exactly what to consider.
What is a good age to get life insurance?
The best age to get life insurance is as early as possible—ideally in your 20s or 30s. Life insurance premiums are based on age, health, lifestyle, and overall life expectancy. The younger and healthier you are, the lower your rates will be, and the more policy options you will qualify for.
Here is why buying life insurance young is recommended:
1. Lower premiums
A healthy 25-year-old can pay 50% to 70% less than someone in their 40s for the same coverage amount. For example, a $500,000 term life policy may cost:
Age 25: $20 to $25 per month
Age 35: $25 to $35 per month
Age 45: $55 to $75 per month
Age 55: $120 to $180 per month
Rates increase significantly with each decade.
2. More policy options
Younger applicants can qualify for preferred or elite health ratings, allowing them to access the best life insurance policies, including low-cost term life, whole life, and universal life.
3. Protection during major life milestones
Buying coverage early ensures financial protection during the years when it matters most—marriage, having children, buying a home, or starting a business.
4. Locks in insurability
Unexpected illnesses, chronic conditions, or lifestyle changes can make insurance more expensive—or even unattainable—later in life. Buying early guarantees you have coverage regardless of future health changes.
What is the best age to take out life insurance?
The best age to take out life insurance depends on your financial goals and stage of life. Different ages bring different needs:
In Your 20s
This is often the best possible time to buy. Premiums are the lowest, and locking in a long-term policy ensures guaranteed protection for decades. Many people buy life insurance in their 20s when they get married, start a career, or take on financial responsibilities.
In Your 30s
This is the most common decade for buying life insurance. People often have children, take out mortgages, and build households. Even with slightly higher rates than your 20s, coverage is still very affordable.
In Your 40s
Life insurance becomes more expensive, but still achievable. Many people purchase coverage to protect their family’s income, retirement savings, or business interests. It’s also a common time to buy supplemental coverage.
In Your 50s
Rates begin to increase sharply in this decade. Health conditions often start appearing, making underwriting stricter. Term life is still available, but whole life or final expense insurance becomes a practical option.
In Your 60s and Beyond
People in this age group often choose final expense insurance or smaller whole life policies. Term life is still available but at a much higher cost. Buying earlier in life helps avoid these higher premiums.
For official guidance on life insurance types and age-related considerations, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners provides educational resources at https://www.naic.org.
What age do people normally get life insurance?
Most people purchase life insurance between ages 30 and 45, according to national insurance trends. This aligns with major financial responsibilities, including:
Raising children
Paying a mortgage
Saving for retirement
Protecting a spouse’s income
Covering debts that a family might inherit
However, this does not mean that buying earlier is unnecessary. In fact, many financial advisors recommend buying before age 30 for maximum affordability.
Here are common reasons people choose life insurance at different ages:
Ages 18–25
First job
Parents co-signing loans
Affordable rates lock in for life
Ages 26–35
Marriage
Buying a home
Having children
Best combination of low prices and financial need
Ages 36–45
Income protection
Term life for dependents
Additional coverage through employers
Ages 46–55
Catch-up coverage
Estate planning
Business protection
Ages 56–75
Final expense planning
Whole life for long-term security
Age influences not only price, but also the types of coverage that make the most sense.
What is Dave Ramsey’s opinion on life insurance?
Dave Ramsey’s publicly known position on life insurance is focused on two major principles:
1. Dave Ramsey strongly supports term life insurance
He recommends term life insurance—typically 15 to 20 years—because it offers the highest coverage at the lowest cost. According to Ramsey’s guidance:
Buy 10–12 times your annual income in coverage
Choose term instead of whole life
Avoid costly cash value policies
His reasoning is that term life is simple, affordable, and effective for income replacement.
2. He advises against whole life insurance
Dave Ramsey is also known for advising consumers not to rely on whole life insurance for retirement or wealth-building. His position is that the returns on cash value life insurance are typically lower than traditional investment vehicles.
However, many financial advisors believe whole life insurance is useful for:
Wealth transfer
Business planning
Tax-advantaged growth
Estate planning
It’s important to understand that different experts have different opinions, and choosing the best life insurance depends entirely on personal goals, income, and long-term financial planning.
For official consumer education on life insurance policies and rights, the U.S. Department of Labor provides public guides at https://www.dol.gov.
Internal resources to help compare life insurance and other policies
Explore related guides on Total Coverage Guide to build a complete financial protection plan:
Life Insurance Overview: https://totalcoverageguide.com/life-insurance/
Home Insurance Guide: https://totalcoverageguide.com/home-insurance/
Auto Insurance Guide: https://totalcoverageguide.com/auto-insurance/
Renters Insurance Guide: https://totalcoverageguide.com/renters-insurance/
Trusted external resources
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): https://www.naic.org
U.S. Department of Labor — Life Insurance Consumer Guide: https://www.dol.gov
American Council of Life Insurers: https://www.acli.com
