Best Age to Buy
Typical Premium Range
Coverage Age Range
Availability
What is 40 Year Term Life Insurance
The Longest Term Option
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific number of years. 40 40-year term means the policy remains active and the premium remains fixed for 40 years. If you purchase 40 40-year term at age 25, your coverage extends until age 65. If purchased at age 30, coverage extends until age 70. At the end of the 40-year term, coverage ends unless you renew (conversion or new policy at higher age-based rates).
Fixed Premium
Your monthly payment never changes for 40 years. The same premium you pay at age 25 is the same premium you pay at age 65. This protection against rate increases is the primary benefit of long-term coverage.
Guaranteed Insurability
If you develop health conditions (diabetes, cancer, heart disease) during the 40-year term, your coverage is NOT affected. You pay the same premium; coverage remains the same. This is critical protection—you can’t be denied or charged more because you got sick.
Level Death Benefit
The face amount (death benefit) stays the same. If you buy $500,000 coverage, your beneficiary receives $500,000 at death, whether that occurs in year 1 or year 40.
Availability
Not all insurers offer 40 40-year term. Most major carriers (Prudential, Protective, Lincoln National, Pacific Life) do. Availability may be limited if purchased at older ages (usually only available if purchased before age 55-60).
Why Buy 40 Year Term Life Insurance
Long-Term Financial Obligations
If you purchase a house with a 30-year mortgage at age 35, you’ll be paying it off until age 65. If you have kids aged 2 and 4, you’ll be supporting them into their 20s. 40 40-year term covers these long-term obligations. Your family is protected for decades, not just years.
Protection Against Uninsurability
Buy at age 25-30 while you’re healthy. Lock in that health status for 40 years. Even if you develop serious health problems at age 45, your coverage remains unchanged. You can’t be denied, canceled, or charged more.
Lower Cost Than Later Purchase
Buying 40 40-year term at age 30 costs far less than buying 10 10-year term at age 30 and then trying to renew at age 40. Your age and health at purchase determine your rate for 40 years.
Inflation Protection
You lock in today’s low premiums for 40 years. Someone buying 10 10-year term now will face much higher premiums in 10 years (due to inflation and age). With 40 40-year term, your premium never increases.
Coverage Into Late Life
At age 65-70, most term insurance is unavailable or very expensive. 40 40-year term provides protection when you’re the oldest and most likely to die. This is especially important for seniors with young grandchildren or ongoing financial obligations.
Actual 40 Year Term Quotes by Age (2025 Data)
Standard Health Male, $500K Face Amount
These are sample monthly premiums for a 40-year term life insurance policy with $500,000 death benefit. Male applicant, non-smoker, standard health rating. Rates are estimates based on 2025 market data from major carriers. Your actual rate depends on underwriting, health details, and carrier selection. Shop multiple carriers—rates vary significantly.
Age 25 – 40 Year Term to Age 65
Monthly Premium: $28 – $38
Annual Cost: $336 – $456
Total 40-Year Cost: $13,440 – $18,240
Cost Per $1K Coverage: $0.056 – $0.076
This is the best age to buy. Lowest premiums; healthiest applicants. 40-year term locks in youth rates for life.
Age 30 – 40 Year Term to Age 70
Monthly Premium: $35 – $50
Annual Cost: $420 – $600
Total 40-Year Cost: $16,800 – $24,000
Cost Per $1K Coverage: $0.070 – $0.100
Still excellent value. Low premiums for 40 years of coverage. Most people buying 40-year terms are in their 30s.
Age 35 – 40 Year Term to Age 75
Monthly Premium: $45 – $65
Annual Cost: $540 – $780
Total 40-Year Cost: $21,600 – $31,200
Cost Per $1K Coverage: $0.090 – $0.130
Rates start climbing, but are still reasonable. Coverage extends into the mid-70s. Still a solid value proposition.
Age 40 – 40 Year Term to Age 80
Monthly Premium: $65 – $95
Annual Cost: $780 – $1,140
Total 40-Year Cost: $31,200 – $45,600
Cost Per $1K Coverage: $0.130 – $0.190
Premiums are increasing noticeably. Coverage to age 80 is significant. Still available from most carriers, but availability is starting to decline.
Age 45 – 40 Year Term to Age 85
Monthly Premium: $95 – $145
Annual Cost: $1,140 – $1,740
Total 40-Year Cost: $45,600 – $69,600
Cost Per $1K Coverage: $0.190 – $0.290
Rates are now significant. Coverage to age 85. Limited carrier availability; some insurers won’t offer 40 40-year term at 45+.
Age 50 – 40 Year Term to Age 90 (If Available)
Monthly Premium: $150 – $240
Annual Cost: $1,800 – $2,880
Total 40-Year Cost: $72,000 – $115,200
Cost Per $1K Coverage: $0.300 – $0.480
Very expensive. 40 40-year term is often not available at age 50. Most carriers limit 40 40-year term to purchases before age 45-50. Check with the broker for specialized carriers.
Standard Health Female, $500K Face Amount (Comparison)
Women typically pay 15-25% LESS than men for the same coverage. Example: 30-year-old female, 40-year term to age 70: $28-$42/month (vs. $35-$50 for males). This is because women have lower mortality rates. Always get quotes for both genders if applicable.
40 Year vs. 20 Year vs. 30 Year Term
Comparing Term Lengths (Age 35, $500K, Standard Health Male)
Which term length makes sense depends on your needs and budget. Here’s a real comparison:
20 Year Term
Monthly: $28-$35
Covers Until: Age 55
Total Cost: $6,720-$8,400
Pro: Cheapest option
Con: Expires at 55; renewal very expensive or unavailable
30 Year Term
Monthly: $32-$45
Covers Until: Age 65
Total Cost: $11,520-$16,200
Pro: Balanced cost/coverage
Con: Expires at 65; still some renewal challenge
40 Year Term
Monthly: $45-$65
Covers Until: Age 75
Total Cost: $21,600-$31,200
Pro: Coverage into 70s
Con: Higher cost; limited availability
The Math: 40 Year Term Makes Sense When…
You have 30+ years of financial obligations. Mortgage, kids’ education, ongoing support—40-year coverage matches your needs.
You want to protect against future uninsurability. Lock in your health now for 40 years.
You want simplicity. No need to shop for new insurance at age 55 or 65 when your health might be worse.
The cost difference is small. At age 30, going from a 20-year term to 40 40-year term adds ~$15-20/month. Over 40 years, that’s ~$7,200 extra. Is coverage into your 70s worth $7,200? For many, yes.
How Health Status Affects 40 Year Term Pricing
Health Ratings Dramatically Affect Cost
Insurance companies rate applicants by health: Preferred Plus (best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, Smoker, and various substandard ratings. A single health issue can move you to a lower rating tier, increasing premiums 25%-100%+.
Age 35, $500K, 40 Year Term – Different Health Ratings
Preferred Plus (Excellent Health): $38-$48/month
Perfect health, excellent labs, no medical history. Rare rating; typically for very healthy young people.
Preferred (Good Health): $45-$60/month
Minor health issues (controlled cholesterol, mild hypertension). Most healthy young people fall here.
Standard Plus (Acceptable Health): $60-$80/month
History of controlled conditions (diabetes, cancer survivorship). Or a family history of serious illness.
Standard (Health Issues): $90-$130/month
Multiple conditions, poorly controlled conditions, or significant health history. Still insurable but at a much higher cost.
Smoker (Any Rating): Add 100%-200% to base rate
Smokers pay roughly 2-3x what non-smokers pay. Quitting for 12+ months typically allows re-underwriting at non-smoker rates.
Substandard (Serious Health Issues): 40 Year Term Often Unavailable
Heart disease, cancer, severe diabetes, multiple conditions. 40 year term typically not available; shorter terms or whole life only.
Why Health Status Matters More for a 40 Year Term
With 40 40-year term, your health at age 35 locks in your rate for 40 years. A minor health issue at application (say, controlled hypertension) results in a slightly higher rate—but that rate is LOCKED IN for 40 years, not subject to increase even if your health worsens. This is hugely valuable. Buy 40 40-year term while you’re as healthy as possible.
Who Should Buy 40 Year Term Life Insurance
Profile 1: Young Parent with Young Kids
Scenario: Age 28, two kids (ages 2 and 4), 30-year mortgage, spouse at home or part-time.
Why 40 Year Term: Youngest child is supported until age 44; mortgage not paid off until age 58. 40-year term (to age 68) covers nearly all obligations. Young age means premiums are rock-bottom—locking them in for 40 years is excellent value.
Recommended Coverage: $500K-$750K
Monthly Cost: $35-$50
Profile 2: Self-Employed with Uncertain Future Health
Scenario: Age 32, self-employed, family depends on income, family history of early heart disease.
Why 40 Year Term: Locks in health rating NOW while you’re still healthy. If you develop heart disease at 50, that doesn’t affect your 40-year term rate. Protection against future uninsurability is critical.
Recommended Coverage: $750K-$1M
Monthly Cost: $40-$60
Profile 3: Person with High-Risk Job or Hobby
Scenario: Age 30, pilot or construction worker, skydives on weekends, active hobbies.
Why 40 Year Term: Buy now while you can get approved at standard rates. In 10 years, you might not qualify for additional coverage due to age or cumulative risk history. Lock in coverage while available.
Recommended Coverage: $750K-$1M
Monthly Cost: $50-$80 (with hobbies/occupational surcharges)
Profile 4: NOT a Good Fit for 40 Year Term
Age 52+: 40-year term typically not available; if available, very expensive.
Short-Term Needs Only: If you only need coverage for 10-15 years, buy a 10-15-year term. No point paying for 40 years of coverage.
Serious Health Issues: May not qualify for 40-year term; shorter terms may be the only option.
Budget Constraints: If monthly premium matters more than long-term value, 20 or 30 year term offers better affordability.
Real 40 Year Term Examples
Example 1: Marcus, Age 28, First-Time Buyer
Profile: 28, married, one kid (age 2), just bought a home with a 30-year mortgage. Excellent health.
Decision: 40-year term, $500K, to age 68
Quote: $31/month ($372/year)
Why 40 Year Term: At age 28, premiums are cheapest they’ll ever be. 40-year term locks in this rate for life. Coverage extends to age 68, covering mortgage payoff (age 58) and all child-rearing years. By age 68, Marcus will likely be retired or near retirement with accumulated assets. If he had bought 20 20-year term instead, he’d face expensive renewal/new policy at age 48, when premiums would be 60-80% higher.
40-Year Cost: $14,976 total (vs. ~$30,000+ if renewing twice)
Example 2: Jennifer, Age 35, Health Scare
Profile: 35, single mother, two kids, diagnosed with controlled hypertension (now on medication and stable).
Decision: 40-year term, $600K, to age 75
Quote: $65/month ($780/year), Standard Plus rating due to hypertension
Why 40 Year Term: The hypertension moved her to a Standard Plus rating, raising rates. But 40 40-year term locks THIS rate for 40 years. If her condition worsens (or she develops diabetes or heart problems), her rate doesn’t increase. This protection is critical. Buying now while rates are “only” Standard Plus is much better than waiting and potentially becoming uninsurable.
40-Year Cost: $31,200 total. If she waits 5 years and tries to renew, she’ll pay significantly more due to age + any health changes.
Example 3: Robert, Age 45, Limited Options
Profile: 45, married, kids in college, mortgage still 15 years remaining, good health but concerned about future insurability.
Decision: Wanted 40 year term but found limited availability
Outcome: After shopping, found one carrier offering 40 year term to age 85. Quote: $125/month ($1,500/year) for $500K
Why This Matters: At 45, most carriers don’t offer 40 year term. Robert had to work with a specialized broker to find one carrier willing to underwrite. The premium is high, but coverage to age 85 covers his mortgage payoff (age 60) and ensures family protection in his 70s-80s when new insurance would be unavailable/unaffordable.
Alternative: He considered 20 20-year term to age 65 for $55/month. But then at 65, coverage ends and new insurance would cost 3-4x more or be unavailable. He chose 40 years for the long-term security.
Strategies for Buying a 40 Year Term
Strategy 1: Buy Early (Age 25-35)
Best rates are in your 20s-30s. Every year you wait, premiums increase. If you think you might want 40 year term, buy before age 45 when availability starts declining. Waiting costs you thousands in extra premiums.
Strategy 2: Get Healthy First
If you have health issues being treated, get them under control before applying. Lower cholesterol, lose weight, and get blood pressure stable. A few months of preparation can move you from Standard to Preferred rating, cutting premiums 25-50%. These savings compound over 40 years.
Strategy 3: Shop Multiple Carriers
Not all carriers offer 40 year term; those who do have different rating criteria. Get quotes from 4-6 carriers. You might be Preferred at one carrier and Standard at another—a 30-40% rate difference. Shopping matters, especially for long-term policies.
Strategy 4: Consider Stacking Shorter Terms
For some scenarios, buying 20 20-year + 20-year term (staggered) or 30 30-year + 10-year can work. Example: Age 30, buy $300K 30-year term + $200K 10-year term. At age 40, the $200K expires, but you keep the $300K. At age 60, both expire. This approach offers flexibility that 40 year term doesn’t, though coordination is important.
Strategy 5: Lock In Before Major Life Changes
Buy 40 year term before you might develop health issues or take on risky hobbies. Once you have a 40-year policy locked in, future health changes or lifestyle changes don’t affect your rate. This is the ultimate protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert 40 year term to permanent insurance later?
Direct answer: Yes, most 40-year term policies have conversion rights.
You can convert to whole life or universal life without new medical underwriting. Conversion rates are based on age at conversion (not age at original purchase). Example: Convert at age 55, you pay rates for a 55-year-old, not a 30-year-old. Still useful if health declines and you need lifetime coverage.
What happens at the end of 40 years?
Direct answer: Coverage ends. You can renew, convert, or let it lapse.
At age 65-75 (depending on when you bought), your 40-year term expires. You have three options: (1) Renew the policy at age-appropriate rates (expensive), (2) Convert to permanent insurance (also expensive but locked in), or (3) Let coverage lapse (risky if you still need it). By age 65-75, many people have reduced financial obligations, so coverage isn’t needed. Plan accordingly.
Is 40 year term only for young people?
Direct answer: Mostly. Best value for ages 25-40; harder to find after 45.
40 year term is available for older applicants through some specialized carriers, but premiums are steep and availability is limited. If you’re 50+, focus on a 20 or 30-year term instead. At your age, 20 20-year term to age 70 might be a better value than trying to force 40 40-year term.
Can I increase coverage later without new underwriting?
Direct answer: Not usually. Increasing coverage requires new application/underwriting.
If you buy $500K at age 30 and want $750K at age 40, you’d need to apply for the additional $250K. New underwriting = new rates based on your current (older) age and health. This is why buying enough coverage initially matters. Buy what you need now; future increases are expensive.
What if I can’t afford 40-year term premiums?
Direct answer: Buy shorter-term coverage you can afford.
$50/month in coverage now beats $0/month in waiting for perfect timing. Buy a 10 or 20-year term at a price you can sustain. Having some coverage is far better than having none. You can revisit 40 year term later if circumstances change.
Is 40 year term better than whole life?
Direct answer: Different products; depends on goals.
40 year term is pure insurance: fixed premium, no cash value, coverage expires. Whole life costs 5-10x more but includes permanent coverage and cash value. For most people, 40 year term provides more coverage for less cost. Whole life makes sense if you want permanent coverage OR believe life insurance is necessary past age 70-80.
Should I buy 40 year term if I’m in good health now?
Direct answer: Yes, probably. Good health now is your biggest advantage.
You don’t know what will happen in 10-20 years. Buy 40 year term while you’re healthy, young, and insurable. Lock in these rates. If you wait until you’re 50, you’ll regret it—either you can’t get 40 year term, or it’s very expensive. Buy now; you can always not use it for the full 40 years, but at least you have the option.
Lock In 40 Years of Protection Today
40 year term life insurance offers unmatched long-term protection at surprisingly affordable rates—especially if purchased in your 20s or 30s. Lock in today’s low premiums for four decades. Your family will be protected through all major life stages.
Call Now: 888-211-6171
Licensed agents available Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM EST. We’ll help you compare carriers and find the best 40 year term rates for your age, health, and goals.
Disclaimer: 40 year term life insurance quotes shown are sample estimates based on 2025 market data and typical underwriting for standard health applicants. Your actual premium will depend on your age, health status, occupation, lifestyle (smoking, hobbies, travel), medical history, family history, face amount requested, and the specific insurance carrier’s underwriting guidelines and pricing. Rates vary significantly by carrier; shopping multiple carriers is recommended. Preferred Plus rates may qualify only if you meet strict underwriting criteria. All quotes are subject to medical underwriting and approval. 40 year term availability varies; most carriers limit availability to applications before age 45-50. The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for personalized quotes and recommendations based on your specific situation.
