Typical monthly rates by age
Averages for nonsmokers, from a 2026 analysis of thousands of quotes across major carriers. Women pay less than men at every age because they live longer on average.
| Age | Woman, $10,000 | Man, $10,000 | Woman, $20,000 | Man, $20,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $30 | $38 | $56 | $72 |
| 55 | $36 | $46 | $69 | $87 |
| 60 | $42 | $53 | $80 | $101 |
| 65 | $50 | $66 | $97 | $126 |
| 70 | $64 | $84 | $124 | $162 |
| 75 | $87 | $113 | $171 | $220 |
| 80 | $125 | $164 | $246 | $321 |
| 85 | $155 | $203 | $299 | $396 |
What changes your price
Two things stand out in that table. Rates roughly double between 50 and 70, then double again by 80. And the steepest single jump is between 75 and 80 — around 45% in the MoneyGeek data. Whatever rate you lock in today stays fixed for life with a whole life policy, so waiting has a real cost.
Age. The biggest factor by far. Every year you wait raises the starting premium, and that premium is locked for life once you buy.
Health. Policies that ask a few health questions (called simplified issue) cost less and pay the full amount from day one. Policies that ask no questions (guaranteed acceptance) cost more and usually have a two-year waiting period. If you can answer the health questions, you'll almost always pay less.
Tobacco. Smokers pay roughly 25% to 50% more, depending on the insurer. Most insurers look back 12 months; some look back two or three years. If you've quit recently, say so — it may change which company is cheapest for you.
Coverage amount. More coverage costs more, but not in a straight line. A $20,000 policy usually costs less than twice a $10,000 policy, because part of every premium is a fixed policy fee.
Insurer. For the same person, the cheapest and most expensive carriers can differ by $20 to $30 a month. That's the reason to compare through an agent who quotes more than one company rather than buying from a single mailer.
State. Rates and product availability differ by state, and some products aren't sold everywhere.
How much coverage do you actually need?
Start with the funeral. The national median for a funeral with viewing and burial is $8,300, or $9,995 with a burial vault, before cemetery costs. A funeral with cremation and a viewing runs about $6,280. Add any medical bills, credit card balances, or debts you'd want cleared, and choose a policy near that total. For most people that lands between $10,000 and $20,000. See our guide to funeral costs for the full breakdown.
Cheaper isn't always better
A $30 policy with a two-year waiting period and a $7,500 cap can be worth less to your family than a $55 policy that pays $15,000 in full from day one. When comparing, ask about three things: whether there's a waiting period, whether the premium is fixed for life, and whether the coverage amount ever drops. Some products sold as burial insurance are actually term policies that end or reprice at 80 or 85 — confirm you're buying whole life.