Last updated on: September 24, 2026

Men pay 25–40% more than women for identical life insurance policies because they have a shorter average life expectancy (74.8 years vs. 80.2 years per CDC data). Higher rates of heart disease, occupational hazards, and riskier recreational activities contribute to greater actuarial risk, which insurers price into premiums.

Why Men Pay More for Life Insurance

Life insurance companies price policies based on risk, and statistically, men present a higher mortality risk than women. This higher risk is reflected in higher premiums for men purchasing the same type and amount of coverage as women of the same age and health profile.

The sex ratio at birth is approximately 105 boys born for every 100 girls.

How Insurance Companies Determine Rates

Type of policy (term vs. permanent).
Gender.
Age.
Health status.
Lifestyle and hobbies.
Family medical history.
Occupation.

Why Men Have a Shorter Life Expectancy

Men are more likely to work in dangerous or high-risk occupations.
Higher suicide rates among men than women.
Men are statistically more likely to participate in dangerous hobbies and recreational activities.

How Much More Do Men Pay? (Original Figures)

At age 25: men pay approximately 25% more than women.
At age 45: men pay approximately 33% more than women.
At age 65: men pay approximately 40% more than women.

How Men Can Find Affordable Life Insurance

Men shopping for coverage have several options for keeping costs down, starting with the choice between term and permanent life insurance.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period at a lower cost, while permanent life insurance lasts a lifetime but carries higher premiums. Learn more in our term life insurance guide.

According to the CDC’s 2023 data, male life expectancy in the U.S. is approximately 74.8 years compared to 80.2 years for women — a 5.4-year gap that directly impacts life insurance pricing.

How Much More Do Men Pay? A Rate Comparison

The table below illustrates estimated monthly premiums for a healthy non-smoker purchasing a $500,000, 20-year term life insurance policy, comparing male and female rates at different ages. Actual rates vary by carrier, health class, and state.

Age 25: Male ~$22/month vs. Female ~$18/month (~22% gap)
Age 35: Male ~$28/month vs. Female ~$23/month (~22% gap)
Age 45: Male ~$62/month vs. Female ~$47/month (~32% gap)
Age 55: Male ~$145/month vs. Female ~$103/month (~41% gap)

As the table shows, the gender pricing gap widens with age. However, health and lifestyle factors can offset the gender gap significantly — a healthy, non-smoking man in excellent physical condition may qualify for a better rate class than an unhealthy woman of the same age. See our guide to average life insurance costs for a fuller breakdown by age and health class.

5 Ways Men Can Lower Their Life Insurance Rates

Buy young: locking in a rate earlier means lower premiums for the life of the policy, since age is one of the biggest pricing factors.
Choose term over whole life: term life insurance offers significantly lower premiums for the same death benefit compared to permanent coverage.
Improve health metrics: quitting smoking, lowering BMI, and managing blood pressure can move an applicant into a better rate class.
Compare quotes from multiple carriers: underwriting guidelines vary significantly between insurers, so shopping around can reveal meaningful savings.
Ask about preferred or elite health classifications: many carriers offer discounted rates for applicants who
qualify for their top health tiers.

Smokers in particular should review our dedicated guide to life insurance for smokers for tips on minimizing the smoker rate penalty.

Men who want to skip the medical exam altogether can compare no-exam term life insurance options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much more do men pay for life insurance than women?

On average, men pay 25% to 40% more than women for identical life insurance policies, with the gap widening as applicants get older. The difference reflects men’s shorter average life expectancy and higher mortality risk from causes such as heart disease, occupational hazards, and accidents.

At what age is life insurance cheapest for men?

Life insurance is cheapest for men in their 20s and early 30s, when mortality risk is lowest and rate classes are most favorable. Premiums rise steadily with age, so locking in coverage early can result in significant long-term savings. Learn more in our life insurance for millennials guide.

Can men get the same rates as women?

Generally, no — most states allow insurers to use gender as a rating factor, so men and women of the same age and health profile typically receive different rates. However, an exceptionally healthy man may still qualify for a better overall premium than an unhealthy woman, since health and lifestyle factors are weighted heavily alongside gender.

Does Montana have gender-neutral life insurance pricing?

Yes. Montana is a unique case — state law prohibits insurers from using gender as a rating factor for insurance sold in the state, meaning men and women pay the same rate for identical policies. This is an exception rather than the national norm; most other states permit gender-based pricing.

Is term or whole life insurance better for men?

For most men, term life insurance offers the most affordable way to secure a large death benefit during the years it’s needed most, such as while raising children or paying off a mortgage. Whole life insurance costs significantly more but builds cash value and lasts a lifetime. See our term life insurance guide and how much life insurance do I need to decide which fits your situation.