2026 monthly cost by age and gender ($10,000 face)
Representative simplified-issue (level benefit) monthly premiums for non-smokers in average health:
- Age 50 male: $26–$36 / female: $20–$28
- Age 55 male: $32–$45 / female: $25–$34
- Age 60 male: $40–$54 / female: $30–$42
- Age 65 male: $48–$66 / female: $36–$50
- Age 70 male: $62–$85 / female: $46–$64
- Age 75 male: $80–$112 / female: $58–$82
- Age 80 male: $115–$155 / female: $85–$118
How tobacco use affects pricing
Tobacco users pay roughly 1.8–2.2x the non-smoker rate at any age. A 65-year-old male smoker buying $10K final expense pays $85–$130/month vs $48–$66 non-smoker.
Most carriers define tobacco as any nicotine use within the past 12–24 months. Quitting for 12+ months can move you from tobacco to non-tobacco rates on most simplified-issue products — significant savings worth shopping at the 12-month mark.
Cost by coverage amount
Premium scales roughly linearly with face amount within a single carrier. Sample 65-year-old male non-smoker monthly premiums:
- $5,000 face: $26–$36/month
- $10,000 face: $48–$66/month
- $15,000 face: $68–$92/month
- $20,000 face: $88–$118/month
- $25,000 face: $108–$148/month
Level benefit vs graded benefit vs guaranteed-issue
Three product types determine your rate tier:
- Level benefit (best rates): full death benefit from day one. Requires passing simplified health questions
- Graded benefit (mid rates): reduced death benefit years 1–2, full benefit year 3+. For applicants with moderate health issues
- Guaranteed-issue (highest rates): no health questions, but only return of premium + interest if death in years 1–2
4 levers that lower final expense cost
What actually moves premium in 2026:
- Shop 3–5 carriers — pricing variance on identical applicants exceeds 30% across the market
- Buy earlier — every year of delay adds 5–10% to your locked-in rate
- Quit tobacco for 12+ months before applying — moves you out of tobacco tier
- Aim for simplified-issue (not guaranteed-issue) by managing health questions honestly — saves 20–40%
Carrier comparison snapshot
Top final expense carriers in 2026 (Mutual of Omaha, Aetna/CVS Health, Globe Life, Gerber Life, Foresters, Royal Neighbors, AIG) compete aggressively on the age 55–75 simplified-issue market. Pricing across these carriers can differ 20–40% on the same applicant — independent agents who quote multiple carriers typically save buyers $200–$500/year.
Direct-to-consumer brands (Globe Life mail-order, AAA-branded products) are often the most expensive option despite the brand recognition. Always compare against agent-quoted Mutual of Omaha and Aetna pricing before binding.