The Real Cost of Waiting to Buy Life Insurance
What you don’t know could cost more than you think.
Most people don’t wake up thinking, “Today’s the day I buy life insurance.”
It’s one of those things that sits on the “I’ll get to it later” list—right next to cleaning out the garage or setting up a will.
But here’s the thing: the longer you wait, the more it costs—not just in money, but in peace of mind. And the truth is, waiting could leave your family unprotected at the very time they need you most.
Time Isn’t on Your Side (At Least Not Here)
Life insurance rates are based largely on two things: your age and your health. And let’s be honest—neither of those usually improves over time.
| Age | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 30 | $24/month |
| 40 | $34/month |
| 50 | $65/month |
| 60 | $120/month |
Estimates vary by company, but the trend is clear: waiting costs more.
And if your health changes—blood pressure, weight, or a new diagnosis—you could see rates double or even become ineligible for coverage altogether.
What Waiting Really Costs
It's not just about premiums. Waiting can cost you:
✅ Access: Some people wait too long and find out they no longer qualify.
💰 Cash Value Growth: Permanent policies build value over time. Starting later means less long-term benefit.
🧾 Financial Burden: The older you are when you buy, the higher the cost over the policy’s lifetime.
If you're paying $120/month at age 60 instead of $24/month at age 30, that's nearly $23,000 more over 20 years—and that’s assuming you qualify.
Common Excuses We Hear (and Why They Don’t Hold Up)
“I’ll get it when I have more money.”
Rates are lowest when you're young. A modest policy now beats a pricey one later—or none at all.
“I’m healthy. I don’t need it yet.”
That’s exactly why now is the time. You’re buying with your current health, not tomorrow’s unknown.
“It’s probably too expensive.”
Most people overestimate the cost. Many are surprised to learn how affordable coverage really is.
Term vs. Permanent: Know the Difference
We’ll walk you through the options, but here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Term Life | Indexed/Universal Life | Permanent Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest cost | Moderate—flexible premiums | Highest initial cost |
| Coverage Duration | 10–30 years | Lifetime (if funded properly) | Lifetime |
| Cash Value | None | Yes, with market-linked growth potential | Yes, grows at a fixed rate |
| Investment Potential | None | Earns based on market index (with limits) | Low but steady accumulation |
| Best For | Short-term needs, affordability | Those who want growth without direct market risk | Long-term planning, legacy, guarantees |
We can help you find the right mix based on your goals and budget.
What You Can Do Today
You don’t need to make a major decision today. But starting the conversation is easy—and free. Here's what you can do right now:
📞 Call us for a quick quote, or click <HERE> to start the process
📝 Ask questions about the types of coverage
🧭 Get honest guidance from a local team that knows the ins and outs
No pressure. No hard sell. Just a little clarity and a plan that fits your life.
Closing Thoughts
Waiting to buy life insurance might seem harmless now—but it adds up. Higher costs, fewer options, and more risk for your loved ones.
If you’ve been putting it off, we get it. Life’s busy. But this is one of those things that’s easier to check off than you think—and more valuable than you know.
Let’s talk.
Stockman Insurance Agency
4202 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN
📞 (423) 510-9197
🌐 www.stockmanagency.com
