25 Year Term Life Insurance

Protecting your loved ones’ financial future can be one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. A 25-year term life insurance policy can offer a practical, long-term safety net that balances affordability with protection. It provides financial security for your family, but isn’t as expensive as a 30-year or 40-year term policy. It’s a good middle ground for many people whether you’re buying a first home, raising children, or simply planning ahead.
25 Year Term Life Insurance

Key Takeaways

  • A 25-year term life insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage for a fixed period of time. It provides a tax-free death benefit if the insured passes away during the term, as long as premiums are paid.
  • Premiums remain level throughout the 25-year duration, making it easier to plan and manage financial budgets.
  • This policy can be suited for young parents, homeowners, and mid-career professionals who want protection during major financial years of their lives.
  • Although the policy ends after 25 years, individuals can choose to renew or convert to permanent coverage (if their policy allows).

What is a 25 Year Term Life Insurance Policy?

A 25-year term life insurance policy provides coverage for a fixed period of 25 years. If the policyholder dies during that term, their beneficiaries receive a tax-free death benefit provided the policy is in good standing. If the insured person outlives the 25-year period, the policy typically expires with no payout.

This type of policy can be ideal for individuals seeking affordable, long-term protection during the majority of their income-earning years.

How Does a 25 Year Term Life Insurance Policy Work?

A 25-year term life insurance policy provides long-term coverage that is designed to protect your family if you pass away during the term. Here’s how it works:

  • You choose a specific coverage amount and pay fixed premiums for 25 years.
  • If you pass away within the 25-year period, your beneficiaries receive a tax-free death benefit to cover expenses like debts, education, or daily living costs.
  • If you outlive the policy, coverage typically ends, though some plans allow renewal or conversion to permanent insurance.
  • Premiums remain level for the entire term, offering stability and easier financial planning.

Read: 40 Year Term Life Insurance

Example Scenarios

Here are a few examples of individuals who might benefit from purchasing a 25-year term life policy:

  • Young parents: A couple in their early 30s with young children can use a 25-year term to provide financial protection until their children are grown.
  • Homeowners with a long mortgage: Someone with a 20- or 25-year mortgage can align the policy term with their loan, so their family isn’t burdened with debt if they pass away.
  • Primary earners in mid-career: A 40-year-old individual might choose this policy to protect their family’s lifestyle and income until retirement age.
  • Business owners: Entrepreneurs can use it to safeguard their business and ensure partners or heirs can manage outstanding loans or expenses.
  • Individuals planning for future flexibility: Individuals who want affordable premiums at first but who may consider converting to permanent coverage later on.

How Much Does a 25 Year Term Life Insurance Policy Cost?

The cost of a 25-year term life insurance policy varies by several personal factors, including your age, health, lifestyle, and coverage amount. Generally, younger and healthier applicants can lock in the most affordable premiums, while rates increase with age or certain health conditions.

Your coverage amount and policy length also play a role. A 25-year term typically costs more than a 20-year policy because it provides coverage for a longer period, but it’s often still more affordable than permanent life insurance. Other factors like tobacco use, family medical history, and hobbies can also influence your final rate.

Example Costs by Age and Coverage Level

While exact rates depend on your personal profile and the insurance company, here’s how costs generally trend:

  • In your 20s–30s: Rates are typically the lowest, since you’re younger and statistically healthier.
  • In your 40s: Premiums increase as health risks rise and the coverage period extends closer to retirement.
  • In your 50s: Fewer insurers may offer 25-year terms, and premiums can become significantly higher.

For example, consider Jordan and Kelly, a young couple in their early 30s with two children under age 3. A 30-year term is more than they need, while a 20-year term is too short. A 25-year term feels just right for them.

A $250,000 term policy for Kelly would likely cost around $13 to $30 a month. Jordan’s $250,000 policy would likely cost between $15 and $36 a month.1 On average, men pay higher premiums than women because men statistically have shorter life expectancies.

Read: Life Insurance And Mortgage Protection

Pros & Cons of 25 Year Term Life Insurance

A 25-year term life insurance policy can be a smart way to lock in long-term coverage, but it may also come with a few limitations. Evaluating the pros and cons can help you decide if this policy will truly align with your financial goals.

Benefits

  • Offers long-term coverage with affordable premiums.
  • Matches well with long-term financial goals like paying off a mortgage or raising children.
  • Provides peace of mind knowing your family is financially protected if something happens to you.
  • Keeps premiums level for 25 years, making it easier to plan ahead.
  • Many policies include the flexibility to renew or convert to permanent coverage later on.

Drawbacks

  • The premiums will rise if you decide to extend the policy after the term ends.
  • Although this policy provides steady protection for 25 years, it does not build any cash value.
  • If you outlive the policy term, coverage ends.
  • May not suit those seeking lifelong coverage or estate planning benefits.

Read: Understanding Life Insurance Blood Tests

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Expert Tip

Can a 25‑year Term Life Plan Fit My Long‑term Financial Goals?

If you’re focused on protecting your family through major milestones like raising kids or paying off a mortgage, a 25-year term life policy could be a good fit for your long-term financial goals. It gives you solid coverage during the years you need it most, without stretching your budget. A 25-year term policy could be a good middle ground when 30 years is too much, and 20 years isn’t quite enough.

Noby Bakshi

Noby Bakshi

Senior Director Life Underwriting

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Is 25-Year Term Life Insurance the Right Choice for You?

A 25-year term life insurance policy may be the right choice if you need long-term, affordable coverage during your most financially demanding years. It’s ideal for individuals with ongoing obligations like a mortgage, children’s education, or dependent care.

However, if you want lifelong protection, a policy that builds cash value, or estate planning benefits, permanent life insurance may be a better choice. Ultimately, the right product for you depends on your financial goals and how long you want coverage to last.

What Happens After the 25-Year Term Ends?

When a 25-year term life insurance policy ends, your coverage simply expires. This means the life insurance coverage stops, and your beneficiaries won’t receive any death benefit if you pass away. You’re no longer required to pay premiums, and the policy has no residual or cash value.

Can I Renew my Policy After the Term?

Yes, many insurers allow you to renew your term life insurance policy once the 25-year term ends. This renewal lets you extend your coverage without going through a new medical exam, but your premiums will likely increase since they’re based on your age at the time of the renewal. Not all policies have a renewal option, so check your policy carefully.

What if I Still Need Coverage After 25 Years?

If you still need life insurance coverage after your 25-year term ends, there are several ways to stay protected. Here’s what you can do:

  • Renew your existing policy: Continue your coverage for additional years if your policy allows, though premiums will increase based on your current age.
  • Convert to a permanent policy: Switch to lifetime coverage without reapplying or taking a new medical exam, based on policy provisions.
  • Buy a new term policy: Apply for a new policy if your health and finances allow.
  • Explore supplemental coverage: Consider smaller policies like final expense insurance, accidental death insurance, or critical illness plans to cover specific needs affordably.

Read: Best Life Insurance Companies for Young Adults (2025)

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FAQs on 25 Year Term Life Insurance

In term life insurance, “25 years” denotes the duration for which the policy remains active. Throughout this period, the policy owner pays fixed premiums. In return, the insurer provides a death benefit if the insured person dies during the term. Once the 25 years conclude, the coverage automatically expires.

A 25-year term life insurance policy provides a death benefit to the insured’s beneficiaries if the insured passes away during the coverage period. It is designed to offer financial protection by covering expenses such as debts, living costs, education, or other essential family needs.

When choosing between a 25-year and a 30-year term life insurance policy, consider your age, financial goals, and dependents’ financial needs. A 25-year term may be ideal if your mortgage or children’s education will be paid off sooner. A 30-year term provides longer protection and can be useful if you’re younger, have long-term debts, or want coverage closer to retirement

Yes, the premium for a 25-year term life insurance policy generally remains level for the entire duration of the term. This means you pay the same amount each year, ensuring predictable costs and easier budgeting throughout the 25-year coverage period.

Yes, many 25-year term life insurance policies include a conversion option, allowing you to switch to a permanent coverage like whole life or universal life without a new medical exam. This feature lets you extend coverage for life and build cash value, although the premiums will increase after conversion.

No, a 25-year term life insurance policy does not build any cash value over time. Term plans are designed for protection only and provide a death benefit if the insured passes away during the specified term. Once the policy ends, it holds no savings or investment component and does not return any cash value if you outlive the coverage period.

A 25-year term life insurance policy is well-suited for those in their prime working years who want reliable coverage through major financial milestones. It can be a good choice for young people supporting families, paying off long-term debts like a mortgage, or ensuring loved ones are protected until retirement approaches.

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Nichole Myers

Nichole Myers

Chief Underwriter

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Laura Heeger

Laura Heeger

Chief Compliance & Privacy Officer

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Oct 31, 2025