PaymentMath

Mortgage & money

How much life insurance at 50?

Quick answer: At 50, replacing your income until 65 means covering 15 years of earnings, minus savings and any existing policy. Many 50-year-olds use a 15-year term, or shorter if the children and mortgage will be done sooner.

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At 50, replacing your income until 65 means covering 15 years of earnings, minus savings and any existing policy. Many 50-year-olds use a 15-year term, or shorter if the children and mortgage will be done sooner.

Where do these numbers come from?

How we calculateCorrectionsChangelogAbout PaymentMath

Income to 65 by salary (age 50)

Salary15 years of income10× rule
$50,000$750,000$500,000
$75,000$1,125,000$750,000
$100,000$1,500,000$1,000,000
$150,000$2,250,000$1,500,000

Income to 65 is an upper bound if your family would only need part of your pay; subtract savings, retirement accounts and existing cover.

What changes at 50

Fewer years of income to replace and more savings. Some people need cover only until the mortgage is paid or a spouse reaches retirement.

These are coverage-amount estimates, not quotes or advice. Premiums depend on age, health and insurer; a licensed agent or fee-only planner can review your situation.

Sources and assumptions

Related

Frequently asked questions

How much life insurance should a 50 year old have?

Enough to cover your dependants’ needs: up to 15 years of income to 65, plus debts and education, minus savings. The 10× rule is a rough start.

What term length at 50?

Long enough to reach your last major obligation; for retirement at 65 that is 15 years, so a 15-year term.