Do life insurance companies really check my height and weight?

Yes. Insurers use build charts (height/weight tables) to help determine your health class. Your height and weight may be verified by a brief exam, digital health records, or prior medical data.

Could my real price be lower than the chart in this article?

Absolutely. The chart shows typical ranges, but some insurers are more lenient for certain heights, weights, and health profiles. Use the LifeStein Life Insurance Calculator to compare 50+ carriers and you may see lower premiums than the examples shown.

How does nicotine use affect my life insurance rates at age 40?

Nicotine use (cigarettes, vape, pouches like Zyn/VELO/On!) can increase rates or change your health class. Some carriers are more lenient with pouches or occasional use. See our Nicotine User hub and brand-specific pages to find the most favorable carriers.

How much coverage and term length should a 40-year-old choose?

A common starting point is 10–12× annual income and a term that outlasts major debts and dependents’ needs (often 20–30 years). Your exact amount depends on your mortgage, kids, income replacement goals, and budget.

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost for a 40-Year-Old Male? (By Height & Weight)

mattmims
Oct 3
3 min read

Cost of Insurance for a 40-year Man:

If you’re a 40-year-old man, chances are life insurance is on your radar. Maybe you’ve got a mortgage, a family, or just want peace of mind knowing your income is protected. But here’s the thing — your height and weight can make a big difference in what you’ll actually pay.

Most life insurance companies use build charts (height/weight tables) to determine if you qualify for “Preferred Plus,” “Standard,” or something in between. The healthier your BMI, the lower your premium.

If you just want to skip ahead and compare your real numbers, you can run them instantly here:👉 Use the LifeStein Life Insurance Calculator (free, private, no spam).

Average Life Insurance Costs for a 40-Year-Old Male

The chart below shows estimated monthly premiums for a 40-year-old male buying $1,000,000 of coverage on a 30-year term. Numbers are based on height, weight range, and typical underwriting classifications used by insurers.

Life Insurance Cost Chart (40-Year-Old Male, $1M Coverage, 30-Year Term) 50+ Life Insurance Companies Estimated Range.

Height	Weight Range	Likely Health Class	Estimated Monthly Premium
5’6”	120–150 lbs	Preferred Plus	$95 – $100
	151–175 lbs	Preferred / Standard Plus	$108 – $120
	176–200 lbs	Standard	$135 – $153
	201+ lbs	Table Rated (Substandard)	$181 – $191
5’8”	130–160 lbs	Preferred Plus	$92 – $98
	161–185 lbs	Preferred / Standard Plus	$105 – $118
	186–215 lbs	Standard	$132 – $150
	216+ lbs	Table Rated (Substandard)	$176 – $188
5’10”	140–175 lbs	Preferred Plus	$90 – $95
	176–200 lbs	Preferred / Standard Plus	$102 – $115
	201–230 lbs	Standard	$129 – $145
	231+ lbs	Table Rated (Substandard)	$172 – $185
6’0”	150–185 lbs	Preferred Plus	$88 – $93
	186–210 lbs	Preferred / Standard Plus	$100 – $113
	211–245 lbs	Standard	$126 – $142
	246+ lbs	Table Rated (Substandard)	$170 – $182
6’2”	160–195 lbs	Preferred Plus	$87 – $92
	196–220 lbs	Preferred / Standard Plus	$98 – $110
	221–255 lbs	Standard	$124 – $140
	256+ lbs	Table Rated (Substandard)	$168 – $180

Important: The prices shown above are averages. Many applicants will actually see lower premiums when they use the LifeStein Life Insurance Calculator, because every company sets its own build chart and some are far more lenient than others.

👉 Check your real rate here (it only takes 60 seconds).

Life Insurance Cost for a 40-year old male — Life Insurance Cost for a 40-Year Male

What This Means for You

Every company is different. One carrier may still give you Preferred at 185 lbs (5’8”), while another drops you to Standard Plus.
Nicotine use matters even more. If you use cigarettes, vapes, Zyn, or other nicotine pouches, expect a bump in cost unless you apply with a broker who knows which carriers are more lenient. (👉 See our Nicotine User Life Insurance Hub).
Coverage size changes price. The chart is based on $1,000,000 coverage — if you want $500K or $250K, your premium will scale down.
Term length is huge. A 20-year term will cost less than a 30-year term, but you lock in your age and health for less time.

FAQs

Do life insurance companies really check my weight?Yes. When you apply, insurers either check your medical exam results or use digital health records. Your height and weight are always factored into your rating.

Can I still get good rates if I’m overweight?Absolutely. Most people fall into the Standard or Standard Plus range and still get affordable coverage. Only once you hit the “Table Rated” category do prices jump significantly.

What if I lose weight after I buy a policy?If you drop weight and keep it off for 12+ months, you can often re-apply and qualify for a lower rate.

What’s the cheapest way to buy life insurance at 40?Go independent. Working with a broker like LifeStein means you’re not stuck with one company’s build chart — you get access to 50+ carriers, so we find the one that looks most favorably at your height/weight.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a 40-year-old male shopping for $1,000,000 in coverage, expect premiums anywhere from $90/month (best health) to $190/month (higher weight ranges).

Your build plays a big role, but it’s not the only factor — nicotine use, blood pressure, cholesterol, and even family history matter.

That’s why the smartest move is to compare across the market in seconds.

👉 Run your numbers instantly with the LifeStein Life Insurance Calculator — free, private, and it shows you the top 15 results out of 50+ companies.

Matt Mims

Owner of LifeStein.com

(601)-218-7854 (call/text)

mattmims@lifestein.com