Life insurance for men

Last updated: September 2026

Key takeaways

• Life insurance may help your loved ones manage expenses, debts and other financial commitments
• Your income, mortgage, dependants, savings and existing insurance can help determine how much cover to consider
• Age, gender, health, smoking, occupation and lifestyle may influence life insurance premiums and cover
• Different life stages can be a useful time to review your insurance needs
• Always check the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS), exclusions and policy terms before make a decision about which policy is right for you

Life can change quickly – a new job, a home, a partner or children can all bring new financial responsibilities. For Australian men, life insurance can be one way to help provide financial support for the people who rely on you if you die or become terminally ill.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life insurance. The cover you may need can depend on your financial commitments, the people who rely on you and the stage of life you’re in. In this guide, we’ll look at when life insurance may be worth considering, the types of cover available and some of the factors that can affect premiums. The cover you may need can depend on your financial commitments, the people who rely on you and the stage of life you’re in. In this guide, we’ll look at when life insurance may be worth considering, the types of cover available and some of the factors that can affect premiums.. The cover you may need can depend on your financial commitments, the people who rely on you and the stage of life you’re in. In this guide, we’ll look at when life insurance may be worth considering, the types of cover available and some of the factors that can affect premiums.

Real Insurance offers life insurance options Australian residents aged 18-74, so you can explore the cover available and consider what may suit your circumstances.

Why do men need life insurance?

It may be worth considering life insurance if other people depend on your income or you have financial commitments that need to be maintained if you became terminally ill or passed away. ASIC’s Moneysmart  notes that life cover can help dependants manage costs such as a mortgage, debts and everyday expenses.

Key considerations may include:

• Financial security: Helping your family manage ongoing living expenses
• Debt and mortgage support: Providing funds that could be used towards outstanding financial commitments
• Current or future dependants: Helping support a partner, children or other people who rely on you financially
• Peace of mind: Knowing financial support may be available if the unexepected occurs

Keep reading: How to choose life insurance

When should men get life insurance?

There is no single right time to take out life insurance. Instead, it can help to review your needs when your circumstances or financial responsibilities change.

• Starting your first full-time job: If you’re a young adult, consider whether you have debts or anyone who relies on your income
• Entering a marriage or de facto partnership: Shared expenses may change your financial responsibilities
• Having children: You may want to consider ongoing living, childcare and education expenses
• Buying a house: Taking on a mortgage can significantly change your financial commitments

Types of life insurance options available for men

The right cover for you, depends on your circumstances, budget and how long you want protection.

• Full life insurance: Real Life Insurance is available to Australian residents aged 18–74, with benefit amounts from $100,000 up to $2 million depending your circumstances
• Term life insurance: Real Term Life Insurance provides fixed-term cover that expires after 20 years or at age 85, whichever comes first
• Serious illness insurance: Eligible Real Life Insurance customers aged 18–59 can apply to add optional Serious Illness Insurance, which can provide financial support if you’re diagnosed with a major medical condition, such as cancer, or if you have a heart attack, or stroke
• Children’s insurance: Eligible Real Life Insurance customers can apply to add optional Children’s Insurance to cover their children aged 2–17, with benefit amounts available from $20,000 up to $50,000.
• Life insurance for Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF):  Australian residents aged 18–64 who are members of an SMSF can apply for Real Life Cover for SMSF

Keep reading: What does life insurance cover?

How much life insurance cover do men need?

There is no one-size-fits-all amount. Consider your income, debts, mortgage, dependants, living expenses, savings and existing insurance when estimating your life insurance cover. The Real Insurance life insurance calculator can also help you estimate how much cover you may need.

What other insurance cover should men consider?

Depending on your circumstances, you may also consider income protection insurance, which may help replace part of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It’s also worth checking whether you already have insurance through super  before taking out additional cover.

Factors that impact life insurance cost and cover for men

Life insurance premiums vary between people. ASIC’s Moneysmart notes that insurers may consider factors such as age, health, job and lifestyle when setting premiums. Gender, hobbies and the amount of cover chosen may also influence the premium offered, depending on the insurer and its underwriting assessment – how the insurer assesses your application and circumstances.

Age and life expectancy

Age can affect premiums because the likelihood of making a claim generally increases as people get older. When comparing life insurance for men and women, gender may be one of several factors considered when setting premiums. AIHW reports that life expectancy at birth for 2022–2024 was 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females in Australia.

Lifestyle and health risks

Health, medical history and smoking status may influence the premium or policy terms an insurer offers. Individual outcomes depend on the insurer and its underwriting assessment.

Occupational hazards

Some occupations and hobbies involve higher levels of risk. Where relevant, insurers may consider these factors when determining premiums or terms of cover.

Keep reading: What may affect life insurance premiums and eligibility?

Find the cover that suits you and your lifestyle

Your life insurance needs can change as your career, relationships, family and finances evolve. Reviewing your commitments and existing cover can help you understand the options available.

If you decide to explore Real Life Insurance, you can request a quote online or apply over the phone. During the application, you’ll be asked questions about your health and lifestyle, and you won’t need a medical or blood test to apply. Always read the relevant PDS and Target Market Determination before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions

What life insurance options are available for men?

Men may consider full life insurance, fixed-term life cover and, depending on the policy, optional serious illness or children’s cover. Life cover may also be held through super, including an SMSF. Eligibility, benefit amounts, exclusions and other policy terms vary.

What factors impact the cost of life insurance for men?

Factors may include your age, gender, health and medical history, smoking status, occupation, hobbies and the amount of cover chosen. The premium and policy terms offered will depend on your circumstances and the insurer’s underwriting process.

Why is life insurance more expensive for men?

Life insurance premiums can sometimes be higher for men, but this isn’t always the case. Insurers may consider a range of factors when calculating premiums, including age, sex, health, smoking status, lifestyle, occupation and the amount of cover. How these factors affect the cost of cover can vary between insurers and policies.

What does life insurance cover for men?

Life insurance is determined by the policy rather than simply by gender. Life insurance generally provides a benefit following death and may include terminal illness cover.

Who can apply for Real Life Insurance?

 Australian residents aged between 18 and 74 can apply for Real Life Insurance. The cover available and maximum benefit amount depend on factors including your age and individual circumstances, with applications subject to underwriting.