More than just age, sex, and type of insurance can influence your rates. Your lifestyle and health history could also determine the price you pay. Here are a few things that could make your coverage more expensive than someone your age.  Smoking history Smoking can increase life insurance rates quite a bit. Insurance company Protective Life research shows that life insurance is 100 to 300 times more expensive for smokers. According to its data, a 45-year-old male smoker with a 20-year, $500,000 policy would pay $289 per month for coverage, while a nonsmoker would pay about $52. History of risky activities Avid skydivers, scuba divers, or travelers could find their insurance rates higher than others. It's not uncommon for insurers to ask about your history with these activities, travel history, and future plans. A bad driving record could also add to the cost of life insurance.  Health history and medications Life insurance companies can check your health history and medication history in two ways: a medical records database and your medical exam (although it's possible to get life insurance without a medical exam). Like health insurance, pre-existing conditions could also impact the rate you pay.