This study examines the impact of corruption, measured by the Control of Corruption Index, on life expectancy in 10 ASEAN countries from 2014–2023. The persistence of corruption in developing regions, including ASEAN, raises concerns about its adverse effects on public welfare and health outcomes. Utilizing the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) panel estimation to address potential endogeneity, the findings reveal that greater control of corruption positively influences life expectancy for all populations, including males and females. Furthermore, other institutional and economic factors, such as government effectiveness, health spending as a percentage of GDP, institutional quality, and the rule of law, also demonstrate significant positive relationships with life expectancy. The results underscore the critical role of institutional reforms in enhancing public health outcomes in the ASEAN region. This research highlights the importance of robust governance and strategic investments in health systems to foster longevity and societal well-being.