Life insurance for seniors is easier to get than many people think. After 50, your choices narrow, but good options remain. Term life fits some buyers into their 50s. After that, whole life and final expense plans cover many people into their 80s.
Key takeaways
- Some term plans stop taking applicants in your late 50s.
- Final expense plans cover many seniors up to age 85.
- Most final expense plans skip the medical exam.
- Rates on whole life and final expense never go up after you buy.
In this guide
Life Insurance for Seniors: The Short Answer
Life insurance for seniors usually means one of three plan types: term, whole life, or final expense. Your age and health decide which ones are open to you. Your goal decides which one fits.For example, someone who still pays a mortgage may want term life. Meanwhile, someone who mainly wants funeral costs covered often picks final expense. Call 888-730-6031 and a licensed agent will sort it out with you.Your Options by Age
Here is what is typically open at each stage, using plans Vivna sells.| Age | Plans often open to you | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 50 to 59 | Term, whole life, final expense | UHC Term Life SafeGuard takes ages 18 to 59 for a 10-year term |
| 60 to 75 | Whole life, final expense | Aflac Final Expense Level and Modified plans start at 45 |
| 76 to 80 | Final expense, smaller whole life | Aflac Level plans go to age 80, up to $25,000 |
| 81 to 85 | Final expense | ManhattanLife Secure Advantage and Cigna Whole Life go to 85 |
Final Expense: The Most Common Choice for Seniors
Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy for end-of-life costs. It pays your family cash for a funeral, burial, or final bills. The median funeral with burial costs $8,300, per the latest National Funeral Directors Association study.For example, ManhattanLife Secure Advantage covers ages 0 to 85, with full coverage from day one. Aflac Final Expense offers Level plans from $5,000 and Modified plans from $2,000. See our final expense insurance page to compare them.Want real final expense prices for your age?A licensed Vivna agent can compare ManhattanLife, Aflac, and Cigna in one call.
Whole Life After 50
Whole life covers you for the rest of your life. Your premium is set when you buy and never rises. It also builds cash value over time.Cigna Whole Life, insured by Loyal American Life, covers ages 50 to 85. However, it is not sold in Florida or New York. Read more on our whole life insurance page.Term Life in Your 50s
Term life can still make sense in your 50s. It works well if you carry a mortgage or support a spouse. Coverage lasts a set number of years at a level price.Keep in mind that age limits apply. For example, UnitedHealthcare Term Life SafeGuard stops taking 10-year applicants at 59. Compare plans on our term life insurance page.Do Seniors Need a Medical Exam?
Usually not for smaller plans. Most final expense policies ask a few health questions instead. Your answers decide whether you get a Level plan or a Modified plan.With a Modified plan, the full benefit may not pay for non-accidental death in the first two years. Aflac’s Modified plan works this way. Learn more in our guide to no medical exam life insurance.Tips to Keep Costs Down
- Buy sooner, because prices rise with each birthday.
- Size coverage to real costs, not a round guess.
- Answer health questions honestly to avoid a denied claim.
- Compare more than one carrier before you choose.
Life Insurance for Seniors: FAQs
Can I get life insurance at 80?
Often, yes. Several final expense plans accept applicants into their 80s, though amounts are smaller.Will my rate go up as I get older?
Not on whole life or final expense. Those rates are locked when you buy.How much life insurance does a senior need?
Many seniors buy enough to cover a funeral and final bills. Others add more to leave a gift.Is there a waiting period?
Some plans have one. ManhattanLife Secure Advantage pays fully from day one.Next Steps: Compare Life Insurance for Seniors
Life insurance for seniors is simpler with a licensed agent on your side. We compare ManhattanLife, Aflac, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare plans at no cost.Call 888-730-6031 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Or browse our affordable life insurance plans hub first.Sources
- National Funeral Directors Association: Cost of a funeral
- ManhattanLife: Whole Life (Secure Advantage)
- Aflac Final Expense brochure (Tier One Insurance Company)
- Cigna: Whole Life Insurance
Life insurance products are offered by independent carriers. Plans, prices, underwriting rules, and availability vary by carrier, age, health, and state. Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent agency (NPN 19168641).
