Guide to Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75 (2024)

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Guide to Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75 (3)

When you’re 70 or older, finding affordable senior life insurance might feel harder than it did when you were younger. But no matter your age, life insurance is an important way to help your loved ones cover the costs of your final expenses, so it’s important to explore your options. Comparing different policies and prices is a key way to find the right life insurance product when you’re over 70 or 75.

Table of Contents

Cost of Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75

Final Expense Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75

- Term Life Insurance

- Whole Life Insurance

Universal Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75

- Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance (GUL)

FAQs

- Can I get life insurance if I'm over 70 or 75?

- What life insurance policies can I buy if I'm over 70 or 75?

- Do I need life insurance if I'm over 70 or 75?

- Do I need to take a health exam to get life insurance if I'm over 70 or 75?

- How much life insurance do I need if I'm over 70 or 75?

GET MY FREE BURIAL INSURANCE QUOTEMost people qualify and no medical exam is required!Guide to Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75 (4)

Cost of Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75

There are a few important factors that determine the price you’ll pay for insurance when you’re over 70 or 75:

  • Your age
  • Your gender
  • Your health status
  • The type of policy you buy

These are the common price ranges for senior life insurance options for adults in their 70s, but your premiums may vary.

Average Annual Insurance Rates for Men over 70 or 75*

Age Term: $50,000 - $250,000 Benefit Whole: $50,000 - $250,000 Benefit Universal Guaranteed Universal: $50,000 – $250,000 Benefit Final Expense: $5,000 Benefit Final Expense: $10,000 Benefit
70 $600– $2.330 $2,820 – $16,320 Talk to your insurance provider for rates. $2,580 – $9,830 $490 $970
75 $1,140 – $4,060 $3,750 – $22,440 Talk to your insurance provider for rates. $9,840 - $10,850 $685 $1,350

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Average Annual Insurance Rates for Women over 70 or 75*

Age Term: $50,000 - $250,000 Benefit Whole: $50,000 - $250,000 Benefit Universal Guaranteed Universal: $50,000 – $250,000 Benefit Final Expense: $5,000 Final Expense: $10,000 Benefit
70 $480 – $1,770 $2,300 – $13,440 Talk to your insurance provider for rates. $2,180 – $6,125 $380 $730
75 $840 – $2,640 $2,940 – $18,450 Talk to your insurance provider for rates. $6,140 - $8,850 $505 $970

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Final Expense Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75

Final expense insurance, also known as burial or funeral insurance, is a great insurance option for seniors in their 70s. Burial insurance for seniors has much lower premiums than many other types of life insurance, and rather than taking a health test, you only need to answer a few simple health questions on the application. These policies are used to cover funeral costs, but the funds can also be used for other expenses. In addition, funeral insurance offers these benefits for seniors over 70:

  • It’s a type of whole life policy, so it’s permanent as long as you pay the premiums.
  • The premium rates are fixed, making them easy to factor into your budget, even if you live on a fixed income.
  • Policies build cash value, and you can usually take a loan against them to pay for expenses while you’re still living, such as medical bills.
  • The application is easy to fill out, and your approval can come in as little as a few days.

It can be tough to find affordable life insurance for adults in their 50s and older. Since final expense policies can start at just $15 per month, they’re a great option for any senior’s budget.

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Monthly Premium Rates for Men*

$5,000 Death Benefit
Age Determined 'In Good Health' by Insurer No Health Questions Asked
50 $16 $20
55 $19 $24
60 $23 $29
65 $29 $35
70 $38 $44
75 $51 $63
80 $65 $82

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

$10,000 Death Benefit
Age Determined 'In Good Health' by Insurer No Health Questions Asked
50 $30 $40
55 $35 $46
60 $43 $57
65 $56 $68
70 $74 $88
75 $100 $125
80 $126 $162

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Monthly Premium Rates for Women*

$5,000 Death Benefit
Age Determined 'In Good Health' by Insurer No Health Questions Asked
50 $14 $15
55 $16 $18
60 $18 $24
65 $22 $28
70 $28 $35
75 $38 $46
80 $48 $64

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

$10,000 Death Benefit
Age Determined ‘In Good Health’ by Insurer No Health Questions Asked
50 $25 $28
55 $28 $36
60 $33 $45
65 $41 $55
70 $53 $69
75 $72 $90
80 $93 $126

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75

Term and whole life insurance are popular choices for younger adults. These plans may be good insurance options for seniors if used along with final expense insurance, but it’s important you look at your budget and coverage needs when considering these policies to decide if they're worth it.

Term Life Insurance

Rates remain the same throughout the life of term life insurance policies as long as premiums are paid, making them appealing to seniors on fixed incomes. But there are many cons to getting term life insurance in your 70s. At this age, many providers only offer 10-year plans. They almost always require a health test, and they’re very difficult to qualify for if you’re not in great overall health or take medication of any kind. The policies don’t build any cash value, and if you outlive your policy, you won’t receive the payout. Although the premiums are low, buying term life insurance over the age of 70 may not be the safest choice.

Average Annual Term Life Insurance Rates for Men over 70 or 75*

Age Policy Amount Average Rate

or 10 Year Term

70 $50,000 $600
70 $100,000 $1,170
70 $250,000 $2,330
75 $50,000 $1,140
75 $100,000 $2,250
75 $250,000 $4,060

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Average Annual Term Life Insurance Rates for Women over 70 or 75*

Age Policy Amount Average Rate

for 10 Year Term

70 $50,000 $480
70 $100,000 $765
70 $250,000 $1,770
75 $50,000 $840
75 $100,000 $1,525
75 $250,000 $2,460

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Whole Life Insurance

Also known as permanent life insurance, whole life insurance doesn’t expire as long as the premiums are paid. Other than final expense insurance (which has low insurance rates for seniors), these policies have higher premiums than other plans. They also require health tests, which can drive up the cost even more. Traditional whole life policies build cash value over time, which makes them different from term policies. The cash value of a policy can be withdrawn in the form of a loan, but it must be repaid before the insured passes away. If the loan is not repaid, it will be deducted from the death benefit. Because of how expensive traditional whole life insurance can be, burial insurance is often the most affordable plan for seniors in their 70s, even those with serious health conditions.

Average Annual Whole Life Insurance Rates for Men over 70 or 75*

Age Policy Amount Average
70 $100,000 $2,820
70 $150,000 $6,540
70 $250,000 $16,320
75 $100,000 $3,750
75 $150,000 $8,880
75 $250,000 $22,440

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Average Annual Whole Life Insurance Rates for Women over 70 or 75*

Age Policy Amount Average
70 $100,000 $2,300
70 $150,000 $5,460
70 $250,000 $13,440
75 $100,000 $2,949
75 $150,000 $7,950
75 $250,000 $18,450

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

See here for more information and resources on term vs. whole life insurance.

Universal Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75

Guide to Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75 (6)

Universal life insurance (UL) is a mix of whole and term life insurance. It’s permanent with a guaranteed death benefit, but it has low monthly premiums, and it usually requires a health test. You may be able to update your policy rather than purchase a new one if your needs change, and some providers offer refunds for your premium payments after you’ve held the policy for a certain amount of years.

The cost of universal life insurance that requires a health test is lower than other UL products, such as guaranteed. However, its rates aren’t as low as final expense plans, which don’t require a health exam. Because of the complexities of universal life insurance, it’s best to talk to your life insurance agent for a quote.

Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance (GUL)

These UL plans don’t require you to take a medical test or answer health questions, so their rates are higher than standard universal life insurance. Acceptance is guaranteed for all seniors. Be sure you pay all of your premiums in full and on time, though, because if you miss even one, your coverage may be canceled.

Average Annual Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance Rates for Men over 70 or 75*

Age Policy Amount Average Rate
70 $50,000 $2,580
70 $100,000 $3,265
70 $250,000 $9,830
75 $50,000 $9,840
75 $100,000 $4,630
75 $250,000 $10,850

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

Average Annual Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance Rates for Women over 70 or 75*

Age Policy Amount Average Rate
70 $50,000 $2,180
70 $100,000 $2,620
70 $250,000 $6,125
75 $50,000 $6,140
75 $100,000 $7,950
75 $250,000 $8,850

* Estimated rates do not reflect the rates of any particular life insurance company.

FAQs: Life Insurance for Seniors over 70 or 75

Can I get life insurance if I’m over 70 or 75?

You can buy life insurance if you’re in your 70s, but you’ll need to compare policies to find one you can afford that provides the coverage you want.

What life insurance policies can I buy if I’m over 70 or 75?

The best life insurance policies for adults in their 70s are:

  • Final expense (also called burial or funeral)
  • Term
  • Whole
  • Universal and guaranteed universal

Do I need life insurance if I’m over 70 or 75?

Life insurance is a great way to help your loved ones pay for your final expenses. It helps ensure your family members won’t need to pay for the debts you leave behind, such as:

  • Funeral costs
  • Medical and long-term care bills
  • Mortgage, auto, and personal loans
  • Credit card bills
  • Living expenses for dependents

Do I need to take a health exam to get life insurance if I’m over 70 or 75?

Funeral insurance and guaranteed universal insurance ask a few health questions on the application, but you don’t have to get a test from your doctor. Whole, term, and universal policies usually require a medical exam.

How much life insurance do I need if I’m over 70 or 75?

The amount of insurance you need depends on the debt your loved ones will be responsible for after you pass away. Consider these factors when deciding how much coverage you need:

  • The value of your estate based on your physical and financial assets
  • How many dependents you’ll leave behind
  • Debts you may not pay before you pass away, including loans, medical bills, and funeral expenses
  • Inheritances and cash gifts you want to give to loved ones or charity

GET MY FREE BURIAL INSURANCE QUOTEMost people qualify and no medical exam is required!Guide to Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75 (7)

FUNERAL ADVANTAGE PROGRAM SAVES FAMILIES MONEY

Get My Free QuoteGuide to Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75 (8)

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Guide to Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 or 75 (2024)

FAQs

Should a 75 year old buy life insurance? ›

You could need life insurance in retirement if you want to cover your final expenses and estate taxes, have outstanding debt, still earn income, or want to provide a tax-free inheritance to your loved ones. Otherwise, you probably do not need life insurance after retirement.

What does Colonial Penn give you for $9.95 a month? ›

A unit of Colonial Penn coverage is the life insurance benefit amount you receive for $9.95 per month. Your age and gender determine the exact amount of insurance coverage a single unit provides. The older you are, the more units you will need to purchase in order to get an adequate death benefit.

How much is a life insurance policy for a 75 year old? ›

Average Annual Insurance Rates for Men over 70 or 75*
AgeTerm: $50,000 - $250,000 BenefitGuaranteed Universal: $50,000 – $250,000 Benefit
70$600– $2.330$2,580 – $9,830
75$1,140 – $4,060$9,840 - $10,850

What kind of life insurance should a 70 year old get? ›

Final expense insurance (also called burial insurance) often makes sense for seniors who want to cover things like a burial or cremation and settle any remaining debts or expenses.

At what age should you stop buying life insurance? ›

If retirement savings, investments and Social Security are enough to provide for final expenses and your survivors who still rely on your income—you may not need life insurance in your 60s. In some situations, however, having life insurance after 60 makes sense.

Does AARP offer life insurance for seniors over 75? ›

For instance, if you buy coverage at age 66, your rate will be based on the 65- to 69-year-old age group. At 70, your rate will increase and remain the same until you turn 75. AARP's Level Benefit Term Life Insurance is available to AARP members ages 50 to 74 and lasts until age 80.

What are the 3 P's of life insurance? ›

A television commercial selling life insurance speaks about three Ps that all focus on one aspect of their policies… price, price and price. It is an easily understood and remembered sales tool, although the substance, value and need for the product is not included in the tag line.

How much does AARP life insurance cost? ›

How much is AARP life insurance per month? AARP life insurance can cost as little as $11 monthly or as high as $900. The final price depends on the type of policy (whole, term, or guaranteed acceptance), product, age, gender, state of residence, and health.

What are the pros and cons of Colonial Penn life insurance? ›

Pros and Cons of Colonial Penn Insurance
ProsCons
No-exam insurance plans available for people who don't qualify for standard policiesMaximum coverage amount is $50,000
30-day refund period where you can cancel for a full refundStrict age limits for plans
1 more row
Jun 21, 2024

Which is better, whole life or term? ›

If you're on a budget and just want to provide coverage for your family, term life plans are often the most cost-effective option. On the other hand, if you're looking for lifelong protection with more investment potential, then whole life insurance may be a better choice.

Who has the best whole life insurance for seniors? ›

Compare the Best Life Insurance Companies for Seniors
CompanyMax Issue Age
#1MassMutual » 4.8 U.S. News Rating90 Years Old
#2Protective » 4.7 U.S. News Rating85 Years Old
#3Pacific Life » 4.3 U.S. News Rating90 Years Old
#4Fidelity Life » 4.2 U.S. News Rating85 Years Old
2 more rows

Does Medicare have life insurance for seniors? ›

Medicare is a federal program that provides hospital and medical insurance for individuals who are eligible due to age or disability. It is strictly health insurance that covers some medically related expenses and does not cover life insurance premium costs.

Is 75 too old to get life insurance? ›

Term life policies have an age limit ranging from 75 to around 86 years old. Term life insurance policies provide coverage for a specific period. It could range from a 10-year term to a 30-year term. If you pass away during that time, a death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries.

Should seniors get whole life or term life insurance? ›

Although term life insurance might make sense for younger seniors who only want short-term coverage—for instance, until their homes are paid off—whole life insurance may be a better fit for a senior's financial plan. A financial advisor can recommend the best policy for your needs.

What is the best insurance for 72 year old? ›

6 Best Senior Life Insurance Company Ratings
  • Fidelity Life: Our top pick for seniors.
  • MassMutual: Our pick for guaranteed issue coverage for seniors.
  • State Farm: Our pick for customer satisfaction.
  • Northwestern Mutual: Our pick for a personalized experience.
  • Mutual of Omaha: Our pick for accelerated death benefits.
4 days ago

What is the cut off age to buy life insurance? ›

At What Age Can You No Longer Buy Life Insurance? 90 years old is the highest issue age we've seen from any life insurance company. But many companies won't issue policies to people older than 85.

What are the alternatives to life insurance for seniors? ›

9 Alternatives to Life Insurance
  • Income protection insurance. ...
  • Guaranteed coverage plan. ...
  • Critical illness insurance. ...
  • Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. ...
  • Mortgage protection insurance. ...
  • Pre-paid funeral plan. ...
  • Asset-based long-term care insurance. ...
  • Employer-issued insurance.

At what age is life insurance worth it? ›

If you can fit the monthly premium into your budget, your 20s are the best time to buy affordable term life insurance coverage. If you have a spouse and dependent children who rely on you for financial support, your coverage needs will likely be more significant than a single, childless person.

Which is better for seniors, whole life or term life insurance? ›

Because health risks increase as you age, term life insurance may become unaffordable. Some companies do not sell term life to people over a certain age. This often makes smaller whole life insurance policies for seniors a better option.

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