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 have life insurance? ›

Life insurance is a smart idea for most seniors. That's especially the case if you have a spouse, lack plans to cover end-of-life costs or don't have a long-term care insurance policy. The simple fact is that just about everyone has someone who loves them, depends on them or both.

What is the best life insurance for seniors over 70? ›

Guardian Life Insurance is our top pick for older seniors because it is one of a handful of insurers we've reviewed that issues policies up to age 90. It offers no-exam policies up to $3 million in coverage, though seniors might face significant rates for higher coverage amounts.

How much does whole life insurance cost for a 75 year old? ›

Average Annual Whole Life Insurance Rates for Women over 70 or 75*
AgePolicy AmountAverage
70$250,000$13,440
75$100,000$2,949
75$150,000$7,950
75$250,000$18,450
2 more rows

How much does life insurance cost for a 70 year old? ›

How much does life insurance for seniors cost? On average, a $250,000 10-year term life insurance for a healthy 70-year-old costs $164 per month, or $1,968 per year. A $500,000 10-year term life insurance policy for the same person costs an average of $292 per month, or $3,504 per year.

At what age should you stop paying life insurance? ›

Life insurance is no longer needed for many people once they reach their 60s or 70s. At this point they retire, their kids have grown up, and they've paid off their mortgage and other debts. However, others prefer to keep life insurance later in life to leave an inheritance and to pay off final expenses.

What does $9.95 a month get you with Colonial Penn? ›

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.

Is AARP life insurance good for seniors? ›

AARP Life Insurance Review: A Good Option for No Medical Exam Coverage. AARP is a good life insurance option for seniors with pre-existing conditions, but rates are high for healthy seniors.

Is term or whole life insurance better for seniors? ›

You want a lower premium.

Term life insurance is likely your most affordable option, especially for seniors. Premiums for term life insurance policies are typically five to 15 times cheaper than whole life insurance. Low premiums can be particularly valuable for seniors on a fixed income.

How much is AARP life insurance a month? ›

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 is a good monthly price for life insurance? ›

The average cost of life insurance is $26 a month. This is based on data provided by Covr Technologies for a 40-year-old buying a 20-year, $500,000 term life policy, which is the most common term length and amount sold. But life insurance rates can vary dramatically among applicants, insurers and policy types.

How much is $100,000 in life insurance a month? ›

Monthly rates for a $100,000 whole life insurance policy start around $90 but quickly climb to $150 or higher if you apply later in life. You'll get the cheapest whole life insurance rates if you buy coverage before turning 40.

What is the cut off age for whole life insurance? ›

Whole life insurance is permanent coverage, which means you can keep it as long as you pay for it, up to a maximum age such as 95 or 120. If you currently have a term policy, you have a few options for extending your coverage. You can: Renew your term policy.

What is the most affordable life insurance for seniors? ›

GEICO and Transamerica are the cheapest life insurance companies for older adults, offering an average rate of $175.74 per month for a 10-year term policy. They also provide the most affordable life insurance rates for seniors who smoke and those in poor health.

Is it too late to get life insurance at 70? ›

But that doesn't mean older adults can't benefit from life insurance. For example, an appropriately valued term life insurance policy could help ensure your loved ones aren't burdened with any debt after you pass. Thankfully, it's never too late to purchase life insurance.

Is Mutual of Omaha life insurance any good? ›

Mutual of Omaha reviews indicate that it carries strong customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings from a variety of third-party evaluators. To pinpoint some of the best life insurance companies, Bankrate's editorial team looked at J.D. Power's 2023 Individual Life Insurance Study.

Does it make sense to have life insurance after retirement? ›

Getting life insurance for retirement isn't mandatory, but it can help when you pass away in your retirement years. For example, final expense life insurance can help your loved ones pay for expensive costs after you pass, like medical bills and funeral expenses.

What to do when you're 75 years old? ›

What you can do
  1. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. ...
  2. Eat a healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet may benefit your brain. ...
  3. Stay mentally active. ...
  4. Be social. ...
  5. Treat cardiovascular disease. ...
  6. Quit smoking.

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

Whole life insurance policy could be a better fit for those who need more flexibility than a term life insurance policy. That's especially true for those thinking about their income needs in retirement and their estate planning situation.

Does AARP offer life insurance for seniors over 75? ›

AARP's whole life insurance policy offers $5,000 to $50,000 as a death benefit and is available if you're between the ages of 50 and 80.

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