At what age do most life insurance policies expire?

Asked by: Lilla Homenick  |  Last update: January 16, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (73 votes)

You've officially outlived your term policy when you reach the age that your life insurance policy expires. For most policies, this age is in the 80s or 90s, but some policies without a medical exam expire at a much younger age.

What age does most term life insurance end?

Most term life insurance policies end after 10 to 30 years. However, some types of term policies allow you to renew your coverage each year for a set length of time or up until a certain age, like 80 or 90.

Do I get my money back if I outlive my life insurance?

If you outlive your policy, you won't get any money back. Your death benefit will only be available for the duration of the policy.

What happens to your life insurance when you turn 85?

Most providers don't offer term life insurance for seniors over 85, so you'll need to buy permanent or final expense coverage. The death benefits available under those plans may be limited to final expenses, such as funeral and burial.

At what age do you stop paying life insurance premiums?

At What Age Is Life Insurance No Longer Needed? Life insurance is no longer needed for many people once they reach their 60s or 70s. At this point they have retired, their kids have grown up, and they've paid off their mortgage and other debts.

Best Age for Life Insurance

21 related questions found

At what age does life insurance not make sense?

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.

What age does insurance kick you off?

You lose your parents' health insurance in California when you turn 26. If you've aged off your parents' health plan, you may wonder what options you have.

At what age should you stop whole life insurance?

There isn't any age cut-off that makes life insurance no longer worth it; it's all about your personal situation. That being said, it is often worth having life insurance after 65 if you have dependents who rely on you financially.

What happens if you never use your term life insurance?

If you outlive your term (let's hope this is the case), then typically one of two things happens: The policy will simply end, and you'll no longer owe payments or be covered, or. The insurer might allow you to keep your coverage by converting all or a portion of the policy into permanent life insurance.

Which is better, term or whole life insurance?

Term life is more affordable but lasts only for a set period of time. On the other hand, whole life insurance tends to have higher premiums but never expires. Knowing the differences between term and whole life insurance will help you choose a policy that works best for you and your lifestyle.

Can you have two life insurance policies?

You can have as many life insurance policies as you like – there is no limit. Equally, there is no right answer as to how many life insurance policies you should have. The most important factor is that you have enough financial cover for your own peace of mind.

What life insurance policy never expires?

Permanent life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that doesn't expire as long as you continue to pay the premiums.

What is the best life insurance?

Best term life insurance companies in 2025
  • Guardian: 10, 15, 20 or 30 years.
  • MassMutual: 1, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years.
  • Northwestern Mutual: 1, 10 or 20 years.
  • Thrivent: 10, 15, 20 or 30 years.
  • Pacific Life: 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years.
  • New York Life: 1, 10, 15 or 20 years.
  • Penn Mutual: 10, 15, 20 or 30 years.

Do you get your money back at the end of a term life insurance?

No, with a standard term life insurance policy, you won't be receive anything back if you outlive your life insurance. So, what happens at the end of your term life insurance? Your life insurance will simply expire and you can either take out a new policy or look into other types of financial protection.

How much does it cost to convert term to whole life?

There is usually no direct cost to convert term life insurance to a permanent policy. However, premium payments will likely be higher. Consider a lower coverage amount on the new policy if you're interested in keeping premium amounts lower.

What is the 7 year rule for life insurance?

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At what age should you not get term life insurance?

Finally, the age limit for life insurance varies based on the type of policy and the insurance company. Term life insurance typically has an age limit ranging from 75 to 86 years old, while whole life insurance, universal life insurance, and variable life insurance generally have no maximum age limit.

Can you ever cash out a term life insurance policy?

While you can't cash out term life insurance, you can sell your policy. Additionally, you may have other options if you want to change your coverage, such as lowering your premium payments or converting to a permanent policy.

What will disqualify you from term life insurance?

Due to the added risk health problems create for insurers, some pre-existing conditions can raise your premium or even disqualify you entirely from certain types of life insurance. A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma.

At what point is life insurance not worth it?

When is term life insurance not worth it? Term life insurance probably isn't worth the costs if you don't have any significant debts to pass on to your loved ones or you don't have dependents or a spouse that you'd leave in a bind by passing away.

What is the best life insurance for seniors?

The best life insurance companies for seniors at a glance

Guardian Life: Best for payment flexibility. MassMutual: Best for elderly applicants. Northwestern Mutual: Best for the potential to earn dividends. New York Life: Best coverage range.

When should you cash out a whole life insurance policy?

Many advisors generally recommend waiting at least 10 to 15 years to cash out your whole life insurance policy.

At what age does insurance cease?

This is usually 65 years for TPD cover, 70 years for Trauma and Income Protection and 99 years of age for Life (Death) cover - but again it will depend on the insurance provider and type of policy.

Can I stay on my parents' insurance if I file taxes independently?

Do my parents have to claim me as a tax dependent for me to be on their health plan to age 26? No. You do not need to be a tax dependent of your parents to continue to be covered on their health plan.

What is cobra insurance?

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, ...