At what age do you stop paying life insurance?

Asked by: Miss Taya Lemke DVM  |  Last update: November 28, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (13 votes)

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.

At what age should you stop paying for life insurance?

Many people in their 60s and 70s may no longer need life insurance. They may have already paid off the house, stopped working, sent the kids off to care for themselves or accumulated enough assets to offset the need for life insurance. But sometimes buying or maintaining a life insurance policy over age 60 makes sense.

Does life insurance pay out after 80?

While some term policies could cover you past age 80, many end earlier and may cost so much that they no longer make financial sense. If your term life insurance policy is nearing its end, you may have the option to convert it to a whole life insurance policy.

Does all term life insurance end at age 70?

Extend your current term life coverage.

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.

Is life insurance worth it after 75?

Life insurance can suit people in all stages of life. If you're over 75, you may benefit from using a policy to help protect your beneficiaries financially, aid in estate planning, and help loved ones cover final expenses.

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

We offer Guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance for those ages 50-85 (in most states) with options starting at $9.95 a month—ease the burden of final expenses and get back to living life on your terms. Colonial Penn's® popular guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance coverage rates are offered in units.

Is it too late to get life insurance at 80?

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.

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

Do you get your money back at the end of a term life insurance policy? You can't get your premium dollars back from a standard term life insurance policy once it expires. However, if you buy a return of premium (ROP) rider, then you could get some or all of your premium back if you outlive your policy.

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

A healthy man over 75 can find a whole life insurance policy for about $2,000 a month and a woman will pay about $1,800 per month. But if you're not healthy, you should look at two other types of insurance over 75. The first is guaranteed universal life insurance.

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.

What happens if you outlive your whole life insurance policy?

Most whole life policies endow at age 100. When a policyholder outlives the policy, the insurance company may pay the full cash value to the policyholder (which in this case equals the coverage amount) and close the policy. Others grant an extension to the policyholder who continues paying premiums until they pass.

What disqualifies life insurance payout?

Life insurance proceeds can be denied. Some denials are legitimate, like in case of policy lapses, material misrepresentations, or exclusions in the form of illegal activities or war. In other cases, bad-faith insurers use elaborate methods to reject claims so they do not have to pay the proceeds.

Does insurance go up after 80?

80s and above

That may explain why the cost of auto insurance for seniors over 80 typically increases. These increases can become cost-prohibitive for some, which is why it's important to take advantage of mature driver discounts that may be available.

At what point should you stop buying life insurance?

You may not need life insurance in retirement if you're debt-free, have prepaid your final expenses, and don't want to leave a larger inheritance. If you own cash-value life insurance, consider any tax consequences before canceling the policy.

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.

At what age do life insurance policy premiums get really expensive?

Typically, the premium amount increases, on average, about 8% to 10% for every year of age; it can be as low as 5% annually if your 40s, and as high as 12% annually if you're over age 50. With term life insurance, your premium is established when you buy a policy and remains the same every year.

What is the oldest age to buy life insurance?

In general, many insurers tend to set their maximum age to issue a policy at 75 or 80, but again, that's up to the insurer.

Does life insurance get taxed?

Answer: Generally, life insurance proceeds you receive as a beneficiary due to the death of the insured person, aren't includable in gross income and you don't have to report them. However, any interest you receive is taxable and you should report it as interest received.

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.

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.

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.

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 happens to my whole life policy when I turn 65?

Your life insurance benefit is permanent.

Getting a new policy becomes more expensive (or even impossible) as you age. Permanent life insurance policies — like a whole life policy — often stay in force through age 100 or even higher, at which point the full death benefit is paid out.