Can you get life insurance if you are 85?

Asked by: Maryam Stokes PhD  |  Last update: December 4, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (20 votes)

Coverage Restrictions: You can apply for a term or whole life policy up to age 80, and for some universal policies up to age 85.

Can an 85 year old get life insurance?

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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 is the oldest age you can get life insurance?

However, you may not find a lot of companies willing to issue you a policy if you're age 85 or older. 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.

At what age should you stop buying 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.

What is the guaranteed issue life insurance age 85?

If you're between the ages of 45-85, you can get guaranteed issue whole life insurance coverage up to $25,000. Guaranteed issue life insurance covers accidental death from day one, however, it does not cover death by natural causes within the first two years of coverage.

How much Life insurance does an 85 year old Canadian want.

43 related questions found

What does it mean when life insurance is paid up at 85?

The Life Paid Up at 85 insurance certificate is purchased with the expectation that premiums will be paid until age 85.

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 a month is a $500,000 whole life insurance policy?

How much does whole life insurance cost? A $500,000 whole life insurance policy costs an average of $451 per month for a 30-year-old non-smoker in good health. If you get whole life insurance, the premiums you'll pay may vary based on factors like your age, health, gender, and the type of policy you get.

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.

Is it worth getting life insurance at 80?

Plus, they usually have savings and assets that will cover the debt they leave behind. When you reach 80, it makes the most sense to buy a whole life policy, especially final expense insurance, to pay for your funeral, burial, and other costs.

What is the best insurance company for seniors?

The Best Auto and Home Insurance Companies for Seniors
  • State Farm - Most affordable.
  • Allstate - Best bundling.
  • USAA - Best for military personnel and veterans.
  • AARP from The Hartford - Best membership benefits.
  • Travelers - Best customizable packages.

Does Medicare offer life insurance?

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.

What type of life insurance is best for seniors?

Whole life insurance is another great option for seniors that will provide coverage for the entire life cycle of a policyholder. Unlike term life insurance, the benefits of whole life insurance will typically be payable to your beneficiary, no matter the timing of your passing.

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.

Do you pay taxes on life insurance?

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.

What's the difference between whole life and term life insurance?

The pros and cons of term and whole life insurance are clear: Term life insurance is simpler and more affordable but has an expiration date and doesn't include a cash value feature. Whole life insurance is more expensive and complex, but it provides lifelong coverage and builds cash value over time.

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.

What happens after 20 years of paying life insurance?

After a 20-year term life insurance policy ends, there are several paths you may be able to take: renewing your policy, converting it to permanent insurance, or allowing it to lapse. Each option has its considerations, and the choice should align with your current financial status and health.

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.

Is it common to get denied life insurance?

Being denied life insurance coverage can feel like a massive roadblock. But it's more common than you think. Many people face challenges when attempting to secure life insurance, whether due to their health condition, lifestyle choices, or other reasons. However, a denial doesn't mean you're out of options.

What is AARP life insurance?

The AARP Life Insurance Program from New York Life Insurance Company offers members both term and permanent group coverage. No physical exam is required. For most products, acceptance is based on your health and other information. Find out which coverage is right for you.

What is the catch with no medical exam life insurance?

What is the catch for no-exam life insurance? Because insurers don't have health data on you, your premiums will probably be higher and the amount of your death benefit will likely be smaller — especially in the first few years. In addition, there are usually age caps on who can take out a no-exam policy.