Can you get life insurance if you are 88 years old?

Asked by: Audra Langworth  |  Last update: January 9, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (40 votes)

Yes, but your options are very limited. The best life insurance option for seniors in their 80s is burial insurance, because these policies have affordable rates and will pay off funeral bills and other final expenses.

Can I get life insurance on my 89 year old mother?

Yes, you can purchase life insurance for your parents to help cover their final expenses. It offers some peace for your family during this difficult time. In order to buy a policy on a parent, you will need their consent along with proof of insurable interest.

What age can you no longer get life insurance?

Many life insurance companies sell new policies to applicants up to age 85 or 90. Your need for life insurance may be less if you don't have any debt or dependents who rely on your income. In that case, a simple final expense policy may suffice to cover funeral or cremation costs.

What type of death is not covered by life insurance?

Life insurance doesn't typically pay out in these circumstances: Murder: If your beneficiaries murder you or are closely tied to your murder, they won't receive the death benefit, per the slayer rule. Suicide: A payout won't apply if you commit suicide within the first two years of purchasing your policy.

What happens to whole life insurance after age 85?

You'll choose your coverage amount, and your premium will be calculated based on your age, gender, and health. As long as you pay your premiums, your whole life insurance policy will stay in effect and your premiums will remain the same regardless of health or age changes.

Life Insurance For Seniors Over 88 to 90 Years Old Policy

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Can an 88 year old person get life insurance?

Although financial needs change throughout life, a life insurance policy can benefit nearly everyone, including seniors over 80. Although you may need to do more research to find an option that fits your needs and budget, there are plenty of policies that can get you the right coverage.

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.

Who is not eligible for life insurance?

People are typically denied life insurance because they fall into a high-risk category. This is often due to health challenges like diabetes, obesity or a previous diagnosis of serious disease.

What happens if someone dies and has no life insurance?

Loved ones might have to take out a loan or arrange a payment plan with the funeral home, or even launch a crowdfunding campaign. If no one steps forward to pay, it's possible the coroner's office will bury or cremate you without a family service.

When should you stop buying life insurance?

For most people, a term life insurance policy should last as long as your major financial obligations, like the length of your mortgage or until your kids are old enough to support themselves financially.

What is the oldest you can take out life insurance?

Generally, you need to be aged between 18 and 86 to buy life insurance, but this can vary depending on the insurer and type of policy.

How long do you have to pay life insurance before it pays out?

If you die after two years of buying the policy, the company must pay the death benefit. They can't deny the payment unless you don't pay your premium, made a false statement, or withheld information.

What life insurance has no age limit?

Whole life policies are a form of permanent life insurance and they typically have no age limit. However, depending on the insurer, age limits can vary from around 80 to 85.

Who has 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.
  • USAA: Best for coverage flexibility.

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.

What will disqualify me from life insurance?

A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Previous injuries might be considered pre-existing conditions, depending on their severity and any lasting effects.

What makes a person uninsurable?

“Factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, age, occupation and lifestyle choices can contribute to a person being considered 'uninsurable' according to standard underwriting guidelines,” says Tarek El Ali, Founder of Smart Insurance Agents.

What disqualifies me for life insurance?

Pre-existing conditions – meaning any health issue or condition that existed before applying for coverage – are often considered high-risk by insurance companies and can lead to disqualification. Chronic conditions that require long-term medication or treatment can also impact eligibility.

What reasons will life insurance not pay?

17 Common Reasons Life Insurance Won't Pay Out
  • Nonpayment of Premiums.
  • Death during the Contestability Period.
  • Misrepresentation on Application.
  • Employer Failed to Submit a Disability Waiver of Premium.
  • Problems with the Beneficiary.
  • Policy was included in a Trust or a Will.
  • Denials Due to Suicide Exclusion.

What types of death are not covered by term insurance?

Ans: Term insurance does not cover deaths resulting from suicide (within the first year), self-inflicted injuries, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, undeclared pre-existing diseases, involvement in illegal activities, adventure sports, or exposure to nuclear, biological, or chemical radiation.

Do life insurance companies check your income?

The insurer may ask questions about your income, net worth and assets. This is to ensure you can afford to pay the premiums to maintain your life insurance, and that the amount of coverage you're applying for makes sense.

How much coverage does Colonial Penn offer for $9.95 a month?

How Much Life Insurance Coverage Do You Get With A 995 Plan? You can receive up to $30,000 at age 50 as a female, $25,035 as a male with the Colonial Penn 995 Plan. The maximum number of units is 15. This plan is available to anyone between the ages of 50 and 85.