There is no universal age limit on life insurance policies. In other words, the availability of life insurance coverage will vary on a company-by-company basis as well as a product-by-product basis.
In general, you begin to lose options when you turn 60 and lose access to more and more products as you age.
| Policy Type | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Whole life insurance | 89 years old (with Aetna and CVS Health) |
| Term life insurance – 10 years | 80 years old (with AIG, Transamerica, or Foresters) |
| Term life insurance – 20 years | 70 years old (with AIG or Transamerica) |
| Term life insurance – 30 years | 59 years old (with Transamerica) |
| Accidental death insurance | 69 years old (with Mutual of Omaha and Gerber Life) |
One option is a term life policy, which can be an affordable way to cover final expenses depending on the amount of coverage and length of the term. Another option is a permanent policy, such as whole or universal life, which will remain in force until you die as long as you make your premium payments.
Guaranteed issue life insurance is also an option, which typically doesn’t require a medical exam or health questionnaire and won’t turn you away for coverage. However, premiums tend to be substantially higher, benefit limits are lower, and there is generally a limited benefit for the first two years that the policy is in force.
The key to obtaining life insurance as a senior is to buy it as early as you think you need it and consult with a reputable life insurance company. A good agent or company representative can help you compare several different types of policies to find the one that best fits your individual needs and budget.
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Article Sources
- NerdWallet. Life Insurance Rates By Age
- Forbes. Life Insurance Over 50
- Quotacy. Age Limits And Impact On Life Insurance
- Ramsey Solutions. 7 Best Life Insurance Companies For People Over 50
- USA Today. Life Insurance 101: Is There A Life Insurance Age Limit?