How to Get Life Insurance if You’re Over 60

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

You’re lucky if you’re over 60 and looking for life insurance. However, plenty of companies offer policies to seniors, and you may be able to find a policy that fits your needs and budget. This guide will discuss the different life insurance policies available to seniors and the factors you should consider when choosing a policy. We will also provide tips on getting seniors the best life insurance rates. So if you’re ready to find coverage, keep reading!

Why do seniors over 60 need life insurance?

You have raised your family, and now your retirement is secure. That is a great accomplishment. However, you may have also purchased a term life insurance policy to replace income during critical years. Now you must decide if you should buy a new life insurance policy. Is term or whole life insurance better for seniors if you buy one?

Some seniors may think they don’t need insurance now that they are retired. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many expenses, like raising kids, paying a mortgage, or paying college tuition, may arise.

If you don’t have any debt and have enough money saved so you and your partner can live comfortably for a long time, and you have money saved to cover funeral expenses and other unexpected costs, then you may not need life insurance in your 60s or 70s. However, many older adults find that life insurance can provide an important safety net for their families if they need it.

Why Do Seniors Over 60 Need Life Insurance

Reasons to consider life insurance for senior citizens over 60

  • Ensure you can provide quality care for your partner or spouse as their medical expenses increase.
  • Final expense policies can help you pay for medical bills and funeral costs.
  • Life insurance can help cover any debt you have left behind if something happens to you.
  • Supplemental insurance is an excellent way to financially support yourself if you have a severe illness or need other care.
  • You can provide an inheritance for your loved ones. This is money or property that you leave to someone after you die. You can choose to leave something behind for your children or grandchildren.
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Understanding the different types of life insurance policies.

Before we dive into the best life insurance options for seniors over 60, it’s essential to understand the different types of life insurance policies available in the market. The three primary types of life insurance policies are term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance.

  • Term life insurance: This policy covers a specific period, usually 10 to 30 years. If the policyholder passes away during the policy term, the death benefit is paid to the beneficiaries.
  • Whole life insurance: Whole life insurance may be more expensive than term life policies, but it is worth the investment. Unlike a typical policy, whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire lifetime and also has an additional cash value component that can be used to grow your savings further.
  • Universal life insurance: This type of life insurance policy combines the benefits of term and whole life insurance. It provides coverage for the policyholder’s entire life and has a cash value component that can be used as an investment. In addition, the premiums for universal life insurance are flexible, and the policyholder can adjust the premium payments and death benefits as per their needs.
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Factors to consider when choosing a life insurance policy for seniors over 60

When choosing a life insurance policy for seniors over 60, there are several factors to consider, including:

  • Age: Age is crucial when choosing a life insurance policy for seniors. The older you are, the higher the premiums will be.
  • Health: The policyholder’s health also plays a significant role in determining the premiums for a life insurance policy. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, the premiums may be higher.
  • Coverage amount: The coverage you need depends on various factors, including your outstanding debts, funeral expenses, and the needs of your beneficiaries.
  • Type of policy: As mentioned earlier, different life insurance policies are available in the market. The type of policy you choose should align with your needs and budget.

Best life insurance policies for seniors over 60

After considering the factors mentioned above, the following are the best life insurance policies for seniors over 60:

  • Term life insurance: Term life insurance is the most affordable option for seniors over 60. It provides coverage for a specific period and is an excellent option for seniors with outstanding debts or dependents who will no longer depend on them after a few years.
  • Whole life insurance: Whole life insurance is an excellent option for seniors who want lifelong coverage and a cash value component. However, the premiums for whole life insurance are higher than term life insurance.
  • Guaranteed universal life insurance: Guaranteed universal life insurance is a type of universal life insurance that provides coverage for the policyholder’s entire life. The premiums for guaranteed universal life insurance are lower than whole life insurance, making it an excellent option for seniors on a tight budget.
Life Insurance For Seniors Over 60

Protect Your Spouse Now That You Won’t Be Working Anymore

Now that you’re 60 and retirement is near, it’s critical to safeguard your partner since you won’t be working anymore. If you are living on a pension right now, your spouse cannot count on your pension when you die if it doesn’t include survivor benefits. Other benefits, like Social Security death benefits, only provide limited payouts. A life insurance policy could provide added financial protection for your spouse after passing.

Remember that you have options. Senior life insurance becomes more expensive as you age, but affordable options are often available, with no medical exam required.

Tips for finding affordable life insurance for seniors over 60

Finding affordable life insurance for seniors over 60 can be a challenging task. However, the following tips can help you find a policy that fits your budget:

  • Shop around: Don’t settle for the first policy you come across. Compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best deal.
  • Consider term life insurance: Term life insurance is the most affordable option for seniors over 60. Consider getting a term life insurance policy for a specific period to save on premiums.
  • Look for discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts to seniors, non-smokers, and individuals with good health. Check if you qualify for any discounts before choosing a policy.
  • Choose a lower coverage amount: The higher the coverage amount, the higher the premiums. Consider choosing a lower coverage amount that meets your needs to save on premiums.

Helpful Tip: If you’re searching for an affordable service to comprehensively create your estate plan, including a living trust and last will and testament, we highly suggest trying our recommended service.

Life Insurance For Seniors Over 60

Next Steps

In conclusion, life insurance is essential for seniors over 60 to protect their loved ones in unforeseen circumstances. When choosing a life insurance policy, it’s essential to consider factors such as age, health, coverage amount, and type of policy. The best life insurance options for seniors over 60 include term life insurance, whole life insurance, and guaranteed universal life insurance. Following the tips above, you can find an affordable life insurance policy that meets your needs and budget.

Life Insurance For Seniors Over 60

Life Insurance Quotes For Over 60

Contact us for life insurance quotes for seniors over 60. The service is free of charge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need life insurance after 60?

No, you don’t necessarily need life insurance after 60. However, you may consider purchasing life insurance to cover final expenses, such as funeral costs.

Can a 66-year-old get life insurance?

Yes, a 66-year-old can get life insurance; however, the premiums will be higher for someone younger.

Can a 68-year-old get life insurance?

Yes, life insurance is available to people over the age of 68; however, rates will be greater than for those under 65.

Related Reading

  • The Best Life Insurance Companies

*Disclosure: Some of the links in this guide may be affiliate links. I may receive a commission at no cost to you if you purchase a policy. It helps us keep the lights on!

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

I’m a licensed financial professional focusing on annuities and insurance for more than a decade. My former role was training financial advisors, including for a Fortune Global 500 insurance company. I’ve been featured in Time Magazine, Yahoo! Finance, MSN, SmartAsset, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, The Simple Dollar, U.S. News and World Report, and Women’s Health Magazine.

The Annuity Expert is an online insurance agency servicing consumers across the United States. My goal is to help you take the guesswork out of retirement planning or find the best insurance coverage at the cheapest rates for you. 

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