Last Updated: February 9th, 2026
Yes, you can still get life insurance after 60. Term life insurance is available up to age 75 or 80 depending on the carrier, and final expense plans are available up to age 85 with no medical exam. Your options depend on your age, health, and how much coverage you need.
Getting life insurance at 60 or older isn’t just possible. It’s something thousands of people do every year. Maybe your employer-sponsored coverage ended when you retired. Maybe you still have a mortgage. Or maybe you just want to make sure your family isn’t stuck with funeral costs.
Whatever brought you here, the good news is you have real options. This guide breaks down the types of coverage available to you, what to expect from the process, and how to figure out the right amount for your situation.
Do You Still Need Life Insurance After 60?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The short answer is: it depends on your financial picture.
If you’re fully retired with no debt, a solid savings account, and no one relying on your income, you may not need a large policy. A small final expense plan might be all that makes sense.
But plenty of people over 60 still carry financial obligations. You might still have a mortgage, car loan, or credit card debt. Your spouse might depend on your Social Security or pension income. You might want to leave money behind for grandchildren or cover estate-related costs.
Here are some common reasons people over 60 buy life insurance:
- Replacing lost income for a spouse who depends on your earnings or retirement benefits
- Paying off remaining debt like a mortgage, car note, or medical bills
- Covering funeral and burial costs, which average over $8,000 nationally
- Leaving an inheritance for children or grandchildren
- Handling estate taxes or probate costs that could burden your family
If any of these apply to you, life insurance still makes sense. The key is matching the right type and amount of coverage to your actual needs.
Term Life Insurance Options at 60 and Older
Term life insurance gives you coverage for a set number of years. It’s straightforward, affordable, and works well for people who need coverage during a specific window, like until a mortgage is paid off or a spouse reaches retirement age.
At 60, you still have access to a wide range of term lengths. As you get older, those options narrow. Here’s a general look at what’s typically available:
| Your Age | Term Lengths Typically Available |
|---|---|
| 60 to 65 | 10, 15, 20, and 25-year terms |
| 66 to 70 | 10, 15, and 20-year terms |
| 71 to 75 | 10 and 15-year terms (carrier dependent) |
| 76 to 80 | 10-year terms only |
Keep in mind that these ranges vary by carrier. Some companies offer longer terms to older applicants than others. That’s one of the biggest advantages of working with an independent broker. We compare options across 30+ carriers to find the best fit for your specific age and health profile.
One thing worth knowing: longer terms cost more per month than shorter ones. A 20-year term at age 62 will have a higher premium than a 10-year term at the same age. So even if a longer term is available, it may not be the smartest financial move. It all depends on how long you actually need the coverage.
No Medical Exam Life Insurance Over 60
Most traditional term policies require a medical exam as part of the application. That typically includes blood work, a urine sample, and basic measurements. For some people over 60, the exam process can be a hurdle, whether because of health concerns, convenience, or simply wanting a faster decision.
The good news is there are policies available that skip the exam entirely. These fall into two main categories:
Simplified issue policies ask a set of health questions on the application but don’t require a physical exam. If you’re in reasonably good health, you can often get approved within a few days. Coverage amounts typically range from $25,000 to $250,000 depending on the carrier and your age.
Guaranteed issue policies don’t ask health questions at all. If you’re within the age range (usually 50 to 80, with some carriers accepting up to age 85), you’re approved. The trade-off is that these policies tend to have lower coverage limits, higher premiums, and a graded death benefit. That means the full payout doesn’t kick in until you’ve had the policy for two to three years.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Simplified Issue | Guaranteed Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Medical exam required? | No | No |
| Health questions? | Yes (limited) | No |
| Typical coverage range | $25,000 to $250,000 | $5,000 to $25,000 |
| Approval speed | A few days | Immediate |
| Graded death benefit? | Usually no | Yes (2-3 year waiting period) |
| Best for | Reasonably healthy seniors who want faster approval | Seniors with serious health conditions |
If you’re in decent health, simplified issue will almost always give you more coverage for less money. Guaranteed issue is really designed as a last resort for people who can’t qualify for anything else.
Final Expense Insurance for Seniors
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life policy designed specifically to cover end-of-life costs. These include funeral services, burial or cremation, medical bills, and other small debts your family might face after you pass.
This is one of our specialties at Best Life Quote, and we work with seniors on these plans every day.
Most final expense policies offer coverage between $5,000 and $25,000. That range lines up well with average funeral costs, which the National Funeral Directors Association puts at $8,300 for a funeral with burial and around $6,280 for cremation (2023 data).
What makes final expense plans popular with seniors over 60:
- No medical exam required. Most plans use simplified underwriting with just a few health questions.
- Premiums are locked in. Your rate stays the same for the life of the policy.
- Coverage doesn’t expire. Unlike term insurance, final expense is permanent. It stays in force as long as you pay the premiums.
- Quick approval. Many applicants get approved the same day they apply.
- Small, manageable premiums. Because the coverage amounts are lower, monthly payments are affordable even on a fixed income.
If you don’t have major debts or dependents relying on your income, a final expense plan might be all the coverage you need. It takes the financial burden of your funeral off your family’s shoulders, and that peace of mind is worth a lot.
How Much Coverage Do You Need at 60?
There’s no single formula that works for everyone. But you can get a solid estimate by adding up your actual financial obligations and subtracting what you already have saved or covered.
Start by thinking through these categories:
Outstanding debt. Add up your mortgage balance, car loans, credit cards, and any other debt. If you died tomorrow, would your spouse or family be able to handle those payments without your income?
Final expenses. Funerals, burials, and related costs typically run between $8,000 and $15,000. If you haven’t prepaid or set aside funds for this, your policy should cover it.
Income replacement. If your spouse relies on your income, pension, or Social Security benefits, think about how many years of support they’d need. A common approach is to cover 5 to 10 years of that income gap.
Existing resources. Factor in savings, investments, existing life insurance, and any employer-sponsored coverage you might still have. These reduce the amount of new coverage you need.
For many people over 60, the right amount falls somewhere between $25,000 and $250,000. Someone with a paid-off house and solid retirement savings might only need a $10,000 final expense plan. Someone still carrying a mortgage with a spouse who depends on their income might need $200,000 or more in term coverage.
Tips for Getting the Best Rates After 60
Life insurance costs more as you age. That’s just how the math works. But there are a few things you can do to keep premiums as low as possible.
Apply sooner rather than later. Every year you wait, rates go up. If you’re thinking about coverage, the best time to apply is right now. A 60-year-old will always pay less than a 62-year-old for the same policy.
Don’t over-buy. Match your coverage to your actual needs. A $500,000 policy sounds great, but if you only need $100,000, you’re paying for coverage you don’t need.
Choose the right term length. If you only need coverage for 10 years, don’t buy a 20-year term. Shorter terms cost less.
Work with an independent broker. Captive agents can only show you one company’s products. We shop across 30+ carriers to find you the lowest rates for your health profile. The difference between carriers can be significant, especially for older applicants.
Be honest on your application. Misrepresenting your health history can lead to a denied claim later. It’s always better to disclose everything upfront and get rated accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get term life insurance at age 60?
Yes. Most carriers offer term life insurance to applicants up to age 75 or 80. At 60, you’ll typically have access to 10, 15, 20, and 25-year term options. Your rates and available term lengths depend on your health and the carrier.
Is it too late to buy life insurance at 65?
Not at all. Plenty of people buy life insurance in their mid-60s. Your options may be slightly more limited than at 60, but term policies, simplified issue plans, and final expense coverage are all still available.
What’s the difference between final expense insurance and term life?
Term life covers you for a set period (10 to 25 years) and offers higher coverage amounts, usually $50,000 and up. Final expense is a permanent whole life policy with lower coverage (typically $5,000 to $25,000) designed specifically to cover burial and funeral costs. Final expense plans don’t expire as long as you pay the premiums.
Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance over 60?
Not necessarily. Simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies don’t require a medical exam. Simplified issue plans ask a few health questions, while guaranteed issue plans accept everyone within the age range. Traditional term policies with a medical exam usually offer the best rates if you’re in good health.
How much life insurance do I need at 60?
It depends on your financial situation. Add up your debts, final expense costs, and any income your spouse would lose. Then subtract your savings and existing coverage. Many people over 60 need somewhere between $25,000 and $250,000, but a final expense plan of $10,000 to $25,000 is enough for some.
Key Takeaways
- You can get life insurance at 60 and beyond. Term life is available up to age 75 or 80, and final expense plans are available up to 85.
- Your term length options narrow as you age, so applying sooner gives you more choices and lower rates.
- No medical exam options exist, including simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies, though they come with trade-offs.
- Final expense insurance is a smart, affordable option if you mainly need to cover burial costs and small debts.
- Match your coverage amount to your actual financial obligations. Don’t over-buy, and don’t under-buy.
- Working with an independent broker lets you compare rates across 30+ carriers to find the best fit for your age and health.
Ready to see what life insurance options are available to you? Use the quote tool on this page to compare rates instantly, or give us a call at 800-712-8519. We’ll help you find the right coverage at the best price, with zero pressure.
