Can An 85 Year Old Get Life Insurance?
Finding life insurance at age 85 might seem daunting, but it is still possible and offers various benefits depending on an individual’s needs. As individuals reach advanced ages, they often reassess their financial affairs and evaluate the financial needs of their families. Life insurance can provide peace of mind and financial security, especially for those who need to cover expenses like funeral costs or outstanding debts.
Life insurance options are available for seniors over 85, although these often differ from policies available to younger individuals. Some specific types of life insurance cater to this particular age group, such as whole life insurance and final expense insurance. These policies typically do not require medical exams and offer guaranteed coverage, which can be crucial for seniors with pre-existing health conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Life insurance for seniors over 85 can provide financial security for loved ones.
- Whole life and final expense insurance are advisable for seniors as they don’t require medical exams.
- The application process and top companies offering life insurance for 85-year-olds can vary depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.
Reasons To Consider Life Insurance At 85
Funeral And Burial Expenses
At age 85, planning for funeral and burial expenses is essential as they can be a significant financial burden on your family. Life insurance can help cover these costs, ensuring that your final expenses are covered without causing stress for your loved ones. Funeral and burial expenses can vary but are often in the range of $7,000 to $10,000.
Estate Taxes
Estate taxes can be substantial, especially for larger estates. A life insurance policy purchased at age 85 can help offset estate taxes, easing the financial burden for your beneficiaries. Your life insurance payout can be designated to cover any associated taxes, protecting your family from unexpected costs.
Debt
Age 85 seniors might carry debt from a mortgage or other loans. A life insurance policy can help pay off these debts in the event of your passing, ensuring your family is not left with financial burdens. This relief can be crucial for your beneficiaries, providing them with the stability they need during a difficult time.
| Debt Type | Average Amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage | $50,000 |
| Credit Card | $6,000 |
| Personal Loan | $8,000 |
Legacy
A life insurance policy purchased at 85 can provide a financial legacy for your family. The payout from your policy can help support your loved ones, ensuring they have the means to continue living comfortably and pursuing their goals. It can also provide funds for grandchildren’s education or contribute to charitable causes that are important to you. Establishing this legacy can bring peace of mind, knowing your family is cared for even after your passing.
Life Insurance Options For 85-Year-Olds
Life insurance options for seniors are limited but still available, and it’s important to understand the different types of policies available for 85-year-olds.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance generally covers a specified term, usually 10 to 20 years. However, finding term life insurance becomes difficult for seniors over 80, as most insurance companies don’t offer term policies at such an advanced age (source).
Final Expense Insurance
Final expense insurance, or final expense whole life insurance, is the most suitable option for seniors over 85 ([source]). These policies are small whole-life insurance plans that don’t require a medical exam to qualify and provide permanent coverage with no expiration date.
These policies mainly cover funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs, providing peace of mind for the policyholder and their family. When comparing final expense policies, one should consider policy features, coverage options, and premiums.
A table listing some common features of final expense policies is presented below:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coverage Amount | Usually ranges between $5,000 and $25,000 |
| Medical Exam Requirement | No medical exam required for qualification |
| Age Range | Generally available for seniors over 85, up to 89 or even older in some cases |
| Premiums | Relatively affordable, with fixed premiums for the duration of the policy |
| Policy Type | Whole life insurance, with a death benefit guaranteed to never decrease |
| Cash Value Growth | Accumulates cash value over time, which can be borrowed against if needed |
Assessing personal needs and financial situation before choosing an appropriate life insurance policy is essential. Researching and comparing different insurance companies can help seniors find the best final expense policy that suits their requirements.
The Application Process
Simplified Issue Process
The Simplified Issue Process is a popular option for seniors seeking life insurance, as it offers a hassle-free application without a medical exam. Applicants only need to complete a health questionnaire and answer a few health questions to determine eligibility. This process is advantageous for seniors with minor to moderate health issues, as it allows them to obtain a policy without going through a comprehensive medical exam.
Underwriting Requirements
Underwriting requirements vary depending on the insurer and the policy when applying for life insurance. The applicant may need to provide information about their health, lifestyle, and medical history. Here’s an example of possible underwriting requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Questions | Applicants answer questions about their health, such as medical conditions, treatments, or surgeries. |
| No Medical Exam | Some policies do not require a medical exam, simplifying the application process. |
| Medical Exam | In some cases, a full medical exam may be required. This includes blood tests, urine tests, and more. |
An agent can help seniors navigate the application process and provide guidance on underwriting requirements.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Life insurance policies for seniors, such as final expense whole life insurance, may be available regardless of certain pre-existing conditions. When applying, it is crucial to disclose any health issues honestly to ensure coverage remains valid and eliminate the risk of denial during the claims process.
In summary, while the application process for life insurance at 85 years old may be more limited, options exist for seniors with different health backgrounds. Seniors can obtain suitable life insurance coverage by exploring the Simplified Issue Process and understanding underwriting requirements.
Top Life Insurance Companies For 85-Year-Olds
Finding a life insurance policy for seniors over 85 can be challenging, but a few reputable insurance companies offer affordable policies. Let’s look at three insurers with customized life insurance quotes for seniors over 85.
Aetna (Protection Series)
Aetna offers a Protection Series policy specifically designed for seniors over 85 with varying health conditions. It provides affordable and customized rates for both male and female applicants, ensuring that seniors have access to a suitable level of coverage.
| Gender | Premium Rate (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Male | Sample Rate |
| Female | Sample Rate |
Applying for Aetna’s Protection Series policy is hassle-free, allowing seniors to secure the coverage they need efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is whole life insurance available for seniors over 80?
Yes, whole life insurance is available for seniors over 80, but the options may be limited. Final expense whole life insurance is the most common type of policy available for seniors in this age range. These policies are designed to cover funeral and burial expenses and have a smaller death benefit than traditional whole life insurance policies.
Which companies offer life insurance for elders above 85?
Several companies, such as CVS Health and Aetna, offer life insurance policies for seniors over 85. These companies typically provide final expense whole life insurance policies to cover funeral and burial costs. Be sure to compare rates and coverage options from multiple insurers to find the best policy for your needs.
Are there no medical exam policies for individuals over 80?
Yes. No-medical-exam life insurance policies are available for individuals over 80. These policies are often called guaranteed issue whole life insurance, and they provide coverage without requiring a medical exam or detailed health questions. However, these policies often have higher premiums and lower coverage limits than traditional life insurance policies.
What are the best life insurance options for seniors over 85?
The best life insurance options for seniors over 85 are typically final expense whole life insurance policies. These policies offer coverage to help pay for funeral and burial expenses, ensuring your family is financially protected. Compare various policies and companies to find the best option for your needs.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Final Expense Whole Life | No medical exam required, smaller death benefit | Higher premiums compared to traditional plans |
| Guaranteed Issue Whole Life | Covers individuals up to age 85 | Limited coverage options |
Are there life insurance policies specifically for female seniors over 87?
While there may not be policies designed specifically for female seniors over 87, several insurers offer coverage options for seniors up to age 89, regardless of gender, namely CVS Health and Aetna. Final expense policies and guaranteed issue whole life insurance policies are the most common options for seniors in this age range. It is important to compare policies and rates from different insurers to find the best coverage for your needs.
