--- title: "Life Insurance Over 70: Options That Still Work Today" description: "Life insurance over 70 is still possible. See which policies work by health tier, how no-exam and guaranteed issue plans compare, and what to ask an agent." url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/life-insurance-over-70 publisher: Epic Life Group apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote --- # Can you still get life insurance over 70? Options that still work Yes. Many people over 70 can still buy life insurance. Options include final expense whole life, simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and sometimes term or fully underwritten whole life if health is good. Your health decides which options open to you. Price rises with age, so compare several carriers. For familiesUpdated October 14, 20267 min read 01 ## You have options Final expense, simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and for some people term or whole life remain available. 02 ## Health sets your path Good health opens more and cheaper choices. Serious conditions steer you toward guaranteed issue. 03 ## No exam is common Most senior policies skip the exam. They use health questions and database checks instead. 04 ## Price rises with age Each year costs more. If you want coverage, sooner is usually less costly than later. 05 ## Compare carriers Health rules vary a lot between carriers. An independent agent can check many at once. Many people think life insurance ends at 65. It does not. If you are over 70, you still have real choices. The choices narrow as health problems grow, and the price rises with each birthday. So the question is not “can I?” but “which type fits me best?” Epic Life Group is an independent agency. It is not a carrier. Its licensed agents compare carriers by phone. Coverage, rates, and eligibility depend on carrier, age, health, and state. ## What life insurance can you buy over 70? Over 70, you can usually buy final expense whole life, simplified issue, or guaranteed issue. Some people can also buy term life or fully underwritten whole life. Each carrier sets its own age limits and health rules. Policy type Typical use Health screening Notes Final expense whole life (simplified issue) Funeral and small bills Short health questions Often full benefit from day one Guaranteed issue whole life Funeral costs when other options fail None Usually a graded benefit and higher cost Term life Temporary needs, such as a loan or a spouse’s income More detailed Short terms; stricter health rules Fully underwritten whole life Lifelong coverage in good health Questions, maybe exam or records Higher coverage possible Accidental death Extra protection for accidents only Few Pays only for covered accidents. See [accidental death](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/accidental-death) See our hub on [life insurance for seniors](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/seniors) and the pages on [final expense](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/final-expense) and [guaranteed issue](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/guaranteed-issue). ## How does your health change your options? Your health decides which tier you land in and how much you pay. Better health gives more choices and lower prices. Serious health problems steer you to guaranteed issue. Here is a rough guide by tier. Health tier What it looks like Often available Good Few medications, no recent major events Fully underwritten whole life, term, simplified issue Fair Common conditions that are controlled Simplified issue at the right carrier Limited Recent serious event or several conditions Modified or graded plans, guaranteed issue Frail Needs daily care, hospice, or similar Guaranteed issue may be limited; ask These tiers are a plain-language guide, not carrier rules. Each carrier asks its own questions. A condition that disqualifies you at one carrier may be fine at another. That is why an independent agent can help. For background on the classes carriers use, see [underwriting class](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/underwriting-class) and [risk class](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/risk-class). ### What kinds of questions do carriers ask? Carriers ask yes or no questions about recent hospital stays, certain diagnoses, current treatments, and tobacco use. They also may check your prescription history and the MIB database. Answer honestly. A wrong answer can lead to a denied claim later. See the [contestability period](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/contestability-period) entry. ## Can you get life insurance over 70 without a medical exam? Yes. Most life insurance sold at this age does not need a medical exam. The two main no-exam types are simplified issue and guaranteed issue. - **Simplified issue** asks a few health questions. If you pass, coverage often starts with the full benefit. - **Guaranteed issue** asks no health questions. It accepts almost everyone in the age range, but the benefit is usually graded for the first two or three years. No-exam coverage usually costs more per dollar of coverage than fully underwritten coverage. You pay for speed and convenience. Our [no-exam life insurance](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/no-exam-life-insurance) page and our guide on [guaranteed vs simplified issue](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/guaranteed-vs-simplified-issue) explain the differences in more detail. ## What does a graded benefit mean for me? A graded benefit means the policy pays less than the full amount for a natural-cause death in the first years. It often pays back the premiums plus interest instead. After the waiting period, the full benefit applies. The length and interest vary by carrier. For a person over 70, this matters. If you are in poor health, a two-year wait is a real risk. Ask whether accidental death is paid in full from day one. Ask what the family receives if death happens early. Read the wording before you buy. ## Is term life or whole life better after 70? For most people over 70, whole life fits better than term, because term ends and the price rises sharply at renewal. Term can still work for a short, specific need. Question Term life Whole life Ends at a set date? Yes No, if premiums are paid Premium after age 70 High for the coverage Higher than younger buyers, but level Good for A loan or income need for 5-10 years Funeral costs and a lasting legacy Cash value None Small amount builds If you want coverage that your family can count on whenever you die, whole life is the usual route. If you only need to cover a debt that will be paid in a few years, term may be less costly. See [term life](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/term-life) and [whole life](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/whole-life). ## How much coverage do people over 70 usually buy? Many people over 70 buy enough for a funeral and small bills. A good start is to price the funeral you want. The National Funeral Directors Association reports that in 2023 the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300, and with viewing and cremation was $6,280. These medians exclude cemetery, marker, and cash advance costs. Add small debts and a buffer. Then match the total to what you can pay each month. A policy that fits your budget and stays active is better than a larger one that lapses. For more on sizing, read [final expense insurance cost](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/final-expense-insurance-cost). Use your rights when you price a funeral. The FTC Funeral Rule lets you get a General Price List and price quotes by phone, and buy only what you want. ## How can I keep the cost manageable on a fixed income? You can manage cost by choosing a modest face amount, comparing carriers, and picking a level premium you can afford long term. Here are practical steps. - **Start with the funeral price, not the biggest policy.** - **Compare at least a few carriers.** Prices can differ a lot for the same person. - **Try simplified issue before guaranteed issue.** It is often cheaper and pays sooner. - **Confirm the premium is level** and cannot rise. - **Ask about grace periods** and what happens if you miss a payment. - **Do not drop a policy without calling.** Ask your agent about smaller coverage first. If a family member helps pay, make sure the policy owner, the insured, and the beneficiary are listed correctly. See [policy owner](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/policy-owner) and [beneficiary](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/beneficiary). ## Should I buy for a parent? You can buy a policy on a parent if the parent agrees and signs the application. The law requires an insurable interest and consent. The parent has to answer the health questions, and the carrier usually speaks to the parent as well. Talk to your parent early and gently. Many families find this easier when it is framed as relief for the family, not as bad news. A licensed agent can explain how it works on a call with you both. ## What should I do first? Start by writing down your age, medications, major diagnoses, and the amount you want. Then pick the funeral type you prefer. These five facts let an agent narrow the field quickly. 1. Your date of birth and state. 2. A list of current medications. 3. Major diagnoses and dates. 4. Whether you use tobacco. 5. Your target monthly budget. ## What are the warning signs of a bad offer? Be careful of offers that sound too good or too urgent. Seniors are a common target for pushy sales. These warning signs deserve a pause. - **“Guaranteed approval” with no mention of a waiting period.** Guaranteed issue policies commonly have one. Ask directly. - **Pressure to decide today.** A real policy will still be there tomorrow. - **Requests to replace an existing policy.** Replacing a policy can reset waiting periods and cost you coverage. Talk to your current agent or carrier first. - **Claims that a policy is “free” or “pays you back.”** Insurance costs money. Read what it pays. - **Unclear carrier names.** Ask for the name of the insurance company and check it with your state department of insurance. - **Asking for bank details before you have seen the policy terms.** Review first. You are allowed to say “send me the information in writing.” You are allowed to ask a family member to join the call. You also have a free look period after delivery. See [free look period](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/free-look-period). Take your time. ### What if I already have a policy that is ending? If you have term life that is ending, ask the carrier about conversion or renewal. Some term policies let you convert to permanent coverage without new health questions, within a time window. Check the contract. See [convertible term](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/convertible-term). If conversion is not possible, a new simplified or guaranteed issue policy may fill the gap. An agent can compare these options before your coverage ends, which is better than waiting until it has lapsed. ## Next step A licensed Epic Life agent can compare carriers that accept your age and health, and explain waiting periods in plain words. Request a call at [get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote). You can also read our [FAQ](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/faq). This guide is general education, not tax, legal, or financial advice. Coverage, rates, and eligibility depend on the carrier, your age, your health, and your state. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best life insurance for someone over 70? There is no single best. For small funeral-sized coverage, final expense whole life is common. If you are healthy and want more coverage for a set time, term may fit. If you have health problems, guaranteed issue is a backup. The best choice depends on your health, budget, and goals. ### Can I get life insurance at 70 with no medical exam? Yes. Most policies sold to people over 70 do not require an exam. Simplified issue uses a short health questionnaire and database checks. Guaranteed issue asks no health questions. No-exam policies usually cost more per dollar of coverage than fully underwritten policies. ### Is term life available over 70? Some carriers offer term life to people in their 70s, usually for short terms such as 5 or 10 years and with stricter health rules. Premiums are higher than for younger buyers. Term ends when the term ends, so it fits temporary needs. Availability varies by carrier. ### Can I get life insurance with health problems over 70? Often yes. Carriers differ in how they treat conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or past cancer. A condition that is controlled and stable may still qualify for simplified issue at one carrier. If not, guaranteed issue accepts nearly everyone in the age range. ### How much does life insurance cost over 70? It depends on age, health, sex, tobacco use, coverage amount, policy type, and carrier. Prices are higher than for younger buyers and rise each year of age. Because rates vary by carrier, a few quotes are the best way to find a fair price. ### Is it too late to buy life insurance at 75 or 80? Not necessarily. Many final expense and guaranteed issue products accept applicants into their 80s, though maximum ages vary by carrier and product. Coverage limits are often modest. Talk to an agent to learn which carriers accept your age and what they offer. ## Terms on this page - [Health Questions (Knock-Out Questions)](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/health-questions) - [MIB (Medical Information Bureau)](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mib) - [State Department of Insurance](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/state-department-of-insurance) - [Final Expense Insurance](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/final-expense-insurance) - [No-Exam Life Insurance](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/no-exam-life-insurance) - [Contestability Period](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/contestability-period) - [Underwriting Class](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/underwriting-class) - [Independent Agent](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/independent-agent) - [Convertible Term](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/convertible-term) - [Free Look Period](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/free-look-period) ## Sources 1. [NAIC: Life Insurance (consumer overview of policy types and riders)](https://content.naic.org/consumer/life-insurance.htm) 2. [National Funeral Directors Association: Statistics](https://nfda.org/news/statistics) 3. [Federal Trade Commission: The FTC Funeral Rule](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ftc-funeral-rule) Written by the Epic Life Group team and checked against the sources above on October 14, 2026. Rules and products change. Confirm details with a licensed agent or your state insurance department. ## Keep reading - [Life insurance for seniors: what you can get at 50, 60, 70, and 80Seniors can usually still buy life insurance. At 50 and 60, term, whole life, and no-exam plans are common. At 70 and 80, options narrow to whole life, final expense, and guaranteed issue, often in smaller amounts. Price and approval depend on age, health, state, and carrier, so comparing carriers matters most.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/seniors) - [Term life insurance: how it works, what drives price, and when it endsTerm life insurance pays a death benefit only if you die during a set period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. It is generally cheaper than permanent coverage, especially early on. When the term ends, coverage stops unless you renew or convert. It fits temporary needs like a mortgage or raising children.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/term-life) - [No exam life insurance: simplified, guaranteed and accelerated options comparedNo exam life insurance means you do not need a medical exam. You may still answer health questions, and the insurer may check prescription and medical databases. The three main types are simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and accelerated underwriting. Price is often higher than fully underwritten coverage, and limits are lower.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/no-exam-life-insurance) - [Burial insurance: is it different from final expense, and is it worth it?Burial insurance is a small whole life policy that pays a cash benefit to your beneficiary for funeral and burial costs. It is the same product as final expense insurance under another name. It is not a pre-need funeral contract, which is sold by a funeral home and tied to that provider.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/burial-insurance) - [Whole life insurance: how cash value works, what it costs, and who it fitsWhole life insurance covers you for your entire life if you keep paying. It has a fixed death benefit, level premiums, and a cash value that grows over time. It costs more than term coverage for the same amount. It fits lifelong needs, such as final costs or leaving money to heirs.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/whole-life) - [How much does life insurance cost, and what drives the price?Life insurance cost depends on your age, health, tobacco use, coverage amount, policy type, term, state, and carrier. Term costs the least for the same death benefit. Whole life and final expense cost more because they last for life. There is no single average that fits you, so get quotes from several carriers.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/cost) ## Talk to a licensed agent. Tell us what you need and request a call from a licensed Epic Life agent who compares carriers. [Get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote) Want to sell life insurance? [See careers](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers)