Most people think it’s game over once you turn 85. Agents stop calling back. Online forms won’t give you a quote. Everyone makes it seem like life insurance just disappears after a certain age.
But it doesn’t.
If you’re over 85 — or shopping for someone who is — here’s what’s actually still available in 2025.
We’ve helped people at 86, 87, and even 89 years old lock in burial and final expense policies. If others told you no, they just didn’t know where to look.
Quick Facts: What You Need to Know
- Only 5 companies in the U.S. offer new policies after age 85
- You must apply through a licensed insurance broker — direct purchase isn’t possible
- No medical exam required, just basic health questions
- Most policies over 85 have no waiting period (if you qualify)
- No guaranteed issue plans exist past 85 — you’ll need to qualify
What Type of Policy Can You Get?
The only kind of life insurance available after 85 is final expense whole life (also called burial insurance). These policies:
- Are permanent (never expire)
- Build cash value
- Keep premiums fixed for life
- Pay a tax-free death benefit to your family
You cannot get term, universal, or guaranteed issue life insurance after 85. The only thing available is whole life final expense — with underwriting.
Life Insurance Companies That Cover Seniors Over 85
These are the 5 carriers still writing new business after age 85:
Insurance Company | Coverage Amounts | Waiting Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Aetna (Accendo) | $2,000 – $25,000 | None | Covers up to age 89 |
American Home Life | $2,000 – $25,000 | None | Friendly underwriting on health |
Baltimore Life | $2,500 – $15,000 | None | Includes legacy planning tools |
Security National Life | $2,500 – $10,000 | None | Lower max coverage |
Guarantee Trust Life | $2,000 – $10,000 | Graded (2 years) | Y1 refund + 5%, Y2 50%, Y3+ full payout |
All require you to answer basic health questions. No physicals, no exams, and approval is often same-day.
What Does Burial Insurance Cost at Age 86+?
Pricing depends on gender, tobacco use, and coverage amount. Below are real quotes from our carrier network, updated for 2025:
Age | Gender & Tobacco Status | $3,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
86 | Female – Non-Tobacco | $54 | $87 | $171 |
Female – Tobacco | $79 | $130 | $257 | |
Male – Non-Tobacco | $73 | $120 | $236 | |
Male – Tobacco | $121 | $199 | $394 | |
87 | Female – Non-Tobacco | $64 | $105 | $206 |
Female – Tobacco | $87 | $143 | $284 | |
Male – Non-Tobacco | $85 | $140 | $277 | |
Male – Tobacco | $138 | $228 | $453 | |
88 | Female – Non-Tobacco | $74 | $121 | $239 |
Female – Tobacco | $96 | $157 | $311 | |
Male – Non-Tobacco | $98 | $160 | $317 | |
Male – Tobacco | $156 | $258 | $513 | |
89 | Female – Non-Tobacco | $80 | $131 | $260 |
Female – Tobacco | $104 | $171 | $338 | |
Male – Non-Tobacco | $109 | $180 | $357 | |
Male – Tobacco | $174 | $288 | $572 |
These are level premiums for life. No increases, no expiration.
→ Want a lower monthly premium? You can reduce coverage down to $2,000, the industry minimum.
Do These Policies Have a Waiting Period?
Here’s the good news: 4 out of 5 companies above offer immediate coverage if you qualify.
The only one with a graded death benefit (waiting period) is GTL. Their plan looks like this:
- Year 1: Premiums refunded + 10%
- Year 2: 50% payout
- Year 3+: Full coverage
All others offer full coverage from Day 1, assuming you pass the health questions.
Where Is Life Insurance Over 85 Available?
All U.S. states EXCEPT New York.
New York’s insurance regulations prevent most carriers from offering burial insurance past 85. Every other state — including DC — has approved products for ages 86–89.
Can You Buy Life Insurance for Your Parents Over 85?
Yes — but you’ll need their consent. Here’s how it works:
- You can be the owner and payer
- Your parent must be mentally competent
- They’ll answer basic health questions over the phone or in person
- You can sign the application electronically or via phone call
Common Misconceptions
“I can’t get coverage because of my age.”
→ Not true. We’ve placed coverage for clients up to 89.
“I need to go take a medical exam.”
→ Wrong. No carrier past age 85 requires an exam.
“Final expense insurance is different than burial insurance.”
→ It’s the same. Burial, funeral, and final expense are all just forms of whole life insurance.
Why Work With Horizon Senior Benefits?
Other agents might say, “Sorry, we can’t help.” We say, “Let’s see what’s still possible.”
We’ve helped thousands of seniors who were:
- Declined before
- Told they were too old
- Managing multiple health conditions
- On tight budgets & fixed income
We’re not a call center. We’re independent brokers who work directly with the few carriers that still say yes — and we’ll never recommend a policy that doesn’t fit your situation.
Get a Real Answer in 5 Minutes or Less
We’ll tell you exactly:
- What you qualify for
- What it costs
- Which companies will approve you — and which won’t
- Whether you’ll need to wait for coverage to begin
Call now or fill out our quote form to get started. There’s no pressure, no hard pitch. Just straight answers from experts who’ve done this before.
“Our plans are…based on yours.”
- Compare prices from 25+ companies
- Access no-waiting-period plans
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