Can You Get Life Insurance at 67?
Yes. A 67-year-old can typically qualify for life insurance, though the options and pricing look different from those available to a 30-year-old. Insurers focus on health, tobacco use, and the type of policy chosen. Because mortality risk rises with age, premiums are higher, but several product types are designed specifically for older buyers who might otherwise struggle to get coverage.
- Can You Get Life Insurance at 67?
- Types of Policies Available to a 67-Year-Old
- Guaranteed-Issue Whole Life
- Simplified-Issue Policies
- Final Expense Insurance
- Term Life Insurance
- Whole Life and Universal Life
- What Drives the Cost at Age 67
- Typical Costs and Coverage Ranges
- How to Apply and What to Expect
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Is Life Insurance Worth It at 67?
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Before shopping, decide whether the goal is income replacement, covering final expenses, leaving a legacy, or paying estate taxes. The right answer changes which policy type makes sense.
Types of Policies Available to a 67-Year-Old
Guaranteed-Issue Whole Life
These policies offer coverage without a medical exam or health questions. They are the easiest to qualify for but come with the highest premiums per dollar of coverage and a limited death benefit in the first two to three years, usually equal to premiums paid plus interest.
Simplified-Issue Policies
Simplified-issue policies skip the exam but ask a health questionnaire. Approval is faster than fully underwritten coverage, and premiums sit between guaranteed-issue and medically underwritten rates. Coverage amounts are typically capped at $25,000 to $50,000.
Final Expense Insurance
A subset of whole life, final-expense policies are sized to cover funeral, burial, and medical costs. They are medically underwritten or guaranteed issue depending on the carrier and are common among retirees who want to relieve family members of end-of-life bills.
Term Life Insurance
Some carriers offer term policies to healthy 67-year-olds, though the available term lengths are shorter and premiums are steep. A 10-year term may be an option if the need is temporary, such as covering a loan or providing income during a caregiving period.
Whole Life and Universal Life
Traditional whole life builds cash value and guarantees a death benefit as long as premiums are paid. Universal life offers more flexibility in premiums and death benefits but requires careful management to avoid lapses. Both are viable for 67-year-olds with stable income and a long-term planning horizon.
What Drives the Cost at Age 67
Premiums are set by a handful of factors. Health status and history carry the most weight: insurers look at blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, cancer history, and medications. Tobacco use almost always doubles or triples rates. Gender matters too, with women typically paying less than men at the same age and health profile.
The type of policy, the death benefit amount, riders such as accelerated death benefit or long-term care, and the carrier's underwriting guidelines all influence the final price. A 67-year-old non-smoker in good health can expect to pay meaningfully less than a smoker or someone with multiple chronic conditions.
Typical Costs and Coverage Ranges
| Policy Type | Typical Death Benefit | Underwriting | Approx. Monthly Premium Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed-Issue Whole Life | $2,000–$25,000 | None | $50–$350 |
| Simplified-Issue Whole Life | $5,000–$50,000 | Health questionnaire | $70–$450 |
| Final Expense | $5,000–$25,000 | Health questionnaire or exam | $40–$300 |
| 10-Year Term (healthy non-smoker) | $100,000–$500,000 | Full medical exam | $150–$600 |
| Whole Life (medically underwritten) | $50,000–$500,000 | Exam and records | $300–$1,500+ |
Ranges are illustrative and vary by carrier, location, health, and benefit amount. Requesting personalized quotes is the only way to know the actual cost.
How to Apply and What to Expect
Start by gathering medical records, a list of current medications, and details on height, weight, and tobacco use. Many agents and brokers can compare multiple carriers at once, which is especially useful at 67 because underwriting appetites differ. Some companies specialize in older applicants and offer lenient guidelines.
The application process may include a paramedical exam, blood and urine tests, and a review of prescription history. Expect a waiting period of two to eight weeks for fully underwritten policies. Guaranteed-issue policies typically skip the wait and can be approved within days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying more coverage than you can afford in premiums over the long term.
- Choosing a policy for its cash-value component when a simpler term or final-expense product would meet the need at lower cost.
- Skipping the contestability period disclosure; most policies include a two-year contestability window where the insurer can investigate and deny a claim for material misrepresentation.
- Failing to name and update a beneficiary, which delays payout and can pull the death benefit into the estate.
- Ignoring existing employer or association group life coverage that may still provide a base amount at age 67.
Is Life Insurance Worth It at 67?
For many people, the answer is yes when the coverage solves a specific problem: paying off debt, covering final costs, leaving a tax-efficient inheritance, or funding a trust. If there is no one financially dependent on the insured and no estate or debt exposure, life insurance may not be necessary. The decision should be based on the financial needs of the people left behind, not on the sale pressure of any single agent.