Updated: May 22, 2024
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Having life insurance at 50 can provide financial security for your family, ensuring your spouse or children are financially stable if you pass away. It can also cover funeral expenses, easing the financial burden on your loved ones.
Nationwide ranks as the best life insurance company for 50-year-olds in MoneyGeek's study. It offers a 10-year, $250,000 term policy for $29 monthly.
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Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 1,488 life insurance quotes alongside customer satisfaction, financial stability reports, product offerings and more to determine the best life insurance companies for 50-year-olds.
Coverage costs and company information for life insurance providers were updated in 2024.
Nationwide earned a MoneyGeek score of 98, making it a top choice for the best life insurance for 50-year-olds. With an average monthly cost of $29 for a 10-year term policy with $250,000 in coverage, it offers affordable life insurance over 50 and reliable service.
Comprehensive product range, including term and whole life options
Exceptional customer service with 24/7 online chat support
Has a mobile app for account management
Financial stability score slightly lower than other metrics
Limited term lengths, maxing out at 30 years
Not the cheapest option
Nationwide earned an overall MoneyGeek score of 98, making it the best life insurance for those over 50. It has an average monthly premium of just $29 for a 10-year term policy worth $250,000. Although there are cheaper choices than this, it's still more affordable than some competitors. The insurer offers various products, including term and whole life, and even specialized plans like final expense insurance. Customer service is another highlight, as the company features multiple payment options and round-the-clock online chat support. Its financial stability is backed by an A+ AM Best rating, ensuring a secure investment for your future.
The company also offers the best life insurance for 50-year-olds seeking high coverage amounts. The average monthly premium for a 10-year term policy with $1 million in coverage is $87.
State Farm ranks first among life insurance companies offering whole life insurance for 50-year-olds, with a MoneyGeek score of 99. It's also the top-rated option for those looking for final expense life insurance, earning a MoneyGeek score of 97 in this category.
The company is also MoneyGeek's top pick for no-medical-exam life insurance over 50, receiving a score of 99 for this category.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek calculated company scores and determined the best whole life insurance companies for 50-year-olds using the following weights:
Meanwhile, we determined the company scores and ranked the best life insurance providers for a final expense life insurance policy using the following weights:
For no-medical-exam policies, we used the following weights:
We did not weigh affordability as we did not collect whole life, final expense and no-exam life insurance quotes. The company below has the highest score among the companies that offer these policies.
A++ AM Best rating indicates top-notch financial stability
Extensive product offerings, including Limited Pay Whole Life
High customer satisfaction with low complaint rates
Buying process score lags behind other metrics
No 24/7 online chat support available
Slightly higher monthly cost
State Farm is the best whole life insurance for those over 50 and a top choice for final expense life insurance. The company has 101 years of industry experience and an A++ AM Best rating. It also offers a Limited Pay Whole Life option with level terms, providing lifelong coverage without lifelong payments. State Farm's diverse product range includes final expense insurance, and its low complaint rates underscore high customer satisfaction. Despite the absence of 24/7 chat support, the insurer's financial stability and product versatility make it a strong option for this age group.
With a MoneyGeek score of 96, GEICO stands out as the top choice for customer satisfaction in life insurance for those 50 and over. The average monthly coverage cost is $25 for 50-year-olds.
Both GEICO and Progressive excelled in customer satisfaction, achieving perfect scores in this area. However, GEICO's higher overall MoneyGeek score positions it as MoneyGeek's leading choice for life insurance based on customer satisfaction.
Exceptional customer satisfaction and minimal complaints
Cost-effective monthly premiums
Broad range of term life coverage, up to a maximum of $8 million
GEICO outsources policy issuance to its partners
Limited variety in insurance products
Lack of diverse payment methods
GEICO is one of MoneyGeek's top picks in the customer satisfaction category, earning a score of 96. While its policies are issued by its collaborators, such as Ladder, GEICO's financial stability is unquestionable, verified by an A++ AM Best rating.
The company excels in keeping its customers content, as seen in the low volume of complaints. Offering term life insurance at an attractive monthly rate of $25 for 50-year-olds, GEICO provides coverage options ranging from $100,000 to $8 million. With nearly nine decades of experience and a convenient mobile app, GEICO delivers dependable, straightforward life insurance solutions.
Ensure you’re getting the best rate for your life insurance. Compare quotes from top providers to find the most affordable life insurance coverage for your needs.
Each insurance provider has different methods to determine the cost of life insurance policies. Life insurance quotes for people over 50 will vary depending on age, overall health and other important details. Before deciding on a policy, consider other factors like customer satisfaction, flexibility, added perks and benefits and whether you’re required to take a medical exam.
For men, the cheapest insurance across all coverage options is Allstate. Meanwhile, the most affordable company for women, on average, is Transamerica. Cost information is based on 10-year term policy quotes for a 50-year-old male and a 50-year-old female who are both nonsmokers and in good health.
The table below shows the average life insurance costs for over 50 males.
| Allstate | $250K Coverage$24 | $500K Coverage$40 | $1M Coverage$69 |
| Transamerica | $250K Coverage$24 | $500K Coverage$40 | $1M Coverage$70 |
| GEICO | $250K Coverage$25 | $500K Coverage$40 | $1M Coverage$70 |
| Protective | $250K Coverage$26 | $500K Coverage$44 | $1M Coverage$78 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $250K Coverage$29 | $500K Coverage$51 | $1M Coverage$97 |
Below are the average monthly costs of life insurance for a 50-year-old woman from various providers.
| Transamerica | $250K Coverage$20 | $500K Coverage$34 | $1M Coverage$57 |
| Protective | $250K Coverage$22 | $500K Coverage$35 | $1M Coverage$62 |
| Allstate | $250K Coverage$24 | $500K Coverage$40 | $1M Coverage$69 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $250K Coverage$24 | $500K Coverage$42 | $1M Coverage$78 |
| Nationwide | $250K Coverage$24 | $500K Coverage$40 | $1M Coverage$70 |
Your life insurance premiums will cost more if you use tobacco. Smoking is linked to health complications like cancer, which can shorten your life expectancy. Smokers typically pay more than twice as much for life insurance as healthy individuals, as the table below displays. The costs of the policies ($500K coverage) are based on two profiles:
| Average Cost per Year | Healthy Individual$ 776 | Smoker$ 1,811 |
Only you can determine when it's the right time to purchase an insurance policy. However, many advantages come with buying coverage as early as possible. You get more affordable premiums, build credit and have time to consider what added perks or benefits your beneficiaries may need.
Remember that many life insurance providers require medical exams. Acquiring insurance policies may be more difficult as you age because you become more prone to health complications.
As you get older, the total cost of your policy will become much more expensive. If you are 50, the annual cost of a 20-year term policy is around $2,162 less than a 60-year-old purchasing the same policy. A 50-year-old with a 10-year term policy pays approximately $917 less per year than a 60-year-old with a similar plan.
The policy cost details below are average premiums for 50-, 60- and 70-year-old men who are nonsmokers in good health, purchasing a 10- or 20-year term plan with a coverage amount of $500,000.
| 50 | Average Cost Per Month$65 | Average Cost Per Year$776 | Total Cost Over Life Policy$7,763 |
| 60 | Average Cost Per Month$141 | Average Cost Per Year$1,693 | Total Cost Over Life Policy$16,934 |
| 70 | Average Cost Per Month$410 | Average Cost Per Year$4,922 | Total Cost Over Life Policy$49,215 |
Life insurance coverage can be costly in your 50s. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower the cost of your premiums. The following tips can help you find the most affordable policy for your needs.
Buy sooner than later
Life insurance is an investment, so buying insurance earlier will save you more money in the long run. Insurance companies also offer cheaper premiums and higher limits for younger insurance shoppers.
Get your policy re-evaluated if you improve your health
Several insurance providers may consider giving you lower rates if you are working toward improving your health. However, you may need to submit new medical records and let time pass first.
Shop around
Although prices are important, consider the value you’ll get for your money and if the policy you’re considering will supply exactly what you need. When comparing companies, consider factors like customer satisfaction, complaints and likelihood of claims payouts.
Kick your smoking habit
Among other factors, insurance providers look at your life expectancy. Therefore, smoking will increase the cost of your insurance. If you’re looking to quit, different companies have varying time durations until they no longer count you as a smoker or tobacco user. You typically must wait at least a year before you’re eligible for nonsmoker rates.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise
It’s equally important to have a balanced diet to pair with your regular exercise. Your overall health will affect your premiums, so it’s best to maintain a normal BMI to ensure you get the best over-50 life insurance rates possible.
Ensure you’re getting the best rate for your life insurance. Compare quotes from top providers to find the most affordable life insurance coverage for your needs.
There are many factors to consider before purchasing an insurance policy that works best for you. Understanding the answers to some frequently asked questions about life insurance for 50-year-olds can help you choose the right plan for your needs.
The best life insurance for people over 50 typically depends on individual factors like age, health and lifestyle. Based on MoneyGeek's analysis, GEICO is the best life insurance company for 60-year-olds. The company also offers the best life insurance for seniors or those aged 61–70.
On average, a healthy individual with $500,000 in coverage will pay around $1,272 annually for a 10-year term policy. But your final insurance cost depends on your overall health, medical history, gender, age, lifestyle and more.
Yes, insurance companies offer life insurance for 50-year-olds. The common policy types are universal, whole and term life, but some insurance companies offer more customized policies along with added perks. It’s best to shop around and determine what kind of policy you need and how much you’re willing to invest.
It’s best to buy a life insurance policy as early as possible since you’ll pay lower monthly premiums. Insurance providers also offer higher limits if you purchase a policy earlier. Overall, you end up saving more if you decide to buy insurance sooner rather than later.
Whether you need life insurance after 50 depends on personal circumstances, financial goals and needs. However, maintaining a policy at this age helps protect loved ones financially and covers essential obligations like funeral costs.
The best life insurance for 50-year-olds balances coverage needs and budget. Term life insurance is often preferred for its affordability and fixed-term coverage, while whole life insurance suits those seeking lifelong coverage with an investment component.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
