USAA, Banner Life, Gerber, Protective and State Farm lead MoneyGeek's rankings for the best life insurance for 50-year-olds. These insurers earned the highest ratings in our updated study and perform well for this age group, though your ideal choice depends on coverage needs and financial situation.
Best Life Insurance for 50-Year-Olds & Over in 2026
USAA, Banner Life, Gerber, Protective and State Farm offer the best life insurance for 50-year-olds.

Updated: April 21, 2026
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USAA is the best guaranteed acceptance life insurance company for 50-year-olds, earning the highest overall score of 4.7 out of 5.
Banner Life ranks first for term life insurance for 50-year-olds and over.
Gerber offers the best whole life insurance for 50-year-olds, while Protective is the top provider for universal life policies.
State Farm provides the best option for 50-year-olds who smoke, earning the highest MoneyGeek rating for this category.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
What is the Best Life Insurance for 50-Year-Olds?
Guaranteed Acceptance | USAA | 4.7 | $30 (F); $40 (M) |
Term | Banner Life | 4.5 | $83 (F); $116 (M) |
Whole | Gerber | 4.5 | $708 (F); $790 (M) |
Universal | Protective | 4.5 | $191 (F); $437 (M) |
Smokers | State Farm | 4.5 | $110 (F); $150 (M) |
The rates for term, no-exam, whole and universal life insurance are average quotes for $500,000 coverage for 50-year-olds. For guaranteed acceptance, we used a coverage amount of $10,000. Your rates will vary based on health, lifestyle, insurer underwriting and other factors. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Best Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance: USAA

USAA
Average Monthly Cost
$30 (F); $40 (M)Based on average quotes for $10,000 coverage for 50-year-old nonsmokers.Issue Ages (Guaranteed Acceptance)
45-85
- pros
Low NAIC complaint index score
Highest financial strength rating available
consGuaranteed acceptance coverage capped at $25,000
Limited term lengths
Doesn’t offer final expense insurance
USAA earned a MoneyGeek Score of 4.7 out of 5, the highest in our analysis, making it the best guaranteed acceptance life insurance option for 50-year-olds. It accepts applicants ages 45 to 85 with no health questions or medical exam required.
A 50-year-old nonsmoker pays an average of $30 per month for women and $40 per month for men for $10,000 in coverage. USAA also holds an A++ AM Best rating, the highest available, reflecting exceptional financial strength.
- AM Best rating: A++
- BBB rating: N/A
- Average NAIC complaint index: 0.12
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- WalletHub Customer Rating: 2.5
- Trustpilot: 1.2
- Consumer Affairs: 3
- Max coverage: $10 million (Term), $25,000 (Guaranteed Acceptance)
- No-exam policy available: Yes
- Terms available: 10, 20, 30
- Ages supported: 18 to 70 (Term), 18 to 85 (Whole), three months to 90 years (Universal)
- Riders and options: Term life event, children rider, military severe injury benefit, military future insurability, life event option, accelerated death benefit, waiver of premium
- Permanent policies: Whole, Guaranteed Acceptance Whole, Universal, Indexed Universal
- Waiting Period (Guaranteed Acceptance): Waiting period: Death benefits for natural causes are reduced during the first two years of the policy contract to 110% of all premiums paid. Non-automobile accidental deaths pay the full benefit amount. All benefits paid will be reduced by any outstanding loans.
- State availability: All states
Best Term Life Insurance: Banner Life

Banner Life
Average Monthly Cost
$83 (F); $116 (M)Based on average quotes for a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for 50-year-old nonsmokers.Issue Ages (Term)
20-75
- pros
Up to $10 million coverage
No-exam policies available up to $4 million
Term lengths from 10 to 40 years
consNot available in New York
Minimum age accepted is 20
Banner Life ranks as the best term life insurance provider for 50-year-olds. It offers term lengths from 10 to 40 years and no-exam policies up to $4 million, giving 50-year-olds more flexibility than most competitors.
A 50-year-old nonsmoker pays an average of $83 per month for women and $116 per month for men on a 20-year, $500,000 policy.
- AM Best rating: A+
- BBB rating: N/A
- Average NAIC complaint index: 0.16
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- Wallethub Customer Rating: N/A
- Trustpilot: 4.5
- Consumer Affairs: N/A
- Max coverage: $10 million
- No-exam policy available: Yes (up to $4 million)
- Terms available: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40
- Ages supported: 20 to 75
- Riders and options: Accelerated death benefit, waiver of premium, child rider, additional term, conversion
- Permanent policies: Universal Life
- State availability: 49 states (New York policies sold via William Penn)
Best Whole Life Insurance: Gerber

Gerber
Average Monthly Cost
$708 (F); $790 (M)Based on average quotes for $500,000 20-year term policy for 50-year-old nonsmokers.Issue Ages (Whole)
18-80
- pros
No-exam coverage up to $1 million
Simplified family-focused products
consNot available in New York
Low coverage limits for seniors
Gerber is the top pick for whole life insurance among 50-year-olds, with a MoneyGeek Score of 4.5 out of 5. It offers whole life policies through age 80. The company has a NAIC complaint index of 0.53, lower than the industry average (1.0).
A 50-year-old nonsmoker pays an average of $708 per month for women and $790 per month for men for $500,000 in coverage. Gerber isn't available in New York, and coverage limits drop to $500,000 for applicants ages 56 to 80.
- AM Best rating: A+
- BBB rating: N/A
- Average NAIC complaint index: 0.53
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- WalletHub Customer Rating: N/A
- Trustpilot: 4.5
- Consumer Affairs: 1
- Max coverage: $2 million (Term), $1 million (Whole - up to 55 YO), $500,000 (Whole - 56-80 YO), $25,000 (Final Expense)
- No-exam policy available: Yes (up to $1 million)
- Terms available: 10, 20, 30
- Ages supported: 18 to 75 (Term), 18 to 80 (Whole), starts at 14 days old (Children's Whole), 50 to 80 (Final Expense)
- Riders and options: Guaranteed purchase option, payment protection option, accelerated death benefit, child insured, spousal insured
- Permanent policies: Whole, Final Expense (Guaranteed Life Insurance)
- State availability: 49 states (Not available in New York)
Best Universal Life Insurance: Protective

Protective
Average Monthly Cost
$191 (F); $437 (M)Based on average quotes for $500,000 20-year term policy for 50-year-old nonsmokers.Issue Ages (Universal)
18 to 85
- pros
Covers a wide age range from 18 to 80
Up to $50 million coverage
Multiple rider options
consReturn-of-premium benefit requires surrendering your policy
Online quotes only available for term life insurance
Requires a medical exam
Protective offers the best permanent life insurance for 50-year-olds based on MoneyGeek's analysis of affordability, flexibility and long-term financial strength. It ranks first for both whole life and universal life options, with policies built for lifetime coverage and cash value growth.
Protective also tops our rankings for indexed universal life insurance. Average monthly costs are $505 for men ($6,055 annually) and $420 for women ($5,044 annually).
A medical exam is required to apply, and online quotes are only available for term life products. For 50-year-olds who want permanent coverage with flexible structures and cash value potential, Protective is the strongest option on our list.
- AM Best rating: A+
- BBB rating: N/A
- Average NAIC complaint index: 0.21
- J.D. Power score: 597 (20th)
- WalletHub Customer Rating: 1.6
- Trustpilot: 1.6
- Consumer Affairs: N/A
- Max coverage: $10 million (Term), $50 million (Universal)
- No-exam policy available: No
- Terms available: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40
- Ages supported: 18 to 75 (term); 18 to 85 (universal)
- Riders and options: Accidental death benefit, accelerated death benefit, waiver of premium, disability income, additional purchase option, term insurance, children's term
- Permanent policies: Whole, Universal, Variable Universal, Indexed Universal
- State availability: 49 states (Not available in New York)
Best for 50-Year-Old Smokers: State Farm

State Farm
Average Monthly Cost
$110 (F); $150 (M)Based on average quotes for $500,000 20-year term policy for 50-year-old smokers.Issue Ages (Term)
18-75
- pros
Extended term lengths up to 40 years
Accepts higher-risk applicants with competitive rates
Low NAIC complaint index and high J.D. Power score
consLimited online purchasing
Agent-dependent experience
Limited permanent life insurance options after term conversion
State Farm leads our rankings for 50-year-old smokers, offering competitive rates for higher-risk applicants with term lengths up to 40 years. A 50-year-old smoker pays an average of $110 per month for women and $150 per month for men on a 20-year, $500,000 term policy.
It holds an A++ AM Best rating and a second-place J.D. Power score of 697, reflecting strong financial stability and customer satisfaction. Buying a State Farm policy typically requires working with an agent, as online buying options are limited.
- AM Best rating: A++
- BBB rating: N/A
- Average NAIC complaint index: 0.38
- J.D. Power score: 697 (2nd)
- Wallethub Customer Rating: 2.9
- Trustpilot: 2
- Consumer Affairs: 1.6
- Max coverage: $10 million
- No-exam policy available: Yes (Through Guaranteed Issue Final Expense and Guaranteed Issue Whole Life)
- Terms available: 10, 20, 30
- Ages supported: 18 to 75
- Riders and options: Children's term, select term, waiver of premium for disability, flexible care benefit, conversion
- Permanent policies: Whole, Limited Pay Whole, Single Premium Whole. Guaranteed Issue Final Expense, Guaranteed Issue Whole Life
- State availability: 50 states (Product availability depends on thestate)
Best Life Insurance for Over 50: Buying Guide
Getting life insurance in your 50s means providing financial protection for your family. This buying guide helps you get the best life insurance for your coverage needs and budget.
How Much Is Life Insurance for a 50-Year-Old?
Life insurance costs for 50-year-olds vary by age and coverage amount. Women generally get lower rates than men due to life expectancy statistics.
Your life insurance premiums cost more if you use tobacco because smoking is linked to health complications like cancer, which can shorten your life expectancy
Below are the average life insurance premiums for standard policy types for 50-year-old men and women.
$100,000 | $30 (F); $38 (M) | $46 (F); $186 (M) | $62 (F); $122 (M) |
$250,000 | $59 (F); $77 (M) | $336 (F); $443 (M) | $131 (F); $283 (M) |
$500,000 | $102 (F); $137 (M) | $658(F); $862 (M) | $248 (F); $551 (M) |
$750,000 | $150 (F); $201 (M) | $972 (F); $1,267 (M) | $360 (F); $809 (M) |
$1,000,000 | $194 (F); $262 (M) | $1,283 (F) $1,665(M) | $469 (F); $1,062 (M) |
The rates above are average quotes for 50-year-olds with average weight and health ratings. Actual premiums will vary based on your health, lifestyle and other personal factors. These averages are for comparison purposes only.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance costs less per month than traditional policies. But it is the most expensive in terms of cost-per-dollar as policies tend to have low coverage limits. Below are average rates for 50-year-old men and women.
$2,000 | $7 | $9 |
$5,000 | $20 | $27 |
$10,000 | $38 | $48 |
$25,000 | $89 | $117 |
$30,000 | $98 | $125 |
The rates above are average quotes for 50-year-old nonsmokers. Actual premiums will vary based on your health, lifestyle and other personal factors. These averages are for comparison purposes only.
Insurers look at several factors to decide life insurance rates for people over 50. Aside from age, coverage amount and tobacco use, your overall health, weight, family medical history, hobbies and policy duration also affect your premiums. Rates also vary by insurance provider, so compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best and most affordable life insurance for you.
Compare Life Insurance Quotes for 50-Year-Olds
Compare quotes from multiple life insurance providers to find the best rates for your coverage needs. Use the quote tool below for instant price comparisons.
Life Insurance Calculator
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Rates updated:
Apr 22, 2026
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Should You Buy Life Insurance in Your 50s?
Buying life insurance in your 50s offers advantages over waiting until your 60s. Purchasing coverage earlier means lower premiums, easier medical underwriting and more time to evaluate coverage options for your beneficiaries.
Life insurance becomes more expensive and harder to obtain with age due to increased health risks. The table shows how life insurance rates increase with age:
| 20 | $30 | $357 |
| 30 | $31 | $368 |
| 40 | $47 | $559 |
| 50 | $102 | $1,229 |
| 60 | $286 | $3,437 |
| 70 | $844 | $10,127 |
The rates above are average quotes for 20-year term policies with $500,000 coverage for nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings. Actual premiums will vary based on your health, lifestyle and other personal factors. These averages are for comparison purposes only.
Best Life Insurance for a 50-Year-Old: Bottom Line
Life insurance at 50 helps your family cover living expenses, pay off debts and handle funeral costs after you're gone. MoneyGeek analyzed policies across cost, financial stability and coverage options to find the best options for this age group. USAA, Banner Life, Gerber, Protective Life and State Farm top our list, though the right choice depends on your family's needs and budget.
Compare Life Insurance Rates
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Life Insurance When in Your 50s: FAQ
Is 50 a good age to buy a life insurance policy?
Yes. Buying at 50 still makes sense, even if earlier purchases lock in lower premiums and higher coverage limits. Waiting until your 60s costs more.
Can I get life insurance without a medical exam at 50?
Many insurers offer no-exam options for 50-year-olds. This includes simplified issue and guaranteed acceptance policies.
Is life insurance worth it after 50?
Life insurance after 50 is worth considering to help your family. Life insurance after 50 helps your family cover living expenses, pay off debts and funeral costs if you die before your dependents are financially independent.
Our Ratings Methodology
Finding affordable life insurance in your 50s means navigating health screenings, higher premiums and shrinking policy options. We built our research to identify which companies actually deliver value when age works against you.
How We Chose the Best Companies
We collected 248,399 life insurance quotes and evaluated customer satisfaction data, financial stability reports and product offerings. Our focus centered on insurers with national availability and efficient online processes.
The research examined companies offering multiple policy types because your needs in your 50s are complex. You might need term coverage for income replacement, permanent insurance for estate planning, or guaranteed acceptance if health issues have complicated your options.
Scoring Categories
Companies earn up to five points across three categories:
- Affordability (50%): Premium costs matter most as retirement approaches. We weighted this heaviest because every dollar counts when you're building retirement savings and managing existing expenses.
- Customer Experience (30%): Claims processing and responsive service become critical when health concerns arise. Companies with strong satisfaction ratings and low complaint ratios scored higher.
- Coverage Options (20%): Policy flexibility matters when your financial situation shifts. We evaluated term lengths, coverage amounts, rider availability and conversion options.
Our scoring incorporates online quote data, AM Best financial strength ratings, BBB ratings, years in business, NAIC complaint indexes, J.D. Power satisfaction scores, customer reviews and digital tools like calculators and flexible payment options.
Sample Profile Details
We used a standard profile for fair comparisons:
- 50-year-old male
- Nonsmoker
- 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 160 pounds
- Average health rating
We modified this profile by age, gender, height, weight, tobacco use, health rating and location to collect quotes across different scenarios. This reveals which companies offer competitive rates for various customer types in the over-50 demographic.
Quote Collection Process
We gathered quotes for term, whole, universal and guaranteed acceptance life insurance with coverage amounts ranging from $10,000 to $1 million. We identified pricing patterns to calculate projections extending beyond our original data collection, ensuring our recommendations reflect real-world rates you'll encounter when shopping for coverage.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.




