Updated: August 16, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
GEICO is the overall best guaranteed acceptance life insurer, offering fast claims, an easy online application and wide availability.
Guaranteed acceptance policies require no medical exams or health questions, making them ideal for people with health issues or those seeking quick coverage.
Coverage amounts are typically limited to $25,000 or less, although some insurers offer up to $75,000. Premiums are higher based on age and gender, and a graded death benefit applies in the first two years.
If you're looking for guaranteed acceptance life insurance, you have several strong options to consider. GEICO stands out as the best overall company, offering comprehensive coverage with reliable service. Other insurers excel in specific categories.
Check the table below to compare age ranges, coverage options, waiting periods and average costs to find the right fit for your needs.
GEICO
| Overall Guaranteed Acceptance
| 45–85
| $1,000 to $75,000
| Standard graded death benefit (specific terms vary by carrier) | 100
| $28
|
Physicians Mutual | Best Cheap for Seniors | 45–85
| $1,000 to $15,000 | 24-month waiting period if death occurs within first two years, beneficiaries receive premiums paid plus 10% interest | N/A
| $75
|
Ethos
| Easy Online Application | 55–85
| $1,000 to $20,000 | Graded death benefit if death occurs from non-accidental causes within first two years, beneficiaries receive 100% of premiums paid plus 30% | N/A
| $60
|
GEICO is the best overall guaranteed acceptance life insurance provider because it combines affordable coverage, a straightforward application process and strong financial stability. The average cost is $28 per month or $338 per year, based on a 50-year-old male nonsmoker with $10,000 in coverage.
Applicants ages 45 to 85 can choose coverage from $1,000 to $75,000 without a medical exam. Backed by an A++ AM Best rating, GEICO’s partner-issued policies may build cash value and allow borrowing, depending on the carrier.
GEICO is also the best option for several specific needs.
*Rates are based on Lifequotes.com quotes for GEICO.
Physicians Mutual is the best choice for seniors seeking cheap guaranteed acceptance life insurance. Available to applicants ages 45 to 85, policies range from $5,000 to $15,000 in coverage and build cash value that can be borrowed against. The 24-month graded death benefit pays premiums plus 10% interest if death occurs within the first two years. With an A rating from AM Best and A+ from the BBB, Physicians Mutual offers reliable protection at competitive rates, averaging $75 per month for a 70-year-old male nonsmoker with $10,000 in coverage.
Ethos is our top choice for the easiest online application, offering a fully digital process that delivers quotes in minutes and allows most applicants to complete an application in 10 minutes or less. The company also received an A+ AM Best rating and an A+ BBB rating.
Its guaranteed acceptance policy is available for ages 55 to 85, with coverage from $1,000 to $20,000. After instant approval, you can pay by credit card and receive immediate coverage. For non-accidental deaths within the first two years, the graded death benefit pays 100% of premiums plus 30% interest. The policy builds cash value and allows borrowing. At age 100, premiums stop while coverage continues for life.
For a 55-year-old male nonsmoker, the average cost of a $10,000 Ethos guaranteed acceptance policy is $60 per month or $720 per year.
Finding the right guaranteed acceptance life insurance can seem confusing, but this guide makes it easier. We compared age limits, coverage amounts, waiting periods and premium costs to help you choose a policy that matches your needs, even if you've been denied coverage before.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance rates depend only on your age, gender, and coverage amount, unlike traditional life insurance that considers health and lifestyle factors.
Rates still vary by carrier, so get at least three quotes to compare.
| $1,000 | $4 | $51 |
| $2,000 | $8 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $13 | $162 |
| $4,000 | $18 | $216 |
| $5,000 | $22 | $266 |
| $6,000 | $27 | $319 |
| $7,000 | $31 | $373 |
| $8,000 | $36 | $426 |
| $9,000 | $40 | $479 |
| $10,000 | $44 | $525 |
| $11,000 | $48 | $578 |
| $12,000 | $53 | $631 |
| $13,000 | $57 | $683 |
| $14,000 | $61 | $736 |
| $15,000 | $66 | $789 |
| $16,000 | $72 | $863 |
| $17,000 | $76 | $917 |
| $18,000 | $81 | $971 |
| $19,000 | $85 | $1,024 |
| $20,000 | $90 | $1,078 |
| $21,000 | $94 | $1,132 |
| $22,000 | $99 | $1,186 |
| $23,000 | $103 | $1,240 |
| $24,000 | $108 | $1,294 |
| $25,000 | $112 | $1,348 |
| $26,000 | $93 | $1,116 |
| $27,000 | $97 | $1,159 |
| $28,000 | $100 | $1,202 |
| $29,000 | $104 | $1,244 |
| $30,000 | $107 | $1,287 |
| $31,000 | $85 | $1,015 |
| $32,000 | $87 | $1,048 |
| $33,000 | $90 | $1,081 |
| $34,000 | $93 | $1,113 |
| $35,000 | $96 | $1,146 |
| $36,000 | $98 | $1,179 |
| $37,000 | $101 | $1,212 |
| $38,000 | $104 | $1,244 |
| $39,000 | $106 | $1,277 |
| $40,000 | $109 | $1,310 |
| $41,000 | $112 | $1,343 |
| $42,000 | $115 | $1,375 |
| $43,000 | $117 | $1,408 |
| $44,000 | $120 | $1,441 |
| $45,000 | $123 | $1,473 |
| $46,000 | $126 | $1,506 |
| $47,000 | $128 | $1,539 |
| $48,000 | $131 | $1,572 |
| $49,000 | $134 | $1,604 |
| $50,000 | $136 | $1,637 |
| $51,000 | $139 | $1,670 |
| $52,000 | $142 | $1,703 |
| $53,000 | $145 | $1,735 |
| $54,000 | $147 | $1,768 |
| $55,000 | $150 | $1,801 |
| $56,000 | $153 | $1,834 |
| $57,000 | $156 | $1,866 |
| $58,000 | $158 | $1,899 |
| $59,000 | $161 | $1,932 |
| $60,000 | $164 | $1,965 |
| $61,000 | $166 | $1,997 |
| $62,000 | $169 | $2,030 |
| $63,000 | $172 | $2,063 |
| $64,000 | $175 | $2,096 |
| $65,000 | $177 | $2,128 |
| $66,000 | $180 | $2,161 |
| $67,000 | $183 | $2,194 |
| $68,000 | $186 | $2,227 |
| $69,000 | $188 | $2,259 |
| $70,000 | $191 | $2,292 |
| $71,000 | $194 | $2,325 |
| $72,000 | $196 | $2,358 |
| $73,000 | $199 | $2,390 |
| $74,000 | $202 | $2,423 |
| $75,000 | $205 | $2,456 |
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance is permanent whole life insurance with level premiums and death benefits up to $25,000. Rates depend on age, gender and coverage amount, not health. Smokers and nonsmokers pay the same, with no health questionnaire or medical exam required. If you're within the eligible age range and can pay premiums, you're guaranteed approval.
This policy builds cash value and provides lifetime coverage, making it ideal for people who can't qualify for traditional life insurance due to medical conditions. While coverage is easy to obtain, premiums are higher because insurers accept all applicants without health screening. Many of the best online life insurance carriers now offer quotes and purchases entirely online.
The terms "guaranteed acceptance" and "guaranteed issue" mean the same thing in life insurance. Both describe whole life policies that accept all applicants without medical underwriting. Insurance companies use these terms interchangeably, though "guaranteed issue" appears more commonly in industry documentation. Regardless of the name, these policies work identically, providing permanent coverage with simplified applications.
Most guaranteed acceptance life insurance policies include graded death benefits with two- to three-year waiting periods. During this time, beneficiaries receive only premiums paid plus interest if death occurs from natural causes. However, some insurers now offer no waiting period guaranteed life insurance options.
Policies with waiting periods are more common and typically offer:
No waiting period policies provide immediate full benefits but come with trade-offs:
Deaths from accidents qualify for full benefits immediately with both policy types, even during graded periods.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance has advantages and disadvantages worth considering before purchasing.
No health questions or medical exams make applications quick and simple, usually taking just minutes with immediate approval if you meet eligibility criteria.
Most policies build cash value over time. You can borrow against it, but outstanding loans reduce the death benefit paid to beneficiaries.
You're guaranteed acceptance once you apply. Policies stay in force until death as long as you pay premiums on time. Some companies offer "paid-up" ages where premiums end but coverage continues.
Death benefits are typically capped at $25,000, though some companies like MetLife offer up to $50,000. GEICO offers up to $75,000.
Most policies include graded death benefits. If you die from non-accidental causes in the first few years, beneficiaries receive only premiums paid plus 10% to 30% interest. Full benefits become available after the waiting period.
All applicants are treated as high-risk, resulting in the highest life insurance rates compared to underwritten products.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance is best for people with serious health issues or those denied other coverage. These policies require no health screening, making them ideal for high-risk applicants. Most are whole life final expense insurance designed for seniors.
If you're healthy, guaranteed acceptance likely isn't cost-effective. Healthy people may qualify for more affordable life insurance that requires a medical exam but offers higher benefits and lower costs.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance works for people who can't qualify for traditional coverage due to health issues. While premiums are higher and coverage lower, the guaranteed approval offers financial protection. GEICO stands out with fast claims processing, easy online applications and nationwide availability.
Have questions about guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance? Understanding our answers to these common questions can help you make the right decision.
GEICO is the best guaranteed acceptance life insurance company in 2025, offering:
Guaranteed issue life insurance is another name for guaranteed acceptance life insurance. It's permanent whole life coverage that doesn't require medical exams or health questions. As long as you're within the eligible age range (50 to 85) and can pay premiums, your acceptance is guaranteed regardless of your health condition. These policies build cash value and provide lifelong coverage with level premiums.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance is simple. If you meet age requirements, you can apply without health questionnaires or medical exams and can't be turned down. Most policies have graded death benefits, meaning beneficiaries receive only premiums paid plus 10% to 30% interest if you die from non-accidental causes in the first two years.
See also: How does life insurance work?
Pros include simple applications with no medical exams or health questions. Cons include high costs per $1,000 of coverage, coverage caps usually at $25,000 or less, and limited death benefits if you die within the first two years from non-accidental causes. However, some companies also offer higher coverage levels up to $75,000.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance costs vary by age and coverage. At age 50, monthly premiums for $10,000 coverage range from $38 to $59, depending on your gender and smoking status. At age 70, premiums range from $73 to $129. Premium rates lock in for life once purchased.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance works best for people who can't qualify for traditional coverage due to serious health conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illnesses. It's also suitable for seniors who want to cover final expenses without burdening family members. However, if you're in decent health, traditional life insurance usually offers better value with higher coverage amounts and lower premiums.
Guaranteed acceptance requires no health information, while simplified life insurance requires answering basic health questions but skips the medical exam. Simplified issue offers higher coverage amounts, lower premiums and immediate full death benefits. However, you can still be declined for a simplified issue if you have serious health problems. Guaranteed acceptance can't turn you down if you meet the age requirements.
Most guaranteed acceptance policies have a graded benefit period lasting two to three years. If you die from illness or natural causes during this time, beneficiaries receive only premiums paid plus 10% to 30% interest. After the waiting period ends, they receive the full death benefit. Deaths from accidents qualify for full benefits immediately in most cases, even during the waiting period.
Most guaranteed acceptance life insurance is designed for people aged 50 to 85, though some insurers accept applicants as young as 45. If you're younger and have health problems preventing you from getting traditional coverage, look into simplified issue policies or consider working with an agent who specializes in high-risk applicants. Some insurers offer guaranteed acceptance products for younger people with specific conditions.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance is worth it if you can't qualify for traditional coverage and need protection for final expenses. The high premiums and low coverage limits make it expensive, but it serves an important purpose for people with serious health conditions. Before purchasing, compare quotes from multiple insurers and consider whether simplified issue might work for your situation.
Applying is straightforward since there are no medical requirements. Contact insurers directly, work with licensed agents or apply online. You'll provide basic information like age, gender, state and desired coverage amount. Most applications take just minutes to complete, and approval is typically instant. Once accepted, coverage usually begins within 30 days of your first premium payment.
Yes, guaranteed acceptance life insurance approves all applicants regardless of health conditions, including diabetes. You cannot be denied coverage if you meet age requirements (45 to 85).
Benefits for diabetics:
Guaranteed approval life insurance skips medical exams and health questions, but companies vary significantly in their coverage options, rates and service quality. We designed our research to identify which insurers offer the best combination of competitive pricing, reliable coverage and customer support for people who need simplified underwriting.
We created a 100-point scoring system across four key categories that matter most when you can't qualify for traditional coverage. Here's how we weighted each factor:
Our Sample Customer Profile
We used a standard profile to collect quotes across all companies:
We then modified this profile by age, gender, height, weight, tobacco use, health rating and location to gather quotes for different customer types. This approach lets us identify which companies offer the best policies across various demographics.
Coverage Analysis
We collected quotes for guaranteed acceptance life insurance with varying coverage amounts. Our research revealed pricing patterns that helped us calculate projections and extend our analysis beyond the initial data collection.
This methodology ensures our recommendations work for real people facing real health challenges, not just theoretical "perfect" customers who don't need guaranteed approval coverage in the first place.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
