We researched senior life insurance companies in the industry, selecting the best products for universal, term, guaranteed, and whole life insurance along with several other use cases. Compare the providers in our list to determine which is the right fit for your needs:
Best Life Insurance Companies for Seniors in 2025
The best life insurance companies for seniors are Protective Insurance, Gerber Life, and Legal & General. The right provider for you depends on your coverage needs.
Find out if you're overpaying for life insurance below.

Updated: November 10, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Life insurance provides financial protection to help seniors cover final expenses, replace income, or leave a legacy, making it an important part of late-life financial planning.
Protective Insurance, Legal & General, and Gerber Life are top life insurance providers for seniors, each excelling in different areas.
Choosing the right policy depends on your age, health and financial goals. Compare premiums, coverage types and medical exam requirements to find your fit.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek
We analyzed life insurance quotes from 29 insurance companies covering ages 50 and older for smokers, non-smokers, men, and women at various heights, weights, and health levels across a range of term limits and coverage levels. MoneyGeek maintains editorial independence and doesn't receive compensation from insurance companies for life insurance rankings or recommendations. For more information, read our full methodology.
What are the Best Life Insurance Companies for Seniors?
Best For | Company | Avg. Monthly Cost (Term) | Max Age Supported | Coverage Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Legal & General | $94 (F), $136 (M) | 75 | $10 million (Term) | |
Protective Insurance | $89 (F), $126 (M) | 85 | $10 million+ (Term) | |
Gerber Life | $151 (F), $209 (M) | 80 | $5 million (Term), $25,000 (Guaranteed) | |
SBLI | $77 (F), $109 (M) | 75 | $10 million (Term) | |
Midland National | $87 (F), $122 (M) | 75 | $10 million+ (Term) | |
Mutual of Omaha | $109 (F), $152 (M) | 80 | $10 million+ (Term) | |
Ethos | $273 (F), $387 (M) | 85 | $3 million (Term), $20,000 (Guaranteed) |
* Rates shown are average monthly costs for 65-year-old non-smokers of average height, weight, and health for 10-year term life insurance at $100,000 in coverage. Rates are based on our standardized quote methodology and may differ from what you receive based on your specific health profile, location, and chosen coverage options.
Best Senior Term Life Insurance

Legal & General
Avg. Monthly Cost (Term)
$94 (Female), $136 (Male)Max Age
75Policy Types
Term, Whole, Universal, IUL
- pros
Up to $10 million in coverage
Extended conversion period until age 70
Competitive rates for seniors
consLower financial strength than other options in our list
Universal life insurance offers lifelong coverage and cash value potential, but many seniors prefer term life insurance for a simpler, more affordable solution. Legal & General sells term life insurance with coverage up to $10 million for applicants up to 75 years old.
A 65-year-old woman will pay $94 monthly, while a man of the same age will pay $136 for $100,000 on a ten year term. Their A rating from A.M. Best shows strong financial stability, though not quite at the highest tier. The conversion options they offer let you switch to permanent coverage up to age 70, which gives you more time to make that decision than most other insurers allow.
- A.M. Best rating: A
- NAIC complaint index: 0.35
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- Customer sentiment: 85% positive, 15% negative
- Max coverage: $10 million
- Medical exam required: Yes
- Terms available: 10-40 years
- Ages supported: 20-75
- Riders and options: Accelerated death benefit rider, child rider, stacking rider, guaranteed insurability rider, conversion options to age 70
Best Senior Universal Life Insurance

Protective
Avg. Monthly Cost (Term)
$89 (Female), $126 (Male)Max Age
80Policy Types
Term, Whole, Universal, IUL
- pros
Coverage available to age 85 for universal and 80 for term
Universal Return of Premium Endorsement (25% back after 10 years)
Flexible death benefit adjustments for universal
Affordable rates for term and universal
consUniversal cash value accumulation unlikely in most scenarios
Protective Insurance is the best universal life insurance for seniors, available up to age 85. A 65-year-old woman of average height, weight, and health seeking $100,000 in universal life insurance coverage will pay $155, while a man of the same profile will pay $179. Once you lock in your premium, it stays level for life with no surprises or increases as you age.
Their A+ rating from A.M. Best demonstrates solid financial strength, and they scored 653 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction rankings, placing 9th overall. Protective also sells term life insurance to seniors up to age 80, which is one of the highest age limits for this type of product based on our review. Their term rates are the third lowest in our list, with 65-year-old women paying $89 for $100,000 in coverage and men paying $126.
- A.M. Best rating: A+
- NAIC complaint index: N/A
- J.D. Power score: 653 (9th)
- Customer sentiment: 82% positive, 18% negative
- Max coverage: $10 million+
- Medical exam required: Yes
- Terms available: 10-40 years
- Ages supported: 20-80
- Riders and options: Child term rider, accelerated death benefit, waiver of premium, accidental death benefit, guaranteed insurability, conversion options up to age 70
Best Guaranteed Life Insurance

Gerber
Avg. Monthly Cost (Term)
$151 (Female), $209 (Male)Max Age
80Policy Types
Term, Whole, No-Exam
- pros
Guaranteed acceptance up to age 80
No medical exams required for guaranteed coverage
Strong financial rating
Coverage up to $25,000 for guaranteed policies
consHigher monthly premiums for term insurance
Lower age range for term insurance (up to 70)
If you've been turned down for coverage or worry that health issues will disqualify you, guaranteed life insurance is a good option. This type of coverage doesn't require a medical exam or health questions. Gerber Life has the best guaranteed life insurance for older people, with coverage that extends all the way to age 80. Their guaranteed policies provide up to $25,000 in coverage, which is usually enough to handle final expenses and leave something behind for loved ones. For their guaranteed policy, you’ll pay $85 for $20,000 in coverage or $107 for the maximum coverage of $25,000.
If you need more substantial coverage, they also offer term life insurance up to $5 million for applicants up to 70 years old. At $151 monthly for 65-year-old women seeking $100,000 in coverage and $209 for men of the same age, however, their term rates are more expensive than other options in our list.
- A.M. Best rating: A+
- NAIC complaint index: N/A
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- Customer sentiment: 81% positive, 19% negative
- Max coverage: $1 million without medical exam (Term), $25,000 (Guaranteed Whole)
- Medical exam required: No
- Terms available: 10-30 years (Term)
- Ages supported: 18-70 (Term), 50-80 (Guaranteed Whole)
- Waiting Period (Guaranteed Whole): N/A
- Riders and options: Accelerated Death Benefit, Child Coverage, Guaranteed Issue Options
Most Affordable Term Life Insurance for Seniors

SBLI
Avg. Monthly Cost (Term)
$77 (Female), $109 (Male)Max Age
75Policy Types
Term, Whole
- pros
Lowest senior rates among term providers we reviewed
Up to $10 million in coverage
Coverage extends to age 75
consHigher complaint index at 1.08
SBLI is the most affordable term life insurance for seniors. A 65-year-old woman pays just $77 monthly on average for $100,000 in coverage, while men of the same age pay $109. You can get high coverage too, with policies available up to $10 million for applicants ages 18 to 75.
Their A financial strength rating from A.M. Best and A+ rating from the BBB show that they're financially stable and treat customers fairly. Their NAIC complaint index of 1.08 is slightly higher than some competitors, but their low rates often offset this concern. If you're primarily focused on maximizing coverage while minimizing monthly costs, SBLI delivers what you need.
- A.M. Best rating: A
- NAIC complaint index: 1.08
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- Customer sentiment: 80% positive, 20% negative
- Max coverage: $10 million+
- Medical exam required: Yes
- Terms available: 10-30 years
- Ages supported: 18-75
- Riders and options: Accelerated death benefit, child term rider, waiver of premium, accidental death benefit, conversion options from term to permanent coverage
Best Whole Life Insurance for Seniors

Midland National
Avg. Monthly Cost (Term)
$87 (Female), $122 (Male)Max Age
75Policy Types
Term, Whole, Universal, IUL
- pros
Competitive whole and term life insurance rates
Cash value of whole life insurance builds over time
Strong financial ratings
Over $10 million in term coverage
consMid-tier J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking
Whole life costs more than term options
Midland National is the best whole life insurance for seniors with coverage that builds cash value over time while providing lifetime coverage. At age 65 with $100,000 in coverage, you’ll lock in a rate of $444 per month for women and $544 for men. While whole life costs more than term insurance, Midland National's rates stay competitive, and you're building an asset that accumulates cash value you can borrow against if needed.
Midland National also offers up to $10 million in term coverage for applicants up to age 75, with the second lowest rates among providers in our list. A 65-year-old woman pays $87 monthly for $100,000 in coverage, while men of the same age pay $122.
Their dual A+ ratings from both the BBB and A.M. Best demonstrate strong financials and customer commitment. If you want permanent coverage with a savings component, Midland National delivers reliable financial protection backed by strong ratings.
- A.M. Best rating: A+
- NAIC complaint index: N/A
- J.D. Power score: 643 (13th)
- Customer sentiment: 72% positive, 28% negative
- Max coverage: $10 million+
- Medical exam required: Yes
- Terms available: 10-30 years
- Ages supported: 18-75
- Riders and options: N/A
Best No-Exam Term Life Insurance

Mutual of Omaha
Avg. Monthly Cost (Term)
$109 (Female), $152 (Male)Max Age
75Policy Types
Term, No-Exam
- pros
Up to $10 million coverage with medical exam
Extended age range (18-80)
Strong customer satisfaction
consHigher monthly rates for no-exam convenience
No-exam term life insurance gives temporary coverage without a medical exam, often with higher coverage limits than guaranteed whole life. Mutual of Omaha has the best no-exam term life insurance for seniors with up to $300,000 in coverage and accepting applicants up to 80 years old. This is a game-changer if you want to skip the hassle of physicals and blood tests while still securing substantial coverage.
At $109 monthly for 65-year-old women and $152 for men of the same age with $100,000 in coverage, you're paying a bit more than fully underwritten policies, but the convenience and speed of approval justifies the extra cost. If you’re willing to take a medical exam, their coverage limits extend greatly to over $10 million.
They earned a J.D. Power customer satisfaction score of 659, placing them in 6th overall, and they also maintain an excellent NAIC complaint index of just 0.51. The dual A+ ratings from both the BBB and A.M. Best also underscore their reliability.
- A.M. Best rating: A+
- NAIC complaint index: 0.51
- J.D. Power score: 659 (6th)
- Customer sentiment: 74% positive, 26% negative
- Max coverage: $10 million+ with medical exam or $300,000 without medical exam (Term), $25,000 (Guaranteed Whole)
- Medical exam required: No
- Terms available: 10-30 years (Term)
- Ages supported: 18-80 (Term), 45-85 (Guaranteed Whole)
- Waiting Period (Guaranteed Whole): If death occurs from natural causes in first 2 years, beneficiaries receive premiums paid plus 10%
- Riders and options: Accelerated death benefit, child term rider, waiver of premium, accidental death benefit
Best Customer Experience

Ethos
Avg. Monthly Cost (Term)
$273 (Female), $387 (Male)Max Age
85Policy Types
Term, Whole, IUL, No-Exam
- pros
Free estate planning tools included (wills, trusts, POA)
Digital-first application process
Guaranteed coverage up to age 85
Up to $3 million in term coverage
consHigher term rates
Term coverage only to age 69
Ethos makes buying life insurance easy with digital-first service that seniors appreciate. They include free access to estate planning tools for all policyholders, including wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and caregiving resources. This makes them a great option if you’re handling end-of-life planning.
They offer term coverage up to $3 million for applicants ages 18 to 69, which is more limited than other options in our list. But they also offer guaranteed whole life insurance policies available up to age 85 at $20,000 in max coverage. Their A+ rating from the BBB and A+ rating from A.M. Best demonstrate strong financials and high customer satisfaction. At $273 monthly for 65-year-old women and $387 for men at $100,000 in coverage, their term rates run substantially higher than competitors. You're paying for the convenience of online application, quick approval, and those valuable estate planning tools that would cost hundreds elsewhere. Their guaranteed whole life insurance plans for seniors are more affordable at $109 per month for both men and women at the maximum coverage level of $20,000.
- A.M. Best rating: A+
- NAIC complaint index: N/A
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- Customer sentiment: 95% positive, 5% negative
- Max coverage: $3 million without medical exam (Term), $20,000 (Guaranteed Whole)
- Medical exam required: No
- Terms available: 10-40 years (Term)
- Ages supported: 18-69 (Term), 55-85 (Guaranteed Whole)
- Waiting Period (Guaranteed Whole): If death occurs from non-accidental causes within the first 2 years, beneficiaries receive 100% of premiums paid plus 30%.
- Riders and options: Accelerated death benefit, free will and estate planning tools
How to Find the Best Life Insurance Policy for Seniors
Seniors face higher life insurance premiums and more stringent health evaluations than younger applicants. Focus on these features when comparing policies:
- Policy Duration. If you're considering term life insurance, the term should align with your financial planning horizon. Whole and universal life insurance offer lifelong coverage with locked in rates, which is more suitable for long-term financial planning.
- Affordability. Premiums increase with age, so finding policies that balance cost and coverage becomes essential. Term plans tend to be more affordable.
- Underwriting Process. Some policies require medical exams, while simplified issue or guaranteed issue options skip medical exams. No-exam policies help applicants with pre-existing health conditions but carry higher premiums.
- Riders and Additional Features. Look for beneficial riders like accelerated death benefits, which allow you to access portions of death benefits when diagnosed with terminal illnesses.
How Much Does Senior Life Insurance Cost?
If you're concerned about life insurance costs as you age, you're not alone. Premiums do increase with age to reflect health risks. Understanding how age, health, and policy type impact your rates helps you make informed decisions about coverage.
The table below shows average monthly costs for 10-year term life insurance at $100,000 coverage by age, giving you a clear picture of what to expect:
Midland National | $27 (F) / $38 (M) | $46 (F) / $66 (M) | $87 (F) / $123 (M) | $129 (F) / $180 (M) |
Protective Insurance | $27 (F) / $38 (M) | $45 (F) / $64 (M) | $90 (F) / $126 (M) | $209 (F) / $264 (M) |
SBLI | $29 (F) / $42 (M) | $53 (F) / $75 (M) | $77 (F) / $109 (M) | $101 (F) / $143 (M) |
Legal & General | $30 (F) / $43 (M) | $53 (F) / $75 (M) | $95 (F) / $136 (M) | $211 (F) / $253 (M) |
Mutual of Omaha | $34 (F) / $48 (M) | $58 (F) / $85 (M) | $110 (F) / $152 (M) | $161 (F) / $220 (M) |
Gerber Life (Fabric) | $36 (F) / $51 (M) | $94 (F) / $130 (M) | $152 (F) / $210 (M) | $209 (F) / $289 (M) |
Ethos | $106 (F) / $152 (M) | $190 (F) / $270 (M) | $273 (F) / $388 (M) | N/A |
Best Senior Life Insurance Companies: Bottom Line
Life insurance gives seniors a financial safety net for their families by covering final expenses, replacing lost income or leaving financial legacies.
Protective Insurance is the best universal life insurance for seniors, while Gerber Life is the best guaranteed life insurance, and Legal & General is the best term life insurance.
Choose the right plan by evaluating policy types, premiums and provider reputations that match your coverage needs and budget.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MoneyGeek's experts answered common questions about the best life insurance options for seniors.
What type of life insurance is best for seniors?
Term life insurance works best for healthy seniors who want temporary coverage at lower costs, while whole life provides permanent coverage with guaranteed premiums and cash value. Final expense insurance covers burial costs with small death benefits and simplified underwriting for those with health issues.
Is term life insurance worth it for seniors?
Term life insurance is worth purchasing for seniors seeking affordable, temporary coverage. Term policies work best for protecting loved ones financially, covering end-of-life expenses or leaving inheritance funds without long-term commitments or higher premiums associated with permanent policies.
Can seniors over 75 still get life insurance?
Seniors over 75 can secure life insurance, though options become limited. Guaranteed issue policies older applicants but offer much lower coverage limits that don’t usually exceed $25,000. A few term life insurance companies offer coverage as high as 80 years old but often require medical exams. Final expense insurance remains available for covering funeral costs.
Do seniors need medical exams for life insurance?
Medical exam requirements for life insurance depend on policy type. Simplified issue policies skip medical exams but ask detailed health questions and more than traditional coverage. Guaranteed issue policies require no health questions but limit coverage amounts. Medical exams provide the best rates for healthy applicants.
How do common senior health conditions affect life insurance?
Controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol qualify for standard or slightly higher life insurance rates when managed with medication. Heart conditions, cancer history, and stroke require detailed review but don't automatically disqualify applicants. Insurers focus on how well you manage health conditions.
What's the difference between guaranteed issue and simplified issue for seniors?
Simplified issue life insurance policies require five to 15 health questions without medical exams, offering coverage limits up to $100,000 to $300,000. Guaranteed issue policies accept everyone regardless of health but limit coverage to $10,000 to $25,000 with waiting periods. Apply for simplified issue coverage first for better rates and higher limits.
Why do life insurance premiums increase so much after age 65?
Life insurance premiums reflect increased mortality risk with aging. After 65, health complications happen more frequently and life expectancy decreases, causing insurers to charge higher premiums. Securing coverage earlier or choosing guaranteed issue policies becomes important for senior applicants.
Finding the Best Life Insurance for Seniors: Expert Advice
Our Review Methodology
Shopping for life insurance as a senior feels different from how it was in your 30s. Your health history matters more, term lengths become crucial decisions, and you're weighing financial protection against affordability on a fixed income. We designed our research specifically around these senior-focused concerns.
Our Research Approach
We analyzed three key factors that matter most when you're shopping for senior life insurance, applying a weight average to create a total score out of five points:
- Affordability (50%): We obtained cost data through online quotes at different coverage levels and for different demographic profiles based on age, health, height, weight and smoking habits.
- Customer Experience (30%): We examined financial strength ratings from AM Best and the number of years in business. We also considered customer satisfaction data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) customer complaint index and customer sentiment on popular review forums. Finally, we factored in the availability of tools to aid in the buying process, such as online product materials and multiple payment options.
- Coverage Options (20%): For this decision factor, we considered the diversity of life insurance products offered as well as available riders and other unique benefits.
Sample Customer Profile
We gathered quotes using a standard senior profile across all companies:
- Age range: 50 to 85
- Non-smoker
- Average height and weight
- Average health rating
Unless otherwise stated, rates shown throughout this article are based on 65-year-old non-smokers with average height, weight, and health on 10-year term at $100k coverage.
We modified the profile by age, gender, height, weight, tobacco use, health rating and geographic location to collect various quotes and determine the best life insurance company for several types of customers. We also collected quotes for term life insurance with varying term lengths and coverage amounts.
We identified pricing trends across age groups and projected costs to help you understand how premiums change as you age. This approach reveals which companies offer the most predictable rate increases, which is crucial information when you're planning coverage that may last decades.
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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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.






