With life insurance, you can keep caring for your loved ones long after you’ve passed away. But finding the right policy can be tricky, especially for older adults. Life insurance premiums become more expensive as you age, and options may seem more limited. However, contrary to popular belief, affordable life insurance for seniors is available. Keep reading to learn some information and strategies that can help you find the best policy at the right price.

Why do seniors need life insurance?

As you get older, your financial priorities might change. Even if milestone expenses are behind you, like paying off a mortgage or getting the kids through college, senior life insurance can help protect your family’s future. For example, if your spouse or partner needs medical assistance or ongoing care after you’ve passed, your death benefit can help cover it.

Your life insurance policy can also help you pay for any debts or bills your family might otherwise be left to handle when you’re gone. Finally, a life insurance policy can offer your loved ones financial support to cover your end-of-life expenses.

5 Tips to help seniors find affordable life insurance

As an older adult, tracking down affordable life insurance that meets your needs can be complicated. Premium costs typically increase with age, and navigating your options can be challenging. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to make that process easier.

#1: Know your situation 

Assessing your current circumstances when developing a plan for life insurance coverage is vital, and taking inventory of your finances can be a productive place to start. Ask yourself:

• How much money do you have saved?
• Do you have money set aside for an inheritance for loved ones or a charitable organization?
• Is there a plan to pay for funeral expenses?
• Will you leave behind any shared credit card bills or other debts that won’t go away when you pass?
• Have you paid off your mortgage?
• Does anyone depend on your income for financial support?

The answers to these questions can help you choose the right policy, so you don’t spend money on coverage you may not need.

#2: Read the fine print 

Life insurance policies are complex. They can come with a lot of stipulations and conditions. For example, while some policies’ coverage starts immediately, other policies don’t pay full death benefits until they’ve been active for a few years. So before you commit to a policy, make sure you’ve taken the time to examine it thoroughly and get any of your questions answered. With Fidelity Life, a licensed insurance agent can help you understand the details before you finalize your life insurance plan.

#3: Ask for a professional opinion 

Exploring your insurance options can be intimidating, but fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. A licensed insurance agent or certified financial professional can help you understand key terminology and decide whether you need life insurance. They can also help guide you to the best insurance policy for your budget and coverage needs.

#4: Make your health a priority 

If you don’t have any chronic health concerns, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help lower your premiums, especially if you’re applying for a policy that includes a medical exam. Even if you’re an older adult, exercising, following your doctor’s recommendations, and avoiding tobacco products could lower your premiums for some plans.

#5: Shop around for different types of policies

The best policy is the one that meets your coverage needs at a price point that fits your budget. Since life insurance rates vary based on policy type, coverage amount, age, and other factors, it’s worth exploring the different policies available to you.

Types of affordable life insurance policies for seniors

Fidelity Life offers a range of affordable life insurance policies for seniors, so that you can find great coverage at almost any age. Term life policies provide coverage for a set timeframe, while permanent policies provide ongoing coverage. Final expense insurance is a type of permanent coverage designed to pay for end-of-life expenses. Keep your budget and coverage needs in mind as you navigate these options.

Term life insurance for seniors 

Term life insurance policies provide coverage for a fixed period. If you pass away within the coverage period, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum of up to $150,000. Fidelity Life offers a term life plan specifically for seniors under age 70. RAPIDecision® Senior Life Term insurance offers 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year terms.

Term life policies may make sense if you want to ensure your loved ones have the financial resources they need for specific milestones, like college, buying a home, or retiring. These policies tend to be more affordable than permanent policies.

Permanent life insurance for seniors

Permanent life insurance policies provide coverage through the end of your life as long as you continue paying premiums. Most permanent policies accumulate cash value over time. Fidelity Life offers up to $150,000 coverage through RAPIDecision® Senior Whole Life to people between the ages of 50 and 85. If you have any major ongoing expenses, like a mortgage, or want to leave behind a legacy for your loved ones, a permanent plan might best suit your needs. You can also borrow against the policy’s cash value during your lifetime, providing added financial security.

Simplified issue life insurance for seniors

Simplified issue is one of two types of final expense insurance. Final expense insurance, also known as funeral or burial insurance, provides a small death benefit for end-of-life costs. Fidelity Life offers RAPIDecision® Final Expense insurance, which provides a payout of up to $40,000. These policies don’t require a medical exam, but applications include health-related questions. These policies could fit your needs if you’re confident that your savings will cover any debts but you want to set money aside for your funeral.

Guaranteed issue life insurance for seniors

If you’re concerned that your health history might disqualify you from life insurance, a guaranteed issue final expense policy could help you get the coverage you want. Guaranteed issue policies can have age requirements but few qualifications otherwise. The application doesn’t ask for any health information at all. Fidelity Life offers up to $25,000 in coverage through their RAPIDecision® Guaranteed Issue plans. These policies tend to come at a high premium, but they’re an excellent option for people who might otherwise not qualify for coverage.

Still have questions about affordable senior life insurance?

Hopefully, these tips can help you look for affordable life insurance confidently at any age. But if you’d like a little more assistance, Fidelity Life is here to help. You can call to speak with an agent today or get a quote online.