Burial insurance policy document and pen on desk" width="800" height="533" loading="lazy" />Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 85: No Exam Required
Finding affordable life insurance after age 85 is one of the hardest challenges in the insurance market. Most carriers cap their coverage at age 80, and premiums for those who do offer it can seem prohibitive. But burial insurance for seniors over 85 does exist—and no medical exam is required.
Related: Learn about digital life insurance applications with instant data verification — how modern data verification technology is making life insurance faster than ever.
If you’re 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or even 90+, there are guaranteed acceptance policies designed specifically for you. The application takes minutes, there’s no blood work, no doctor visits, and coverage can begin quickly. This guide breaks down your options, costs, and the best carriers for seniors over 85.
Why Burial Insurance Is the Right Choice Over 85
At 85+, burial insurance is typically the only viable life insurance option. Traditional term and whole life policies become unavailable or unaffordable, but burial insurance—also called final expense insurance—remains accessible because:
- No medical exam required – Health questions are minimal or nonexistent
- Guaranteed acceptance – You cannot be turned down based on health
- Small face amounts – $2,000–$25,000 is sufficient for funeral costs and debts
- Whole life protection – Coverage never expires and premiums never increase
Burial Insurance vs. Other Options After Age 85
At age 85+, your realistic choices are limited:
- Burial/final expense insurance – Available up to age 90+ with no medical exam; guaranteed acceptance
- Pre-need funeral insurance – Purchased through a funeral home; pays the funeral director directly
- Guaranteed issue whole life – Similar to burial insurance but may offer slightly higher coverage amounts
Term life insurance is essentially unavailable after age 80, and underwritten whole life becomes prohibitively expensive.
Burial Insurance Rates for Seniors Over 85
Rates for burial insurance over 85 are higher than for younger seniors, which is why it’s essential to compare multiple carriers. Here are estimated monthly premiums for a $10,000 guaranteed issue policy:
| Age | $5,000 Coverage | $10,000 Coverage | $15,000 Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | $68–$88/mo | $130–$170/mo | $192–$250/mo |
| 86 | $74–$96/mo | $142–$185/mo | $210–$273/mo |
| 87 | $80–$104/mo | $154–$200/mo | $228–$296/mo |
| 88 | $88–$114/mo | $168–$220/mo | $250–$326/mo |
| 89 | $96–$125/mo | $184–$240/mo | $272–$355/mo |
| 90 | $104–$136/mo | $200–$262/mo | $296–$388/mo |
Rates are estimates for guaranteed issue whole life policies. Actual rates vary by carrier and state.
Best Burial Insurance Companies for Seniors Over 85
1. AIG / American General
AIG offers guaranteed issue whole life up to age 80 for new applications, but their guaranteed issue product is one of the most well-known in the industry. Guaranteed acceptance, no health questions, coverage from $5,000–$25,000.
2. Colonial Penn
Colonial Penn accepts applicants up to age 85 with their guaranteed acceptance program. The $9.95/unit pricing structure makes it easy to understand costs, though coverage amounts are limited.
3. Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha offers guaranteed issue coverage up to age 85 for policies up to $25,000. Known for strong financial ratings and reliable claims payment.
4. Prosperity Life Group
Prosperity offers competitive guaranteed issue rates with acceptance up to age 80–85 (varies by state). Excellent choice if you also need coverage options for seniors over 80.
5. Gerber Life
Gerber Life’s guaranteed issue policy accepts applicants ages 50–80. While the age ceiling is lower than some competitors, they offer reliable coverage with simple applications.
Important Considerations for Seniors Over 85
Graded Benefit Period
All guaranteed issue policies include a 2–3 year graded benefit period. If you pass away during this time from natural causes, your beneficiary receives premiums paid plus interest (typically 10%) rather than the full face amount. Accidental death pays the full benefit from day one.
Coverage Amount vs. Premium Cost
At age 85+, it’s important to calculate whether your total premiums will exceed the benefit amount. A $10,000 policy at $170/month would break even at approximately 59 months (about 5 years). If you’re in reasonable health, the math almost always works in your favor.
Alternatives to Burial Insurance for the 85+ Age Group
If burial insurance premiums feel too steep at age 85+, consider these alternatives. Pre-need funeral contracts: many funeral homes let you lock in today’s prices by prepaying directly — no medical questions, no waiting period, and the funds go straight to the funeral home. Payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts: designate a beneficiary on a savings account and the funds bypass probate entirely. Life insurance policy loans: if you already have a whole life or universal life policy with cash value, you can borrow against it to cover final expenses — though this reduces the death benefit. Each option has trade-offs, and the right choice depends on whether you need the funds to go to family (burial insurance/POD) or directly to a funeral provider (pre-need).
For a broader comparison of end-of-life planning tools, read our Body Donation and Funeral Costs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any life insurance with no exam for 90-year-olds?
Yes, though options become very limited. A few carriers offer guaranteed issue coverage up to age 90. Coverage amounts are typically capped at $10,000–$15,000, and premiums are significantly higher than for younger applicants. See our guide for seniors over 80 for the latest age availability by carrier.
Can an 87-year-old get burial insurance without health questions?
Absolutely. Guaranteed issue burial insurance asks no health questions and requires no medical exam. Acceptance is guaranteed for anyone within the eligible age range (typically 50–85 or 50–80, depending on the carrier).
Should I just prepay for my funeral instead of buying insurance?
Prepaying locks you into one funeral home and you may lose the funds if that business closes. Burial insurance gives your beneficiary a cash payout they can use anywhere, and the policy builds cash value over time. For most seniors, insurance provides more flexibility and protection.
Age shouldn’t stop you from protecting your family. Get your free burial insurance quote now—no medical exam, no health questions, and coverage can start as soon as tomorrow.
Burial Insurance Options for Seniors Over 85
Finding burial insurance after age 85 can be challenging but not impossible. Guaranteed acceptance policies are available up to age 85 with most carriers and up to age 90 with select insurers. These policies ask no health questions and cannot deny coverage. However, expect a 2-3 year graded death benefit period during which the full face amount is not paid for natural causes (accidental death is covered from day one). Premiums at this age are higher — expect to pay $100-200 per month for a $10,000-$15,000 policy. Some carriers offer modified benefit plans that return premiums plus interest (typically 10%) if death occurs during the first 2-3 years.
Alternatives to Traditional Burial Insurance
If burial insurance premiums are too expensive, consider these alternatives. Pre-need funeral plans allow you to prepay funeral expenses directly with a funeral home, locking in today’s prices. Payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts let you designate a beneficiary who receives the funds immediately upon your passing, bypassing probate. Life insurance policy loans from existing permanent policies can fund funeral costs without buying new coverage. Some seniors opt to set aside savings specifically for final expenses, though this requires discipline and doesn’t protect against early death. Discussing your preferences with family members can also reduce the financial burden they face.
Related Life Insurance Resources
- Term Life Insurance Rates by Age: 2026 Price Chart
- No Medical Exam Life Insurance in 2026
- Burial Insurance for Seniors: Complete 2026 Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 85: No Exam Required
How much does life insurance cost in 2026?
The average cost of a 20-year term life insurance policy with $500,000 in coverage is approximately $22 to $27 per month for a healthy 35-year-old. Whole life insurance costs significantly more, ranging from $170 to $190 per month for the same coverage amount. Your actual rate depends on age, health, lifestyle, and the carrier you choose.
Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes, many carriers offer no-exam life insurance options. Simplified issue policies skip the exam but ask health questions, while guaranteed issue policies require no exam and no health questions. No-exam policies typically cost 15-30% more than fully underwritten policies and may have lower coverage limits.
What happens if I miss a premium payment?
Most life insurance policies have a 31-day grace period for premium payments. If you miss a payment, your policy remains active during the grace period. If the premium remains unpaid after the grace period, the policy lapses and coverage ends. Some policies offer a reinstatement period of up to 5 years if you pay back premiums and prove insurability.
Should I choose term or whole life insurance?
Term life insurance is best for most families who need coverage for a specific period (such as while raising children or paying a mortgage). It costs 5-10x less than whole life. Whole life insurance is better for high-net-worth individuals who want permanent coverage with cash value accumulation, estate planning benefits, or tax-advantaged savings.
How do I compare life insurance quotes?
To compare life insurance quotes effectively, get quotes from at least 3-5 carriers, compare the same coverage amount and term length, check carrier financial strength ratings from AM Best, and work with an independent broker who can access multiple carriers. Always compare the total cost over the policy term, not just the monthly premium.
Understanding Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 85: No Exam Required in 2026
Life insurance remains one of the most critical financial decisions you can make for your family’s security. In 2026, the life insurance market continues to evolve with new products, accelerated underwriting processes, and digital-first purchasing options. Understanding your options helps you make an informed choice that protects your loved ones while fitting your budget.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Coverage
- Coverage amount — Most experts recommend 10-15x your annual income in life insurance coverage
- Policy term — Match the term to your financial obligations (mortgage, college, income replacement years)
- Carrier financial strength — Look for AM Best ratings of A or higher
- Premium affordability — Choose a premium you can sustain for the full policy term
- Riders and add-ons — Consider accelerated death benefit, waiver of premium, and conversion options
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too little coverage — Underinsurance leaves your family with a financial gap
- Waiting too long — Premiums increase significantly with age and health changes
- Choosing the wrong policy type — Term vs. whole life depends on your goals, not just cost
- Not comparing carriers — Rates can vary by 40-70% between carriers for the same coverage
- Skipping the medical exam when healthy — Fully underwritten policies are 15-30% cheaper
How to Choose the Right Policy in 2026
Start by assessing your family’s financial needs: income replacement, debt payoff, college funding, and final expenses. Use an online life insurance calculator to estimate your coverage gap, then request quotes from multiple carriers. Work with an independent broker who represents several companies to get unbiased comparisons. Finally, check carrier ratings through AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) before making your decision.
Why This Matters for Your Family’s Financial Security
Life insurance is the foundation of a sound financial plan. It provides tax-free money to your beneficiaries when they need it most, replacing lost income, paying off debts, and ensuring your family can maintain their standard of living. Without adequate coverage, your family may face financial hardship, foreclosure, or the inability to fund education goals. The right policy gives you peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected no matter what happens.
Related Resources
- Term Life Insurance Rates by Age — See monthly costs by age and coverage amount
- No Medical Exam Life Insurance — Get covered without a physical
- Burial Insurance — Affordable final expense coverage
- Whole Life Insurance — Permanent coverage with cash value
- Life Insurance Buying Checklist — 15 things to do before you sign
