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.
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.
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.
