How To Find The Best Quality Life Insurance Over 70 To Protect Your Finances

During our lifetime, we normally purchase life insurance to protect our family against a premature death. To do that, most people purchase term insurance because of its relatively low cost. This makes perfect sense because the need is great, but mostly temporary. As children grow and other assets may grow as well, like other holdings from when you invest in neighborhoods, the need for large amounts of coverage may become unnecessary.

Tip #1: Convert Now

If you currently have a term policy and you’re over 70, the first thing you should do is check with your current life insurance company to see if that policy is still convertible into “permanent” coverage. If your policy is still convertible (some carriers allow conversion up to 75) then it makes sense to compare the conversion policy premium to the cost of a new policy.

Converting a policy requires no medical underwriting. Whatever health rating you were given when your term policy was put in force will be the health rating you get on a conversion policy. This is a great deal in many cases, especially if your health has deteriorated since the term policy was put in force.

However, before you decide to convert, make sure that a new policy is not a better value. You might even consider hiring an insurance consultant. Some carriers will allow conversion into a lesser quality policy only, with fewer guarantees.

Tip #2: Lower Permanent Coverage

Currently it is possible for a 77-year-old female to purchase a 15-year term policy which will carry them to age 92.   However, should the insured live past the end of the policy, there will be no alternatives for new coverage. A permanent policy for the same 77-year-old will currently be about 25% higher in cost, but of course the death benefit will be paid whenever the insured dies. Obviously, there is a tradeoff here, so keep in mind your objective as you would when investing in an online gaming industry. It may be that the coverage is only necessary for temporary protection in which case a term policy can make sense. If not, perhaps a lower amount of coverage that is permanent will suffice.

Tip #3: Shop Small

Shop small when looking for life insurance over 70. Life insurance policies for people over 70 years old are quite expensive when you look at the big insurance companies. In fact, many of the major insurance companies will not even insure anyone over 70. That is why shopping small is the best way to find life insurance coverage after 70. Small insurance companies will be much more willing to work with senior citizens looking for life insurance coverage. Search for small business insurance companies to find the best life insurance policies for people over the age of 70. You will have much better luck doing so than you would flipping houses.

Tip #4: Avoid Term Coverage

A 77-year-old male will also be able to purchase a 15-year term policy assuming his health qualifies him for coverage. The major difference here is that the term policy at this age and a permanent policy at this age are almost the same cost. Don’t make a mistake and purchase term coverage in this situation from any insurance agent.

Tip #5: Secure Small Limits

Most people over 70 no longer own life insurance and the need for coverage is generally small in relation to younger ages. For small amounts of life insurance, generally up to $25,000 the easiest type of life insurance to obtain is known as “final expense” life insurance. It is used primarily to pay funeral expenses and other small debts. These policies are also known as “simplified issue” whole life policies because they do not require a paramedical exam. If the applicant can answer all questions appropriately and accurately, then a policy is issued. However, these insurance companies all ask slightly different questions which can mean the difference between acceptance and denial. If you are considering such a policy, make sure that you disclose all health issues to your agent to make sure you purchase the appropriate plan.

Other questions will inevitably come up, especially if your health history includes any serious health issues. That’s another good reason for using an independent agent with access to many high quality carriers.

Tip #6: Receive Better Rates

There are several approaches to ensure you receive better life insurance rates over 70. Your health strongly determines your premium amount. Therefore, to increase your chances of a better rate, you should be at your healthiest. Exercise, eat healthy, try to lower your cholesterol/blood pressure and avoid or quit smoking. Additionally, compare quotes through online research or an independent agent. In fact, you can save on car insurance rates through this process as well. Many prefer independent agents as they have access to multiple insurance companies and a strong knowledge about what works/what doesn’t. An independent agent might also suggest paying for dental costs without insurance.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Scroll To Top