Burial Insurance for Over 85: What Are Your Options & Is It Too Late?
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
✅
Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
Are you or a loved one over age 85 and wondering if it’s too late to get burial insurance? While most insurance companies limit coverage options at advanced ages, some still offer simplified issue whole life insurance up to age 90.
Whether you’re looking to cover funeral expenses or leave a small legacy, this guide explains how burial insurance for seniors over 85 works, how much it costs, and which companies offer coverage with no medical exam and instant approval with just a few questions answered.
Can You Get Burial Insurance After Age 85?
✅ Yes — but options are limited. Most providers stop offering new policies by age 85, but a few offer simplified issue whole life insurance up to age 90. These policies are designed for healthy seniors in addition seniors with health concerns who want simple, no-exam coverage to handle final expenses.
What You Need to Know:
- No health questions or exams
- Lifetime coverage with fixed premiums
- Cash value builds over time
- 2-year waiting period for natural causes (on most plans)
People Also Ask:
- Is there any life insurance for people over 85?
- At what age can you no longer get life insurance?
- What is the oldest age you can get life insurance for?
We will focus on the answer to these questions. But first, lets take a peak at some of the best carriers in this age bracket.
Final Expense Insurance Age Limits
Maximum Application Age by Carrier
| Carrier | Max Age |
|---|---|
|
85 |
|
89 |
|
85 |
|
85 |
|
90 |
*Ballpark Quote
Best Burial Insurance Providers for Ages 85+
Carrier Comparison: Max Age, Coverage & Waiting Period
| Carrier | Max Age | Coverage Amount | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
|
89 | $1,500–$25,000 | Immediate |
|
|
89 | $1,500–$25,000 | Immediate |
|
|
90 | $2,500–$10,000 | Graded: Yr 1 – 105% ROP Yr 2 – 50% |
💡 These are Simplified issue whole life policies:
- No medical exams
- Just a few health questions
- Premiums never increase
- Benefits never decrease
Compare Top Burial Insurance Plans for Seniors Over 85″
*Ballpark Quote
Cost of Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 85
Sample Monthly Premiums for a $10,000 Policy (Non-Smoker)
Monthly Premium by Age and Gender
| Age | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| 86 | $171.33/mo | $236.25/mo |
| 87 | $205.98/mo | $276.68/mo |
| 88 | $240.63/mo | $317.10/mo |
| 89 | $275.28/mo | $357.53/mo |
| 90 | $337.82/mo | $387.82/mo |
🔹 Premiums are locked in for life
🔹 Gender and state affect pricing
🔹 Graded policies cost more due to higher risk
*Ballpark Quote
Is No-Wait Burial Insurance Available Over 85?
In some cases, yes, but you are limited. Almost all final expense policies aren’t offered over age 85, however a few will offer immediate coverage if you qualify, or graded that have a 1-year graded death benefit, fractional 2nd-year of 50%, with 100% thereafter, meaning:
- For some, immediate coverage with no restrictions, like AETNA and Accendo
But GTL will offer:
- Full benefits are paid for accidental death immediately
- Natural causes (e.g., illness) are covered 50% after 1 year, 100% after 2 years
- If the policyholder dies from natural causes within 1 years, premiums + interest are refunded.
⚠️ Some carriers may offer state-specific immediate coverage for healthy applicants — very rare at age 85+
What Kind of Life Insurance Can You Get at 85+?
✅ Simplified Issue Whole Life
- No exam
- Fixed premiums
- Builds cash value
- Benefits between $1,500–$25,000
- Offer Immediate coverage if you qualify
- Or 1-year waiting period for natural death for some serious health issues
❌ Not Available at 85+
- Term Life Insurance
- Universal Life
- Accidental Death + Natural Death Combo Policies
Related Articles
FAQ Section
Yes. A few carriers offer guaranteed issue life insurance up to age 90, though with limited benefits.
Most carriers stop offering new policies at age 85, but AETNA offers up to age 89 in select states. GTL offers up to 90 for graded.
Generally, age 90 is the cutoff for guaranteed issue burial insurance.
It’s very rare. Most policies at this age include a 2-year graded death benefit unless death is accidental.
Expect monthly premiums between $170 and $380 for a $10,000 policy, depending on gender and carrier.
Conclusion
Even if you’re over 85, it’s not too late to protect your loved ones from funeral and burial expenses. Guaranteed issue burial insurance provides affordable, no-exam options with lifetime coverage, even for those with health conditions.
While immediate coverage is rare, these policies still offer peace of mind and help families avoid financial hardship.
Are you ready to leave your family protected with burial coverage — just a few health questions asked and approval?
Get Your Free Final Expense Quote for Seniors Over 85 Now!”
*Ballpark Quote
4 Comments
Lori Erhart
My mom just lost her life insurance at age 88 and now scrambling for some burial help. This is not something any one her age should have to deal with. Can you help?
Tony MARKS
I am looking for Burial insurance for My Mother whom is over 85 Years old
TONY MARKS
I am looking for Final Expenses for my Mother whom is over 85 Years old…
Danny Ray
Hi Tony, I can assist you with that. The most important thing is to isolate proper rate class so I can shop the market for her. I will email you the risk assessment, or you can take it here. https://insuranceforburial.com/fe-risk-assessment/
Daniel Ray | 855-380-3300 ext 4