Life insurance for over 70s provides guaranteed acceptance cover with no medical exams, designed to help pay for funeral costs and leave a cash gift for loved ones. Unlike traditional life insurance that becomes difficult to obtain in your 70s, over 70s plans accept everyone aged 70-85 regardless of health conditions.
Most over 70s life insurance policies are 'whole of life' plans with fixed premiums and guaranteed payouts, making them ideal if you've been declined for standard cover or have pre-existing medical conditions.
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Yes, you can get life insurance over 70 through specialist over 70s plans that offer guaranteed acceptance with no medical exams. While standard life insurance becomes harder to obtain in your 70s, over 70s life insurance is designed specifically for this age group with guaranteed acceptance up to age 85.
Why over 70s life insurance exists:
Standard life insurance is difficult: Most traditional insurers either decline over 70s or charge very high premiums due to age-related health risks
Medical conditions are common: By age 70, most people have some health conditions that make standard insurance unaffordable
Guaranteed acceptance needed: Over 70s plans accept everyone without medical questions, making cover accessible
Funeral cost protection: Average UK funeral costs £4,000-£5,000 - over 70s plans ensure family doesn't pay
Simple application: No medical exams, no health questions, instant acceptance
Key features of over 70s life insurance:
Age range: 70-85 (some insurers stop at 80)
Cover amount: £2,000 - £20,000
Guaranteed acceptance: No one is declined
Fixed premiums: Never increase with age or health changes
Whole of life cover: Protection for your entire lifetime
12-24 month qualifying period: Reduced payout in first 1-2 years (unless accidental death)
While over 70s can get standard life insurance if they're in excellent health, the majority choose guaranteed acceptance over 70s plans for peace of mind and certainty of cover.
How much does life insurance over 70 cost?
Over 70s life insurance costs significantly more than insurance taken out at younger ages due to higher mortality risk. Premiums typically range from £30-£100+ per month depending on age and cover amount.
Smoking status: Smokers pay 50-70% more than non-smokers
Gender: Women typically pay less due to longer life expectancy
Policy type: Guaranteed acceptance plans cost more than medically underwritten plans
Important cost considerations for over 70s:
Premiums vs Payout
At age 70-85, you're likely to pay premiums for 10-20+ years. Total premiums paid may exceed the payout. Example: £50/month for 15 years = £9,000 paid, but only £5,000 cover. This is the cost of guaranteed acceptance without medical underwriting.
Qualifying Period Impact
Most over 70s policies have a 12-24 month qualifying period. If you die from natural causes in this period, only premiums are refunded (not the full cover). Factor this into your decision - you need to live beyond the qualifying period to get full value.
Cost comparison: Over 70s guaranteed acceptance vs standard life insurance (if eligible):
Age 75, £10,000 Cover
Guaranteed Acceptance
Standard (if healthy)
Monthly premium
£80-120
£35-55
Medical exam required
No
Yes
Health questions
No
Yes
Acceptance rate
100%
Varies (many declined)
While over 70s guaranteed acceptance is more expensive, it provides certainty of cover when standard insurance may decline you.
Types of life insurance available for over 70s
Over 70s have three main life insurance options:
1. Over 50s/Over 70s Plans (Guaranteed Acceptance)
Specifically designed for seniors with guaranteed acceptance and no medical exams. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Ages: 70-85. Premiums: Higher but guaranteed acceptance. Best for: Those with health conditions or who've been declined elsewhere.
2. Standard Whole of Life Insurance (Medical Underwriting)
Traditional life insurance requiring medical exams and health questions. Cover: £50,000-£500,000+. Ages: Usually up to 80-85. Premiums: Lower if in good health. Best for: Healthy over 70s needing high cover amounts. Many are declined.
3. Funeral Plans (Pre-paid Funeral)
Not insurance - you pre-pay for your funeral directly with a funeral provider. Covers: Funeral costs only (no cash payout). Ages: No age limit. Cost: Fixed one-time or monthly payments. Best for: Ensuring funeral is paid without cash inheritance.
Comparing the options:
Life Insurance Options for Over 70s
Feature
Guaranteed Acceptance
Standard Life Insurance
Funeral Plan
Medical exam
No
Yes
No
Health questions
No
Yes
No
Cover amount
£2,000-£20,000
£50,000+
Funeral cost only
Cash payout
Yes
Yes
No (funeral service)
Acceptance rate
100%
50-70% (many declined)
100%
Cost
Medium-High
Low (if healthy)
Medium
Qualifying period
12-24 months
Immediate
None
Which option is right for you?
Choose guaranteed acceptance if: You have health conditions, been declined elsewhere, want guaranteed cover, need £2,000-£20,000 protection
Choose standard life insurance if: You're in excellent health, need high cover (£50,000+), willing to undergo medical exams, want lowest premiums
Choose funeral plan if: You only want funeral costs covered, don't want to leave cash inheritance, prefer pre-paying directly
Most over 70s choose guaranteed acceptance plans because they provide certainty of cover without medical underwriting hurdles.
Over 70s vs over 50s life insurance - what's the difference?
Over 70s and over 50s life insurance are essentially the same product type - guaranteed acceptance whole of life plans. The key differences are age, cost, and available providers:
Over 70s vs Over 50s Plans
Feature
Over 50s Plans
Over 70s Plans
Age range
50-85 (most providers)
70-85 (fewer providers)
Cover amount
£2,000-£20,000
£2,000-£20,000 (same)
Monthly premiums
Lower (younger = cheaper)
Higher (older = more expensive)
Provider choice
Many providers compete
Fewer providers (less choice)
Acceptance
Guaranteed
Guaranteed (same)
Qualifying period
12-24 months
12-24 months (same)
Medical exam
No
No (same)
Key points for over 70s:
Same Product, Different Age
If you're 70-85, you're applying for an 'over 50s' plan - they're the same product type. Marketing calls them 'over 70s' plans but they're part of the over 50s category. The main difference is simply your age at application, which affects your premium.
Significantly Higher Premiums
Over 70s pay 150-300% more than 50-year-olds for identical cover. Example: £10,000 cover costs £25/month at age 50 vs £80/month at age 75. This reflects increased mortality risk.
Fewer Provider Options
While most over 50s insurers accept applicants up to age 80-85, some stop at age 75-80. This means fewer providers compete for your business at age 70+, potentially limiting your options. Always compare multiple insurers.
Why take out cover at 70 instead of waiting:
Premiums increase 10-20% every year you wait
Some insurers stop accepting new customers after age 80
Qualifying period clock starts now (12-24 months before full cover)
Funeral costs keep rising (inflation protection)
Peace of mind that family won't face funeral bills
Best life insurance providers for over 70s UK
The best life insurance for over 70s depends on your specific needs, but these providers consistently offer competitive rates and reliable service:
SunLife Over 70s
One of the UK's largest over 50s insurers. Age range: 50-85. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Strengths: Competitive premiums, 24-month qualifying period, long-established reputation. Best for: Over 70s seeking lowest premiums.
Legal & General Over 70s
Part of the UK's largest life insurer. Age range: 50-85. Cover: £3,000-£25,000 (higher max). Strengths: A+ financial rating, highest cover amounts, flexible options. Best for: Those needing £20,000+ cover.
Aviva Over 70s
Accepts applicants up to age 90 (widest range). Age range: 50-90. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Strengths: Accepts oldest applicants, strong brand, good service. Best for: Over 80s (many insurers stop at 80-85).
OneFamily Over 70s
Ethical mutual insurer owned by members. Age range: 50-85. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Strengths: Member-owned (profits reinvested), ethical investing, competitive rates. Best for: Those valuing ethical business practices.
Liverpool Victoria (LV=) Over 70s
Mutual insurer with 180+ years experience. Age range: 50-80. Cover: £1,000-£15,000. Strengths: Mutual structure, terminal illness benefit, free bereavement counseling. Best for: Those wanting additional support services.
Key factors when choosing:
Age acceptance: Check the insurer accepts your age (some stop at 80, others go to 85-90)
Premium cost: Prices vary 30%+ between insurers for identical cover
Cover amount: Ensure they offer the amount you need (ranges: £2,000-£25,000)
Qualifying period: 12 months vs 24 months makes a difference
Financial strength: Check ratings (A or above) for claims confidence
Additional benefits: Terminal illness, bereavement support, free will writing
Comparison table of leading over 70s providers:
Top Over 70s Life Insurance Providers
Provider
Max Age
Max Cover
Qualifying Period
Key Advantage
SunLife
85
£20,000
24 months
Lowest premiums
Legal & General
85
£25,000
12 months
Highest cover
Aviva
90
£20,000
12 months
Oldest age accepted
OneFamily
85
£20,000
24 months
Ethical insurer
LV=
80
£15,000
12 months
Support services
The best way to find the right over 70s life insurance is to compare quotes from multiple providers. LifePro compares 50+ UK insurers to find you the most competitive rates for your age and circumstances.
Compare over 70s life insurance from 50+ UK providers
Yes, you can get life insurance at 70 through guaranteed acceptance over 70s plans. These policies accept everyone aged 70-85 with no medical exams or health questions. While standard life insurance becomes difficult to obtain at 70, over 70s specialist plans are designed for this age group with guaranteed cover from £2,000-£20,000.
How much does life insurance cost for a 70 year old?
Life insurance for 70 year olds typically costs £30-80 per month depending on cover amount and smoking status. Examples: £5,000 cover: £28-42/month, £10,000 cover: £50-80/month, £15,000 cover: £75-120/month. Non-smokers pay less than smokers. Premiums are fixed and never increase.
Do I need a medical exam for over 70s life insurance?
No, guaranteed acceptance over 70s life insurance requires no medical exams and asks no health questions. Everyone aged 70-85 is automatically accepted regardless of pre-existing conditions. However, if you're in excellent health, you may get cheaper rates with standard life insurance that does require medical underwriting.
What is the qualifying period for over 70s life insurance?
Most over 70s policies have a 12-24 month qualifying period. If you die from natural causes during this time, beneficiaries receive premiums refunded (plus interest), not the full cover. If death is accidental, full cover pays immediately. After the qualifying period, full cover applies to all causes of death.
Is life insurance worth it at 70?
Life insurance at 70 is worth it if you want to: Cover funeral costs (average £4,000-£5,000), Leave a cash gift to loved ones, Ensure family doesn't face financial burden, Have peace of mind. However, premiums are high and you may pay more over time than the payout. It's valuable for guaranteed acceptance when you can't get standard insurance.
Can I get life insurance at 75 or 80?
Yes, most over 70s insurers accept applicants up to age 80-85, with some (like Aviva) accepting up to age 90. The older you are, the higher the premiums and the fewer providers available. It's better to apply sooner rather than later as premiums increase 10-20% each year you wait.
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