Life insurance for over 80s is specifically designed for people aged 80-90, providing guaranteed acceptance cover with no medical exams or health questions. While many insurers stop accepting applications at age 75-80, specialist over 80s plans ensure you can still protect your family from funeral costs and leave a cash gift, regardless of your age or health conditions.
Getting life insurance in your 80s is more challenging than at younger ages, with fewer providers offering cover and significantly higher premiums. However, guaranteed acceptance over 80s plans make it possible to secure £2,000-£20,000 protection without medical underwriting.
Compare quotes from insurers that accept over 80s applicants, including Aviva (up to age 90), SunLife (up to 85), and other specialist providers.
Yes, you can get life insurance over 80 through specialist providers that offer guaranteed acceptance up to age 85-90. While most standard insurers stop accepting new applicants at age 75-80, several UK providers specifically cater to over 80s with no-medical-exam policies designed for this age group.
Why life insurance over 80 is challenging but available:
Most insurers stop at 75-80: Traditional life insurance becomes unavailable as insurers consider age 80+ too high risk for standard policies
Specialist over 80s providers exist: A handful of UK insurers specifically accept over 80s with guaranteed acceptance plans
Significantly higher premiums: Over 80s pay 200-400% more than 60-70 year olds due to increased mortality risk
Lower cover limits: Maximum cover often capped at £10,000-£15,000 (vs £20,000-£25,000 for younger ages)
Guaranteed acceptance essential: Medical underwriting would decline most over 80s, so guaranteed acceptance is the only viable option
Key features of over 80s life insurance:
Age range: 80-85 (some insurers), 80-90 (Aviva and select providers)
Cover amount: £2,000 - £20,000 (though most over 80s max out at £10,000-£15,000)
Guaranteed acceptance: Absolutely no medical exams or health questions
Fixed premiums: Never increase, even as you age beyond 80
Whole of life: Cover lasts your entire lifetime
12-24 month qualifying period: Reduced payout if death occurs from natural causes in first 1-2 years
Important considerations at age 80+:
Limited Provider Choice
Only a handful of UK insurers accept over 80s applicants. Aviva accepts up to age 90, SunLife and Legal & General up to 85, while many others stop at 75-80. This limited competition means less choice and potentially higher premiums.
Very High Premium-to-Payout Ratio
At age 80-85, you'll almost certainly pay more in total premiums than the payout amount. Example: £80/month for 10 years = £9,600 paid for only £5,000 cover. The value is in peace of mind that funeral costs are covered, not financial return.
Despite the challenges, over 80s life insurance serves an important purpose: ensuring your family doesn't face £4,000-£5,000+ funeral bills and leaving a small inheritance. If you're aged 80-90 and want guaranteed cover without medical hurdles, specialist over 80s plans make this possible.
How much does life insurance over 80 cost?
Life insurance over 80 is significantly more expensive than policies taken out at younger ages, typically costing £45-£320+ per month depending on age (80 vs 85 vs 90) and cover amount. These high premiums reflect the actuarial reality that over 80s have much shorter life expectancy and higher mortality risk.
Example monthly costs for over 80s life insurance:
Over 80s Life Insurance Premiums
Age
£3,000 Cover
£5,000 Cover
£10,000 Cover
80
£45-70/month
£70-110/month
£130-200/month
82
£55-85/month
£85-130/month
£160-240/month
85
£70-110/month
£110-180/month
£200-320/month
87
£90-140/month
£140-220/month
£260-400/month
90
£120-180/month
£180-280/month
£320-500/month
Costs vary by provider, smoking status, and gender. Non-smokers pay less; women pay less than men.
Factors affecting over 80s premiums:
Age: Each additional year adds 15-25% to premiums. Age 85 costs nearly double age 80 for identical cover
Smoking status: Smokers pay 60-80% more than non-smokers at this age
Gender: Women pay 10-20% less than men due to longer life expectancy (women live ~3 years longer on average)
Cover amount: Premiums scale proportionally with cover (£10,000 costs twice as much as £5,000)
Provider: Limited competition means less price variation, but comparing still saves 15-20%
Critical cost realities for over 80s:
Total Premiums Will Exceed Payout
At age 80+, the math is stark: you'll pay far more in premiums than the cover amount. Examples: Age 80, £5,000 cover at £90/month: After just 5 years (age 85), you've paid £5,400 - already more than the £5,000 payout. Age 85, £5,000 cover at £140/month: After 3 years (age 88), you've paid £5,040 - exceeding the payout. This isn't a financial investment - it's insurance to guarantee funeral costs are covered regardless of when you die.
Qualifying Period Compounds the Cost
Most over 80s policies have a 12-24 month qualifying period. If you die from natural causes during this time, only premiums are refunded (not full cover). This means you need to live 12-24 months beyond taking the policy just to access full coverage, further reducing value at advanced ages.
Cost comparison: Over 80s vs younger ages (same £10,000 cover):
Age Impact on Life Insurance Costs
Age
Monthly Premium
Annual Cost
Cost Over 5 Years
60
£35/month
£420/year
£2,100
70
£65/month
£780/year
£3,900
80
£160/month
£1,920/year
£9,600
85
£260/month
£3,120/year
£15,600
Same £10,000 cover. Over 80s pay 2-4x more than younger ages for identical protection.
Is over 80s life insurance worth the cost? It depends on your priorities:
✅ Worth it if: You want guaranteed funeral cost coverage, peace of mind that family won't face £4,000-£5,000 bills, guaranteed acceptance despite health conditions, small cash gift for loved ones
❌ Not worth it if: You're primarily seeking financial return or investment, you have savings to cover funeral costs, you expect to live many years (total premiums will far exceed payout), you're looking for large inheritance for family (consider alternatives)
The value of over 80s life insurance lies in certainty and peace of mind, not financial efficiency. If you want to ensure your funeral is paid for and leave a small gift, the high premiums are the price of guaranteed acceptance at this age.
Which life insurance providers accept over 80s?
Only a select few UK life insurers accept over 80s applicants, making provider choice limited compared to younger age groups. Here are the key providers that offer guaranteed acceptance life insurance for over 80s:
Aviva Over 80s
Accepts up to age 90 - the widest age range in the UK market. Age range: 50-90. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Qualifying period: 12 months. Strengths: Accepts oldest applicants (up to 90), major brand with A rating, competitive premiums for 80+. Best for: Ages 85-90 when other insurers decline, those wanting the security of a major insurer.
SunLife Over 80s
Accepts up to age 85. One of the most competitive on price. Age range: 50-85. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Qualifying period: 24 months. Strengths: Often cheapest premiums for over 80s, straightforward application, no hidden fees. Best for: Ages 80-85 seeking lowest cost, those who can wait 24-month qualifying period.
Legal & General Over 80s
Accepts up to age 85. Highest maximum cover available. Age range: 50-85. Cover: £3,000-£25,000 (highest max). Qualifying period: 12 months. Strengths: A+ financial strength rating, highest cover amounts available (up to £25,000), shorter 12-month qualifying period. Best for: Those needing more than £20,000 cover, those wanting strongest financial backing.
OneFamily Over 80s
Accepts up to age 85. Ethical mutual insurer. Age range: 50-85. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Qualifying period: 24 months. Strengths: Member-owned (profits reinvested, not shareholders), ethical investment approach, competitive rates. Best for: Those valuing ethical business practices, members who want mutual ownership.
Providers that DON'T accept over 80s:
Liverpool Victoria (LV=): Maximum age 80 (stops at 80th birthday)
British Seniors: Maximum age 80
Royal London: Maximum age 75
Shepherds Friendly: Maximum age 80
Post Office: Maximum age 80
Key considerations when choosing a provider:
Over 80s Provider Comparison
Provider
Max Age
Max Cover
Qualifying Period
Key Strength
Aviva
90
£20,000
12 months
Widest age range
SunLife
85
£20,000
24 months
Lowest premiums
Legal & General
85
£25,000
12 months
Highest cover
OneFamily
85
£20,000
24 months
Ethical insurer
How to choose the right provider for over 80s:
Check age acceptance: If you're 85+, Aviva is often your only choice (accepts up to 90)
Compare premiums: Prices can vary 20-30% between providers for identical cover at age 80+
Consider qualifying period: 12 months (Aviva, L&G) vs 24 months (SunLife, OneFamily) makes a difference
Check cover limits: If you need £20,000+, only Legal & General offers up to £25,000
Financial strength: All major providers are well-rated, but L&G has highest A+ rating
Application ease: All offer online/phone applications with instant acceptance
With only 4-5 providers accepting over 80s (compared to 50+ for over 50s generally), comparing all available options is critical to ensure you get the best value. LifePro compares quotes from every insurer that accepts your age to find the most competitive rate.
Life insurance over 80 vs younger ages - key differences
Life insurance for over 80s differs significantly from policies taken out at younger ages. Here's what changes once you reach 80:
Over 80s vs Younger Age Groups
Factor
Ages 50-70
Ages 70-80
Ages 80-90
Provider choice
50+ providers
20+ providers
4-5 providers only
Maximum age
Most accept up to 80-85
Most accept up to 80
Only Aviva to 90
Monthly premium (£10k)
£25-80
£50-160
£130-500
Cover amount
Up to £25,000
Up to £20,000
Often capped at £15,000
Premium vs payout
May break even or profit
Likely pay more than payout
Almost certainly pay 2-3x payout
Application
Online/phone/branch
Online/phone
Online/phone only
Qualifying period impact
Moderate concern
Significant concern
Critical concern (shorter life expectancy)
Why over 80s face different conditions:
Actuarial Reality
Life expectancy at age 80 is approximately 8-10 years (vs 20-25 years at age 60). This dramatically higher mortality risk means: Insurers face near-certain claims within a decade, premiums must be much higher to cover expected payouts, fewer insurers willing to accept this risk profile, guaranteed acceptance becomes the only viable underwriting approach.
Limited Competition
While 50+ insurers compete for 50-70 year old customers, only 4-5 accept over 80s. This lack of competition means: Higher premiums (less price pressure), Less innovation in product features, Take-it-or-leave-it terms (less negotiability), Fewer policy options and flexibility.
Age-specific considerations:
Ages 50-70: Best value period for life insurance. Most competitive premiums. Widest provider choice. Total premiums may not exceed payout if you live average lifespan. Consider standard life insurance if in good health (even cheaper than over 50s plans)
Ages 70-80: Transition period where premiums rise sharply. Still good provider choice (20+ insurers). Over 50s guaranteed acceptance still available. Starting to approach point where total premiums may exceed payout
Ages 80-90: Most expensive life insurance period. Very limited provider choice (4-5 only). Will almost certainly pay more in premiums than payout amount. Value is purely in guarantee of coverage and peace of mind, not financial return. Qualifying period becomes critical concern (you must live 12-24 months for full coverage)
Example cost comparison for £5,000 cover over 10 years:
Age at Start
Monthly Premium
Total Paid Over 10 Years
Cover Amount
Net Outcome
60
£25
£3,000
£5,000
+£2,000 (profitable)
70
£50
£6,000
£5,000
-£1,000 (loss)
80
£110
£13,200
£5,000
-£8,200 (significant loss)
This assumes 10-year lifespan from policy start. Over 80s rarely live 10+ years from age 80, so losses are often less severe than shown, but premiums still substantially exceed payout.
Should you wait or apply now if you're approaching 80?
Never wait. Premiums increase 15-25% per year of age. Every year you delay costs significantly more. If you want life insurance and you're 78-79, apply NOW before turning 80 when options narrow dramatically. At 80+, apply immediately - you're at the age where some insurers stop accepting applications, and premiums only increase further.
Best life insurance options for over 80s UK
For over 80s, the 'best' life insurance option depends on your specific age, cover needs, and priorities. Here's how to choose:
Best for Ages 80-85: SunLife
Why: Consistently lowest premiums for ages 80-85. Accepts up to age 85. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Qualifying period: 24 months. Ideal for: Over 80s seeking maximum value, those comfortable with 24-month qualifying period, budget-conscious customers. Potential savings: 15-20% cheaper than competitors at this age range.
Best for Ages 85-90: Aviva
Why: Only major insurer accepting up to age 90. Most over 85s have no alternative. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Qualifying period: 12 months (shorter is better at this age). Ideal for: Ages 85-90 (often only option), those wanting 12-month vs 24-month wait, major brand security. Key point: If you're 85+, Aviva is typically your only choice among major insurers.
Best for Maximum Cover: Legal & General
Why: Offers up to £25,000 cover (highest in market). Ages 80-85 accepted. Qualifying period: 12 months. A+ financial strength rating. Ideal for: Those needing £20,000+ cover, customers wanting strongest financial backing, those seeking shorter qualifying period. Use case: If funeral costs + desired inheritance exceed £20,000.
Best for Ethical Approach: OneFamily
Why: Member-owned mutual insurer (profits reinvested, not to shareholders). Ethical investment practices. Competitive rates for over 80s. Cover: £2,000-£20,000. Qualifying period: 24 months. Ideal for: Ethically-conscious customers, those valuing mutual ownership structure, customers wanting profits reinvested.
Decision framework for over 80s:
Age 80-82: Compare SunLife, Legal & General, and OneFamily. SunLife often cheapest. All accept this age range
Age 83-85: Focus on SunLife, Legal & General, Aviva, and OneFamily. Competition still exists. Compare for best rate
Age 86-90: Aviva is typically your only option among major insurers. Accept their rates or consider alternatives like funeral plans
Need £20,000+ cover: Only Legal & General offers up to £25,000. No other choice at this age
Want shortest wait: Choose Aviva or Legal & General (12-month qualifying vs 24-month for SunLife/OneFamily)
Budget priority: SunLife typically offers lowest premiums for ages 80-85
Alternative options for over 80s beyond traditional life insurance:
Funeral Plans (Alternative to Life Insurance)
What: Pre-pay for your funeral directly with funeral provider. Age limit: No age limit (even 90+ accepted). Cost: Fixed payment or monthly instalments (typically £3,000-£5,000 total). Pros: No age restrictions, locks in today's funeral prices, guaranteed funeral coverage. Cons: No cash payout to family (funeral only), no flexibility in how money is spent, no inheritance for loved ones. Best for: Over 85s finding life insurance too expensive, those only caring about funeral (not cash gift).
Savings Approach (Self-Insurance)
What: Save money in dedicated account for funeral costs instead of paying insurance premiums. Pros: No premium payments, money remains yours, flexibility in how money is used, can earn interest on savings. Cons: No guarantee of reaching target amount before death, requires discipline to save consistently, no payout if you die soon after starting. Best for: Over 80s with good health and expecting to live 5+ years, those with some existing savings to build on.
Recommended approach:
Compare ALL providers that accept your age (4-5 maximum, so comparison is quick)
Get quotes from SunLife, Aviva, Legal & General, and OneFamily
Calculate total cost over realistic lifespan (5-10 years for most over 80s)
Consider whether funeral plan might be better value if you're 85+
Don't delay - premiums increase significantly each year you wait
Choose the shortest qualifying period possible at this age (12 months better than 24)
The best life insurance for over 80s is the one that provides peace of mind at a premium you can afford. While the math may not favor over 80s policies from a pure financial perspective, the value lies in guaranteeing your funeral is paid for and reducing your family's burden during a difficult time.
Compare life insurance for over 80s from all providers that accept your age
Yes, you can get life insurance at 80 through guaranteed acceptance over 80s plans from specialist providers. While most standard insurers stop accepting new customers at age 75-80, several UK insurers (including Aviva, SunLife, Legal & General, and OneFamily) offer guaranteed acceptance up to age 85-90 with no medical exams required. Cover ranges from £2,000-£20,000.
How much does life insurance cost for an 80 year old?
Life insurance for 80 year olds typically costs £45-200 per month depending on cover amount and smoking status. Examples: £3,000 cover: £45-70/month, £5,000 cover: £70-110/month, £10,000 cover: £130-200/month. Premiums are significantly higher than younger ages due to increased mortality risk. Non-smokers and women pay less than smokers and men.
Which life insurance companies accept over 80s?
Only 4-5 UK insurers accept over 80s applicants: Aviva (up to age 90 - widest range), SunLife (up to age 85), Legal & General (up to age 85), OneFamily (up to age 85). Most other providers stop at age 75-80. Aviva is often the only option for ages 85-90. All offer guaranteed acceptance with no medical exams.
Is life insurance worth it at 80?
Life insurance at 80 is worth it for peace of mind and guaranteeing funeral costs are covered, but not for financial return. At age 80+, you'll almost certainly pay more in total premiums than the payout amount. However, it provides: Guaranteed funeral cost coverage (£4,000-£5,000+), Small cash gift for loved ones, Peace of mind that family won't face bills, Guaranteed acceptance despite health conditions. Value is in certainty, not financial efficiency.
What is the maximum age for life insurance in the UK?
The maximum age for life insurance in the UK varies by provider: Aviva: Age 90 (widest acceptance), SunLife, Legal & General, OneFamily: Age 85, Most other providers: Age 75-80. Aviva offers the oldest acceptance age at 90, making it the default choice for ages 85-90. Very few insurers accept applicants over 80, limiting your options significantly.
Should I choose over 80s life insurance or a funeral plan?
It depends on your priorities. Over 80s life insurance: Pros: Cash payout to family (not just funeral), flexibility in how money is used, leave inheritance beyond funeral costs. Cons: Very expensive premiums (often £100-200+/month), will likely pay more than payout amount, qualifying period (12-24 months). Funeral plan: Pros: Pre-pays funeral directly, no age limit, locks in today's prices, often cheaper total cost. Cons: Only covers funeral (no cash to family), no flexibility, no inheritance beyond funeral. Choose life insurance if you want to leave cash inheritance; choose funeral plan if you only care about covering funeral costs.
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