Yes, an 88-year-old can get life insurance.
Granted, the options are slim, but it can be done.
Learn which policies are available, how to qualify, the cost and if there’s a waiting period.
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88-Year-Old Life Insurance Options
At 88 years old, a whole life final expense insurance policy is the only type of life insurance available.
A final expense policy (aka “funeral insurance” or “final expense insurance”) is a permanent life insurance plan that has a fixed monthly payment and builds cash value.
You don’t have to complete a medical exam to qualify for a burial policy. All you must do is complete a short health questionnaire.
Despite prior medical conditions, most seniors still qualify. However, some ailments (such as Alzheimer’s) will result in denial.
Ultimately, when you pass away, the insurer will give your beneficiaries or funeral home the death benefit in the form of a tax-free check.
There are no restrictions on how the money is used, so any leftover funds stay with your loved ones.
Final Expense Insurance Vs. Life Insurance
Frequently, seniors over 85 looking for insurance to cover burial expenses will proclaim that they only want “burial insurance” and don’t want senior life insurance.
The main thing to understand is that burial insurance is life insurance.
Funeral insurance for seniors is simply a small whole life policy with lenient underwriting so seniors with health issues can still qualify.
A funeral only happens after a person dies, which is why burial insurance is still life insurance.
How Much Does Final Expense Insurance Cost At Age 88?
Objectively, it’s expensive to get life insurance at age 88.
88 is well beyond the average life expectancy for a senior in the USA (hence the high cost).
That said, it will cost about $135-$330 monthly for $5,000-$10,000 in coverage.
The cost of funeral life insurance is always a function of your age, gender, health, tobacco usage (if any), and the amount of coverage you buy.
In the table below, you can see some sample monthly premiums for an 88-year-old.
| GENDER & RATING | $5,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | $122.06 | $240.62 | $359.19 | $477.75 |
| Female Tobacco User | $172.42 | $341.34 | $510.26 | $679.17 |
| Male | $160.30 | $317.10 | $473.90 | $630.70 |
| Male Tobacco User | $258.12 | $512.75 | $767.37 | $1022.00 |
Does Life Insurance For 88-Year-Olds Have A Waiting Period?
If you’re approved, there likely won’t be a waiting period.
That’s true even if you’ve had previous health issues.
One of the great things about final expense life insurance is that you don’t need to be in pristine health to qualify.
Now there are definitely some health conditions that will result in a decline or a waiting period, but that isn’t common.
In the end, you’ll need to speak with a licensed agent. Only they can diagnose if you’ll qualify and be eligible for no waiting period life insurance.
Age 88 Life Insurance Companies
There aren’t many life burial insurance companies that will issue a new policy to an 88-year-old.
The table below has some basic information about the companies that do offer coverage above 85.
| Insurance Company | Coverage Options Above 85 | Max Age For New Applicants | Policy Type | When Policy Can Pay Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $2,000-$25,000 | 89 | Whole Life Insurance | No waiting period |
 | $2,500-$25,000 | 89 | Whole Life Insurance | No waiting period |
 | $2,500-$10,000 | 90 | Whole Life Insurance | No waiting period |
 | $2,000-$10,000 | 90 | Whole Life Insurance | Refund of premiums in first 12 months, 50% payout in 2nd year, then full benefits after 2 years |
How To Apply For Life Insurance For An 89-Year-Old
Buying life insurance for an 88-year-old isn’t much different from buying coverage for seniors in their 70s.
You’ll need to work with an independent insurance agency like Choice Mutual.
The insurance providers at this age do not sell their coverage directly, through the mail, or online.
It’s only available via insurance brokers like National Family, Family First Life, or Open Care Seniors.
When working with us, here is a breakdown of how the process works:
- We’ll ask the insured the health questions. They do not have to take a medical exam.
- The agent will gather all the information to fill out the application.
- We’ll read you some disclosures and obtain consent to submit the application to underwriting. On average, we’ll know if the application is declined or approved in less than two business days.
If the insurance company approves the application, you’ll get a paper policy within two-three weeks via US mail.
There are no down payments. You choose when the premiums begin.
Remember that whichever day your payments start is when your policy becomes active.
If you need life insurance for a senior citizen over 80, call us at 1-800-644-2926.
One of our agents will answer all your questions and hold your hand through the application process.