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Whole Life Insurance For Seniors With No Medical Exam

Elaine Brookes Steve Case

Author: Steve Case - Insurance Expert

Reviewed & Fact Checked By: Elaine Brookes

Updated: 5th April 2025

what seniors should know about whole life insurance cover

Life insurance for those over sixty is a financial product tailored to seniors’ unique needs and circumstances. As such, it’s a bit different than the policies offered to younger individuals. 

You might not need to take a medical exam to get one, but your premiums may be higher, and your policy options could be more limited.

It’s important to understand these distinctions to find the best policy possible.

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Key PointOur Explanation
Lifetime CoverageWhole life insurance provides coverage for the insured’s entire life.
Fixed PremiumsPremiums remain the same throughout the policy’s life.
Cash Value AccumulationA portion of your premium accumulates cash value over time, which grows tax-deferred.
Potential for DividendsSome policies may pay dividends, which can be used in various ways.
Higher CostWhole life is usually more expensive than term life insurance.
Financial Planning ToolUseful for estate planning, wealth transfer, or final expense coverage.
Loan OptionYou can borrow against the cash value, often without credit checks.
Guaranteed PayoutAs long as premiums are paid, a death benefit is guaranteed.
Health ConsiderationsSeniors may face higher premiums due to age and health conditions.
Surrender ChargesWithdrawing early may incur fees or result in a reduced cash value.
Some good reasons to consider whole life coverage for older people

What Is Whole Life Insurance?

Whole life insurance, also known as ‘whole of life insurance,’ is a life insurance product that lasts the policyholder’s lifetime and pays out a guaranteed sum of money after their death.

This coverage is unlike another life insurance product called ‘term life insurance, which has a specified end date and only grants a payout if the policyholder passes away before the policy expires.

How Does Whole Life Insurance Work?

Whole life insurance covers you until your death, as long as you pay your premiums as agreed upon by you and your insurance provider.

This could be a monthly, quarterly, yearly, or one-time payment. The price you pay can vary depending on several factors, and it’s important to understand how age impacts life insurance premiums for seniors over sixty.

Once you pass, your beneficiaries receive an assured tax-free lump sum. Final payouts can range from £10,000 to upwards of £1.5 million. The amount can be even higher if you pay larger premiums.

Best Whole of Life Insurance Premiums for Seniors (Approximate Quotes)

Age🚭 Non-Smoker (Monthly)🚬 Smoker (Monthly)
50 years£74.89£94.41
55 years£91.38£122.76
60 years£108.79£150.86
65 years£136.61£184.74
70 years£176.35£436.51
75 years£233.92£330.19

What Seniors Should Know About Whole Life Insurance

Life insurance may look different in your sixties, and it’s important to know how your age affects your policy options so you can find the right coverage.

Here’s what seniors should know about whole life insurance:

Seniors Can Get Whole Life Insurance

One of the greatest benefits of whole life insurance is that you can get it at any age. People over sixty can obtain a policy, though the reasons why seniors need life insurance after sixty may be different from those of younger individuals.

Instead of a way to replace your income, you might use it to cover end-of-life expenses, pay inheritance taxes, or leave a legacy to your dependents.

Declined senior whole life cover? We can help you.

You Can Use Whole Life Insurance While You’re Alive

Most people treat life insurance as a set-it-and-forget-it investment. You pay the premiums and keep the policy in good standing until your death, at which point your beneficiaries make a claim and receive the payout.

What some people don’t realise about whole life insurance is that you can access its cash reserves while you’re still alive. 

After building up your policy, you can withdraw some of your benefits to pay for more immediate financial obligations, such as household repairs, big-ticket purchases, or emergencies.

Later, the amount may be deducted from the final payout.

Whole Life Insurance for Seniors May Be More Expensive

Whole life insurance is generally pricier than other life insurance products because it lasts the policyholder’s lifetime and can be used while still alive.

On top of that, premiums might be more costly than the payments made by younger policy owners. The final cost will depend on multiple factors, and you can still find affordable options with attractive terms if you take the time to shop around.

You May Not Have to Take a Medical Exam 

In general, life insurance is more expensive for people with health complications. This can be a significant deterrent for people over sixty worried that poor medical exam results could limit their offers.

Fortunately, some whole life insurance policies for those over sixty don’t require a health test and still provide the same guaranteed coverage. 

Can I get whole life insurance if I’m over 75?

Many UK insurers offer whole life insurance policies specifically designed for people over 75. These are often called “over 50s plans” and usually offer guaranteed acceptance with fixed premiums and a cash payout when you pass away.

Can I get whole life insurance for over 80s?

Yes, taking out whole life insurance if you’re over 80 is still possible, though options may be more limited. These policies usually don’t require a medical exam, but the payout may be lower, and premiums could be higher due to age.

Learn More About Over-Sixty Whole Life Insurance

Several UK life insurance providers offer whole life insurance for seniors over sixty. At Insurance Hero, we can simplify your search process by providing fast, free, and tailored comparisons of the country’s leading companies.

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