The Best Whole Life Insurance Plans for Seniors in 2025
TruStage won our top honor as the best whole life insurance for seniors because they offer fast online quotes, high coverage amounts, and no medical exam requirements.
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- Coverage up to $100,000
- Fast online quotes
- No medical exams required

- Coverage up to $50,000
- Fast online quotes
- AARP discounts and benefits

- Coverage up to $250,000 (varies by age)
- No online quotes
- Tax-deferred cash value
- Ability to choose specific coverage amounts
- No medical exams required
- Maximum issue age of 85
- Cash surrender value accrual over the life of the policy
- Premiums never go up
- Eligible policies accrue cash value
Our team of experts researched and compared a dozen whole life insurance carriers to select our top choices for older adults.
Our team of experts researched and compared a dozen whole life insurance carriers to select our top choices for older adults.
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Though there are term life insurance policies for seniors, the majority are designed for young families with substantial financial obligations. Once you near retirement, you will likely have less debt and fewer expenses to manage. As a result, you may want to consider spending a bit more on your premiums to get whole life insurance. This guarantees that your beneficiaries will get a death benefit, regardless of how long you live.
We researched whole life insurance carriers for seniors and chose TruStage as the best whole life insurance thanks to their high coverage plans and easy online quotes. Along with our top picks, we’ll discuss what each carrier offers, their pricing, and the advantages and disadvantages of different policies.
Our Methodology
How We Researched the Best Whole Life Insurance for Seniors
We spent over 50 hours researching and comparing whole life insurance plans. Here is the process we used for every carrier.
- We visited the carrier’s website to evaluate their whole life insurance policies and how easy it was to choose between products. Some carriers had a lot of information (like online quotes and plan benefits) available online, while others only provided a basic overview of plans.
- We went through the process of getting a quote (when available) and seeing what plans were available in our area.
- We reached out by phone to each carrier and asked questions about their plans, focusing on costs, plan options, coverage amounts, age limits, medical exam requirements, and other factors that matter to older adults.
- We compared notes and narrowed down our list to the top whole life insurance carriers for seniors.
How We Chose the Best Whole Life Insurance for Seniors
We focused our research on key factors, including:
- Issue age: Limiting eligibility by age is a major factor when it comes to whole life insurance. Fortunately, the carriers on our list have a maximum issue age of at least 80, with some as high as 85.
- Cost: Cost always plays a role when purchasing a plan. Premiums get higher as we age, so it’s not always easy to find a plan that falls within everyone’s budget. Premiums vary by plan type, carrier, and medical history, but we focused our attention on the carriers that offer the most bang for your buck.
- Plan availability: Not all insurance carriers offer whole life insurance nationwide. That said, many of the carriers on our list have plans available in all or most states.
- Medical exam requirements: Some carriers require medical exams to be eligible for whole life insurance. With many, it depends on your age when you apply. Many seniors prefer to avoid the hassle of a medical exam (and the possibility of being excluded from a policy for health reasons), so most of the carriers on our list do not require medical exams.
- Maximum benefits: The maximum death benefit is often the biggest factor older adults consider, as they want to leave behind sufficient funds for their beneficiaries. Many carriers limit plans for seniors to Guaranteed Acceptance or Final Expense plans, which tend to offer lower amounts only meant to cover the policyholder’s funeral and similar expenses. We focused on carriers that offered plans with higher maximum coverage amounts, while still including carriers with more affordable, lower-coverage plans.
- Waiting period: Some life insurance policies institute a waiting period — often one to two years — during which time the policyholder won’t benefit from their plan’s coverage (with some exceptions). Some of the carriers on our list have waiting periods, but most don’t.
Why Trust Us?
Our experts have spent hundreds of hours researching insurance plans, along with other products and services designed to keep seniors covered. We also consult with older adults to learn about their personal experiences with different carriers and gain better insights into the advantages and disadvantages of different plans.
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1. TruStage - Highest guaranteed coverage amounts
What we like most
- Coverage up to $100,000
- Fast online quotes
- No medical exams required
Overview:- Online purchase available: Yes
- Policy types: Term, Whole Life, Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life
- Maximum issue age: 85
- Maximum benefit: $100,000
- Waiting period: No
- Medical exam required: No
- Unique benefit: Instant online quotes
TruStage is the only insurance broker to make our list, but this isn’t a drawback. Insurance brokers work with various companies to find the best life insurance policies to meet your specific needs. With TruStage, seniors can get whole life insurance with coverage up to $100,000 — no medical exams required. They also offer competitive premiums that won’t increase with time, as well as instant online approval. That means applicants can get the whole life insurance they need from the comfort of their couch!
» Related Reading: Best Cheap Life Insurance for Seniors
Pros & Cons:Pros About TruStage
- Coverage amounts up to $100,000
- Instant online quotes and purchase options
- Maximum issue age of 85
- No medical exams required
Cons About TruStage
- Maximum issue age for Guaranteed Acceptance drops to 80
- High-coverage plans can get pricey
Summary:Coverage and Pricing
Seniors may discover that getting an online quote for life insurance can be difficult. If you’re over the age of 60, many insurance carriers want you to call a representative, discuss your needs, and even take a medical exam before providing a quote.
This is part of the reason why we love carriers like TruStage and AARP. We just entered our ZIP code, date of birth, and gender. In seconds, we could see the approximate premiums for whole life insurance, along with the quotes we could get for some of TruStage’s other products, like term life and guaranteed acceptance life insurance.
» Plan Your Future: A Guide to Finance for Seniors
We researched monthly premiums for 65-year-old adults located in Miami, Florida. Here’s what we found for different coverage amounts.
Coverage amount Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) $5,000 $34 $27.05 $10,000 $65 $51.10 $15,000 $96 $75.15 $20,000 $127 $99.20 $25,000 $151.75 $118.50 $30,000 $181.50 $141.60 $35,000 $211.25 $164.70 $40,000 $241 $187.80 $45,000 $270.75 $210.90 $50,000 $288.50 $225 $60,000 $345.60 $269.40 $70,000 $402.70 $313.80 $80,000 $459.80 $358.20 $90,000 $516.90 $402.60 $100,000 $574 $447 Even if you have a preexisting condition that precludes you from a standard whole life insurance plan with TruStage, you can automatically qualify for a Guaranteed Acceptance whole life plan with coverage amounts up to $20,000 (as long as you’re 80 or younger). While this option doesn’t offer as much coverage as a Guaranteed Acceptance plan from Mutual of Omaha, it’s a decent alternative. You could also consider one of TruStage’s term life insurance policies, which offer coverage amounts up to $300,000.
Customer Feedback
TruStage has some of the best reviews of any whole life insurance or broker we’ve encountered. Many seniors praise the quality of customer service and feel they can trust TruStage to provide the financial protection they need and handle claims with compassion and professionalism.
Though we came across very few negative reviews, some policyholders were confused when trying to get their policy started. Some stated that their initial premium was not deducted from their bank automatically, making them worry that they would not be covered. Others have complained about difficulty paying their premiums online or over the phone.
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2. AARP - Best premiums
What we like most
- Coverage up to $50,000
- Fast online quotes
- AARP discounts and benefits
Overview:- Online purchase available: Yes
- Policy types: Term, Whole Life, Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life
- Maximum issue age: 85
- Maximum benefit: $50,000
- Waiting period: No
- Medical exam required: No
- Unique benefit: Premium payments end at age 95
AARP has some of the lowest premiums of any carrier, but the company offers far more than insurance. Fee-paying AARP members get access to some of the best solutions and resources for seniors. If you are worried about the cost of becoming a member, the monthly fee is equivalent to a cup of coffee (about $1.33 per month).
Did You Know? You can get an AARP membership for as low as $12 for the first year when you choose a plan with automatic renewal.
AARP’s whole life insurance policies, offered through New York Life, (and the rest of their offerings) are specifically developed to meet seniors’ needs. Their plans have low premiums, no prerequisite medical exams, and a high age limit. However, they offer maximum coverage limits that are half as much as what you could get with TruStage.
» Learn More: A Guide to AARP Memberships
Pros & Cons:Pros About AARP
- Low premiums that won’t increase with time
- Policies build cash value that can be borrowed against
- Guaranteed Acceptance plans
- Premium payments end at age 95, but coverage continues for life
- Maximum issue age of 80
Cons About AARP
- Relatively low coverage amounts
- Must be an AARP member to apply
- AARP membership fees can increase over time
Summary:Coverage and Pricing
Like TruStage, AARP makes it easy to get whole life insurance quotes online. You can then apply and, if accepted, make your purchase in minutes. While AARP’s whole life insurance coverage amounts can’t compete with TruStage, their premiums are lower and more affordable for seniors on a fixed income.
» Managing Your Money: Tips to Building a Budget on a Fixed Income
We got our quotes for AARP’s standard whole life insurance for 65-year-old applicants in Miami, Florida.
Coverage amount Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) $5,000 $32 $24 $10,000 $62 $47 $25,000 $150 $109 $50,000 $284 $193 *These premiums do not include the cost of an AARP membership.
AARP ranks among the best life insurance for seniors, assuming that you are willing to pay a little extra for an AARP membership. The Guaranteed Issue means you won’t have to take any medical exams or worry about getting denied due to preexisting conditions. But if you are looking for a whole life insurance policy with a large death benefit, AARP may not be the best choice. You might be better off with TruStage or SBLI. Still, AARP is a great organization for most seniors — you can even get a discount on your membership for being a veteran!
» Learn About: Veterans Care Guide
Customer Feedback
Though AARP generally gets positive reviews, the life insurance it offers through New York Life doesn’t get as much praise. Some beneficiaries have commended AARP and New York Life for working with them during difficult times. One beneficiary reported that AARP was willing to honor his late father’s life insurance policy even though the last payment had been missed. Additionally, many seniors praise the company for not requiring medical exams. However, the majority of reviews take issue with the slow and convoluted claims process along with the difficulty of withdrawing cash value from accrued equity.
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3. SBLI - Best growth opportunities
What we like most
- Coverage up to $250,000 (varies by age)
- No online quotes
- Tax-deferred cash value
Overview:- Online purchase available: No
- Policy types: Term, Whole Life, Final Expense
- Maximum issue age: 80
- Maximum benefit: $250,000
- Waiting period: No
- Medical exam required: Yes
- Unique benefit: Tax-deferred growth on cash value
SBLI has been in business for over 75 years, offering life insurance products to consumers of all ages. However, they’re a particularly good option for seniors who want high coverage amounts without having to deal with waiting periods or medical exams. They’re also good for those who want to benefit from their policy while they’re still around. For example, many of SBLI’s whole life plans offer tax-deferred growth and cash value that can be borrowed against to pay for medical treatment and other expenses. Additionally, some policies offer dividends that pay out regularly, supplying a small but regular income stream during retirement.
» Plan for the Future: A Guide to Retirement Planning for Seniors
Pros & Cons:Pros About SBLI
- Whole life insurance with tax-deferred cash value growth
- Dividend payments to reduce premiums or add to coverage amount with eligible policies
- Coverage amounts up to $250,000 (may vary by age)
- No waiting periods
Cons About SBLI
- Medical exams for applicants 50 and above
- No online quotes
- Must call a representative to determine eligibility
Summary:Coverage and Pricing
The biggest downside to SBLI whole life insurance is the lack of pricing transparency. There is no option to get an online quote like there is with AARP and TruStage. When we called a sales rep, they couldn’t give us a quote for a 65-year-old applicant without a medical exam. As a result, it’s difficult to compare costs to other carriers. It’s also unclear if a 65-year-old would be eligible for some of the highest coverage amounts, which range from $15,000 to $250,000.
To get an idea of how much SBLI whole life might cost, we looked at their term life offerings. Keep in mind that term life insurance premiums are typically lower than whole life insurance premiums. According to Experian, whole life premiums are often anywhere between five and 15 times higher than term life premiums with the same coverage amounts.1
» Related Reading: The Best Term Life Insurance for Seniors
A 65-year-old man seeking a $250,000, 15-year term life policy could pay between $140.01 and $250.49 per month. A 65-year-old woman could pay between $101.16 and $168.05 for the same policy. If we assume that the cost of a whole life plan with the same coverage amount would be roughly five times the cost, average monthly premiums could range from $602.92 to $1,046.35. While this is quite high compared to AARP and Mutual of Omaha, keep in mind that it’s only a rough estimate for the highest death benefit available through SBLI.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews of SBLI’s life insurance offerings are generally positive, with most customers giving them high marks in pricing, customer service, and overall value. Many praise the quality of customer service reps when they need to make changes to a policy or clear up billing issues. However, some customers have run into snags with seemingly simple issues, like changing the beneficiary on a policy, which may take more than a year to resolve.
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4. Mutual of Omaha - Most customizable coverage amounts for seniors
What we like most
- Ability to choose specific coverage amounts
- No medical exams required
- Maximum issue age of 85
Overview:- Online purchase available: Yes
- Policy types: Term, Whole, Universal Life
- Maximum issue age: 85
- Maximum benefit: $25,000
- Waiting period: No
- Medical exam required: No
- Unique benefit: Coverage as low as $2,000
Mutual of Omaha is a financially strong insurance carrier that offers a range of insurance products, many of which are tailored to older adults on a budget. While we would have liked to see higher coverage amounts like SBLI and TruStage offer, Mutual of Omaha is a solid option for seniors who want an affordable policy tailored to their budget. We also love that Mutual of Omaha has a maximum issue age of 85, no waiting periods, no medical exams, and fast online quotes.
» More From Mutual of Omaha: Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans Review
Pros & Cons:Pros About Mutual of Omaha
- Choose the exact amount of coverage you want, up to $25,000
- Affordable premiums that won’t increase with time
- No waiting periods or medical exams
- High maximum issue age of 85 in most states
Cons About Mutual of Omaha
- Low coverage amounts, similar to final expense policies
- Higher coverage only available with term life or universal policies
- Maximum issue age is 75 in New York
Summary:Coverage and Pricing
If you’re just looking for a low-cost whole life insurance policy that you can get online, Mutual of Omaha has you covered. Their Guaranteed Acceptance policies don’t require medical exams, so coverage amounts are relatively low. For seniors who want something to help their beneficiaries pay for their final expenses or cover minor costs, Mutual of Omaha has excellent plans.
Here are the quotes we got for 65-year-old applicants in Miami, Florida.
Coverage amount Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) $2,000 $14.50 $10.80 $3,000 $21.25 $15.70 $4,000 $28.00 $20.60 $5,000 $34.75 $25.50 $6,000 $41.50 $30.40 $7,000 $48.25 $35.30 $8,000 $55.00 $40.20 $9,000 $61.75 $45.10 $10,000 $68.50 $50.00 $11,000 $75.25 $54.90 $12,000 $82.00 $59.80 $13,000 $88.75 $64.70 $14,000 $95.50 $69.60 $15,000 $102.25 $74.50 $16,000 $109.00 $79.40 $17,000 $115.75 $84.30 $18,000 $122.50 $89.20 $19,000 $129.25 $94.10 $20,000 $136.00 $99.00 $21,000 $142.75 $103.90 $22,000 $149.50 $108.80 $23,000 $156.25 $113.60 $24,000 $163.00 $118.60 $25,000 $169.75 $123.50 Mutual of Omaha whole life insurance doesn’t offer high coverage amounts, nor do plans have a lot of “extras” like cash value equity or dividend payments like SBLI. Still, if you want a simple, low-cost plan from a reliable carrier, Mutual of Omaha is a great option.
Customer Feedback
Mutual of Omaha has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is often praised for their excellent financials and long-term dependability. However, their customer reviews are not nearly as positive as carriers like TruStage or SBLI. Many people claim that dealing with customer service can be a huge pain, whether it’s a billing issue or requesting a change to an existing plan. Many reviewers have also commented that the process of filing a claim is more complicated than it should be.
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5. Corebridge Direct - Best cash surrender policies for seniors
What we like most
- Cash surrender value accrual over the life of the policy
- Premiums never go up
- Eligible policies accrue cash value
Overview:- Online purchase available: No
- Policy types: Term, Whole, Guaranteed Acceptance
- Maximum issue age: 80
- Maximum benefit: $250,000
- Waiting period: Two years
- Medical exam required: Yes
- Unique benefit: Can cancel policy and receive a portion of premiums back
Corebridge Direct (previously known as AIG Direct) has excellent whole life plans — if you’re willing to jump through a few hoops. With maximum benefits up to $250,000, policies are designed to give policyholders (and their loved ones) peace of mind about their retirement and estate planning.
» Useful Guide: Estate Planning Basics for Seniors
The downside is that Corebridge Direct is the only carrier on this list with a waiting period before coverage begins (excluding coverage for accidental deaths). It also requires applicants to undergo a medical exam before getting a quote and purchasing a policy. The upside is that Corebridge Direct allows policies to accrue cash value and, if the policyholder decides to cancel their policy early, they can get a portion of their paid premiums back.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Corebridge Direct
- Cancellation policies that allow premiums to be partially paid back
- High coverage amounts up to $250,000
- Multiple types of life insurance
- Strong financials
Cons About Corebridge Direct
- Low coverage amounts for Guaranteed Acceptance plans
- Must call a representative to get a quote and purchase a plan
- Waiting period and medical exam required
- Highest coverage amounts are not guaranteed for seniors
Summary:Coverage and Pricing
Like SBLI, Corebridge Direct is not entirely transparent about their whole life insurance premiums. There is no way to get a quote on the carrier’s website, and when we called a sales rep, we needed to submit a medical exam to get a quote. That’s a lot of effort just to figure out if a carrier’s policies are right for you.
FYI: If you want a carrier that offers quotes after just a few questions, you might prefer TruStage, AARP, or Mutual of Omaha.
The other drawback is that Corebridge Direct doesn’t make it clear if applicants up to 80 years old are eligible for the highest coverage amounts (up to $250,000). The carrier does offer Guaranteed Acceptance plans, but similar to carriers like Mutual of Omaha, these plans offer lower coverage amounts.
Fortunately, Corebridge Direct offers some resources to give applicants an approximation of costs for different kinds of plans. Here are estimated quotes for 50-year-old applicants. The cost for 65-year-old applicants would be substantially higher, so keep that in mind when comparing Corebridge Direct to other carriers.
Coverage amount Plan type Monthly premium (male) Monthly premium (female) $5,000 Guaranteed Issue Whole Life $32 $22 $250,000 Universal Life $239 $199 $250,000 Quality of Life (10-year term) $27 $23 $250,000 Term Life (10-year term) $29 $25 The Universal Life plans are similar in coverage and benefits to their standard Whole Life plans (which they don’t offer quotes for), which means these prices are closer to what seniors could expect for a high-coverage whole life plan. These quotes are for 50-year-old applicants in good health. Every plan offered by Corebridge Direct, except for the Guaranteed Issue plan with $5,000 of coverage, requires a medical exam. This means that seniors with preexisting conditions could be rendered ineligible for the plan they want.
» Also Check Out: Medicare and Medicaid Health Insurance
For this reason, seniors who want a low-coverage Guaranteed Acceptance plan are probably better off with Mutual of Omaha, as they offer similar pricing and coverage up to $25,000. That said, if an applicant is in good health and doesn’t mind getting a medical exam, Corebridge Direct is a good option for high coverage and relatively low premiums. Plus, the ability to cancel a policy and get a portion of paid premiums back is something most carriers don’t offer.
Customer Feedback
Based on our discussions with senior customers and reading through dozens of reviews, we’ve seen that Corebridge Direct is a “love-it-or-hate-it” carrier. Those who love the company often praise the politeness of customer service representatives and the ease of resolving small issues related to billing or double charges. However, there are more online reviews that complain about various issues, including poor communication, slow claims processes, and issues with the website frequently going down for maintenance.
Comparing the Best Whole Life Insurance for Seniors
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TruStage
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AARP
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SBLI
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Mutual of Omaha
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Corebridge Direct
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Rating | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Starting premiums* | $27.05 | $24 | $602.92** | $10.80 | $22** |
Coverage amount | $5,000 | $5,000 | $250,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
Age limit | 85 | 80 | 80 | 85 | 80 |
Additional benefits | Instant online quotes | AARP membership discounts and resources | Tax-deferred growth on cash value | Can choose coverage amounts in $1,000 increments | Cash surrender for canceled policies |
*Starting premiums for whole life insurance plans (as of 2025). Actual premiums vary based on age, location, health, and other factors.
**Estimated premium based on available data from the carrier.
What Is Whole Life Insurance?
Whole life insurance guarantees a death benefit to beneficiaries upon the death of the insured person. Additionally, most whole life insurance policies have a savings factor, which uses a fixed interest rate to accrue cash value over time. This is one of the primary advantages whole life insurance has over term life insurance, as term life insurance does not accrue cash value.
Pro Tip: Visit our comprehensive guide to life insurance to learn more before making your decision!
While the exact terms and benefits can vary from one carrier (or policy) to another, all whole life policies require you to pay monthly premiums in exchange for a specific dollar value of coverage that lasts for life. Some carriers offer a cutoff age after which your death benefits will be paid out. Due to the enhanced benefits, whole life insurance is usually costlier than term life insurance.
How Much Does Whole Life Insurance Cost?
Your location, gender, and overall health can affect the price of monthly premiums. As of the latest data, the average cost of a $250,000 whole life plan for a 60-year-old nonsmoker is roughly $772 per month for women and $903 for men.2 This is more than double the cost of a term life insurance plan for the same age group.
Does Whole Life Insurance Get More Expensive As You Get Older?
Most whole life insurance policies get more expensive as you get older. That said, some carriers offer fixed monthly payments that start higher and never change, regardless of how long you live. For example, AARP, SBLI, TruStage, and Mutual of Omaha offer whole life plans with premiums that never go up. Your starting premium will partly depend on your age when you apply, so it’s generally a good idea to apply for a plan as soon as possible.
» Read More: Life Insurance Cost Calculator
Is Term or Whole Life Insurance Better for Seniors?
Many seniors start with a term life insurance plan and then switch to a whole life plan. This is often the best strategy (assuming that your carrier allows you to convert your plan) because it lets you benefit from the lower premiums of term life insurance before switching to a plan that accrues cash value and guarantees a death benefit. That said, this may not be the best strategy for all seniors.
If you are on a fixed income (like Social Security benefits), you may also want a low-cost, fixed-payment life insurance plan. In this case, you are probably better off getting a term plan. Alternatively, if you have the funds to pay for higher premiums and want the value of your policy to grow, a whole life insurance policy is the best option. It all depends on your budget, needs, and short-term and long-term goals.
Tips for Choosing the Best Whole Life Insurance for Seniors
Here are a few tips to help you choose the best whole life insurance for you:
- Unless you have a plan with fixed monthly payments, you will need to budget for premium increases with each passing year; if your plan starts with high premiums, you may not be able to continue making payments five or 10 years from now.
- Dividends are not guaranteed, so even if you have a plan with dividends, you should not depend on them as a source of income.
- Whole life insurance policies have high lapse rates because many older adults cannot keep up with payments, but even if your plan lapses, you may still be able to reinstate your policy if you act swiftly. Make sure you read the fine print to know whether or not you can reinstate a lapsed policy.
- It is best to research multiple policy types and get quotes from several different carriers before making a decision.
- See if the carrier offers bundles for different insurance policies at a discounted rate.
- Consider how a life insurance policy will play into your overall estate-planning goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole Life Insurance
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What does whole life insurance mean?
Whole life insurance simply means that you are covered until the day you die (as long as you are current on your premiums). Your beneficiaries get an agreed-upon death benefit once you are gone.
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Does AARP offer whole life insurance?
Yes, AARP does offer whole life insurance. It is one of the few carriers that offers whole life insurance to seniors without any medical exam requirements.
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What is the best whole life insurance for seniors?
The best carrier or policy for you will depend on various factors, including your budget, age, and your beneficiaries’ wants and needs.
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What are the disadvantages of whole life insurance?
The primary disadvantage of whole life insurance is the high cost of monthly premiums. Additionally, most whole life insurance policies are not as flexible as term or universal life insurance.
Experian. (2022). Why Is Whole Life Insurance More Expensive Than Term Life?
Policygenius. (2024). Average whole life insurance rates (October 2024).