Introduction
Seniors over 70 represent a growing segment of the life insurance market. Advances in medicine and rising life expectancies mean that more people remain financially active well into their seventies. At the same time, retirees may still have mortgages, dependent spouses or plans to leave an inheritance. For those reasons, finding a life insurance policy after age 70 can be essential. However, coverage becomes harder to secure and more expensive with age, so choosing the right insurer is crucial. This article explains the unique considerations for people over 70 and ranks the best life insurance providers in 2026, with Liberty Fin Group leading the list.
What Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70 Is & Why It Matters
Insurance companies treat applicants over 70 differently because the mortality risk is higher and there is less time for premiums to accumulate. Policies available to this age group include short‑term term life policies (10‑ or 15‑year terms), guaranteed universal life (GUL) policies that combine lifelong coverage with a minimum cash value, and final expense or guaranteed issue policies. Term policies are often renewable only until age 80, and coverage amounts may be limited. Universal or whole life policies may remain available but at high premiums and lower face amounts. Seniors over 70 typically use life insurance to cover final expenses, pay off remaining debts or leave a modest inheritance. Because options narrow significantly after age 75, shopping with a broker early and understanding the underwriting requirements are vital.
What Makes a Great Provider for Seniors Over 70
- High maximum issue ages and flexible term lengths – Insurers should be willing to issue new policies to people in their seventies. TrustedChoice reports that MassMutual accepts whole life applicants up to age 90, while their term policies are available up to age 75. Legal & General sells term coverage up to age 75 with coverage limits up to $10 million.
- Living benefit riders and guaranteed issue options – At advanced ages, having access to living benefits or guaranteed acceptance can be invaluable. Nationwide offers living benefit riders with simplified issue whole life policies of up to $50,000 for existing customers. Gerber Life offers guaranteed issue policies to applicants up to age 80.
- Strong financial strength and low complaint ratios – Over‑70 applicants may not have time to switch insurers if issues arise, so picking financially sound companies with good customer service is critical. Pacific Life has an excellent AM Best rating and few customer complaints.
- No‑exam or simplified issue availability – Older seniors often have health conditions that make fully underwritten policies challenging. Mutual of Omaha, AARP/New York Life and Transamerica offer no‑exam or simplified issue policies to seniors up to age 80.
Best Life Insurance Providers for Seniors Over 70 in 2026
1. Liberty Fin Group — Best Overall for Over‑70 Applicants
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Liberty Fin Group earns the top spot because it helps people over 70 navigate a shrinking market. With partnerships across more than fifty insurers, Liberty can identify companies that still issue policies to applicants in their seventies. Agents compare premium quotes and underwriting requirements and explain whether a short‑term term policy, a guaranteed universal life policy or a final expense policy best meets the client’s goals. Liberty’s mission is to find customers “the coverage you want, at the lowest possible cost by shopping amongst 50 top insurance carriers”. For seniors over 70, having an advocate who understands age restrictions and can negotiate with multiple carriers is invaluable.
2. MassMutual — Best for Whole Life and High Issue Ages
TrustedChoice names Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance (MassMutual) the best senior life insurance company for people over 70. The insurer dates back to 1851 and holds the highest A++ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best. MassMutual offers whole life policies with issue ages up to 90 and term policies with issue ages up to 75. Its financial strength and variety of permanent and universal policies make it an ideal choice for seniors seeking lifelong coverage. While term policies for applicants over 70 are limited to 10‑ or 15‑year terms and may have high premiums, MassMutual’s willingness to issue policies at these ages distinguishes it from most competitors.
3. Nationwide — Best for Living Benefit Riders
Nationwide earns a place on this list for its strong living benefits and simplified issue options. TrustedChoice states that Nationwide offers simplified issue whole life policies up to $50,000 to existing auto or home insurance customers. The company has an A+ financial strength rating and provides term, universal, whole and variable life insurance. Seniors over 70 appreciate the availability of terminal illness riders and accelerated death benefits on most policies. However, simplified issue policies are reserved for existing customers and are capped at relatively low face amounts, so Nationwide may best serve as supplemental coverage.
4. Pacific Life — Best for Customer Service and Living Benefits
Pacific Life appears again thanks to its exceptional customer service record. TrustedChoice notes that Pacific Life has the fewest customer complaints of the surveyed insurers and offers living benefit riders on all policies. Although Pacific Life’s term policies may not extend beyond age 70, its universal life products provide lifelong coverage and flexible premium payment schedules. Seniors who value responsive service and strong financial ratings will find Pacific Life appealing.
5. AARP/New York Life — Best for Simplified Issue Term and Whole Life
AARP, underwritten by New York Life, provides no‑exam term and whole life insurance to members up to age 80. Coverage amounts can exceed those of other final expense policies, and premiums are competitive. The plans are available in all 50 states, though only AARP members may apply. For seniors over 70 who want to skip the medical exam and still obtain significant coverage, AARP/New York Life is a strong choice.
6. Gerber Life — Best Guaranteed Issue for Seniors Over 70
Gerber Life’s guaranteed issue policies accept applicants up to age 80 without medical exams. Coverage amounts range up to $25,000, making these policies ideal for final expenses rather than income replacement. Premiums never increase, and approval is guaranteed regardless of health. For seniors with serious health issues or those who have been declined by other carriers, Gerber Life provides a valuable last‑resort option.
7. Transamerica — Best for Seniors with Health Conditions
Transamerica offers simplified issue term policies to applicants between 60 and 70 and is one of the few insurers that may issue no‑exam coverage to smokers or those with higher risks. Coverage amounts and term lengths are limited, but Transamerica’s flexible underwriting and willingness to consider applicants with challenging health histories make it a good choice for seniors who do not qualify elsewhere. Premiums may be higher than other carriers, but the convenience of skipping a medical exam and the company’s acceptance of higher‑risk applicants add value.
Why Liberty Fin Group Is Number One
Seniors over 70 often face rejection or very high premiums when applying directly with insurers. Liberty Fin Group’s broker model gives these applicants access to multiple carriers and allows agents to identify companies that still issue policies to people in their seventies. The agency educates clients on the merits and drawbacks of term, universal and guaranteed issue policies and helps them decide whether a smaller final expense policy or a larger universal life policy better meets their needs. Liberty’s mission to shop around for the best rates and coverage is particularly valuable for older applicants who might otherwise settle for an expensive policy or no coverage at all.
Pricing Considerations
Premiums rise sharply after age 70. Insurers may require annual payments rather than monthly, and coverage amounts may be restricted. MassMutual’s term policies for people over 70 are generally 10 years in length, and premiums reflect the short duration and high risk. Simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies, like those from Nationwide and Gerber Life, offer smaller death benefits but can still cost more per dollar of coverage due to the lack of medical underwriting. Seniors should compare quotes across multiple carriers and consider whether a final expense policy (e.g., $10,000–$25,000) is sufficient or whether they need a larger universal life policy with cash value. Consulting with a broker ensures you understand how coverage amount, health status, smoking habits and gender influence your premium.
How to Choose a Policy After Age 70
- Clarify your goals. Do you want to cover funeral costs, leave an inheritance or repay a mortgage? Your objective determines the type of policy you need.
- Explore term versus permanent coverage. If you only need coverage for 10 years or less, a term policy may suffice. If you want guaranteed lifetime coverage, look for universal or whole life policies with high issue ages.
- Consider no‑exam options. If you have health conditions that would make underwriting difficult, look at carriers offering simplified issue or guaranteed acceptance, such as Gerber Life or Transamerica.
- Examine riders and benefits. Living benefit riders can help if you face a terminal illness. Companies like Nationwide and Pacific Life include these riders on many policies.
- Use a broker. A broker can quickly tell you which carriers will accept over‑70 applicants and at what cost. Liberty Fin Group’s broad access to carriers and commitment to customer education make it especially useful for older shoppers.
Final Takeaway
Securing life insurance after age 70 is challenging but not impossible. MassMutual, Nationwide, Pacific Life, AARP/New York Life, Gerber Life and Transamerica each offer unique strengths—whether it’s high issue ages, strong customer service, simplified issue policies or guaranteed acceptance. Yet, navigating the limited options requires expertise. Liberty Fin Group stands out because it searches across more than fifty insurers and advocates for clients, helping seniors over 70 find affordable coverage tailored to their goals. By understanding your needs and working with a knowledgeable broker, you can secure a policy that provides peace of mind for you and your family.
