How does over 80s life insurance work?

If you are over 80, one option for life insurance is to take a type of policy known as ‘over 50s insurance’. The big difference compared to other life insurance is that you can get accepted with no health questions and no medical. It’s potentially a great option if you’ve struggled to get life insurance in the past.

This type of insurance is typically restricted to people aged between 50 and 80. However, at least one insurer extends this to age 85. On this page, we concentrate on this type of ‘over 50s’ plan.

It guarantees a cash payout to your loved ones when you pass away, as long as you've held the policy for a set period – typically 12 months. After that, you're fully covered for life, no matter what happens with your health.

Why choose over 80s life insurance?

If you want to put something in place for your family, over 80s life insurance is a reassuringly straightforward option. You don’t have to answer any awkward health questions: you're guaranteed to be accepted, regardless of your medical history.

Once you've had the policy for the required waiting period (typically 12 months but can be longer), the payout is guaranteed. Some policies even offer partial payouts if you pass away due to an accident within the waiting period.

Over 80s life insurance is often chosen by people who want to make sure their funeral is paid for, or to leave a little something behind. You can relax knowing there’s a plan in place – and you will be helping your loved ones during a difficult time.

Reasons to choose over 80s life insurance:

  • Guaranteed acceptance (if you meet basic eligibility criteria).

  • No medicals, no health questions.

  • Fixed premiums that won’t go up.

  • Cover for life, after the initial waiting period.

  • Helps with funeral costs or leaves a gift for loved ones.

  • Some plans let you reduce cover and premiums later on.

What does over 80s life insurance cover?

Once you’ve passed the waiting period (e.g. 12 months) your cover kicks in for life. No matter how long you live or what health conditions you develop, your loved ones will receive the agreed payout when you die.

What isn’t covered?

Over 80s life insurance offers valuable protection, but there are a few situations where a claim may not be paid:

  • If you die during the waiting period: Policies won’t typically pay out for death from illness during this time, but some will pay out if you die due to an accident.

  • Missed payments: Like other types of insurance, missed payments can lead to your policy being cancelled.

  • Serious illness: Over 80s plans typically pay out on death alone. It may not be possible to add terminal illness cover or critical illness cover, unlike some other life insurance plans.

Please see each policy’s exclusions and limitations: always read the small print to make sure you understand the terms and conditions.

How much does over 80s life insurance cost?

The good news? Over 80s cover is generally affordable, especially if you take it out sooner rather than later. Your monthly premium will depend on a few things:

Your age

The younger you are when you take out a policy, the cheaper your premiums will usually be.

The ‘sum assured’

A policy that pays out £10,000 will cost more than one for £5,000.

Whether you smoke

Smokers often pay more than non-smokers.

The insurer

Each provider sets their own rates, so comparing quotes is key.

The best way to find out how much cover would cost for you is to compare quotes from leading insurance companies.

How to keep costs down

Looking for an affordable way to protect your loved ones? Here are some ways to get the best value from your over 80s life insurance:

Start as early as you can

The younger you are when you take out a policy, the lower your premiums are likely to be.

Choose the right level of cover

Look at your wider financial situation, such as any savings, property or investments, and choose a level of death benefit that makes up the shortfall without buying unnecessary cover.

Look for free extras

Some insurers offer added benefits like a funeral benefit option. This pays out directly to a funeral provider, with a discount on funeral costs.

Shop around and compare quotes

Each insurer has its own pricing model, so it’s essential to compare quotes before committing to a policy.

By making a few smart choices, you can reduce your premiums without compromising on the protection you need.

Things to consider

Over 80s life insurance can offer peace of mind, and for many people it’s a simple and stress-free way to make a thoughtful gesture and ease the financial burden on loved ones. But it’s not the right fit for everyone, so here are a few things to think about:

  • You may end up paying more in premiums than the policy pays out, especially if you live for many years.

  • The payout is fixed and inflation could reduce its value over time.

  • It’s not designed to cover large debts or provide full financial support, and it may not cover the full costs of a funeral.

  • If you miss payments, your policy may be cancelled and you won’t get any money back.

  • Other types of life insurance may offer more coverage, although it can be difficult to get covered if you are in your 80s.

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Answering your questions about over 80s life insurance

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Page updated on 12th December 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom