Can an Adult Child Get Life Insurance on a Parent? (Complete Guide for 2025)

Last Updated: December 10, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

2. Your Parent Must Give Written Consent

You cannot secretly take out life insurance on a parent.

They must:

• Sign the application
• Answer any required health questions (or skip them for guaranteed issue)
• Acknowledge the coverage amount

No signature = no policy.

3. Your Parent Must Participate in the Process

Depending on the policy type, your parent may need to:

• Answer medical questions
• Complete a phone interview
• Take a short medical exam (optional for some plans)

If you want a policy without medical exams or health questions, guaranteed acceptance plans are available for seniors ages 45–85, including well-known options such as Mutual of Omaha Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance (coverage up to $25,000).

Why Adult Children Buy Life Insurance on a Parent

Most people aren’t trying to "profit" from their parent’s passing — they’re planning responsibly.

Common reasons include:

✅ Final Expense Protection

Funerals cost $8,000–$15,000. A small policy prevents out-of-pocket burdens.

✅ Unpaid Debts or Medical Bills

Even without credit cards, seniors sometimes leave uncovered expenses.

✅ Long-Term Care Costs

If you help financially, insurance can protect you from the impact of rising care costs.

✅ Estate and Legacy Planning

Some parents want to leave something behind but can’t save enough in time.

✅ Protecting Your Own Finances

When a parent passes, children often absorb final expenses immediately.

Life insurance removes that stress.

Best Types of Life Insurance for a Parent (Ages 60–90)

1. Final Expense / Burial Insurance (Most Popular)

• Coverage: $2,000–$25,000
• No medical exam
• Designed for ages 50–85
• Affordable fixed premiums
• Often available even with health issues

Perfect for:

Covering funeral costs + small debts.

2. Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance

• Ages 45–85
• No health questions
• No medical exam
• Approval is guaranteed
• 2-year graded benefit (standard industry rule)
• Start Your FREE Quote

Ideal when:

Your parent has serious health issues like COPD, cancer history, dementia, or heart disease.

3. Simplified Issue Whole Life

• Ages 40–85
• No exam
• Health questions required
• Higher coverage than guaranteed issue
• Immediate coverage (no waiting period)

Ideal when:

Your parent has average health and wants instant protection.

4. Term Life Insurance for Seniors

• Usually available until 70–75, sometimes up to 80
• Higher coverage amounts
• Lowest cost per dollar
• Requires decent health
• Start Your FREE Quote

Best for:

Covering temporary needs, such as loans, a mortgage, or income replacement.

How to Get Life Insurance on a Parent (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Talk With Your Parent

• Explain why the coverage matters and get their permission.
• This step is mandatory — policies cannot be taken out secretly.

Step 2: Choose the Right Policy Type

Questions to consider:

• Do they have serious health issues?
• Do they want a small burial policy or larger protection?
• What can they (or you) afford monthly?

Step 3: Complete the Application Together

Your parent may need to:

• Provide identification
• Answer health questions
• Sign the application electronically or on paper

Step 4: Name Yourself (or others) as Beneficiary

Most adult children buy the policy specifically to handle final expenses, but you can name:

• One beneficiary
• Multiple beneficiaries
• A contingent beneficiary

Step 5: Pay the Monthly Premium

• Anyone can pay — you or your parent — regardless of who owns the policy.
• Many adult children choose to own the policy and make payments themselves.

Cost: How Much Is Life Insurance for a Parent?

Costs vary based on:

• Age
• Gender
• Tobacco use
• Health
• Coverage amount
• Type of policy

            Sample Monthly Rates for Final Expense Whole Life

                           (Estimates for non-smokers; costs vary by company.)

               Age           $10,000 Policy          $15,000 Policy          $20,000 Policy

                60            $25-$35/month           $35-$50/month           $45-$65/month

                70            $40-$60/month           $60-$85/month           $80-$110/month

                80            $90-$140/month         $135-$200/month        $180-$275/month

  If your parent is older or has health issues, guaranteed acceptance is often the best option.

Common Questions About Buying Life Insurance for a Parent

1. Can I get life insurance on a parent without their consent?

No. Every insurer requires your parent’s signature.

2. What if my parent refuses to apply?

You cannot get life insurance on them.

However, you can prepay or finance a funeral separately.

3. What if my parent has major health problems?

Guaranteed acceptance policies (like Mutual of Omaha’s 45–85 plan with up to $25,000 coverage) can still approve them. Start Your FREE Quote.

4. Can I own the policy and pay the premiums myself?

Yes — very common.

5. Can multiple children share the policy?

Yes. You can:

• Split premiums
• Name multiple beneficiaries
• Share ownership (with some carriers)

Final Thoughts

Adult children can get life insurance on a parent — and for many families, it’s one of the most responsible financial decisions they’ll ever make.

As long as your parent gives consent, participates in the application, and has a clear insurable interest, obtaining coverage is straightforward. Whether you’re planning for final expenses or protecting your own finances, the right policy can provide peace of mind for everyone involved.

Compare Life Insurance Quotes

Top Pick – JRC Insurance Group

JRC Insurance Group helps you shop, compare and save on life insurance. Regardless of your age or health background, we'll shop our 63 top life insurance companies and find you affordable life insurance you need to protect your family and fit your budget. Compare the best life insurance rates for savings up to 73%. Get Your FREE Quote.

Highly Recommended – United of Omaha

United of Omaha offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance for people age 45 to 85. Choose $3,000 up to $25,000 of coverage. Rates start as low as $8.80 per month. There’s no medical exam and no health questions. You cannot be turned down. You can get a quote and apply online now. Start Here to get a FREE Quote.

Resources:

• How to Buy Life Insurance for a Parent
• Where Can I Buy Life Insurance on My Parents?
• Can I Buy Life Insurance for a Sick Parent?
• Can I Buy Burial Insurance for My Parents?
• Guide to Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance
• Tips for Buying Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
• Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance FAQs
• Pros and Cons of Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
• A.M. Best Company: Compare financial strength ratings of life insurance companies
• Life Happens.org: Learn about life insurance and review facts.

About Our Methodology

Reviewed By: President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

• 30+ years of experience in insurance planning

How We Keep This Guide Accurate: We regularly updates our content to reflect the latest rates and industry trends. We are committed to providing transparent, unbiased information to help you make the best decision for your family.

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