Can I Buy Life Insurance at 78? (2025 Senior Buyer’s Guide)

If you’re 78 years old and wondering "Can I buy life insurance at 78?" the answer is a clear YES.

In fact, millions of seniors in their late 70s secure new coverage every year—including final expense, guaranteed acceptance, and simplified whole life policies.

Whether you want to cover funeral costs, leave a small legacy, or prevent financial burdens on loved ones, you still have solid options at age 78—you just need to choose the right type of policy and the right insurance company.

👉 Compare your best life insurance options at age 78—request a free quote now.

Can You Really Get Life Insurance at Age 78?

Absolutely. Many top-rated insurance companies offer coverage up to age 80, 85, or even 90, depending on the product.

At age 78, the most common policy types available are:

• Final Expense Whole Life Insurance (best for funeral costs)
• Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance (no exam, no health questions)
• Simplified Issue Whole Life (few health questions, fast approvals)
• Some Term Life Options (limited availability, usually up to 80)

The older you are, the fewer options you have—so applying at 78 instead of 79 or 80 can make a significant difference.

👉 See which companies will approve you at 78—get your free quote today.

Best Life Insurance Option at Age 78: Guaranteed Acceptance

One of the easiest and most reliable ways for seniors at age 78 to qualify is through guaranteed acceptance life insurance.

Mutual of Omaha Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance

• Ages 45–85 eligible
• Up to $25,000 of permanent whole life coverage
• No medical exam
• No health questions
• Guaranteed approval
• Available in NY for ages 45–75

This type of policy is ideal if:

• You have health issues
• You’ve been declined in the past
• You want affordable final expense coverage
• You need guaranteed approval
• You cannot be turned down. Coverage is permanent and never decreases.

👉 Instant approval—request a free Mutual of Omaha quote now.

How Much Life Insurance Can a 78-Year-Old Buy?

Most seniors at age 78 qualify for coverage amounts between:

• $5,000 and $25,000 for final expense plans
• Up to $40,000 with simplified issue options (company dependent)

Guaranteed acceptance policies max out at $25,000, which is usually enough to cover:

• Funeral costs (average $9,000–$12,000)
• Burial or cremation
• Medical bills
• Debts
• Leaving a gift to a child or grandchild

Wondering how much coverage is right for you?

👉 Get your free life insurance quote.

What Does Life Insurance Cost at Age 78?

Rates depend on:

• Your gender
• Smoker vs. non-smoker status
• Health (unless guaranteed acceptance)
• Coverage amount

Even at 78, premiums can be surprisingly affordable—especially for smaller final expense policies.

Typical Monthly Prices at Age 78

(Estimates for $10,000–$25,000 whole life policies)

• Women: ~$38–$120 per month
• Men: ~$45–$150 per month

Guaranteed acceptance is usually slightly higher because approval is automatic.

👉 See your exact cost in 30 seconds—request a free quote now.

Will My Health Affect My Ability to Get Life Insurance at 78?

It depends on the type of policy:

Final Expense Whole Life

✔ Accepts many common health conditions
✔ No exam
✔ Only a few questions
✘ Some conditions may affect price or approval

Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance (Best for Age 78)

✔ No exam
✔ No questions
✔ Guaranteed approval
✔ Available up to age 85 (45–75 in NY)

This is often the easiest path for seniors who want immediate approval without medical scrutiny.

👉 Skip the exam—apply in minutes with a free quote.

What Policy Should Someone at Age 78 Choose?

Here’s the simplest breakdown:

Choose Guaranteed Acceptance if:

• You have serious health issues
• You want automatic approval
• You want $25,000 or less in coverage
• You want lifetime protection

Choose Simplified Issue Whole Life if:

• You’re relatively healthy
• You want slightly lower premiums
• You want a fast approval with mild health questions

Choose Term Life (limited availability) if:

• You want temporary coverage
• You can qualify with health questions
• You don’t need lifetime protection

Not sure which one fits best?

👉 Get a free, personalized quote and side-by-side comparison.

Why Buying Life Insurance at 78 Is Still a Smart Decision

Even at age 78, life insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection for your family.

Here’s why seniors choose to get covered:

• Protect loved ones from funeral costs
• Leave a tax-free gift to children or grandchildren
• Cover medical bills, debts, or end-of-life expenses
• Ensure your family isn’t burdened financially
• Lock in lifetime coverage that never expires

Waiting only makes coverage more expensive—and may reduce the options available.

👉 Lock in coverage today. Request your free life insurance quote now.

Yes—You Can Buy Life Insurance at Age 78

Whether you’re healthy, have medical challenges, or have been declined before, you still have strong options at age 78.

With guaranteed acceptance plans like Mutual of Omaha’s Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance (ages 45–85, up to $25,000; 45–75 in NY), you can secure lifelong protection with no exam and no health questions.

The next step is simple:

👉 Get your free life insurance quote now and compare your best options at age 78.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Quotes

Top Pick – 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:

• 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.

At Term-Life-Online.com We value your trust and privacy.