Shopping for the right life insurance plans for seniors is important,  but   it  can be  a  daunting  process.  This is because, at the moment, there are many providers that offer worthwhile coverage policies. However, before settling on an insurance company, one should  first  figure out which type of senior life insurance is best for them and their loved ones.  It is important to understand  the common coverage plans before investing to make an informed decision.

Term insurance
As the name suggests, term insurance offers benefits for a certain time frame. The age limits for every insurance provider’s plan vary. Usually, the age limits and corresponding terms are as follows.

55 to 64 years old: 30-year term

65 to 69 years old: 25-year term

70 to 74 years old: 20-year term

75 to 79 years old: 15-year term

80 years old and above: 10-year term

It is important to note that the proposed term insurance premiums will increase according to one’s age. Likewise, the installments will be expensive, if the senior has some chronic health conditions. If the provider senses that the senior’s medical issues might have severe circumstances in the near future, then they might even disapprove their application. The term life insurance with no health assessment might be comparatively costlier than the ones with medical underwriting.

Whole insurance
Also known as permanent life insurance, this type of policy offers a death benefit for the rest of the insured’s life and at the same time, accumulates a cash value. The whole life insurance stays valid as long as the senior pays the premiums on time. The good part is that the premium amount stays uniform for the entire policy’s life. However, as compared to term plans, the premiums for permanent coverage are relatively pricey.

Guaranteed universal
Guaranteed universal life insurance draws a few features from both, term and whole plans. They are more affordable than permanent life insurance. The length of such coverage can be chosen by the senior. However, in most cases, it outlives the senior’s lifetime. It is mostly used for funding end of life costs, offering an inheritance to the beneficiaries, and diminishing estate taxes.

Universal
This type of senior life insurance lasts a lifetime and has a cash value attached to it. The cash value is directly influenced by factors such as policy’s investment performance and the ability to take loans against it. Since the insurance directly involves the unpredictability of its investments, earnings are not assured. Likewise, the senior might have to increase the premium payments to sustain the policy’s performance.

Final expense insurance
As the name implies, the final expense insurance ensures funds for paying off medical bills and burial expenses. This permanent senior life insurance lasts a lifetime, and usually provides a coverage ranging between $50,000 and $100,000. This type of senior life insurance can help develop a cash value, i.e., you can access the money during the life of the plan.