Whether you're a parent over 60 shopping for yourself or an adult child helping a parent get covered, options absolutely exist — you just choose differently than a 30-year-old would.
The two main paths
- Term life: still available into the 60s (often 10–20 year terms) for those in reasonable health. Good if there's income or a mortgage to protect for a defined period.
- Final expense (whole life): a small, permanent policy focused on funeral and end-of-life costs — easy to qualify for and never expires. See our final expense guide.
Buying a policy on a parent
- You need insurable interest (you'd be financially affected by their passing) — being their child qualifies.
- Your parent must consent and typically participate in the application and any health questions.
- You can be the owner and payer, with yourself or the estate as beneficiary.
Health and cost
Rates rise with age and health conditions, but guaranteed-issue policies accept applicants with no health questions (with a graded benefit for the first couple of years). If your parent manages a condition like diabetes well, simplified or fully underwritten coverage may still price better.
Get it done sooner
Every year of waiting raises the cost and narrows the options. Healthy applicants can often skip the exam with no-exam coverage and get approved quickly.
Helping a parent get covered? Our free tool compares plans from 50+ carriers and shows what you'd actually pay in about 60 seconds — no obligation, real answers from a licensed broker. Get your free quote →