More often than not, life insurance is not needed once a person retires. By that time, the kids have become old enough to look after themselves financially. And as far as you and your spouse are concerned, the retirement savings should suffice. But normal conditions are rarely so simple. I mean that there might be plenty of reasons for you to want to have life insurance beyond retirement. Ask an insurance agent and he will guide you better.

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The different types of insurance for seniors

There are usually two types of health insurance policy for senior citizens.  The first one is the ones who do not require medical tests. Then there are also the full underwritten types of life insurance. This insurance type calls for extensive medical exams with an analysis of blood and urine samples. The senior applying for the insurance must also convincingly answer several questions.

The circumstances in the life of a senior citizen are quite different from a middle-aged person. This difference in circumstance results in different insurance types for senior people. Such types are as follows:

  • Guaranteed Insurance- Often senior citizens have some health factors to worry about, and their budget too is not huge. Guaranteed issue life insurance is usually the best option open to such people. In guaranteed insurance claims, the insurance company cannot deny it. Without medical information about yourself, the rates are significant, if not enormous. Other factors that decide the prices are things like age, sex, and insurance amount. For small coverage sums like $10000, you might manage with your present monthly budget.
  • Term Life Insurance- It is important to note that term life insurance is available for seniors as well. If you have a mortgage, then term life insurance is especially helpful for you. With it, you get the flexibility of choosing your coverage amount and policy duration.
  • Whole Life Insurance- Another insurance option open to seniors is whole life insurance. The whole life ensures that the policy beneficiaries get a guaranteed sum, irrespective of the duration of their life span. But it is necessary that you pay all of your premiums. In most cases, there is a cash value account with this insurance type. You can even withdraw money from this account or borrow from the funds.
  • Universal Life Insurance- Universal life insurance is another option open to you. This insurance type is usually cheaper than the whole life variety. Some specific policies of universal life insurance help you accumulate cash value.

Now that you have figured out the best insurance type for you, you should observe the following tips. These tips will prove to be of immense use:

1. Talk to a broker or agent who specializes in the senior insurance

There is a difference between a life insurance agent and a broker. Your broker is likely to know all the policies offered by different companies for your age group. On the other hand, an insurance agent can only offer plans from a particular company.

It would be helpful for you to consult insurance agents only if their policy details fit you to perfection. And that is rarely the case. In case you haven't decided on the company yet, you ideally want to visit a broker. They will be in a better position to guide through a vast number of policies from several companies. Awareness of several insurance plans will help you in selecting one that fits you the best. The added expertise and experience of the broker is another significant advantage that can help you choose the best insurance.

James Campbell of Burial Insurance Pro notes " most seniors will want to avoid working with any company who advertises on TV, or through the mail.  Most of the plans advertised are not advantageous to the senior community.  Almost all of the policies they advertise have a two-year waiting period on the death benefit payout.  Many seniors would qualify for policies that pay out an immediate death benefit, and for plans cheaper than the Colonial Penn, Globe Life, and Gerber Life plans advertised.

2. Research policies and companies online

Most insurance companies are providing services through their website. Seniors can get different quotes from such company websites and compare them. Quotes are quite helpful for seniors to arrive at a particular choice. Besides company websites, there are plenty of online resources for seniors looking for insurance. Such sites provide lists of companies that offer protection to seniors.

It is crucial that you do proper homework and be aware of the policy specifics besides the quotes. Also, consider reviews of insurance companies by other seniors. 

3. Opt for insurance companies that specialize in senior insurance:

They are comparatively few insurance firms offering products for seniors. The fewer companies offering products are due to the enhanced risk factor caused by higher age. This lower number of players makes it essential to choose a company that provides dedicated senior products. Other companies will likely charge exorbitant premiums. Nowadays, you can go for the best burial insurance and cover your funeral expenses as well.

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4. Zero in on the main options and assess each:

Many factors need to be taken into account while buying insurance. The importance of such factors is higher for seniors. Some factors to consider are:
  • Coverage provided by the plan
  • The premium amount
  • The payout duration
In typical cases, a higher age means higher premiums. If you are ready to pay more significant premiums, then you can enjoy higher coverages. For most seniors, a term plan for ten to fifteen years should do the trick. For the majority of people in these age groups, higher coverage periods are of little use.

Remember to keep in mind your specific situation. If you have dependent heirs, you need to be aware of their financial situation. If you don't have any dependent heir, it is best to opt for the cheapest insurance in the market.

5. Be wary of marketing gimmicks:

Remember, it is seldom an ideal world. They are lots of fraudulent companies that earn their livelihood by swindling people. It helps to be wary of insurance policies that are too good. Chances are it is more of a scam. When choosing a reliable company, your research should come in handy.

Conclusion:

With the onset of old age, seniors need special insurance coverage. And there are several insurance types that fit them the best. Knowledge is power and you help yourself by researching insurance companies and their products. Above all, try to stay aware of the different legitimate senior insurance companies and their products!