Finding affordable life insurance for seniors with health issues can feel overwhelming. Many carriers decline applications once chronic conditions are disclosed, and others approve coverage but at much higher premiums. The truth is, there are policies designed specifically for seniors with health concerns—including final expense and guaranteed issue life insurance—that provide peace of mind and affordable protection. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help seniors compare plans from 75+ top-rated carriers to find the right fit at the right price.

Types of Coverage Available

• Final Expense (Burial Insurance): Small policies ($5,000–$50,000) with simplified underwriting, ideal for covering funeral and medical expenses.
• Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: No health questions or exams—approval is guaranteed for seniors up to age 80.
• Simplified Issue Term Life: Shorter-term coverage with no exam, available depending on age and condition.
• Graded vs Level Benefit: Some policies offer full coverage immediately, while others have a 2-year waiting period before full death benefits pay for natural causes.

How Underwriting Works for Seniors with Health Issues

Carriers evaluate risk differently. Some are more lenient with conditions like controlled diabetes or treated cancer; others specialize in cardiac or respiratory histories. Simplified issue applications ask a short series of health questions and may use database checks (MIB, Rx history). Guaranteed issue policies bypass health questions entirely but typically use graded benefits for the first two policy years. We match your health profile with carriers whose guidelines historically favor your condition, budget, and target coverage amount.

What Health Issues Do Carriers Consider?

Not all health issues affect your eligibility the same way. Common factors include:

• ✅ Heart conditions (past heart attack, stents, or bypass surgery)
• ✅ Diabetes (controlled with oral medications or insulin)
• ✅ High blood pressure and cholesterol
• ✅ Past cancer history (in remission)
• ✅ Stroke or other neurological events
• ✅ COPD, asthma, or other respiratory issues

Other considerations include height/weight (build charts), tobacco use, recent hospitalizations, oxygen use, mobility aids, cognitive conditions, and pending tests or procedures. Disclosing these accurately helps us steer you to carriers that view your profile most favorably.

Comparison: Healthy vs Seniors with Health Issues

Cost Drivers You Can Influence

• Coverage Amount: Smaller face amounts (e.g., $10,000–$25,000) can keep premiums low.
• Policy Type: Guaranteed issue is easiest to qualify for but usually costs more than simplified issue.
• Payment Mode: Monthly EFT or annual pay may offer modest savings versus other modes.
• Tobacco Use: Quitting or reducing use can unlock better pricing tiers over time (subject to carrier rules).
• Riders: Adding riders (accidental death, accelerated benefits) can increase premiums; use only when needed.

Case Example

A 72-year-old woman with insulin-dependent diabetes applied for $15,000 in burial insurance. One carrier offered only a graded death benefit with a 2-year waiting period. We shopped her case and found another insurer willing to offer immediate level benefit coverage at a competitive rate, saving her both time and money. Today, she has peace of mind knowing her family won’t face unexpected financial burdens.

Application Tips for Faster Approvals

• ✅ Be upfront about your medical history—hidden details will surface in underwriting.
• ✅ Prepare medication lists (names, dosages, reasons) and contact info for your physicians.
• ✅ Focus on carriers with flexible build charts and favorable guidelines for your condition.
• ✅ Consider guaranteed issue if declined elsewhere—coverage is always available.
• ✅ Work with an independent broker who can compare dozens of carriers at once.

Beneficiaries, Payout Speed, and Final Expenses

Most final expense policies pay benefits directly to your beneficiaries, who can use proceeds for funeral costs, medical bills, travel, and other immediate needs. Many carriers offer expedited claims for smaller policies with a valid death certificate. We’ll help you title the policy, select contingent beneficiaries, and coordinate with funeral homes if desired.

Why Work With Diversified Insurance Brokers?

Since 1980, Diversified Insurance Brokers has helped seniors—even those with complex health or occupation histories—secure affordable life insurance. With access to 75+ carriers, we know which companies are most lenient toward specific conditions and how to present your application for the best result. Learn more about our burial insurance services and how they can protect your family from final expenses.

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