I Compared Every Major Insurance Company at 68 – These 3 Destroyed the Others

I Compared Every Major Insurance Company at 68 – These 3 Destroyed the Others

Personal Experience · Insurance Comparison · Age 68

I Compared Every Major Insurance Company at 68 – These 3 Destroyed the Others

After spending six weeks getting quotes, filling out forms, and sitting through phone calls I never wanted to make — I finally have real answers. Here’s everything I learned so you don’t have to waste the same time I did.

Short Summary

At 68, finding affordable life insurance felt like navigating a maze blindfolded. I compared over a dozen major companies across three categories: term life insurance quotes for over 60, life insurance quotes over 50 no medical exam, and life insurance for senior citizens over 60. The pricing differences were shocking — hundreds of dollars apart for the same coverage. In this article, I break down exactly what I found, which three companies consistently came out on top, and how you can get the best rate for your specific situation without being taken advantage of.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

🥇

Mutual of Omaha

Best overall for seniors 60+

🥈

Transamerica

Best term life rates over 60

🥉

AARP / New York Life

Best no-exam option at 68

The bottom line? Shopping around at 68 is absolutely worth it — some companies charged 3× more for identical coverage. The three winners above offered competitive pricing, solid financial ratings, and didn’t make me feel like I was being squeezed just for being over 60. Read on for the full breakdown.

Term Life Insurance Quotes for Over 60 – What Are the Best Rates I Actually Found?

Real numbers · No fluff

I’ll be honest with you — when I first started searching for term life insurance quotes for over 60, I was bracing for bad news. Everyone told me the same thing: “It gets expensive after 60.” And sure, it’s not cheap. But expensive is relative. The spread between the cheapest and most expensive quote I received for the same $250,000 policy was over $180 per month. That’s $2,160 a year in wasted money if you pick the wrong company.

I’m a 68-year-old male, non-smoker, in reasonably good health. I carry some managed high blood pressure — nothing unusual. Using those parameters, I went through the process of getting real quotes from 12 companies. Some online, some through brokers, some through that exhausting phone-call process where they put you on hold twice and try to upsell you something you didn’t ask for.

Here’s what I found for a 10-year term, $250,000 coverage as a 68-year-old male, non-smoker:

Company Monthly Premium AM Best Rating Medical Exam? My Rating
Transamerica $187/mo A Yes (simplified) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mutual of Omaha $194/mo A+ Yes (simplified) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacific Life $221/mo A+ Yes (full) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Banner Life $228/mo A+ Yes (full) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Protective Life $235/mo A+ Yes (full) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prudential $252/mo A+ Yes (full) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lincoln Financial $261/mo A+ Yes (full) ⭐⭐⭐
AARP / New York Life $298/mo A++ No exam needed ⭐⭐⭐

*Quotes based on 68-year-old male, non-smoker, standard health, $250,000 / 10-year term. Rates vary by state and individual health profile.

💡 My Experience

Transamerica surprised me. I almost didn’t include them because I’d written them off as “middle of the pack.” Their online quote process was the cleanest, they didn’t upsell aggressively, and the simplified exam was honestly easier than I expected — a few health questions and a phone interview. Done in 20 minutes.

One thing I want to flag: term life after 68 gets tricky. Most companies cap term availability at age 70, and some won’t issue a new 20-year term at all. If you’re 68 right now, a 10-year term is your most realistic option. If you need coverage that lasts into your 80s, you’ll want to look at whole life or guaranteed universal life (GUL) instead — which I also cover below.

Also, check out my deeper dive on term rates: Term Life Insurance Quotes for Over 60 in 2026: I Compared 12 Companies, These Are the Cheapest.

Life Insurance Quotes Over 50 No Medical Exam – Are the Fast & Easy Options at 68 Worth It?

No exam · Instant approval · Real trade-offs

This was the category I was most curious about — and honestly, the one I got the most questions about from friends my age. Nobody wants to schedule a paramedical exam. Nobody wants a nurse showing up at their house at 7 a.m. to draw blood. So when companies advertise life insurance quotes over 50 no medical exam, it sounds like a dream.

The catch? You almost always pay for the convenience. No-exam policies at 68 typically cost 20–40% more than fully underwritten policies. But for some people — especially those with health conditions that would hurt their underwriting classification — going no-exam can actually save money, because the insurer can’t see the details that would spike your rate.

Here’s how the no-exam options stacked up:

Company Policy Type Max Coverage Monthly (Age 68) Approval Speed
AARP / New York Life Whole Life $50,000 $156/mo Instant online
Mutual of Omaha Whole Life $25,000 $112/mo Same day
Colonial Penn Whole Life $10,000 $9.95/unit Instant
Ethos Life Term / Whole $30,000 $138/mo 10–15 min
Globe Life Whole Life $100,000 $181/mo Instant online

*Coverage amounts and rates vary. Most no-exam policies at 68 are capped between $10,000–$50,000. Globe Life’s $100K cap is rare for no-exam at this age.

⚠️ The Colonial Penn Warning

Those “$9.95 per unit” ads are misleading. At 68, each unit of Colonial Penn buys you roughly $700–$900 in coverage. To get $10,000 in coverage, you’re paying over $100/month. It’s not terrible coverage, but the advertising is deliberately opaque. I almost got fooled by it.

My personal pick in this category was Mutual of Omaha’s Living Promise whole life policy. It’s genuine no-exam coverage (they ask health questions but no blood draw), the approval came back same-day, and at $25,000 face value it covers funeral and final expense costs cleanly without over-insuring.

For a more detailed breakdown of no-exam options, I wrote a separate article: I Got Life Insurance Quotes Over 50 No Medical Exam at Age 68 – These 5 Companies Approved Me Instantly.

Best Life Insurance for Senior Citizens Over 60 – What Does My Full Comparison Actually Show?

When you’re looking at life insurance for senior citizens over 60, the conversation is more nuanced than just “who’s cheapest.” At this stage of life, you’re not usually buying a 30-year term to protect a young family. You’re thinking about: covering final expenses, leaving something behind for your spouse, maybe paying off a remaining mortgage balance, or giving your kids a modest inheritance without the mess of probate.

So I approached my comparison with those use cases in mind. I rated each company across five categories that actually matter at 68:

Company Pricing (Senior) Policy Options Financial Strength Claims Process Overall (68+)
Mutual of Omaha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A+ (Superior) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.4 / 10
Transamerica ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A (Excellent) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.8 / 10
AARP / New York Life ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A++ (Superior) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.1 / 10
Pacific Life ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A+ (Superior) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 7.9 / 10
Lincoln Financial ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A+ (Superior) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 7.6 / 10
Globe Life ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ A (Excellent) ⭐⭐⭐ 6.8 / 10
Colonial Penn ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ A- (Excellent) ⭐⭐⭐ 5.4 / 10

🏆 My Recommendation

If I could only tell you one thing: start with Mutual of Omaha. Their senior-specific products are clearly designed with people our age in mind. The Living Promise whole life policy for final expenses is excellent. Their term rates are competitive. And their A+ financial strength means they’ll actually be around to pay the claim decades from now. That last part matters more than people realize.

Final Expense / Burial Insurance at Age 68 – Which Policies Actually Pay Without the Runaround?

Let me be straightforward about this: burial insurance is life insurance with a smaller face value, usually $5,000–$25,000, specifically marketed toward covering funeral and end-of-life costs. It’s not a scam. But it is heavily marketed toward seniors in ways that can border on predatory.

The average funeral in the United States now costs between $8,000 and $12,000. If you don’t have that money sitting in a savings account earmarked for it, your family will feel that burden. Final expense insurance fills that gap — and when it’s priced right, it’s genuinely useful coverage.

Here’s my breakdown of the best final expense / burial insurance options at 68:

Company Coverage Range Monthly (Age 68, M) Waiting Period Verdict
Mutual of Omaha – Living Promise $2,000–$25,000 ~$112/mo (Level) None (Level plan) ✅ Best Pick
Foresters Financial $2,000–$35,000 ~$118/mo None (Level) ✅ Strong Option
Aetna / CVS Health $2,000–$25,000 ~$128/mo None (Level) ✅ Decent
Royal Neighbors of America $5,000–$25,000 ~$134/mo 2-yr modified ⚠️ Check terms
Colonial Penn Up to ~$10,000 $100+/mo 2-year wait ❌ Avoid if possible

🚨 Watch Out for the Waiting Period Trap

Some burial insurance policies — especially “guaranteed issue” ones that accept anyone regardless of health — have a 2-year waiting period. That means if you pass away within the first two years of the policy, your family only gets the premiums returned, not the full death benefit. Always ask specifically about the waiting period before you sign anything.

For my deep-dive comparison on this topic, see: Best Final Expense Insurance for Seniors Over 60 – I Compared Every Major Company So You Don’t Pay Too Much.

The Top 3 Winners That Destroyed the Competition at Age 68 – Here’s Why They Won

🥇 #1 WINNER

Why Is Mutual of Omaha the Best Life Insurance for Seniors at 68?

Mutual of Omaha wins across almost every category that matters to someone my age. Their pricing for seniors is consistently among the lowest, their product range covers everything from small final expense policies to larger whole life plans, and their A+ AM Best rating tells me they’ll still exist when my family needs to file a claim.

What pushed them to #1 for me personally: their application process was genuinely senior-friendly. No confusing jargon. No pressure tactics. The agent I spoke with actually explained the difference between their Level and Graded benefit plans and recommended the Level plan for me rather than the more expensive option.

  • Best for: Final expense, whole life, and term coverage in a single company
  • Standout feature: No-exam Living Promise whole life up to $25,000
  • Financial rating: A+ (Superior) by AM Best
  • My overall score: 9.4 / 10

🥈 #2 WINNER

Why Does Transamerica Have the Best Term Life Rates for Over 60?

If you specifically need term life coverage and you’re over 60, Transamerica consistently comes in at the lowest or near-lowest monthly premium. Their term life products are available through age 70 for new applicants, which gives you a window if you haven’t gotten around to this yet.

Their simplified underwriting process (health questions but no full medical exam in many cases) was a pleasant surprise. I was able to get approved without scheduling a nurse visit, which at my age with a busy schedule made a real difference.

  • Best for: Term life insurance quotes for seniors who want the lowest rate
  • Standout feature: Lowest term premiums I found for male non-smokers over 60
  • Financial rating: A (Excellent) by AM Best
  • My overall score: 8.8 / 10

🥉 #3 WINNER

When Is AARP / New York Life the Right Choice for Seniors Over 60?

AARP / New York Life earns its #3 spot specifically in the no-exam category. If you have health conditions that would hurt your rate in a fully underwritten policy, or if you simply refuse to do a medical exam (I understand — no judgment), their member life insurance program is worth serious consideration.

The premiums are higher than Transamerica or Mutual of Omaha on equivalent coverage, but the A++ rating from New York Life behind these policies is the highest possible. And the AARP membership prerequisite ($16/year) is a non-issue given the potential savings on coverage.

  • Best for: No-exam life insurance, those with manageable health conditions
  • Standout feature: Backed by New York Life’s A++ rating — the gold standard
  • Financial rating: A++ (Superior) by AM Best
  • My overall score: 8.1 / 10

How to Get the Best Quotes for Yourself Right Now – My Step-by-Step Process

I made several mistakes before I figured out the right way to shop. Here’s the streamlined process I wish I’d followed from the start — use this and you’ll save yourself at least two weeks of confusion.

1

Decide What You Actually Need the Coverage For

Final expenses only ($10–25K)? Income replacement for a spouse? Leaving an inheritance? Your answer determines whether you need term, whole, or final expense. Don’t buy a $500,000 term policy when a $20,000 whole life policy solves your actual problem.

2

Gather Your Health Information Before You Start

Controlled conditions (hypertension, diabetes), medications, height/weight, and any hospitalizations in the last 5 years. Having this ready speeds up every quote and prevents surprises during underwriting.

3

Get Quotes From At Least 3–4 Companies

Start with Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, and AARP. Then add one or two others based on your specific needs. Use a broker (like Policy Genius or SelectQuote) to get multiple quotes without filling out four separate lengthy applications.

4

Compare on the Right Criteria — Not Just Price

Look at: AM Best financial strength rating, waiting periods, policy guarantees (will premium stay level?), and any exclusions. A cheap policy from a financially shaky company is a bad deal at any price.

5

Apply and Lock In Your Rate Today

Life insurance rates increase as you age. Every year you wait at 68 costs more. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. The best policy you can get today is better than the slightly better policy you’ll research for six more months.

💭 If I Were in Your Shoes…

If I were starting this process fresh at 68, I’d go directly to a broker like PolicyGenius first. Tell them: “I’m 68, I want $20,000 to cover final expenses, no medical exam preferred, show me the three best options.” Let them do the comparison work. That’s what I should have done from day one instead of spending 40+ hours doing it manually. The broker costs you nothing — they’re paid by the insurance company. It’s one of the rare instances in finance where the free service is legitimately the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions – Real Questions I Had (and Answers I Wish I’d Had Earlier)

Can I still get term life insurance at 68? What are my limits?

Yes, but your options narrow. Most major companies will issue a 10-year term policy at 68. A 15-year term is possible with some carriers but harder to qualify for at standard rates. A 20-year term is nearly impossible to get at 68. If you need coverage that extends significantly into your 80s, a whole life or guaranteed universal life (GUL) policy is a more appropriate fit.

Does high blood pressure (hypertension) disqualify me at 68?

Absolutely not — controlled hypertension is one of the most common conditions among applicants over 60, and insurers have decades of experience pricing it. As long as your blood pressure is managed with medication and you’re compliant, you’ll qualify for standard or near-standard rates at most companies. Uncontrolled hypertension is a bigger issue.

Is whole life insurance worth it at 68, or am I just wasting money?

Whole life at 68 isn’t about building wealth — the cash value accumulation is slow and you won’t be around long enough to benefit from it dramatically. But for final expense purposes, a small whole life policy ($10,000–$25,000) makes clear sense: the premium is fixed, coverage never expires, and it pays when it’s needed. Don’t buy $200,000 of whole life at 68 — that’s financially questionable. But $20,000? That’s practical planning.

How much does life insurance typically cost per month at 68?

For a 68-year-old male non-smoker in standard health, expect roughly: $100–$130/month for a $25,000 whole life policy; $185–$260/month for a $250,000 10-year term; and $9,000–$15,000/year for $500,000 in coverage (term or universal life). Female rates are typically 20–30% lower. Smokers pay roughly 2–3× more.

Should I buy life insurance and Medicare supplement separately, or can I bundle them?

They’re separate products — life insurance covers death benefit, Medicare supplement (Medigap) covers healthcare gaps. You can’t bundle them in any meaningful way. Some companies like Mutual of Omaha offer both products, so you can manage them with one company, but they’re always separate policies with separate premiums. See my comparison: Medicare Supplement Plans at Age 68 vs Medicare Advantage – Which One Actually Saves You Money?

What if I get denied? Is there always a backup option at 68?

Yes — guaranteed issue life insurance is available at virtually any age and health status, up to around age 85 with most companies. You will pay more, and you’ll face a 2-year waiting period, but coverage is available. It’s the last resort, not the first option. If you’re denied by multiple standard carriers, guaranteed issue is still better than no coverage at all.

Final Thoughts – My Honest Recommendation for 68 Year Olds

I started this process feeling overwhelmed and vaguely anxious — the way most of us feel when forced to confront our own mortality through spreadsheets and phone calls with strangers. Six weeks later, I feel something I didn’t expect: genuine peace of mind. Not because I found the perfect policy, but because I made a decision with full information.

Here’s my honest summary of what I’d tell a friend:

  • If you’re healthy and want the most coverage per dollar → Transamerica term life
  • If you want the best overall senior life insurance experience → Mutual of Omaha (start here)
  • If you refuse to do a medical exam or have health concerns → AARP / New York Life
  • If you just need to cover funeral costs, nothing more → Mutual of Omaha Living Promise or Foresters Financial
  • If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start → Talk to an independent broker first. Seriously.

At 68, the biggest mistake isn’t buying the wrong policy — it’s buying nothing at all and leaving your family to figure it out without you. That’s the regret I was most trying to avoid. Whatever you decide after reading this, make a decision. Act on it. The best policy is the one that’s actually in force.

And if you want to keep researching, here are my other detailed guides in this series:

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5 Responses

  1. 14/05/2026

    […] I Compared Every Major Insurance Company at 68 – These 3 Destroyed the Others ← Full Guide […]

  2. 14/05/2026

    […] this comparison project as part of my broader insurance research (covered in full in my main guide: I Compared Every Major Insurance Company at 68 – These 3 Destroyed the Others). My specific focus for this article: who offers the best term rates for someone over 60 in 2026, […]

  3. 14/05/2026

    […] options as part of my broader senior insurance comparison project (which you can read in full here: I Compared Every Major Insurance Company at 68 – These 3 Destroyed the Others). But that cholesterol comment nudged me toward testing the no-exam market more […]

  4. 14/05/2026

    […] This is part of my broader senior insurance review series. For life insurance comparisons, see: I Compared Every Major Insurance Company at 68 – These 3 Destroyed the Others. […]

  5. 14/05/2026

    […] This comparison is related to my broader insurance review for 68-year-olds. For life insurance comparisons in the same series, see: I Compared Every Major Insurance Company at 68 – These 3 Destroyed the Others. […]

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