Veterans over 70 are often told they've missed the window for affordable life insurance. That's simply not true. Final expense coverage is specifically designed for older adults, and most veterans between 70 and 85 can still qualify for meaningful coverage at manageable rates. Here's what you actually need to know.
Why Age 70+ Is Still Very Coverable
Final expense insurance carriers specifically target veterans and seniors in the 65–85 age range. Unlike traditional life insurance — which becomes difficult to obtain after 65 — final expense policies are built for this demographic. Most carriers issue new policies up to age 85, and some go to 89.
The coverage amounts are smaller ($5,000–$25,000) compared to traditional life insurance, which is exactly what most veterans over 70 need: enough to cover funeral costs and final expenses without paying for coverage they don't need.
Realistic Rates for Veterans Over 70
Here are sample monthly premiums for a $10,000 final expense policy for veterans in good to average health:
| Age | Male (per month) | Female (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | ~$74/month | ~$57/month |
| 72 | ~$84/month | ~$65/month |
| 74 | ~$96/month | ~$74/month |
| 76 | ~$110/month | ~$85/month |
| 78 | ~$128/month | ~$99/month |
| 80 | ~$148/month | ~$115/month |
These rates are locked in permanently. Unlike VGLI, which increases every five years, a private final expense policy issued today stays at this rate for the rest of your life — regardless of how your health changes.
The Most Important Thing Veterans Over 70 Must Understand
The longer you wait, the more you pay — permanently. A veteran who applies at 70 and is approved at $74/month pays that rate forever. The same veteran who waits until 75 will pay around $110/month for the same coverage — for the rest of their life. That $36/month difference compounds into thousands of dollars over a 10–15 year period.
There is no benefit to waiting. Every month of delay means a higher locked-in premium.
What About VGLI After 70?
VGLI becomes extremely expensive after 70. A 75-year-old veteran maintaining $100,000 in VGLI coverage pays approximately $390/month — and that rate increases again at 80. Most veterans over 70 find it makes far more financial sense to let VGLI lapse or reduce to a minimal amount and secure private final expense coverage instead.
Can Veterans Over 70 Get Approved with Health Issues?
Yes — this is one of the biggest misconceptions about coverage after 70. Most common conditions for veterans in their 70s and 80s — diabetes, heart conditions, COPD, PTSD, hearing loss, mobility issues — do not automatically disqualify you. Many carriers specialize in veterans with complex health histories.
Even veterans with serious health conditions can typically qualify for a guaranteed issue policy, which has no health questions and guarantees approval up to age 80–85.
The VALife Option for Veterans Over 70
Veterans with service-connected disabilities can apply for VALife at any age, up to coverage of $40,000. The mandatory two-year waiting period is the key downside — the policy doesn't pay the full death benefit until two years after issue. For veterans over 75, this waiting period is a significant consideration.
Private policies that offer immediate coverage are often a better choice for older veterans who want their family protected right away.
Steps to Take Right Now
If you're a veteran over 70 and don't have final expense coverage in place, the time to act is now — not later. Here's what to do:
- Get a free review with an independent agent who works with multiple carriers
- Compare 3–5 carrier quotes for your specific age and health profile
- Choose the policy that offers the best combination of price, coverage, and carrier strength
- Complete the application by phone — typically 15–20 minutes
- Get approved and covered — often same day
The goal is simple: lock in a rate today that guarantees your family never faces a surprise funeral bill.
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