---
title: Life insurance over 60: What You Need and Why | Coverfolk
url: https://coverfolk.com/for/over-60
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Life insurance over 60

After 60, life insurance is often about protecting a spouse and paying final bills.

[How much do I need?](/calculator)

Updated October 8, 20263 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

If your spouse needs your income or pension, a 10 or 20 year term may still fit. For final costs, a small whole life policy is the usual pick.

**$1,919 a month**Average Social Security benefit for an aged widow or widower alone, January 2026.[Source: Social Security Administration, 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment Fact Sheet](https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/cola/factsheets/2026.html)

When one spouse dies, the household can lose a check. In January 2026 the average aged widow or widower got $1,919 a month from Social Security, SSA said.

A survivor who claims between 60 and full retirement age gets less than the full benefit. SSA says payments start at 71.5% and can reach 100% at full retirement age.

Final expense whole life is made to cover a funeral and bills. It is often sold in small amounts like $10,000 or $25,000, and many plans have no exam.

## Tips that help

* Figure out how much your spouse would lose if your check stopped.
* Price a 10 year term if you still have a mortgage.
* For a funeral, look at $10,000 to $25,000 of whole life.
* Get quotes from more than one insurer. Prices vary.
* Tell your family where your policy is.

## Coverage that fits

[**Final expense: Small whole life plans that pay for a funeral and last bills.**](/coverage/final-expense)[**Term life: The most coverage for the least money, for 10 to 30 years.**](/coverage/term-life)[**Whole life: Coverage that lasts your whole life and builds cash value.**](/coverage/whole-life)[**No exam: Many plans let you skip the needles and the nurse visit.**](/coverage/no-exam)

## Common questions

What does $10,000 of final expense cost at 65?

Choice Mutual lists $41 a month for a 65 year old woman and $54 for a man, non tobacco whole life, rates valid as of March 9, 2026.

Can I get term after 60?

Yes. MoneyGeek lists 20 year term at 60 and 65, and 10 year term at 70 to 80.

Does Social Security pay for a funeral?

Only a little. SSA pays a one time $255 to some spouses or children.

## Sources

1. [Social Security Administration, 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment Fact Sheet](https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/cola/factsheets/2026.html)
2. [Social Security Administration, Survivor benefit amounts](https://www.ssa.gov/survivor/amount)
3. [Choice Mutual, $10,000 Life Insurance Rates](https://choicemutual.com/life-insurance-cost/10000/)