- Many final expense plans stop taking new buyers around 85.
- Sample price for $10,000 at 85: $136 a month for women, $193 for men.
- Choice Mutual's $10,000 price table stops at age 89.
- Guaranteed issue asks no health questions but often pays less in the first years.
What $10,000 costs at 85
Sample monthly prices for $10,000 of final expense whole life, non tobacco. Rates valid as of March 9, 2026.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
| 85 | $136 | $193 |
Source: Choice Mutual, $10,000 Life Insurance Rates. Your price depends on your health, state and the plan.
Final expense insurance is often sold to people from about 50 to 85. Humana says some companies stop at 80.
At 85, Choice Mutual lists $10,000 of whole life at $136 a month for a woman and $193 for a man. That is non tobacco, rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Its $10,000 table stops at age 89.
Guaranteed issue plans skip health questions. Most pay less if you die in the first few years.
A smaller policy can still help. A funeral with viewing and burial had a national median cost of $8,300 in 2023, NFDA says. With cremation it was $6,280.
Can I buy life insurance at 85?
Often, yes. Final expense is often sold up to about 85. Some companies stop sooner, so compare more than one.
Source: Humana (Medicare plan insurer): Does Medicare pay for final expenses and funerals?
What does $10,000 cost at 85?
Choice Mutual lists $136 a month for an 85 year old woman and $193 for a man, non tobacco whole life, rates valid as of March 9, 2026.
Source: Choice Mutual, $10,000 Life Insurance Rates
Is a smaller policy worth it?
It can be. NFDA put the 2023 median cost of a funeral with cremation at $6,280. A small policy can pay a big part of that.
Source: NFDA funeral statistics
Can I return it if I change my mind?
Most policies have a free look period. The NAIC says it is usually about 10 days after you get the policy.
Source: NAIC, Life Insurance Buyer's Guide (2026)
Tips that help
- Pick a small amount you can keep paying.
- If you stop paying, the coverage can end.
- Ask if there is a waiting period before the full payout.
- Check any policy you already have before you buy a new one.
- Write down your funeral wishes for your family.
