Life Insurance Over 60 in NZ: Can You Still Get Cover? | QuoteHub
By QuoteHub Editorial Team · Updated 2026-02-24
[Life Insurance](/life-insurance) Over 60 in NZ: Can You Still Get Cover?
Turning 60 does not mean the door to life insurance has closed. It does, however, mean the landscape looks different from the one you may have navigated in your 30s or 40s. Premiums are higher, some providers set hard entry-age limits, and the reasons for holding cover often shift from income replacement to estate planning and funeral cost protection.
The good news: several New Zealand insurers still accept applications from people in their 60s and even their 70s. In this guide we walk through the options available, what they cost, and how to decide whether cover still makes sense for your situation.
Why Life Insurance Changes After 60
Insurance is priced on risk, and the statistical reality is that the probability of a claim increases with age. For insurers, this means higher premiums to offset the greater likelihood of paying out within the policy term.
At the same time, many people over 60 find their financial obligations have changed. The mortgage may be paid off (or close to it), children are financially independent, and KiwiSaver balances have had decades to grow. For some, life insurance becomes less critical. For others, particularly those with remaining debt, a financially dependent partner, or estate planning goals, it remains essential.
Can You Still Get Life Insurance After 60?
Yes. Multiple New Zealand providers offer cover to applicants in their 60s and 70s. The table below summarises maximum entry ages and cover limits from major providers.
| Provider | Maximum Entry Age | Maximum Cover Amount | Cover Continues Until | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Seniors | 79 | $200,000 | Age 85 | No medical exam, phone-based health questions, immediate cover |
| Southern Cross Life | Mid-60s (varies) | Up to $1,500,000 | Varies by product | Terminal illness benefit, 10% discount for Southern Cross Health members |
| AIA NZ | 65 (standard products) | Up to $5,000,000 | Varies | Comprehensive product range, Vitality wellness programme |
| Partners Life | 65 (standard) | Varies | Varies | Flexible policy structures, strong claims history |
| Fidelity Life | 65 (standard) | Up to $5,000,000 | Age 100 | Standalone or bundled options |
| Resolution Life | 50+ specialist products | Varies | Varies | Targeted at older applicants |
Important note: Maximum entry ages can differ between product types within the same provider. Term life, funeral cover, and guaranteed acceptance products each have their own age limits. Always confirm current entry ages directly with the provider or through an authorised adviser.
The Premium Reality: What Cover Costs After 60
There is no way to soften this: life insurance premiums for over-60s are significantly higher than those for younger applicants. This reflects the increased risk insurers carry.
Indicative Annual Premiums for $500,000 Cover (Non-Smoker)
| Age | Male (Non-Smoker) | Female (Non-Smoker) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | $450 to $550 | $350 to $450 | Baseline comparison |
| 50 | $1,400 to $1,600 | $1,000 to $1,200 | Premiums rising noticeably |
| 55 | $1,999 to $2,500 | $1,500 to $1,900 | Substantial annual cost |
| 60 | $3,000 to $4,500 | $2,200 to $3,200 | Limited providers at this level |
| 65 | $5,000+ | $3,800+ | Few standard products available |
Premiums are indicative only and vary by provider, health status, and policy type. Smokers and vapers can expect costs three to four times higher. Figures based on 2025/2026 market data.
Stepped vs. Level Premiums
If you already hold a policy with stepped premiums, your costs have been increasing each year as you age. A policy that started at $400 per year at age 35 may now cost $970 or more at age 65, with further annual increases of 2% to 15%.
Level premiums lock in a fixed rate for a set term, offering predictability. However, at age 60, the window for level premiums is narrow since most level-premium products require a minimum term that extends well beyond typical cover-end ages.
For new applicants over 60, stepped premiums are often the only option, which means budgeting for annual increases is essential.
Funeral Cover: A Practical Alternative
For many over-60s, a full term life policy with hundreds of thousands of dollars in cover may not be necessary or affordable. This is where funeral cover comes into its own.
How Funeral Cover Differs from [Term Life Insurance](/blog/term-life-insurance-nz)
| Feature | Funeral Cover | Term Life Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Cover amount | $10,000 to $200,000 | $250,000 to $1,500,000+ |
| Primary purpose | Funeral costs and immediate expenses | Broader financial protection for dependants |
| Advance payout | Some providers pay 20% immediately for funeral costs | Full amount paid on verified claim |
| Premiums | Lower and more manageable | Higher, especially for older applicants |
| Medical requirements | Often simplified (phone-based questions, no exam) | May require medical examination |
| Best suited to | Those wanting to cover final expenses without burdening family | Those with dependants, significant debts, or estate obligations |
What Funerals Actually Cost in New Zealand
Funeral costs in New Zealand have been rising steadily. Here is a breakdown of current costs by region.
| Region | Estimated Cost Range (2025/2026) |
|---|---|
| Auckland | $10,000 to $16,000 |
| Wellington | $9,000 to $14,000 |
| Christchurch | $8,000 to $14,000 |
| Rural areas | $6,000 to $10,000 |
| Full service (national average) | $16,000 to $18,000 |
| National average (standard) | Approximately $10,000 |
Burial typically costs more than cremation. The national average for burial sits around $9,607 compared to $5,406 for cremation (excluding extras like headstones, flowers, or catering). Council burial fees alone range from $1,823 (Makara, Wellington) to $7,207 (New Plymouth).
The WINZ Funeral Grant of $2,616 is available for eligible families, but this covers only a fraction of the total cost.
Guaranteed Acceptance Products
Some products aimed at seniors offer guaranteed acceptance, meaning you cannot be declined based on your health. These policies typically come with trade-offs.
What guaranteed acceptance usually means:
- No medical examination required
- A limited set of health questions answered by phone
- Immediate cover for death by any cause (suicide is typically excluded for the first 13 months)
- Lower maximum cover amounts (often capped at $200,000)
- Premium increases that are not tied to your age (a significant advantage for budgeting)
New Zealand Seniors is the most prominent provider in this space, offering cover for applicants aged 45 to 79 with coverage extending until age 85. Their simplified underwriting process involves answering eight health and medical history questions over the phone.
Reducing Cover Strategically
Rather than cancelling life insurance entirely, many financial advisers recommend a gradual reduction in cover as your financial obligations decrease. This approach keeps some protection in place while reducing premiums to a sustainable level.
A Practical Reduction Strategy
| Life Stage | Suggested Cover Level | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Age 50 to 55 | Full cover (mortgage + income replacement) | Children may still be dependants, mortgage likely outstanding |
| Age 55 to 60 | Reduce to mortgage balance + 2 to 3 years income | Children becoming independent, debt reducing |
| Age 60 to 65 | Reduce to remaining debt + funeral costs | Most obligations reducing |
| Age 65 to 70 | Funeral cover only ($30,000 to $50,000) | NZ Super providing base income, minimal debt |
| Age 70+ | Consider whether cover is still needed | Review annually based on health and finances |
This graduated approach can save thousands in premiums while maintaining meaningful protection at each stage.
When Life Insurance Still Makes Sense at 60+
Life insurance after 60 is not for everyone, but there are clear situations where it remains valuable.
You should consider maintaining or taking out cover if:
- You still have a mortgage. If your partner could not service the mortgage on NZ Super alone, life insurance provides a safety net.
- Your partner depends on your income or NZ Super. If you are still working or your partner relies on your superannuation entitlement for shared living costs, a payout could bridge a significant gap.
- You have business debts or guarantees. Personal guarantees on business lending do not disappear when you turn 60.
- You want to leave a specific legacy. Some people use life insurance as an estate planning tool to ensure a defined sum passes to children or grandchildren, regardless of what happens to other assets.
- You want to cover funeral costs. Ensuring your family is not financially burdened by funeral expenses is one of the most common reasons for holding cover into retirement.
You may not need cover if:
- Your mortgage is paid off and you have no significant debts
- Your partner is financially independent
- You have sufficient savings or investments to cover funeral costs and provide for your partner
- Your KiwiSaver balance and other assets provide adequate financial security
Estate Planning and Legacy Considerations
Life insurance can serve a specific role in estate planning for over-60s. Unlike other assets, life insurance proceeds are paid directly to the nominated beneficiary and are typically not subject to delays associated with estate administration.
Common estate planning uses include:
- Providing an immediate cash injection for a surviving partner while the estate is being settled
- Equalising inheritances between children (for example, if one child inherits a family business or property)
- Covering any outstanding debts so the estate passes to beneficiaries without encumbrances
- Funding specific bequests or charitable donations
If estate planning is a primary motivation, speak with both an authorised financial adviser and a lawyer who specialises in estate planning. The interplay between life insurance, trusts, wills, and relationship property can be complex.
Tips for Applying After 60
- Disclose everything honestly. Inaccurate or incomplete health information is the most common reason for claim declines. Answer all questions truthfully, even if you think a condition is minor.
- Compare multiple providers. Premiums and acceptance criteria vary significantly between insurers. What one provider declines, another may accept with a loading or exclusion.
- Work with an authorised adviser. An adviser who works across multiple providers can identify the best option for your specific health profile and budget.
- Review your cover annually. Circumstances change. Review your policy each year, particularly around 1 April when NZ Super rates are updated.
- Consider joint policies. If both you and your partner need cover, some providers offer joint policies that may be more cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance at 70 in New Zealand?
Yes, but options are limited. New Zealand Seniors accepts applications up to age 79 with cover continuing to age 85. Most standard term life providers have maximum entry ages of 65, so specialist senior products are typically the main option for applicants in their 70s.
Is life insurance worth it after 60?
It depends on your circumstances. If you have a mortgage, dependants, or specific estate planning goals, life insurance can still provide valuable protection. If your debts are cleared and your partner is financially secure, the high cost of premiums may not be justified. An authorised financial adviser can help you weigh the costs against the benefits.
How much does [life insurance cost](/blog/how-much-is-life-insurance-nz) at 60?
For $500,000 of cover, a 60-year-old male non-smoker can expect to pay roughly $3,000 to $4,500 per year. A female non-smoker of the same age would pay approximately $2,200 to $3,200. Funeral cover with a lower sum insured ($30,000 to $50,000) is considerably cheaper.
What is the difference between funeral cover and life insurance?
Funeral cover is a type of life insurance with a lower sum insured (typically $10,000 to $200,000) designed primarily to cover funeral costs and immediate expenses. Term life insurance offers higher cover amounts and is designed for broader financial protection. Funeral cover often has simplified underwriting, making it easier to obtain for older applicants.
Can I reduce my life insurance instead of cancelling it?
Yes, and this is often the recommended approach. Most providers allow you to reduce your sum insured, which lowers your premiums while maintaining some level of protection. Speak with your insurer or adviser about adjusting your cover to match your current needs.
Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance after 60?
Not always. Some providers, particularly those offering seniors-specific or funeral cover products, use simplified underwriting with phone-based health questions and no medical exam. Standard term life products may require a medical examination, particularly for higher cover amounts.
What happens to my life insurance when I retire?
Your life insurance policy continues as long as you pay the premiums, regardless of your employment status. However, retirement is a good time to review whether the cover level and cost are still appropriate for your changed circumstances.
References
New Zealand Seniors Life Insurance product information, 2025/2026
Southern Cross Life Insurance product terms, 2025/2026
MoneyHub NZ life insurance cost guide, 2025/2026
Statistics New Zealand, population and disability data, 2023
WINZ Funeral Grant eligibility and rates, 2025/2026
Council burial and cemetery fee schedules (various councils), 2025/2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Life insurance needs vary based on individual circumstances. We recommend consulting an authorised financial adviser before making any insurance decisions. QuoteHub is operated by QuoteHub Ltd, an authorised financial advice provider (FSP 712931).
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