Editor’s note: First published 2018 | Refreshed October 2025 with updated Irish options, clearer alternatives to over-60s plans, and new CTAs.

Life Insurance in Your 60s (Ireland) — What Still Works in 2025

Most of us don’t think about life cover until something scary happens — a friend gets sick, a parent passes, or a bank asks awkward questions. If you’re 60+ and wondering “Is it too late?”, the short answer is: no. But the type of policy matters a lot.

Is 60 too late to take out life insurance?

No. Irish insurers will still consider applications in your 60s. You’ll pay more than you would have in your 30s (age and health, sadly), but there are still sensible options that don’t rinse you.

Should you buy “Over 60s” no-medical life insurance?

Spoiler: usually no. These plans exist for people in poor health who can’t get standard cover. For everyone else, they’re poor value. Watch for these catches:

• High cost for low cover: flat pricing regardless of health means you subsidise riskier lives.
• Two-year waiting period: only accidental death covered at the start; illness deaths typically refund premiums only.
• Low maximum sums: often capped around €10–€25k — fine for a funeral, not for family protection.

Your better alternatives (for most people)

1) Term Life Assurance (often the best value)

Covers you for a set period (e.g. 10–25 years). If you die during the term, your family gets the lump sum. In your 60s, terms are shorter and premiums higher than when you were younger — but still typically better value than “no-medical”.

• Good for: replacing income for a partner, clearing remaining mortgage/top-up, leaving a cushion for bills.
• Tip: if you’re fit as a fiddle, underwritten term can be surprisingly reasonable.

2) Whole of Life (fixed premium, guaranteed payout)

Pays out whenever you die (no end date). Costs more than Term because the payout is guaranteed.

• Good for: covering funeral costs, leaving a small legacy, tidying up final expenses or tax.
• Avoid “reviewable” Whole of Life: premiums can jump at reviews. Choose a guaranteed/fixed premium plan if you want certainty.

Read more about the products here: Term vs Whole of Life (comparison), Whole of Life guide, or if you only want to cover a funeral, see Funeral Insurance.

What if my parents have a reviewable Whole of Life?

Get it checked now. If there’s a cash value, they may surrender and move to a fixed-premium plan. If there’s no cash value, expect premiums to jump at the next review. We can sanity-check options and timing.

Read our guide to reviewable whole of life

Who this page is for (be honest!)

• Healthy enough? Apply for regular underwritten Term or Whole of Life — better value, higher sums, clearer terms.
• Poor health / multiple declines? Consider a small “no-medical” plan to guarantee something is in place, and supplement later if your health improves.
• Only want funeral costs covered? A modest guaranteed Whole of Life or dedicated funeral policy may be enough.

Further Reading:

👉 See Life Insurance explained  |
👉 Only need funeral cover?

Thanks for reading,

Nick — making life insurance easier.