Life Insurance for Over 50s in New Zealand

It's never too late to protect your family's future

65%
Of NZ adults over 50 have life insurance
$150/month
Average premium for 55-year-old
80
Maximum age for new coverage (varies)
15
Years average remaining work life at 50

Why Life Insurance Matters After 50

Mortgage Protection

Many people over 50 still have significant mortgage balances. Life insurance ensures your spouse can keep the family home debt-free.

Income Replacement

If you're still working, your spouse may need income replacement for several years until they can access retirement benefits or adjust their lifestyle.

Legacy Planning

Life insurance can provide an instant inheritance for your children or grandchildren, regardless of other assets or estate complexities.

Common Coverage Needs After 50

Mortgage Protection

Pay off remaining mortgage balance

Typical Amount:$200,000 - $800,000
Duration:Until mortgage is paid off

Income Replacement

Support spouse until retirement/benefits kick in

Typical Amount:$300,000 - $1,000,000
Duration:5-15 years

Final Expenses

Funeral, medical bills, estate settlement

Typical Amount:$25,000 - $75,000
Duration:Immediate need

Legacy/Inheritance

Leave money to children or charities

Typical Amount:$100,000 - $500,000+
Duration:Permanent need

Getting Coverage with Health Conditions

Many common health conditions don't prevent you from getting life insurance - they may just affect your premium.

High Blood Pressure (controlled)

Impact on Rates: Standard to slightly elevated rates
Tips: Maintain medication compliance, regular monitoring

Type 2 Diabetes (well-managed)

Impact on Rates: Table ratings (25-100% increase)
Tips: Keep HbA1c under control, regular doctor visits

High Cholesterol

Impact on Rates: Usually standard rates if controlled
Tips: Medication compliance, healthy lifestyle

Previous Heart Attack (5+ years)

Impact on Rates: Possible coverage with higher premiums
Tips: Complete medical records, current test results

Cancer Survivor (2+ years remission)

Impact on Rates: Varies by cancer type and treatment
Tips: Detailed medical history, oncologist reports

Sleep Apnea (treated)

Impact on Rates: Standard to slightly elevated rates
Tips: CPAP compliance records, sleep study results

The key is working with insurers who specialize in your condition and presenting your health in the best light.

Find Insurance with Health Conditions

No Medical Exam Life Insurance Options

Simplified Issue

Coverage: $25,000 - $500,000
Ages: 18-75
Application: Health questions only

Pros:

  • • Fast approval (1-2 weeks)
  • • No medical exam
  • • Competitive rates if healthy

Cons:

  • • Limited coverage amounts
  • • Health questions still apply

Guaranteed Acceptance

Coverage: $10,000 - $50,000
Ages: 50-85
Application: No health questions

Pros:

  • • Everyone accepted
  • • No medical questions
  • • Quick approval

Cons:

  • • Very limited coverage
  • • Higher premiums
  • • Waiting periods (2-3 years)

Group Coverage

Coverage: Varies
Ages: While employed
Application: Limited underwriting

Pros:

  • • Employer-subsidized
  • • Easier qualification
  • • Immediate coverage

Cons:

  • • Ends when you retire
  • • Limited portability
  • • May not be sufficient

Sample Monthly Premiums by Age

Sample rates for $250,000 term life insurance (non-smoker, good health)

AgeMaleFemale10-Year Term20-Year Term
50$85/month$65/month$75/month$120/month
55$125/month$95/month$110/month$185/month
60$195/month$145/month$170/month$285/month
65$315/month$235/month$275/month$450/month

*Rates are estimates and vary by insurer and individual health profile

Get Your Personalized Quote

Ways to Save on Life Insurance After 50

Consider Term vs Whole Life

If you only need coverage for 10-20 years (until mortgage is paid or spouse reaches pension age), term life insurance can be much cheaper than whole life.

Improve Your Health Profile

Quit smoking (rates improve after 12 months), manage chronic conditions well, and maintain a healthy weight. These can significantly impact your premiums.

Buy Coverage While Working

Many insurers prefer applicants who are still employed. Secure coverage before retirement if possible, even if you plan to reduce it later.

Shop Multiple Insurers

Different insurers have varying approaches to health conditions and age. One insurer might offer significantly better rates for your specific situation.

Consider Decreasing Term

If your coverage needs decrease over time (like a shrinking mortgage), decreasing term policies can offer lower premiums than level term.

Annual Premium Payments

Paying annually instead of monthly typically saves 5-8% on premiums and eliminates policy fees. This saving becomes more significant with higher premiums.

Life Insurance and Retirement Planning

Pre-Retirement (50-65)

  • Maintain coverage for mortgage and income replacement
  • Consider increasing coverage if assets haven't grown as expected
  • Plan for premium increases in renewal term policies

Post-Retirement (65+)

  • Reassess coverage needs - may be able to reduce amounts
  • Focus on final expenses and legacy planning
  • Consider permanent insurance if estate planning is important

Frequently Asked Questions

It's Never Too Late to Protect Your Legacy

Get personalized quotes from New Zealand's leading insurers today