Turning 70 doesn’t just mark another milestone—it can quietly change what your insurance covers. Many seniors are surprised to learn that certain benefits phase out, shrink, or disappear altogether as they age. From life and travel insurance to auto and long-term care policies, coverage limits often tighten right when you might need them most. These age-based cutoffs aren’t always disclosed upfront, leaving retirees with unexpected gaps. Here are eight insurance benefits that commonly end—or drastically change—after 70, and what you can do to prepare.
1. New Life Insurance Policies Become Harder to Get
By your 70s, many insurers stop offering new term life policies or make them prohibitively expensive. The Insurance Information Institute (III) notes that premiums can double or triple after age 70 because of shorter terms and higher mortality risk. Some companies cap eligibility at 75 or require invasive medical exams. If you need life coverage for estate planning or burial costs, look into smaller final expense or guaranteed-issue policies before your next birthday. Planning early saves both time and money.
2. Disability Insurance Coverage Expires
Most long-term disability insurance plans end coverage between ages 65 and 70. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines full retirement age as the point where disability benefits phase into retirement benefits, making private policies redundant. However, those who continue working past 70 may not realize their employer-sponsored disability plan has ended. If you still earn income, consider building an emergency savings cushion or checking for part-time job coverage alternatives.
3. Long-Term Care Policies May Stop Accepting New Applicants
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance reports that most companies stop selling new traditional long-term care policies around age 70. Premiums skyrocket, and approval rates plummet after that age. Even existing policyholders might face nonrenewal or benefit reductions if they miss payments. To prepare, review your policy before renewal season and explore hybrid life insurance–long-term care products if you still want coverage. Early enrollment locks in lower costs and avoids medical underwriting hurdles.
4. Travel Insurance Age Caps Limit Medical Coverage Abroad
Frequent travelers should beware: many travel insurance providers reduce or exclude coverage after age 70. Emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and medical treatment limits often shrink significantly. Some insurers require a doctor’s approval before issuing coverage. If you plan to travel internationally, look for senior-specific travel policies or credit cards that include extended trip protection. Buying coverage as soon as you book a trip ensures you’re protected under your original, younger age rate.
5. Credit Card and Employer Life Insurance Perks End
Credit cards and workplace benefit packages often include free or low-cost life insurance—but these perks usually stop when you retire or hit 70. Review your card agreements and HR benefits statements before retiring. Some credit card death benefits also phase out automatically once you reach a certain age, even if you’re still an active member. Replace these with personal policies if you rely on them for supplemental coverage.
6. New Health Insurance Enrollment Options Shrink
While Medicare remains available, many private Medigap (Supplement) plans become harder to change or reapply for after 70. Insurers can impose higher premiums or even deny coverage outside the guaranteed enrollment window. If you want to switch plans, do so during open enrollment while your health allows. Waiting too long can lock you into a plan with limited benefits or rising costs.
7. Auto Insurance Discounts Reverse
While many insurers offer senior discounts around age 55, rates can increase again after 70 due to higher accident risk. Older drivers face surcharges or required medical screenings in some states. Some carriers quietly reduce coverage limits or drop accident forgiveness. Compare quotes every year and complete defensive driving courses—these can offset the premium jump and keep you insured affordably.
8. Some Supplemental Benefits Quietly Expire
Vision, dental, and hearing insurance often come as add-ons to retiree health plans—but coverage can drop sharply after 70. Some policies reduce annual benefit maximums or stop paying for new dentures and hearing aids altogether. Review your supplemental benefits annually, since many companies update terms without clear notice. Consider standalone dental or vision plans if you rely on regular care.
Staying Covered After 70
The insurance landscape after 70 can feel like shifting sand—what was automatic before may now require active management. Review every policy you hold, from travel to long-term care, to identify expirations or benefit reductions. Don’t wait for renewal notices; insurers rarely highlight these changes clearly. Staying proactive helps you replace fading benefits before you lose them entirely. Have you checked whether any of your insurance coverage will change after 70?
Have you recently reviewed your insurance policies for age-related changes? Share what you discovered—or how you adjusted—to help others protect their coverage after 70.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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