Should You Keep Your Life Insurance in Retirement? Here’s Why It Might Be a Smart Move

As retirement approaches, many people consider dropping their life insurance. After all, the mortgage is paid off, the kids are grown, and you may not feel the need to keep paying premiums.

But before you cancel that policy, it’s worth considering how life insurance can still play a valuable role in your financial strategy—even after you retire. Here's why keeping life insurance might still make sense in retirement.

A Tax-Free Way to Leave a Legacy

One of the biggest benefits of life insurance is that the death benefit is typically income-tax-free for your beneficiaries. This makes it a powerful tool for passing on wealth to your loved ones.

If you have multiple children and a business, for example, life insurance can help ensure fairness. Maybe one child wants to take over the business, while the others don't. The life insurance payout can help equalize the inheritance so that everyone gets their fair share—without forcing a sale of the family business.

Cover Final Expenses and Debts

Funerals are expensive. On average, they cost between $7,000 and $9,000—and that doesn’t include any outstanding medical bills or remaining mortgage debt.

Having life insurance means your loved ones won’t be left scrambling to cover these costs. It provides immediate funds to help settle final expenses and any remaining debts, offering peace of mind during a difficult time.

Support for Health Issues and Chronic Illness

Some permanent life insurance policies include living benefits. That means you may be able to access a portion of your death benefit while you’re still alive if you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness or need long-term care.

To qualify, most policies require a doctor’s certification that you’re either cognitively impaired (like with Alzheimer’s) or unable to perform two out of six daily activities—like bathing or dressing. This can be a financial lifeline for retirees facing serious health challenges.

A Gift to Charity

Want to leave a meaningful legacy to a nonprofit or cause you care about? You can designate a charity as the owner and beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

If structured correctly, you may even be able to deduct your premiums from your federal taxes. Just be sure the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is set up to receive such a gift.

A Few Things to Consider

Of course, maintaining life insurance into retirement does come with ongoing costs, especially if you’re still paying premiums.

If you’ve already let a policy lapse and are thinking of reapplying, keep in mind that premiums will be much higher due to your age. And if you’ve developed any health conditions, you may not qualify for coverage at all.

The Bottom Line

Life insurance isn’t just for parents of young children or those with mortgages. For many retirees, it can still serve an important purpose—whether that’s providing peace of mind, protecting a legacy, or helping cover final expenses.

Before making any decisions, talk with a licensed insurance advisor. The right choice depends on your personal finances, health, and future goals—but don’t automatically assume life insurance no longer has a place in your retirement plan.