Gerber Life Guaranteed Life Insurance is a reliable "last resort" option for seniors with serious health conditions. Because it asks zero health questions and guarantees acceptance for anyone aged 50–80, it is perfect for those who have been rejected by other insurers. However, the premiums are significantly higher than standard life insurance, and the strict two-year waiting period means it should only be purchased if you cannot qualify for a standard "Simplified Issue" policy elsewhere.

At a Glance

Policy Type: Whole Life (Guaranteed Issue)
Age Availability: 50 – 80
Coverage Amounts: $5,000 – $25,000
Medical Exam: None (No health questions whatsoever)
Waiting Period: 2 Years (Graded Death Benefit)
Premiums: Fixed (Rates never increase)
Cash Value: Yes (Accumulates over time)
Application Speed: Instant approval online or over the phone

Pros & Cons

Pros

Guaranteed Acceptance: If you are between 50 and 80, you cannot be turned down for any medical reason, even if you have cancer, heart disease, or are currently hospitalized.
Brand Trust: Gerber Life is one of the most financially stable and recognized names in the "final expense" market, offering peace of mind that the claim will be paid.
Fixed Premiums: Your monthly rate is locked in for life. It will never go up, even as your health declines or you get older.
Cash Value Accumulation: As a whole life policy, it builds a small amount of cash value that you can borrow against in an emergency (though this reduces the death benefit).

Cons

High Cost per Dollar: Because they insure high-risk individuals, the premiums are steep compared to underwritten policies. A healthy senior could pay 50% less elsewhere.
Two-Year Waiting Period: If you die from natural causes (illness) within the first two years, your beneficiaries do not get the full death benefit. They only receive a refund of premiums paid plus 10%.
Low Coverage Limits: The maximum coverage is $25,000. This is strictly "burial insurance" meant to cover funeral costs and small debts; it is not enough to replace income for a spouse.

Overview

Gerber Life, famous for its baby food and "Grow-Up" plans, also offers insurance for seniors. The Guaranteed Life policy is a form of "Final Expense" or burial insurance. It is a whole life policy designed to be incredibly easy to buy. There are no medical exams, no background checks, and no health questionnaires. You apply, you pay, you are covered.

Rates & Terms

Premiums: Prices are higher than standard insurance because the insurer takes on the risk of covering people with terminal illnesses. For example, a 65-year-old male might pay roughly $70–$80/month for just $10,000 in coverage.
The "Graded" Benefit (The Catch): This is critical to understand. To protect themselves from people buying insurance on their deathbed, Gerber enforces a two-year graded death benefit.
- Years 1 & 2: If death occurs due to natural causes (illness/disease), the payout is limited to a refund of all premiums paid + 10% interest.
- Year 3+: The full face value (e.g., $10,000) is paid to the beneficiary.
- Exception: If death is accidental (e.g., car crash), the full benefit is paid immediately, even in the first two years.

Fees & Requirements

Application Fee: None.
Medical Requirements: None.
Age Limits: You must be between 50 and 80 years old to apply. Once you have the policy, you can keep it for the rest of your life (beyond age 80) as long as premiums are paid.
State Availability: Available in all 50 states (terms may vary slightly in NY).

Customer Experience

Ease of Use: Gerber Life has one of the best online application portals in the industry. You can get a quote and bind a policy in under 10 minutes without speaking to a sales agent.
Payment Options: You can set up automatic payments from a checking account or credit card (Credit card payment is a nice perk for earning points on insurance bills).

Who It’s Best For

Seniors with Major Health Issues: If you have COPD, recent cancer, congestive heart failure, or uncontrolled diabetes, this policy is a lifesaver because you can't be rejected.
Those Seeking Funeral Coverage: If you just want to ensure your kids aren't stuck with a $10,000 funeral bill, the $5k–$25k limits are perfectly sized for final expenses.
The "Keep It Simple" Crowd: If you don't want a nurse coming to your house to draw blood and don't want to answer invasive questions, this is the hassle-free route.

Who Should Skip It

Healthy Seniors: If you can answer "No" to basic health questions, you should apply for "Simplified Issue" whole life insurance (like Mutual of Omaha Living Promise). It is cheaper and often has immediate coverage (no 2-year wait).
Those Needing Income Replacement: If your spouse relies on your pension/income to pay the mortgage, $25,000 isn't enough. You need a larger Term Life policy.
Younger Adults: This product is strictly for ages 50+.

Bottom Line

Gerber Life Guaranteed Life Insurance is a high-quality product for a specific audience. If you are in poor health, it offers a dignified way to secure funeral funds without fear of rejection. The application is fast, the brand is trustworthy, and the rates are locked in. However, if you are in average or good health, you should look elsewhere; you are paying a "sick tax" for a guarantee you don't need.

Gerber Life Insurance