Senior underwriting is the specialized process of evaluating life insurance risk for older applicants, typically those in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. It requires careful assessment of multiple medical conditions, polypharmacy, functional status, cognitive health, and financial justification for coverage. Mortality patterns differ at older ages, and small changes in health markers can have significant implications. Senior underwriting also accounts for frailty, fall risk, and support systems, as these factors affect both longevity and quality of life. Carriers often use dedicated senior underwriting teams or guidelines to ensure consistent, experience-based decisions in this growing market segment.

Advisors working with retirees and high-net-worth older clients encounter senior underwriting when placing policies for estate liquidity, wealth transfer, or final expense needs. They gather comprehensive medical records, encourage clients to complete exams when appropriate, and highlight strong functional and cognitive status. Carriers may use cognitive screening, telephone interviews, or geriatric-focused questionnaires as part of senior underwriting. Advisors can improve results by positioning cases with carriers known for favorable older-age guidelines and by managing expectations about ratings and capacity. Understanding senior underwriting helps advisors navigate a nuanced process that balances opportunity in the older-age market with prudent risk control.