[knarf]

It occurs to me that, because I relied on work provided insurance when I worked, I never bothered to look into life insurance after I retired.

When I DID retire and looked at the premiums and compared it to my fixed income, I determined I couldn't afford it.Is there a 'shared' plan (like the Christian health care plans) that provides life insurance ?

If not ... what would be involved with starting one up ?

Business/insurance agents/majors welcome to chime in.

This could be a golden opportunity to help ourselves.

[NEMDF]

It sounds like you might be talking about “association” type plans. Are you a member of any associations or churches? AARP? AAA? Many of those outlets have some life insurance, limited amounts, which might be affordable. Depending on the amount of insurance, you might just have to answer health questions.

Possibly some association plans might have some guaranteed issue amounts, or an option that the amount of insurance can increase, incrementally, each year that you remain living.

If you are looking at $50,000 or more, then it is likely that you will need a paramedical exam with blood draw and urine specimens, and the insurer may order medical records from your provider/s.

[Vigilanteman]

At one time, almost all life insurance sold was of this variety. I believe there may be a few fraternal organizations which still sell it. When I was younger, I bought a very competitive policy from Modern Woodman of America. There are probably others which operate in similar fashion.

[PeterPrinciple]

You raise a very good question

At one time there were many local mutual insurance companies. But like govt, many of these have consolidated and centralized. If I could create a trend, local mutual companies would be it.

Here is some history of insurance:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_insurance

http://www.lifehealthpro.com/2011/09/01/timeline-the-history-of-life-insurance

I remember this being shown in some early movies: (Burial associations, which achieved following among African-Americans during the late nineteenth century, served as a kind of burial insurance that helped buffer the cost of funerals. For a weekly premium of 25 cents, burial associations agreed to provide a casket, burial garments, and funeral services.)

A little history on burial insurance:
http://www.articlecell.com/Article/African-American-Funeral—and-Burial-Traditions/1259291

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burial_society

[virgil283]

I recall Dave Ramsey talking about some kind of low cost funeral plan but it's not in every state . Maybe check him.