2024 Burial Insurance Traumatic Brain Injury

Trying to get burial insurance for traumatic brain injury(TBI) isn’t as difficult as you think. You will be surprised to know that some final expense insurance companies are very accepting of this health condition.

The only time traumatic brain injury would limit your insurability is when you had recent brain surgery, or you need help with activities of daily living due to brain injury.

This article will give you all the information you need about getting burial insurance with traumatic brain injury. You will learn the factors that affect insurability and how to get the most affordable policy.

FOR EASIER NAVIGATION:

• What Is My Best Insurance Option If I Have a History of Traumatic Brain Injury?
• What Types of Burial Insurance Should I Avoid?
• What Type of Burial Insurance Is Best?
• If I Have Traumatic Brain Injury, Do I Need a Medical Exam to Qualify for Burial Insurance?
• Burial Insurance Underwriting If You Have Traumatic Brain Injury
• How Much Insurance Do I Need If I Have Traumatic Brain Injury?
• How Should I Pay My Premiums?
• Traumatic Brain Injury and Burial Insurance Riders
• Information We Need if You Have Traumatic Brain Injury
• Benefits of Burial & Funeral Insurance
• Other Common Uses for Final Expense Life Insurance with Traumatic Brain Injury
• How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?
• Additional Questions & Answers Burial Insurance Traumatic Brain Injury

What Is My Best Insurance Option If I Have A History Of Traumatic Brain Injury?

MILD IMPAIRMENT

Mild impairment includes mild memory difficulties, but you are able to work and can do activities of daily living independently. No seizure disorder and mobility are unimpaired.

If you have mild impairment because of traumatic brain injury, you will easily qualify for level death benefit with immediate coverage from day one.

The best feature of the level death benefit plan is full coverage from day one. You will be instantly covered, and your beneficiaries will receive a full death benefit payout when you pass away for any reason.

Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage

MODERATE IMPAIRMENT

If you have moderate deficits or impairment as a result of traumatic brain injury but do not need help in performing activities of daily living, you will qualify for a first-day benefit plan. This plan offers first-day coverage for applicants who have had recent surgery.

With a first-day benefit plan, you will be covered from the first day, and your death benefit will be phased in over time.

Best Option: First-day benefit plan

SEVERE IMPAIRMENT

If you have severe memory deficits and need help performing daily living activities, may be confined to a bed or wheelchair, or may also need tube feeding and a ventilator, you will only qualify for guaranteed issue burial insurance.

You will qualify for this policy regardless of your severe impairment or needing help with activities of daily living.

You don’t need a medical exam or answer any health questions to be eligible for coverage.

While guaranteed issue policy costs a bit more than the level death benefit with no waiting period, you don’t have to worry about the possibility of being denied coverage due to your medical condition.

TBI applicants can easily get guaranteed issue whole life insurance. The minimum age requirement is 50 to 85 years old. If you’re a U.S. citizen and you, qualify for the age requirement, and the policy is available in your state, you will be eligible for this policy.

Guaranteed acceptance burial insurance is graded for the first two years of the policy for natural causes of death. The policy will only pay the full death benefit if you die from an accident during the two-year waiting period.

If you die from an illness during the two-year waiting period, the insurance company will refund your beneficiary with all the premiums you paid plus 10% interest. After the two-year waiting period, you are fully covered, and your beneficiaries will receive the 100% death benefit if you die for any reason.

Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance

OTHER FACTORS THAT AFFECT ELIGIBILITY IF YOU HAVE HAD TBI

MEDICATION

You could be taking different medications if you have a traumatic brain injury. In most cases, anti-seizure drugs like valproate or phenytoin will be prescribed to treat your condition.

The good news is many final expense companies are okay with these drugs. You may still qualify for a level death benefit plan with first-day coverage.

Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage

SURGERY

Surgery may be needed to treat your traumatic brain injury. Whatever type of surgery you have undergone will have a huge effect on your eligibility.

• Bleeding in the brain
• Removing blood clot (hematoma)
• Opening a window in the skull
• Repairing skull fractures

This is how brain surgery will affect your coverage:

Surgery was over two years – You will qualify for immediate coverage with most life insurance companies that have a two-year look-back period, and you will receive a level death benefit with the lowest cost.

Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage

Surgery was over 12 months ago – You may qualify for the first-day benefit plan to those companies who only look back one year on brain surgery.

Best Option: First-day benefit plan

Surgery within the last 12 months and not released by the doctor – You will only qualify for a guaranteed issue burial insurance. You will have a two-year waiting period and pay 15-30% more premium.

Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance

HOME HEALTH CARE

If you currently need home health care, you would be ineligible for a first-day coverage plan. You will only qualify for guaranteed issue burial insurance if you require home health care because of a traumatic brain injury.

Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance

ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING

Every burial insurance company asks about ADL in their application. Needing help with any of the ADLs will significantly affect your life insurance eligibility.

There are 6 activities of daily living used by the burial insurance companies to measure your functionality to determine if you will qualify for a level death benefit. You must be able to do all of these ADLs on your own to prove that you can take care of yourself properly.

1. Eating
2. Bathing
3. Dressing
4. Toileting
5. Transferring
6. Continence

If you have a traumatic brain injury and needing assistance with activities of daily living, you will only qualify for guaranteed issue burial insurance.

Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance

SEIZURES

Seizures may be a complication of traumatic brain injury. You will find some life insurance applications that ask about seizures.

If you experience seizures as a complication of TBI, you should say yes to the seizure question. Having seizures and taking anti-seizure medication may affect your insurability, but we work with many companies who are accepting of this condition.

Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage

What Types Of Burial Insurance Should I Avoid?

PLANS TO AVOID	WHY?
Term life	Premiums increase after 5 years. Coverage ends after 80.
Pre-paid funeral plans	Expensive
Universal life	Tied with stocks
No health questions policies	With 2-year waiting period
Plans offering "teaser rates"	$9.95 per unit plans or $1 buys $100,000 coverage
Over priced plans	Insurance from TV and junk mail
Plans that accept mail-in payments	Risky
Plans that accept Direct Express	High lapse rate
Plans that accept Credit Cards	High lapse rate

What Type Of Burial Insurance Is Best?

FUNERAL FUNDS PLAN BENEFITS	INCLUDED
1st Day Coverage	YES
Rates NEVER Increase	YES
Coverage NEVER Decreases	YES
Easy to get approved	YES
No Medical Exam	YES
Same Day Approval	YES
Death Claims Pay Fast	YES
Builds cash value	YES
Coverage Up To Age 121	YES

If I Have A Traumatic Brain Injury, Do I Need A Medical Exam To Qualify For Burial Insurance?

You are NOT required to take a medical exam to qualify for burial insurance with traumatic brain injury.

When you apply for burial insurance, you only have to answer some basic questions about your health. The application process is simple; you don’t need to provide medical records or blood and urine samples.

You’ll get the official approval from the insurance company often within minutes!

Burial Insurance Underwriting If You Have A Traumatic Brain Injury

Burial insurance companies have two ways of underwriting:

FIRST – They may ask you a series of health questions. Your answers to their questions will determine your eligibility.

SECOND – They will electronically review your prescription history to verify your health.

In most cases, the underwriting for traumatic brain injury insurance coverage will center on treatment. Some insurance providers will specifically ask about TBI, but most of them don’t. Since they don’t ask about it, it means they don’t care.

HEALTH QUESTIONS

Answering questions about your health are one part of the underwriting process. The health question on the application is a simple yes or no. Your answer to the health questions will determine what type of plan you will qualify for.

You’ll find various health questions in the case of traumatic brain injury.

You will need to pay close attention to the questions about the following:

• The traumatic brain injury itself
• Seizures
• Neurological conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Home health care
• Needing help with any activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and continence.

PRESCRIPTION HISTORY CHECK

In addition to the health questions, they will also electronically review your prescription history. Since TBI can be treated with drugs, burial insurance will be on the lookout for some medications flagged for traumatic brain injury.

If you are on these, most insurance companies will consider you a traumatic brain injury patient regardless of how you answer the health questions.

Some medications that are used to treat brain injury include:

• Diuretic – urea, mannitol, glycerol, furosemide, ethacrynic acid
• Anti-seizure drugs – valproate, phenytoin
• Coma-inducing drugs – pentobarbital or thiopental

WHY DO INSURANCE COMPANIES CARE IF YOU HAVE A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY?

TBI happens when there is a violent blow to the head or there’s an object that penetrates the skull. Falls are the most frequent cause of traumatic brain injury in the elderly. It is a significant cause of disability and morbidity.

According to the National Institutes of Health, around 5.3 million people have long-term physical, psychological, and cognitive health disabilities related to traumatic brain injury.

The occupations with the highest risk of traumatic brain injury include transportation, construction, agriculture, fishing, and forestry. These industries are at the highest risk of death from TBI. Additionally, some people who survive TBI may have a shortened life expectancy, resulting in long-term care, disability, and critical illness.

Insurance companies care if you have a traumatic brain injury because it may affect life expectancy. Some types of brain injury are considered high risk by life insurance companies because of medical complications or sudden death.

Depending on the cause of TBI and the treatment method, it may reduce your chances of getting approved for a first-day coverage plan. If you have some complications or you’re unable to do some activities of daily living because of your condition, you will need to pay more and have a waiting period.

Every life insurance company has its own unique underwriting guidelines. They are different and may approve or reject applicants based on various health conditions.

How Much Insurance Do I Need If I Have A Traumatic Brain Injury?

The amount of burial insurance you should buy varies depending on your personal and financial circumstances. However, burial insurance should cover the cost of your funeral, burial, and final expenses.

The first step to figuring out how much burial insurance you need is to know your end-of-life expenses. Your funeral cost is often the biggest single expense you need to pay. Other end-of-life expenses to consider are your outstanding medical bills, living expenses, credit card bills, and other debts.

Here’s an example of a funeral cost breakdown from the National Funeral Directors Association.

AVERAGE FUNERAL COST WITH VIEWING AND BURIAL
Non-declinable basic services	$2,300
Removal/ transfer of remains to funeral home	$350
Embalming & preparation of the body	$1,050
Use of facilities for viewing & funeral ceremony	$965
Hearse	$325
Service car/van	$150
Basic memorial printed package	$183
Metal casket	$2,500
Vault	$1,572
Median Cost of a Funeral With Viewing and Burial	$9,420

AVERAGE FUNERAL COST WITH VIEWING AND CREMATION
Non-declinable basic services fee	$2,300
Removal/ transfer of remains to funeral home	$350
Embalming & preparation of the body	$1,050
Use of facilities for viewing & funeral ceremony	$965
Service car/van	$150
Basic memorial printed package	$183
Cremation fee (if firm uses a third-party crematory)	$368
Cremation Casket	$1,310
Urn	$295
Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Cremation	$6,970
Rental Casket	$995
Alternate Cremation Container	$150

How Should I Pay My Premiums?

The best way to pay your premium is through a savings or checking account. We recommend you set a bank draft from your savings or checking account. That way, the bank will automatically pay your premium each month, and you don’t need to worry about your policy lapsing due to non-payment.

Traumatic Brain Injury And Burial Insurance Riders

Insurance policy riders add benefits to your policy. Adding insurance riders will enhance your policy to fit your needs. Some riders are built into your policy, while others can be added at an additional cost. Most riders are affordable, and it involves little to no underwriting.

Here’s a list of common burial insurance riders:

FUNERAL FUNDS ADD-ONS	AVAILABILITY
Terminal Illness Add-On Benefit	Included with most plans
Nursing Home Care Add-On Benefit	Included with most plans

Information We Need If You Have Traumatic Brain Injury

Before applying for burial insurance, we will be asking you some questions to help us determine the best insurance plan for you.

Here are some of the health questions we will ask you before your application:

1. When did you have a traumatic brain injury?
2. What caused your traumatic brain injury?
3. What symptoms are you currently suffering as a result of your TBI?
4. What treatment did you receive for your traumatic brain injury?
5. What medications are you taking for your condition?
6. Are you on disability right now?
7. What other medical conditions do you have?
8. Do you need home health care?
9. Do you need assistance in doing activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, transferring, and continence?

It is necessary to be honest in answering these questions. Depending on your answer, we can get a good idea of your health. Your answers will help us determine which final expense insurance company would best fit your needs and offer you the cheapest rate.

Benefits Of Burial & Funeral Insurance

Here are some of the benefits of purchasing a burial or funeral policy:

• No medical exam or doctor’s visit is required – easy to get approved.
• Ease of issue – easy to qualify and get insurance coverage.
• No Money Down to get approved – have your policy start whenever you want.
• Level premium – your premium will never increase.
• Fixed death benefit – your death benefit will never decrease for any reason.
• Permanent protection – your policy can not be canceled by the life insurance company if you continue to pay your premiums.
• Tax-free – the death benefit is directly paid to your beneficiary tax-free upon your death
• Cash value builds up – burial insurance is a whole life policy that builds cash value over time.

Other Common Uses For Final Expense Life Insurance With Traumatic Brain Injury

All of these examples are appropriate uses for Final Expense Life Insurance:

• Burial insurance plan with traumatic brain injury
• Cremation insurance plan with traumatic brain injury
• Funeral home insurance plan with traumatic brain injury
• Final Expense insurance plan with traumatic brain injury
• Prepaid funeral plan insurance with traumatic brain injury
• Mortgage payment protection plan with traumatic brain injury
• Mortgage payoff life insurance plan with traumatic brain injury
• Deceased spouse’s income replacement plan with traumatic brain injury
• Legacy insurance gift plan to family or loved ones with traumatic brain injury
• Medical or doctor bill life insurance plan with traumatic brain injury

We can help you with any of the plans above. Your pricing will depend on your age, health, and coverage amount for each program option.

How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?

Finding a policy with a traumatic brain injury needn’t be a frustrating process; working with an independent agency like Funeral Funds will make the process easier and quicker.

We will work with you every step to find the plan that fits your financial requirements and budget. You don’t have to waste your precious time anymore searching for multiple insurance companies because we will do the work for you.

We work with many A+ rated insurance carriers that specialize in covering high-risk clients like you.  We will search all those companies and match you up with the best burial insurance company that gives the best rate.

We will assist you in securing the coverage you need at a rate you can afford. So, if you are looking for traumatic brain injury funeral insurance, traumatic brain injury burial insurance, or traumatic brain injury life insurance, we can help. Fill out our quote form on this page or call us at (888) 862-9456, and we can give you an accurate quote.

Additional Questions & Answers On Burial Insurance Traumatic Brain Injury

Can I get life insurance if you have a traumatic brain injury?

Yes, you can get life insurance if you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Your eligibility will depend on the severity of your condition, mobility, medication, and the time that passed since your brain surgery.

Can you get first-day coverage insurance if you have a traumatic brain injury?

People with mild TBI may be able to qualify for a first-day coverage plan.

Is traumatic brain injury a pre-existing condition for life insurance?

Yes, TBI is a pre-existing condition for life insurance but you may still be able to qualify for coverage.

Do I need to tell insurance about traumatic brain injury?

Yes, you will need to tell your life insurance company about your TBI.

What are the consequences of not disclosing my traumatic brain injury to my insurer?

If you don’t disclose your TBI to your life insurance company and they find out about it, they may refuse to pay out your policy. If you make a claim, the insurance company may investigate and find out about your TBI. They could then deny your claim and refuse to pay out the death benefit.

Do I need to take a medical exam if I have a traumatic brain injury?

If you have a TBI, you don’t need to take a medical exam to get life insurance.

Is there an age limit for burial insurance with traumatic brain injury?

Most life insurance companies accept applicants 18-85 years old.

Can a person with traumatic brain injury get burial insurance?

Yes, a person with TBI can get burial insurance. Your eligibility will depend on the severity of your condition, mobility, medication, and the time that passed since your brain surgery.

Is traumatic brain injury considered a mental illness?

No, TBI is not considered a mental illness.

Can traumatic brain injury be considered a critical illness in life insurance?

Yes, TBI can be considered a critical illness in life insurance.

Does a traumatic brain injury cause permanent brain damage?

A TBI can cause permanent brain damage depending on the severity of the injury.

Is traumatic brain injury considered a terminal illness?

No, TBI is not considered a terminal illness.

What are the things that may affect my eligibility if I have a traumatic brain injury?

The severity of your TBI, mobility, medication and the time that passed since your brain surgery may affect your eligibility for life insurance.

What is the life expectancy after traumatic brain injury?

The life expectancy after TBI depends on the severity of the injury.

Is traumatic brain injury a disability?

A TBI can be a disability if it results in long-term cognitive problems or physical impairments.

What disability category is traumatic brain injury?

A TBI can fall under the physical disability category or the cognitive impairment category.

Can I qualify for cremation insurance with a history of traumatic brain injury?

Yes, you can qualify for cremation insurance with a history of TBI.

I have a family member who has a traumatic brain injury. Can I get life insurance for them?

Yes, you can get life insurance for a family member with TBI. You only need to show insurable interest and consent.

How do you get life insurance after a traumatic brain injury diagnosis?

If you have a TBI, the easiest way to get life insurance is by completing an application with a qualified insurance agent.

What is my best insurance option if I have a traumatic brain injury?

The best insurance option for you will depend on your TBI severity, age, and budget.

Is traumatic brain injury fatal in life insurance?

Yes, TBI can be fatal in life insurance.

Can you be denied insurance for traumatic brain injury?

Yes, you can be denied insurance for TBI. If you have mobility issues and you can’t perform activities of daily living most life insurance companies will deny your application for a first-day coverage plan.

Is there a waiting period for life insurance with traumatic brain injury?

People with TBI who cannot perform activities of daily living on their own will only qualify for a guaranteed issue life insurance with a two-year waiting period.

Can traumatic brain injury affect your life insurance rates?

Yes, TBI can affect your life insurance rates. Your rates will be higher if you only qualify for guaranteed issue life insurance.

Can traumatic brain injury medication affect my premium?

Yes, TBI medication may affect your premium.

What are the riders available for someone with a history of traumatic brain injury?

There are several riders available for people with a history of TBI, including:

• Waiver of premium rider: This rider waives your premiums if you cannot work due to your TBI.
• Accelerated death benefit rider: This rider gives you access to a portion of your death benefit if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
• Critical illness rider: This rider pays out a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a critical illness.
• Long-term care rider: This rider pays for your long-term care expenses if you cannot care for yourself due to your TBI.

What is the life expectancy after traumatic brain injury?

The life expectancy after TBI depends on the severity of the injury.

What are the premiums for burial insurance with traumatic brain injury?

The premiums for burial insurance with TBI will depend on the severity of your TBI, your age, and your health.

What is the average cost of life insurance for someone with traumatic brain injury?

The average cost of life insurance for someone with TBI will depend on your TBI severity, age, and health.

Can traumatic brain injury patients get final expense insurance?

Yes, TBI patients can get final expense insurance.

Is traumatic brain injury covered by a critical illness rider?

Yes, TBI is covered by a critical illness rider.

Can traumatic brain injury affect life insurance?

Yes, TBI can affect life insurance. Your rates will be higher if you only qualify for guaranteed issue life insurance.

Which insurance is best for patients with traumatic brain injury?

The best insurance for patients with TBI will depend on the severity of your TBI, your age, and your budget.

Does traumatic brain injury shorten your life?

Yes, TBI can shorten your life.

Does having brain surgery affect your insurance eligibility?

Yes, brain surgery can affect your insurance eligibility. If you have had recent brain surgery, you will likely only qualify for guaranteed issue life insurance. Most life insurance companies will require you have had brain surgery for two years or longer before they offer you a first-day coverage plan.

Can you be rejected for life insurance because of a traumatic brain injury?

Yes, you can be rejected for life insurance because of a TBI. If you have mobility issues and can’t perform daily living activities, most life insurance companies will deny your application for a first-day coverage plan.

How can you get the best life insurance rates with traumatic brain injury?

The best way to get the best life insurance rates with TBI is to work with an independent life insurance agent who can shop around for the best rates for you.

When should you get life insurance after TBI?

You should get life insurance as soon as possible after your TBI. The sooner you get life insurance, the better chance you have of getting a first-day coverage plan.

What is the best insurance option for people with traumatic brain injury?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best insurance option for people with TBI will depend on your TBI severity, age, and budget.

What are some tips for getting life insurance with traumatic brain injury?

Some tips for getting life insurance with TBI include:

• Work with an independent life insurance agent who can shop around for the best rates for you.
• Get life insurance as soon as possible after your TBI.
• Be honest with the life insurance company about your TBI.
• Get a policy that has riders for TBI.
• Make sure you can afford the premiums.