2024 Burial Insurance And Human Composting

Burial insurance human composting is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremations that would revolutionize the funeral industry.

Human composting or recomposition mimics the natural decomposition process and creates beneficial effects. With cemeteries filling up fast in rural areas, human composting would address space, accessibility, and environmental issues.

Human remains will be placed inside large, cylindrical tubes lined with organic matter like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. A controlled supply of oxygen would help speed up decomposition, and within four to seven weeks, the body would produce roughly a cubic yard of compost.

Composting will benefit people who can’t afford traditional burial or those who don’t want to be cremated. The cost of recomposition is estimated to be $5,500, which is considerably cheaper than a burial, which costs $8,755 on average, while the average cost of an adult funeral with cremation is $6,260.

Burial insurance can help families cover the cost of a funeral, burial, human composting, and other ends of life expenses. This article will dive deeper into human composting and burial insurance benefits.

FOR EASIER NAVIGATION:

• What Is Human Composting?
• How Much Does A Funeral Cost?
• Proposed Cost Of Human Composting
• What Is Burial Insurance?
• Who Needs Burial Insurance?
• Who Can Apply For Burial Insurance Policy?
• Different Types Of Burial Insurance
• Additional Questions & Answers On Burial Insurance And Human Composting

What Is Human Composting?

Human composting is the brainchild of Katrina Spade, CEO and the proponent of the non-profit Urban Death Project and public-benefit burial company Recompose.

Human composting is a natural process of decomposition that reduces the human body to the soil using high-carbon materials like carbon, wood chips, straw, alfalfa, and moisture. The remains are also heated to 131°F or 55°C to kill off contagions that make the soil safe to use.

Recomposition involves moving the remains to a specially designed facility and placing it inside the vessel full of wood chips, straw, alfalfa, and carbon. After four to seven weeks of microbial activity, the body will break down into soil that can be given to the family for planting or used by conservation groups to nourish the land.

Washington State has become the first U.S state to legalize human composting as an accelerated decomposition method that transforms human remains into the soil.

Human composting is an eco-friendly alternative to cremation, and the burial method was officially signed into a bill by Governor Jay Inslee on May 21, 2019, and the law will go into effect on May 1, 2020.

Traditional burial and cremations have a marked environmental cost. In America, the following amount of materials are used every year for traditional burial:

• 30 million board feet of wood
• 1.6 million tons of concrete
• 90,000 tons of steel
• 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid

During cremation, the remains are placed in a pine box in a 1,400 to 1,800 degrees high-temperature oven. After a few hours, what’s left is a gray powder with lumps of bones.

The environmental impact of cremation is not minor. Most crematoria are fueled by gas, some use filters to reduce pollutants, but it still results in carbon monoxide, soot, and trace metals like mercury released into the air.

Cremation releases 250,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year, equivalent to burning 30 million gallons of gasoline. Despite this, cremation still has an environmental advantage over traditional burial – think of all the resources used to bury the deceased.

In 2018, more than half of the 2.8 million dead in the U.S were laid to rest via cremation. According to the data of the National Funeral Directors Association, by 2035, only 15% will use traditional burials.

Just imagine the environmental impact of these more environmentally friendly burial methods!

Traditional burials have a higher carbon footprint than recomposting. The human composting process only uses an 8th of the energy needed for cremation and conserves more than one metric ton of CO2 for every person that uses it.

How Much Does A Funeral Cost?

The funeral cost is often the biggest single final expense for most families.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average cost of an adult funeral today is $8,755. This amount only includes the most commonly used items for a funeral. It doesn’t cover the cost of the burial. A burial plot can cost around $2,000, so the average funeral can cost over $10,000.

Here is the average  funeral cost from NFDA:

AVERAGE COST OF AN ADULT FUNERAL WITH VIEWING AND BURIAL

• $2,100 – Basic funeral services fee
• $325 – Removal of the body to the funeral home
• $725 – Embalming
• $250 – Other preparation of the body
• $435 – Use of funeral facilities and staff for viewing
• $500 – Use of funeral facilities and staff for a funeral ceremony
• $150 – Service car
• $325 – Hearse
• $160 – Basic memorial printed package
• $2,400 – Metal Casket
• $1,395 – Vault
• $8,755 – TOTAL

AVERAGE COST OF AN ADULT FUNERAL WITH VIEWING AND CREMATION

• $2,100 – Non-declinable basic funeral services fee
• $325 – Removal of the remains to funeral home
• $725 – Embalming
• $250 – Other preparation of the body
• $435 – Use of funeral facilities and staff for viewing
• $500 – Use of funeral facilities and staff for a funeral ceremony
• $150 – Service car
• $160 – Basic memorial printed package
• $350 – Cremation fee
• $1,000 – Cremation Casket
• $275 – Urn
• $6,260 – TOTAL

Other funeral expenses may not be included in this list depending on the type of funeral service you choose, the type of casket, headstone, additional services, and miscellaneous items you will use.

Prices can differ based on the location of the funeral and burial. For example, a funeral chapel service can be more expensive if it is conducted at a chapel far from the funeral home.

Proposed Cost Of Human Composting

The cost of recomposting or human composting soon to be offered by Recompose will be $5,500, which is considerably cheaper than traditional funeral and cremation.

Most American families don’t have the funds to pay the cost of funeral and burial. A study shows that approximately 62% of Americans only have less than $1,000 in savings. How can their family afford to pay all the costs associated with funeral and burial that could cost more than $10,000?

That is the reason why having burial insurance for human composting is important. Burial or final expense insurance can protect your family from the financial burden of death.

What Is Burial Insurance?

Burial insurance is also called final expense or funeral insurance and can be used to cover the cost of a funeral, burial, and other final expenses. Buying burial insurance human composting can protect your family from the financial burden when you pass away.

Once you pass away, the life insurance company will pay a tax-free amount directly to your beneficiary. There are no limits on how the death benefit payout money can be used.

If there is anything left after the funeral and final expenses have been paid, the money will stay with your beneficiary to use however they see fit.

You can easily qualify for burial insurance for human composting because it has a relaxed underwriting process. Most people with pre-existing medical conditions can be eligible because no medical exam is required, and you only have to answer some health questions.

Your application can be submitted online or over the phone. Approval is quick, and you can often get approved on the same day you apply.

Burial insurance can be an excellent alternative for people who won’t qualify for a traditional term or whole life insurance because of some health issues.

You can be eligible for burial insurance regardless of your medical condition because there are plans that do not ask health questions at all.

Burial insurance is whole life insurance that works this way:

• No medical exam
• Fixed monthly premiums for life
• The death benefit amount is guaranteed never to decrease
• The policy will never expire when you reach 80 years old
• Accumulates cash value

If you do not expect to have enough funds at the end of your life to cover your funeral and final expenses, then a burial insurance policy might make sense for you.

Even if you expect to leave enough money to your family, you may not want your estate or savings depleted by your final expenses. A burial insurance policy is one way to ensure that your entire estate will be available to your loved ones.

Burial insurance is all the more important today since there are more and more people entering their elderly years and coming close to retirement with inadequate funds. The need for final expense insurance is more crucial now than ever.

Who Needs Burial Insurance?

People in either of these situations need burial insurance:

1. Those who have no life insurance coverage.
2. Those whose family and friends don’t have the financial capacity to cover the cost of a funeral and final expenses
3. Those who have savings but not enough to cover the cost of a funeral
4. Those who have an outstanding debt
5. Those who want a different insurance policy to cover his funeral and burial expenses.
6. Those who are still paying off debts and medical bills
7. Those who have cash but would rather not use it for final expenses
8. Those who do not want to burden their family when he passes away
9. Those who wish to leave a charitable donation to an organization or person important to him.

Who Can Apply For A Burial Insurance Policy?

Anyone 0-85 years old can apply for burial insurance. There are a few factors that determine if you will qualify for burial insurance, such as:

1. Age: Some insurance plans are not available to all ages
2. State of Residence: Some burial insurance company is not licensed to sell in every state.
3. Health: The plan you will qualify for is based on health; however, some plans have no health questions.

The common age of availability is 50-85. Your options will vary depending on your health and state of residence if you are younger than 50 or older than 85.

Different Types Of Burial Insurance

You can either apply for a burial insurance policy with underwriting, meaning you need to answer health questions, or you can apply for one that does not have health questions.

The policy with no health questions is called guaranteed issue whole life insurance. Burial insurance with underwriting has three different plans. Which type you can qualify for will depend on your health.

Every insurance company will ask a different set of health questions. Afterward, they will electronically review your prescription history to verify your answer to the health questions and your health status.

Here are the three plans for underwritten burial insurance:

1. LEVEL BENEFIT

You’ll qualify for a level benefit plan if you answer “no” to all the health questions. You are covered immediately upon approval, and your beneficiary will receive a 100% death benefit if you pass away.

There will be no waiting period if you are approved for this plan.

A level death benefit is the best possible plan you can receive. You will be able to access the company’s lowest possible rate. Some insurance companies use “preferred” instead of “level” to describe their best premium.

2. GRADED BENEFIT

A graded plan is a medium option where the insurance company views your health profile as riskier.

You would get this plan if you said yes to any health questions in the graded section. You will be charged anywhere from 15-40% more for this policy.

The graded plan provides partial coverage during the first two years of the policy. The life insurance benefit will be reduced for the first two years.

For example: If you’re approved for a $20,000 death benefit, many insurance companies will pay out 30% of the 20,000 if you die in the first year, 70% in the second year, and 100% in the third year and beyond.

Different insurance companies have different payout schedules, so it’s important to read the fine print before making any purchase.

3. MODIFIED

A modified plan is the highest risk plan for those with pre-existing medical conditions.

The company charges 15-50% more on your premiums for a modified plan.

They will offer this plan if you answer yes to the health issues in the “modified” section. Events like stroke, heart attacks, or cancer within the last two years will put you in modified benefit.

There is a two-year waiting period for the modified plan. If you pass away during this time, the insurer will not pay out the full benefit of your policy. Instead, they will return 110% of your money. Modified plans return premiums plus 7-10% interest during the first two years.

However, if you die from an accident, they would pay out 100% full death benefit even during the waiting period.

GUARANTEED ISSUE BURIAL INSURANCE (No Health Questions Asked)

Even though burial insurance plans have lenient underwriting, some health conditions are so risky that some people are considered uninsurable for first-day coverage. In cases like this, a guaranteed issue insurance plan is the only option in this case.

GI plans have no medical exam and no health questions. Your approval is guaranteed if you satisfy the age and billing requirements.

Guaranteed issue insurance policies have a two-year waiting period. If you die during the first two years, the insurer will only refund your premiums paid plus 7-10% interest. Since the insurance company is taking more risk, they charge more to compensate for the increased risk.

A guaranteed issue policy is your only option if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Alzheimer’s or Dementia
• Cancer (within the last 2 years)
• Currently in a hospital, nursing facility, or Hospice Care
• Renal failure requiring dialysis
• HIV or AIDS
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack (within the last 2 years)
• Terminal Illness
• Oxygen use
• Recommended to have an organ transplant
• Needing help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, continence, and transferring
• Circulatory surgery within the last 12 months
• Taking treatment for alcohol or drug abuse within the previous 24 months
• High-risk hobbies and occupations
• Drug, marijuana, and alcohol abuse during the previous 12 months
• Multiple DUI or moving violations

How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?

Finding a policy if you are interested in burial insurance human composting needn’t be a frustrating process; working with an independent agency like Funeral Funds will make the process easier and quicker.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, let us help you; we will work with you side by side to find a plan that fits your needs.

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 searching for multiple insurance companies because we will do the dirty work for you.

We will shop your case at different insurance carriers and get you the best price.

We work with many A+ rated insurance carriers that specialize in covering high-risk clients like you.  We will search all those companies to get the best rate. We will 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 human composting, funeral insurance, burial insurance for human composting, or life insurance for human composting. 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 And Human Composting

Can a human be composted?

Yes, this process is becoming more common in the United States. The composting process involves placing the body of a deceased person into an industrial composter, where it is broken down over time by microbes and turned into nutrient-rich soil.

Can I be composted after death?

Yes, it will be your option to be composted when you die. The first step is to make sure that your family and friends know of your wishes, as they will be the ones to make arrangements on your behalf. You will also need to sign up with a composting facility in advance, as space is limited.

Can I choose human composting if I have burial insurance?

Yes, you can. You will need to inform your family of your wishes, and they will make the necessary arrangements.

What are the benefits of human composting?

There are many benefits to human composting. It is a more environmentally friendly option than traditional burial or cremation, and it also requires less land, as bodies can be composted in a smaller area. Additionally, human composting can provide nutrients for plants and trees, which can help support a more sustainable ecosystem.

What are the disadvantages of human composting?

There are some disadvantages to human composting, such as the fact that it is a relatively new concept and fewer places nationally perform human composting. Additionally, the cost of human composting can be higher than traditional burial or cremation.

What happens to the compost after a body is decomposed?

Compost can be used to fertilize plants and trees. It can also be used to create memorial gardens, where loved ones can come to reflect on the life of the departed person.

How long does it take for a body to decompose?

The decomposition process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the size of the body and the conditions of the composting facility.

How long does it take for a human body to compost?

The time it takes for a human body to compost will depend on the size of the body and the conditions of the composting facility. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Is human composting legal?

Yes, human composting is currently legal in several states and countries worldwide. However, some restrictions or regulations may vary depending on location. A few companies are already working on composting technology, and some states have even started experimenting with the idea of allowing human composting as an alternative to burial or cremation. 

Do bones decompose in human composting?

There is some debate about whether bones decompose during the composting process. Some experts believe that they will remain relatively intact and may need to be removed before the compost is used. Others believe that the bones will eventually break down and become part of the nutrient-rich soil.

How does human composting work?

Human composting involves placing the body of a deceased person into an industrial composter, where it is broken down over time by microbes and turned into nutrient-rich soil.

What are the requirements for human composting?

There are a few requirements for human composting. The first is that the body must be free of any infectious diseases. The second is that the body must be placed in a biodegradable container, such as a coffin or shroud. The third is that the composting facility must be properly licensed and regulated.

How long does human composting take?

The length of the composting process will depend on several factors, including the size of the body and the conditions at the specific composting facility. Generally, human composting can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even longer.

Is there any way to accelerate the human composting process?

Yes, a few methods can be used to accelerate the human composting process. For example, some facilities use specialized machines or bacteria to speed up the breakdown of the body. Other techniques may also be used, such as high temperatures or pressure to compress the composting material.

What is the difference between human composting and cremation?

Cremation is a process that uses high temperatures to accelerate the decomposition of the human body. Human composting is a process that uses microbes to break down the body of a deceased person into nutrient-rich soil.

Are there any health or environmental concerns related to human composting?

There are some potential environmental and health concerns related to human composting. For example, there may be risks associated with bacteria or other microbes during the decomposition process, and some people may be concerned about potential groundwater contamination. Additionally, some people may object to using human bodies for composting purposes.

What happens when dead bodies are buried in the soil?

When dead bodies are buried in the soil, they can impact the environment. For example, they may deplete nutrients and disrupt important soil processes, such as microbial activity or nutrient cycling. In addition, they may lead to potentially harmful chemicals in the environment, such as mercury or other toxins. Also, buried bodies can attract scavengers and pests, further disturbing the surrounding ecosystem.

Can my burial insurance be used to pay for human composting?

Yes, your burial insurance policy can be used to cover the cost of human composting.

How long does a body take to decompose in soil?

The decomposition rate will vary depending on several factors, including the type of soil, the temperature, and the moisture content.

Is human composting a reasonable alternative to burial or cremation?

There is no simple answer to this question, as the answer will depend on several factors, including personal preferences, religious beliefs, and environmental concerns.

How long does it take for a human body to decompose to skeletal remains?

The rate of skeletal decomposition can vary depending on several factors, including temperature, moisture, and soil type. However, it typically takes several years for a human body to decompose to skeletal remains.

What is natural organic reduction?

Natural organic reduction is a process that uses microbes to break down the body of a deceased person into nutrient-rich soil.

Is human composting more eco-friendly than burial or cremation?

There is no simple answer to this question, as the answer will depend on several factors, including the specific methods used for burial or cremation and environmental and health impacts. However, many believe that human composting is a more eco-friendly alternative to burial or cremation.

What does human composting cost?

The cost of human composting will vary depending on many factors, including the specific method used and the location of the composting facility.

Will my burial insurance pay out if I choose human composting?

Yes, your burial insurance policy can cover the cost of your human composting.

What is human compost used for?

Human compost can be used for various purposes, from fertilizing gardens and crops to restoring damaged ecosystems.

How long does a body take to decompose in a coffin?

The rate of decomposition will vary depending on several factors, including the type of coffin, the temperature, and the moisture content.

Can human compost be used to fertilize food crops?

Yes, human compost can be used to fertilize food crops.

How does human composting reduce your carbon footprint?

Human composting reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the environmental impacts associated with burial or cremation. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollutant runoff and conserving water and energy.

Can my beneficiary use my insurance payout to pay for human composting?

Yes, your beneficiary can use your insurance payout to cover the cost of human composting.

What you should know about human composting?

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering human composting:

• Human composting is a process that uses microbes to break down the body of a deceased person into nutrient-rich soil.
• Human composting is generally considered a more eco-friendly alternative to burial or cremation.
• The cost of human composting will vary depending on several factors, including the specific method used and the location of the composting facility.
• Human compost can be used for various purposes, from fertilizing gardens and crops to restoring damaged ecosystems.
• If you’re considering human composting, consult with your local regulations to ensure that this process is legal in your area.
• Finally, be sure to consider all of the potential benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether or not human composting is right for you.

What happens immediately after death?

Immediately after death, the body decomposes due to various factors, including temperature, moisture levels, and soil type. The decomposition rate will vary depending on these factors, but it typically takes several years for a human body to decompose to skeletal remains.

What happens to the bones in human composting?

The bones in human composting are typically broken down into smaller pieces over time. However, the bones can remain intact if the composting process is not carried out properly.

What is the fastest way to decompose a body?

The fastest way to decompose a body is through cremation. Cremation typically occurs at temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius) or higher, accelerating the decomposition process.

What is the slowest way to decompose a body?

The slowest way to decompose a body is through traditional burial. In this process, the body gradually breaks down over time due to environmental factors such as temperature, moisture levels, and soil composition. This process can take several years or even decades to complete.

How much does it cost to compost a human body?

The cost of human composting will vary depending on some factors, including the specific method used and the location of the composting facility.

Does a buried body decompose faster?

There is no clear answer to this question, as the decomposition rate will vary depending on several factors, including the type of coffin, the temperature, and the moisture content.