Complete Guide to Burial Insurance and Final Expense

Looking for the ultimate guide to burial insurance and final expense insurance? You’ve come to the right place! Burial insurance is a financial tool you should absolutely have on your radar if you’re planning ahead for those final expenses. You might’ve heard it called final expense or funeral insurance—it’s all the same thing, just with a different bow on top.

You’ve probably seen those TV ads or internet banners talking about burial, funeral, or final expense insurance. Let’s break it down—they’re all whole life insurance policies designed to handle funeral and other end-of-life costs. Think of it as one less thing your loved ones will have to stress about.

Burial insurance ensures your family isn’t left scrambling to pay for your funeral. When planning for end-of-life expenses, we’ve got to face the fact: death is inevitable. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make it easier on the people we love by covering those final expenses ahead of time.

We know this topic comes with lots of questions, and that’s exactly why we’ve created this guide. Whether you’re just starting to think about it or you’re ready to take action, we’ve got everything you need to know. Let’s make this as stress-free as possible, shall we?

COMPLETE GUIDE TO BURIAL INSURANCE AND FINAL EXPENSE

What Is Burial Insurance?

Our complete guide to burial insurance and final expense will start by explaining exactly what burial insurance is.

Burial insurance is a type of whole life insurance policy designed to cover the expenses that come with passing away, like burial, funeral service, and other final expenses. It is permanent life insurance that does not expire.

It is available for people between the ages of 50 and 85. This policy accumulates cash value which can be borrowed from or surrendered for cash value. The face amount (death benefit) can go from $1,000 to $25,000, although some insurers offer up to $50,000 of coverage.

Characteristics Of Burial Insurance

Is burial insurance worth it? Let’s take a look at the different characteristics of burial insurance.

Permanent coverage – Coverage will last for your whole life. The life insurance company can’t cancel your coverage because of your advancing age or new health problems that occur as you age.

Level premiums – your premium will stay the same for the duration of your policy. Your rates are locked in and are guaranteed never to increase in the future. You will pay the same low premium amount every month for life.

Fix death benefit – your death benefit will never decrease for any reason.

Beneficiary – Your beneficiary will receive your death benefit when you pass away. Your beneficiary can be a spouse, partner, child, family member, or another person responsible for your end-of-life plans.

No medical exam – burial insurance has a simplified underwriting that does not require you to take a medical exam. You will only need to answer a few health questions. A guaranteed issue policy does not ask any health questions!

Lower coverage amount – burial insurance coverage is typically capped at $25,000 to $50,000. The lower coverage is because burial insurance is specifically designed to cover final expenses and is not intended to provide supplemental income to beneficiaries.

Builds cash value – your whole life insurance lets you build up a cash value on a tax-free basis with every premium payment you make. This cash value can be borrowed for emergency purposes or can be used to pay your premiums.

Types Of Burial Insurance

When applying for burial insurance, you have two basic options: Simplified Issue or Guaranteed Issue policies. Here’s what you need to know about these types of burial insurance policies:

Simplified Issue Burial Insurance

Simplified issue burial insurance is easy for most people because it takes away the hassle of medical exams and lengthy applications in getting life insurance. This type of policy is burial insurance with no waiting period.

With this final expense life insurance, there is no physical exam, and you are only required to answer a few health questions on the application. These questions are answerable with yes or no.

You may need to answer questions like:

• Do you smoke?
• Do you reside in a nursing home or care facility?
• Do you have heart disease?
• Are you diagnosed with a severe illness like cancer or kidney disease?
• Do you have HIV?

Most seniors will qualify for a simplified issue policy.

However, it can be denied coverage based on health or lifestyle. Smoking, pre-existing conditions, or participating in risky activities can cause your application to be denied.

Simplified issue funeral and burial insurance is usually cheaper than other forms of life insurance and allows for higher death benefits. This type of burial insurance offers first-day coverage and doesn’t have a waiting period.

The benefits of Simplified Issue Burial Insurance:

• No medical exam
• Immediate coverage, no waiting period
• Less expensive than guaranteed issue life insurance

Guaranteed Issue Burial Insurance

This is a whole life policy that doesn’t require a medical exam or answers to health questions upon application.

You will be approved for a guaranteed issue burial policy regardless of your medical history. A guaranteed issue funeral policy is the best option for people with serious health issues who can’t qualify for life insurance.

This is how the guaranteed issue policy works:

• Insurance companies offering guaranteed policy life insurance have a mandatory two to three-year waiting period before paying the full death benefit for the natural cause of death.
• If you die during the 2-year waiting period, the insurance carrier will either pay a percentage of the death benefit or refund all premiums paid with interest or
• If you survive the waiting period, the company will pay your beneficiary 100% of the face amount.
• The full cash death benefit will be paid for accidental deaths during the waiting period.

Pros of guaranteed issue life insurance:

• No medical exam or health questions to answer
• Guaranteed approval regardless of any medical condition
• Easy to apply

Cons of guaranteed issue life insurance:

• 2-3 years waiting period before the policy can be in force

Who Needs Burial Insurance?

Burial insurance will give your family an affordable way to plan and pay for your funeral.

After determining the kind of expenses associated with your funeral, you can estimate the costs. If handling those expenses will cause financial problems for your loved ones, you should consider purchasing burial insurance.

You will need burial insurance if:

1. You do not have any permanent life insurance
2. You have not pre-planned your funeral
3. If you don’t expect to have available funds at the end of your life to cover your final expenses.
4. You don’t have enough in your savings account to cover funeral costs.
5. You have debts
6. Your family and friends are not in the financial position to pay for the cost of your burial.
7. You have life insurance but don’t want your estate to be depleted by your final expenses.
8. You don’t want your loved ones to be burdened with your final expenses.

The leading group of people that should consider a burial insurance plan is the senior citizens.

These burial insurance policies can be an excellent choice for the elderly that don’t have traditional life insurance coverage. Burial insurance is available for 50 to 85 years old. No medical exam means severe health conditions won’t stop you from getting coverage.

Other people who can benefit from burial insurance are those looking to save money on their life insurance rates. Because burial insurance has a lower face amount, the premiums are much more affordable than traditional life insurance policies.

What Does A Burial Insurance Cover?

Burial insurance cash death benefit is given to the beneficiary when the insured dies. People purchase funeral insurance for seniors to cover their final expenses so that family members and friends will not pay for their final expense bills.

Burial insurance can cover the cost of:

• Funeral services
• Embalming
• Cremation
• Casket or urn
• Burial plot
• Headstone or grave marker
• Hearse
• Flowers

Additional final expenses you must pay aside from the funeral costs:

• You will need to pay church or venue charges
• Travel expenses for your family who will go to the funeral
• Refreshment for the funeral guests
• Missed time from work
• Probate lawyer fees

The cash death benefit will be given to your beneficiary when you pass away.

There is no rule about how your beneficiary will spend the money. The death benefit can be used on anything, and it is not required to be spent on funeral expenses alone.

How Burial Insurance Companies Determine Eligibility

Assuming you sign up for a simplified issue policy, every burial insurance company will assess your health to determine your eligibility and rates.

Burial insurance companies will look at the following:

• Your answers to the health questions
• Your prescription history
• Your Medical Information Bureau file for any relevant records

After they gather all this information, they will determine if you are eligible for burial insurance.

Most insurance carriers will decide within minutes of submitting your application. You will know right then if you qualify or not. However, some companies can take up to three days before you will know if you have been accepted or not.

How Are Burial Insurance Rates Determined?

Burial insurance rates are determined by:

• Age
• Gender
• Tobacco use
• Health
• Lifestyle

These factors will help determine the type of coverage you can qualify for.

Determining The Amount Of Coverage You Need

The amount of coverage you need for a burial insurance policy can vary depending on your needs.

The first step is to figure out how much money you will need to cover your funeral. The cost of the funeral is the largest single cost for most families dealing with the loss of a loved one.

According to NFDA, the median funeral cost is $8,755, not including any additional costs such as flowers and obituary. It is wise to allot $12,000 to $15,000 to cover your future funeral costs. Other final expenses are remaining medical bills, credit card bills, legal costs, and living expenses.

In addition to the cost of the funeral, you should add other related expenses to determine how much coverage you need.

For example, let’s say you owe $5,000 in medical and $3,000 in credit card bills. ($12,000 for funeral + $5,000 for medical bills + $3,000 for credit card bills = $20,000) You will need no less than $20,000 of life insurance coverage.

In this guide to burial insurance and final expense, we recommend that it is wise to overestimate instead of underestimating because you may have to pay other expenses associated with the funeral.

How Much Does A Burial Insurance Cost?

Your gender, age, tobacco use, the type of policy you choose, and the face amount will determine how much premium you should pay.

Perform shopping before buying burial insurance because some companies have lower premiums than others for the same type of insurance products.

Fill up the instant QUOTE form on this page to understand the cost of burial insurance. You can check the prices we offer from different life insurance companies.

This is a sample monthly premium for a male nonsmoker looking for a $20,000 face amount. Guaranteed Issue life insurance:

• Age 50: $42.15
• Age 55: $51.50
• Age 60: $61.83
• Age 65: $81.67
• Age 70: $106.03
• Age 75: $143.06

You will notice that the premium increase with age.

Tobacco users pay higher premiums than nonsmokers, depending on the type of policy applied. Burial insurance has level premiums or fixed premiums, so it will not increase over the years.

You have lifetime coverage, but don’t let the policy lapse due to non-payment.

Applying For A Burial Insurance Policy

A medical exam is never required for burial or final expense insurance.

You won’t need to submit a blood and urine sample. This is particularly helpful for those who fear needles and those with certain health-related conditions.

You will be asked specific questions about the final expense insurance coverage application.

The insurance company will want to know information like:

• Age
• Gender
• Height
• Weight
• Tobacco usage
• Alcohol usage
• Lifestyle and dangerous hobbies

Because there are no physicals required, you will usually be approved quickly.

You will also have a choice on how you make the premium payment. You can make monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, or lump sums.

Who Pays The Burial Insurance Premiums?

Most of the time, an older adult can pay the premiums himself. However, an adult child can purchase a policy for his parents, especially if he will be assigned as the beneficiary.

If your elders cannot purchase insurance for themselves, you may be able to buy senior care final expense insurance for your parents. The legal requirements vary from state to state, but you must have an insurable interest in the insured.

Burial Insurance vs Prepaid Funeral Plans

Prepaid funeral plans are linked to a funeral goods and services contract with a specific funeral home.

The major benefit of prepaid funeral plans is paying your funeral expenses in advance. Some plans include a list of affiliated funeral homes that can serve you when the time comes.

Some funeral homes fund their services with life insurance and collect the death benefit.

Sometimes, funeral homes may use life insurance to help fund their products, but they intend to collect on the death benefit.

Burial life insurance plans give cash benefits to the beneficiaries that they can use to cover the funeral of their loved ones. The beneficiary may use the cash benefit to pay for final expenses and medical bills and use any money left for their needs. The death benefit can pay for final expenses and leave a legacy to the family.

What To Look For In A Final Expense Or Burial Insurance Policy

In this guide to burial insurance and final expense, we recommend that if you’re shopping for a burial insurance policy, you need to pay attention to the fine print and the price.

The policy and coverage amount are important for getting the best pricing and saving the most money. Ensure the price fits your budget so you will never have to worry about missing a payment or losing the policy.

A burial insurance policy is not a one-size fits, so be sure to work with an independent agency like Funeral Funds. We can offer you a quote from multiple companies so you can choose which one fits your needs.

Look for a policy with these features:

• No medical exam – although you will need to answer some health questions.
• Level premiums – premiums will never increase as you get older
• Fixed death benefit – that will never decrease with age or health condition
• Top-rated insurance company – with an A- (excellent) or better from A.M.Best
• Whole life policy – that builds cash value

Compare benefits and premiums before deciding on the policy to buy.

When you are ready to purchase the best funeral insurance, it is better to work with an independent final expense insurance specialist like Funeral Funds. They can directly compare multiple policies for you.

We can help you shop the market for the best burial insurance policy that fits your specific needs. We work directly with different top-rated insurance companies. Calls us at (888)862-9456 or fill up the quote form to get a free quote online.

Here are some other informative articles:

• Funeral Expenses That People Overlook
• What Happens When A Spouse Dies With No Life Insurance
• Is Burial Insurance Permanent?
• Burial Insurance With No Waiting Period
• How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost?
• Burial Insurance For Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is burial insurance?

Burial insurance is a type of life insurance that is specifically designed to cover the costs associated with final expenses, such as a funeral. It can also be used to cover other debts or expenses left behind when someone dies. Burial insurance is also sometimes called funeral insurance or final expense insurance.

Who needs burial insurance?

Anyone who wants to ensure their final expenses are covered in the event of their death may want to consider burial insurance. This type of policy can be especially important for people without life insurance or very limited life insurance coverage. It can also be a good option for people who want to leave behind money to cover debts or other expenses.

Is burial insurance right for you?

Only you can decide if burial insurance is right for you. But, if you are thinking about buying a policy, it may be helpful to consider the following questions:

How much burial insurance coverage do I need?

The amount of coverage you need will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. You will need to consider the cost of your funeral and any other final expenses you want to cover. You will also need to think about whether you want to leave behind money to cover debts or other expenses.

How can I qualify for burial insurance?

Most people can qualify for burial insurance, even if they have health problems.

What is the cost of burial insurance?

The cost of burial insurance will vary depending on the insurer and your chosen policy. But, in general, burial insurance policies are relatively affordable.

How do I purchase burial insurance?

The best way to purchase burial insurance is to work with a qualified insurance agent or broker. They can help you compare policies and find the right one for you.

What should I look for in a burial insurance policy?

When you are comparing burial insurance policies, it is important to look for a policy that meets your specific needs. You will also want to ensure that the policy is from a reputable insurer.

What is the difference between burial insurance and life insurance?

Burial insurance and life insurance are both types of insurance that can be used to cover the costs associated with final expenses. However, there are some key differences between the two types of policies. For example, burial insurance is typically easier to qualify for than life insurance.

Is burial insurance different from preneed funeral insurance?

Preneed funeral insurance is a type of insurance that covers your funeral costs. It can be used to pay for all or part of your funeral expenses in advance. Burial insurance is different from preneed funeral insurance. It is designed to cover the costs associated with final expenses, such as a funeral, medical debts, and credit card debts.

Is burial insurance with no waiting period possible?

Yes, burial insurance with no waiting period is possible. You may even qualify for a first-day coverage plan if you have some health issues.

How does burial insurance work?

Burial insurance works by providing a death benefit to your beneficiaries. The death benefit can be used to cover the costs associated with your final expenses, such as a funeral. It can also be used to cover other debts or expenses that might be left behind when you die.

Who can apply for burial insurance?

Most people who are 50-85 years old can apply for burial insurance. There are no medical exams required to qualify for most policies.

Can you qualify for burial insurance with no medical exam?

Yes, you can qualify for burial insurance with no medical exam.

What are the benefits of burial insurance?

Burial insurance can be a helpful way to cover the costs associated with final expenses. It can also be used to leave behind money to cover debts or other expenses.

What are the different types of burial insurance?

There are three types of burial insurance: first-day coverage insurance, graded benefit, and guaranteed issue life insurance.

What does burial insurance cover?

Burial insurance typically covers the costs of final expenses, such as a funeral. It can also be used to cover other debts or expenses that might be left behind when you die.

Why is burial insurance important?

Burial insurance is important because it can help to cover the costs associated with final expenses. It can also leave behind money to cover debts or other expenses.

How do I know if I need burial insurance?

If you are 50-85 years old, you may need burial insurance if you want to leave behind money to cover your final expenses.

What is the best age to buy burial insurance?

The best age to buy burial insurance is when you are young and still healthy to qualify for the lowest rate.

Who is burial insurance best for?

Burial insurance is best for 50-85 years old and want to leave behind money to cover their final expenses.

What is the cost of burial insurance?

The cost of burial insurance varies depending on the type of policy you choose, your age, and your health.

Can I get burial insurance on my parents?

Yes, you can get burial insurance on your parents if they are 50-85 years old, and you can get their consent.

Can someone take out a burial insurance policy on me without my knowledge?

No, someone cannot take out a burial insurance policy on you without your knowledge.

How much burial insurance do I need?

Most people need between $5,000 and $25,000 of burial insurance to cover their final expenses.

How long after someone dies can you claim burial insurance?

You can usually claim burial insurance within 24 hours after the claim has been approved.

What is the final expense life insurance policy?

A final expense life insurance policy is a type of insurance that covers your funeral costs. It can be used to pay for all or part of your funeral expenses, including a casket, funeral home fees, and other related costs.

Is final expense the same as life insurance?

No, final expense is not the same as life insurance. Final expense insurance is a type of life insurance that is specifically designed to cover your funeral costs, while life insurance can be used for other purposes.

Is final expense insurance a good deal?

Final expense insurance can be a good deal if you want to cover your funeral costs. Working with a qualified insurance agent is important to find the right policy for you.

What is the best final expense insurance company?

There are many final expense insurance companies; the best one for you depends on your needs and budget.

Why should I get final expense insurance?

Final expense insurance can be a helpful way to cover the costs associated with your funeral. It can also be used to leave behind money to cover debts or other expenses.

What is included in the final expense insurance?

Final expense insurance typically covers the costs associated with your funerals, such as a casket, funeral home fees, and other related costs.

Who should get final expense insurance?

Final expense insurance is typically for 50-85 years old and wants to leave behind money to cover their final expenses.

Is final expense insurance necessary?

Final expense insurance is necessary if you do not have life insurance and want to leave behind money to cover your final expenses.