Burial Insurance
Affordable whole life coverage that pays for funeral costs, medical bills, and other final expenses — so your family never has to worry about money during the hardest time of their lives.
What Is Burial Insurance?
Burial insurance — also called funeral insurance or final expense insurance — is a type of permanent whole life insurance designed to cover the costs associated with your death. Unlike traditional life insurance policies that may require medical exams and offer $500,000+ in coverage, burial insurance is specifically built for everyday families who need $5,000 to $50,000 in coverage to handle:
- Funeral and burial costs — the average funeral in the U.S. now exceeds $7,800, and that doesn’t include the burial plot, headstone, flowers, or reception
- Cremation expenses — even cremation averages $3,500–$7,000 depending on the service level
- Outstanding medical bills — hospitals and providers can pursue your estate for unpaid balances
- Credit card debt and personal loans — these don’t just disappear when you pass
- Legal and probate fees — settling an estate can cost your family thousands
- Mortgage or rent payments — giving your surviving spouse breathing room during the transition
The policy pays a tax-free lump sum directly to your beneficiary — typically within 24–72 hours of a claim being filed. Your beneficiary can use the money for anything, not just funeral costs. There are no restrictions on how the death benefit is spent.
Who Needs Burial Insurance?
Burial insurance is ideal for people who want to make sure their family isn’t burdened with end-of-life expenses. You may be a great candidate if:
- You’re between 45 and 85 years old — this is the sweet spot for coverage availability and pricing
- You don’t have a large savings account or life insurance policy — if your family would struggle to pay $8,000–$15,000 in funeral costs out of pocket
- You have pre-existing health conditions — many burial insurance policies accept applicants with diabetes, COPD, heart disease, cancer history, and other conditions that would disqualify you from traditional life insurance
- You want coverage that never expires — unlike term life, burial insurance is permanent and builds cash value
- You want a locked-in premium — your monthly payment never increases, regardless of age or health changes
- You’re on a fixed income — premiums typically range from $30 to $150/month, making it accessible for Social Security recipients
How Burial Insurance Works
Burial insurance is simpler than most people expect. Here’s the process from start to finish:
Step 1: Choose Your Coverage Amount
Most policies range from $5,000 to $50,000. We’ll help you calculate the right amount based on your local funeral costs, outstanding debts, and any legacy you want to leave behind.
Step 2: Answer Health Questions (No Medical Exam)
There are no blood tests, no doctor visits, no needles. You’ll answer a short health questionnaire — typically 10–15 yes/no questions. Based on your answers, you’ll qualify for one of two policy types:
- Immediate Coverage (Level Benefit) — if you’re in reasonably good health, your full death benefit starts on day one. This is the most common outcome.
- Graded or Modified Benefit — if you have serious health conditions, the policy builds up over 2–3 years. If you pass during this period, your beneficiary typically receives 110–130% of premiums paid. After the waiting period, full coverage kicks in.
Step 3: Lock In Your Premium
Once approved, your premium is fixed for life. A 62-year-old who pays $75/month today will still pay $75/month at age 82. The rate never increases.
Step 4: Your Family Is Protected
When the time comes, your beneficiary calls the insurance company, submits a death certificate, and typically receives the full tax-free payout within 24–72 hours. No waiting weeks or months — the money arrives when your family needs it most.
Burial Insurance vs. Other Types of Life Insurance
| Feature | Burial Insurance | Term Life | Whole Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage Amount | $5K–$50K | $100K–$5M+ | $50K–$5M+ |
| Medical Exam | ❌ None | Usually required | Usually required |
| Coverage Duration | Permanent (lifetime) | 10, 20, or 30 years | Permanent (lifetime) |
| Premiums | $30–$150/mo | $15–$200/mo | $100–$1,000+/mo |
| Cash Value | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Pre-existing Conditions | ✅ Accepted (most) | ❌ Often denied | ❌ Often denied |
| Approval Speed | Same day | 2–6 weeks | 2–6 weeks |
| Best For | Funeral costs, small debts | Income replacement | Estate planning, wealth |
How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost?
Your premium depends on three main factors: age, health, and coverage amount. Here are typical monthly rates for a $15,000 policy:
| Age | Female (Non-Smoker) | Male (Non-Smoker) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $38–$52/mo | $48–$65/mo |
| 55 | $45–$62/mo | $58–$78/mo |
| 60 | $55–$75/mo | $72–$95/mo |
| 65 | $68–$90/mo | $88–$115/mo |
| 70 | $85–$115/mo | $110–$145/mo |
| 75 | $105–$140/mo | $135–$175/mo |
Rates vary by carrier, health status, and state. These are representative ranges for standard (level benefit) policies. Smokers and applicants with serious health conditions will pay higher premiums. Contact us for an exact quote — it’s free and takes less than 5 minutes.
Top Burial Insurance Carriers We Work With
As an independent agency, Senior Benefits Hub is not tied to any single insurance company. We shop across multiple A-rated carriers to find you the best coverage at the lowest price. Our top burial insurance carriers include:
- Mutual of Omaha — one of the most recognized names in final expense. Offers both immediate and graded benefit plans up to $40,000. Quick approval and fast claims payment.
- Americo / Great Plains Life — competitive rates, especially for younger applicants. Excellent simplified issue product with generous health question thresholds.
- Transamerica — strong graded benefit plan for applicants with more complex health histories. Coverage up to $50,000.
- CUNA Mutual (TruStage) — guaranteed acceptance option for ages 50–80 with no health questions at all. Perfect for those who’ve been declined elsewhere.
- Aetna — competitive level benefit plans with simplified underwriting. Strong financial ratings.
- Royal Neighbors of America — niche carrier with competitive female rates and a charitable mission.
We compare quotes from all of these carriers (and more) side by side so you can see exactly what you’re getting. Our service is 100% free — the carriers pay us, not you.
Why Choose Senior Benefits Hub for Burial Insurance?
- Independent — we work for you, not an insurance company. We compare plans from 20+ carriers to find your best rate.
- No pressure, no sales pitch. We explain your options and let you decide. Period.
- 77+ five-star Google reviews from real families we’ve helped.
- Licensed in 13 states — AR, AZ, FL, GA, LA, MD, MO, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA.
- AHIP Certified (Medicare) · FFM Certified (ACA) · AML Certified (Life Insurance)
- Phone, video, or in-person — whatever works best for your schedule.
- Same-day quotes, same-day approval. Most applications take 15–20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burial Insurance
Can I get burial insurance if I have diabetes?
Yes. Most carriers we work with accept applicants with Type 2 diabetes, especially if it’s controlled with oral medication. Type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent Type 2 may qualify for graded benefit plans. We’ll find the best carrier for your specific situation.
Is burial insurance the same as final expense insurance?
Yes — burial insurance, final expense insurance, and funeral insurance are all the same product. They’re simply different marketing terms for a small whole life policy designed to cover end-of-life costs. The policy works exactly the same regardless of what it’s called.
What if I already have life insurance through my employer?
Employer-provided life insurance (group life) typically ends when you retire or leave the company. If you’re counting on that coverage for funeral costs, you may be left without protection at exactly the age when you need it most. Burial insurance is personal — it stays with you for life, regardless of employment.
Can my beneficiary use the money for anything?
Absolutely. The death benefit is paid directly to your beneficiary with no restrictions. While it’s designed for funeral and burial expenses, your beneficiary can use it for anything — paying off a mortgage, covering medical bills, taking time off work, or even taking a vacation. It’s their money to use however they need.
How quickly does the money get paid out?
Most burial insurance carriers pay claims within 24 to 72 hours of receiving the death certificate. This is one of the major advantages over larger life insurance policies, which can take weeks or months to process. Your family gets the money when they need it most.
Do I need a medical exam?
No. Burial insurance uses simplified issue underwriting — a short health questionnaire with yes/no questions. No blood tests, no doctor visits, no needles. Some carriers even offer guaranteed acceptance plans with zero health questions for applicants ages 50–80.
What’s the difference between level benefit and graded benefit?
Level benefit means your full death benefit is active from day one. This is the standard for healthy applicants. Graded benefit means there’s a 2–3 year waiting period — if you pass during that time, your beneficiary receives a return of premiums paid plus interest (typically 110–130%). After the waiting period, the full benefit kicks in. Graded plans exist for applicants with more serious health conditions.
Is burial insurance worth it?
If your family would struggle to pay $8,000–$15,000 in funeral costs out of pocket, burial insurance is absolutely worth it. For roughly $50–$100/month, you guarantee your family doesn’t have to set up a GoFundMe, take out a loan, or drain their savings to give you a proper burial. It’s one of the most affordable forms of permanent life insurance available.
Related Resources
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