Burial Insurance Quotes
Use our burial insurance calculator to compare rates. Under “length of coverage,” select “Final Expense” to compare your options.
What is Burial Insurance?
At its core, final expense insurance, sometimes known as burial insurance or funeral insurance, is a type of whole life insurance. Its primary goal is to cover end-of-life costs, relieving family members of the financial burdens tied to burial expenses. But what sets it apart from traditional life insurance policies?
Unlike term life insurance, which covers you for a specific period, a final expense policy offers lifetime coverage. This means that as long as you pay your premiums, your coverage continues throughout your entire life. Plus, final expense insurance policies are specifically designed to cover funeral and burial costs, medical bills, and other immediate expenses when someone passes away.
Types Of Burial Insurance
Funeral Insurance
- Purpose: Specifically designed to cover funeral costs.
- Payment Recipient: Directly pays the funeral home.
- Coverage: Generally covers most funeral-related expenses such as the casket, burial plot, funeral service, and other associated costs.
- Policy Features: May offer pre-planning options, allowing policyholders to arrange their funeral details in advance.
Final Expense Insurance
- Purpose: Provides broader coverage for various end-of-life expenses.
- Payment Recipient: Pays the beneficiaries, not the funeral home directly.
- Flexibility: Beneficiaries can use the funds for funeral costs, medical bills, legal expenses, or any other debts.
- Coverage Amount: Often offers a smaller coverage amount compared to funeral insurance.
- Policy Features: Easier underwriting process; may be available to individuals with health issues.
Funeral Insurance vs. Final Expense Insurance
Funeral and final expense insurance, while similar in some aspects, serve slightly different purposes.
- Funeral Insurance:
- Payment Method: The payout from funeral insurance usually goes directly to the funeral service provider. This is based on pre-arrangements made by the policyholder.
- Purpose: Specifically designed to cover the costs associated with a person’s funeral and burial.
- Coverage: Typically includes expenses like the funeral service, coffin, burial, and sometimes the headstone.
- Benefit: The benefit is often paid directly to the funeral service provider.
- Policy Details: These policies may have specific terms regarding the type of funeral service covered.
- Final Expense Insurance:
- Payment Method: In contrast, final expense insurance pays the benefit to a designated beneficiary.
- Purpose: Intended to cover a broader range of expenses that a person’s family might face after their death. It’s not limited to just funeral costs.
- Coverage: This can include medical bills, legal costs, credit card debts, and other miscellaneous expenses, in addition to funeral costs.
- Benefit: The benefit is typically paid to a designated beneficiary, who then has the discretion to use the funds as needed.
- Policy Details: These policies are generally more flexible in terms of how the benefits can be used.
| Aspect | Funeral Insurance | Final Expense Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Covers costs associated with funeral and burial. | Covers a broader range of expenses after death, not limited to funeral costs. |
| Coverage | This can include medical bills, legal costs, debts, in addition to funeral costs. | The benefit is typically paid to a designated beneficiary. |
| Payment Recipient | Payout is often made directly to the funeral service provider. | This can include medical bills, legal costs, and debts, in addition to funeral costs. |
| Policy Details | Policies may have specific terms regarding the type of funeral service. | More flexible in terms of how benefits can be used. |
How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost?
The cost of burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance, varies depending on several factors, including the policyholder’s age, health, the insurance company, and the coverage amount. Generally, these policies can range from $10 to $100 per month. It’s important to note that premiums are higher for older individuals or those with health issues. To get an accurate quote, use the calculator above, then contact us for a quote.
The Burden of Funeral Costs
The average funeral cost is no pocket change. The National Funeral Directors Association pinpoints the national median cost of a funeral around $9,000. This includes funeral home services but often doesn’t encompass other immediate expenses like a memorial service or medical bills, which can escalate the financial burden.
Final Expense Insurance Quotes
These are sample monthly payment rates based on age, gender, coverage amount, Preferred status, and non-tobacco consumers.
| Age | Gender | $20k | $25k | $30k | $40k |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | Female | $52.21 | $64.46 | $76.71 | $101.21 |
| Male | $65.30 | $80.81 | $96.32 | $134.18 | |
| 65 | Female | $78.82 | $97.72 | $116.63 | $154.43 |
| Male | $109.75 | $136.39 | $163.03 | $216.31 | |
| 75 | Female | $141.62 | $176.22 | $210.82 | $280.03 |
| Male | $196.74 | $254.13 | $293.51 | $390.28 | |
| 80 | Female | $193.66 | $241.28 | $288.89 | $384.12 |
| Male | $276.26 | $334.52 | $412.78 | $549.31 |
Factors to Consider When Getting a Quote
- Coverage Amounts: While most final expense insurance policies offer lower coverage amounts compared to standard life insurance policies, it’s essential to calculate the potential funeral and burial costs, credit card debt, and other related expenses to decide on an adequate amount.
- Age Requirements: While final expense insurance can be bought at a younger age, it’s especially beneficial for seniors. Most insurers offer policies to individuals in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s.
- Company Reputation: Before securing a final expense insurance quote, research the insurance company. Companies like State Farm and other renowned life insurance companies often have a track record of financial strength and customer service.
- Waiting Periods: Some policies come with waiting periods where the full death benefit won’t be paid out immediately. Ensure you understand the waiting period clauses before finalizing your insurance policy.
Why Is Burial Insurance Worth It?
Since most burial insurance policies don’t require a medical exam, and health questions are kept to a minimum, securing a burial insurance policy is typically more straightforward compared to universal or whole life insurance policies. These policies guarantee coverage, meaning once you have a policy, it’s there to stay as long as you pay premiums.
Related Reading: Burial Insurance vs Life Insurance
Picking the Right Policy
When selecting a burial insurance policy, ask yourself, “How much coverage do I need?” and “Is this the best burial insurance for me?”. Consider the burial expenses, such as the cost of a funeral home, and any unexpected expenses that might arise. A conversation with a funeral service provider can help you estimate the expense of life insurance needed to align with your wishes.
What Is a Waiting Period
It’s crucial to note that most burial insurance policies have a waiting period, typically two years before the full death benefit is available. If the insured passes away during this period, the beneficiary usually receives the premiums paid plus interest, ensuring no loss of investment.
Who Do We Recommend For Burial Insurance?
We are an independent insurance agency that has been building trust since 2009. We suggest Mutual Of Omaha and American Memorial’s funeral insurance for seniors. Mutual Of Omaha is rated A+ by AM Best, while American Memorial is A-. These companies are very reliable and offer many choices to suit different needs. Their funeral plans are affordable, flexible, and considerate, making sure your family is well cared for. This matches our goal to give you peace of mind through our honest and skilled service.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey to find the best burial insurance may seem daunting, but remember, it’s a path of love, a beacon of light for your loved ones in their hour of need. By covering funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs, you’re bestowing the gift of solace and financial peace.
Having walked this journey with countless individuals since 2009, I’ve seen the relief and security burial insurance brings to families. It’s about being proactive, making informed decisions, and selecting the right insurance policy that aligns with your values and wishes. Take that step today and secure tranquility and assurance for both you and your loved ones.
Need Help With Funeral Insurance Quotes
Contact us for a burial insurance quote. The service is free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best life insurance to cover funeral expenses?
Final expense insurance is the best life insurance to cover funeral expenses. It is specifically designed to cover the costs of a funeral, and it can be used to cover any other final expenses as well.
Who offers the best funeral insurance policy?
Americo has been one of the best burial insurance companies in business for over 100 years. They are rated “A” with A.M. Best which means they are a good company with a solid financial history.
What does a burial policy cover?
A burial policy covers the funeral, cremation, and other final expenses.
How much does a burial policy cost?
The cost of a burial policy varies depending on your age, gender, and health. However, policies typically start at just a few dollars per month.
Do funeral home services accept burial insurance?
Yes, every funeral home will accept funeral expense insurance because the proceeds are paid to the beneficiaries, who can spend it on the funeral costs.
What is the difference between burial insurance and life insurance?
Burial is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover final expenses. Life insurance generally has a much more significant death benefit and can be used for things like estate planning or leaving money to your family.
What is the difference between burial insurance and preneed funeral insurance?
Preneed funeral insurance is a type of life insurance that pays the funeral home directly when you die. The insurance pays your beneficiaries, who can use the money to pay for your funeral.
Is burial insurance worth it?
The insurance proceeds can be an excellent way to cover your funeral costs and other final expenses. It is generally less expensive than traditional life insurance, and it can give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will not have to worry about these costs after you die.
How do I get final expense insurance?
You can get insurance for burial or final expenses through a life insurance agent or by shopping online for quotes. Be sure to compare policies and rates before you purchase a policy.
What is a death benefit for burial insurance and life insurance?
Burial plans are generally less expensive than traditional life insurance. The death benefit is typically much smaller, and the policy only covers final expenses.
Can burial insurance be used for anything?
Yes, the proceeds can be used for anything. However, most people use it to cover costs like a funeral, cremation, and other final expenses.
Can you have two funeral policies?
Yes, you can have more than one funeral policy. However, most people only need one policy to cover their final expenses.
How do you cash in a burial policy?
You can cash in a burial policy by contacting the insurance company and requesting a surrender form. Once you have submitted the form, the insurance company will send you a check for your policy’s cash value.
What happens if you don’t use all of the money from your burial policy?
Your burial policy will go to your beneficiaries if you have money left over. They can use the money for anything they want.
What type of insurance policy pays for funeral and burial costs?
A whole life insurance policy with a small death benefit for funeral and “final expense” costs is called burial insurance.
Can I get burial insurance for my parents?
Yes, you can get final expense insurance for your parents up to age 85. This type of policy is called a third-party policy.
Can I get burial insurance for my parents without them knowing?
No, you cannot get insurance for your parents without them knowing. The insurance company will require that they sign the policy application and consent to have you as the beneficiary.
What is the best age to buy burial insurance?
The best age to buy coverage is between 50 and 60. This is because most people start to think about their funeral and final expenses as they get older.
What are some other names for burial insurance?
Some other names are final expense insurance and funeral life insurance.
What is the maximum amount of coverage for burial insurance?
The maximum coverage for burial insurance varies by company, but it is typically between $25,000 and $50,000.
Is there a waiting period for burial insurance?
Yes, there is typically a waiting period of two years for burial insurance for seniors. This means that if you die within the first two years of your policy, your beneficiaries will not receive the death benefit, but the premiums paid instead.
How do final expense agents get paid?
Final expense agents are paid through commissions from insurance companies. They do not charge a fee for their services.
Is funeral insurance the same as life insurance?
No, funeral insurance is not the same as life insurance. Funeral insurance is a type of insurance that pays for the costs of your funeral and other final expenses. Life insurance is a type of insurance that pays out a death benefit to your beneficiaries.
Can you use life insurance to pay for funerals?
Yes, you can use life insurance to pay for funeral costs. This is one of the most common reasons people purchase life insurance.
Which type of insurance would most often pay for funeral expenses?
Life insurance is the type that most often pays for funeral expenses. When you purchase a policy, you can specify a beneficiary who will receive the death benefit when you pass away. This person can use the money from the policy to cover the costs of your funeral and other expenses.
Is burial insurance a good deal?
Burial insurance is a good deal for seniors wanting their funeral expenses to be covered.
Can I get a burial policy without a waiting period?
You can get burial insurance with no waiting period, but options depend on the insurer and your health. Immediate Benefit Policies offer this, unlike Guaranteed Issue Policies, which usually have a waiting period.
How much is burial insurance?
Funeral insurance costs vary based on age, health, and coverage amount. On average, premiums can range from $10 to $100 monthly. Coverage typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000, offering funds for funeral expenses averaging around $7,000 to $12,000
Does final expense insurance have cash value?
No, final expense life insurance does not have cash value. This policy is designed to provide your loved ones with a death benefit to cover the costs associated with your funeral and burial.