Best Burial Insurance Companies

Best for no waiting period: Mutual of Omaha
Best for elderly seniors: Aetna
Best for young adults: Aflac
Best for guaranteed acceptance: AAA
Best for low coverage amounts: Transamerica
Best for paid-up policy options: Baltimore Life
Best for tobacco users: American Amicable
Best for people with diabetes: Royal Neighbors of America

 

Best for no waiting period
Overall Score

Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

Factor Score Value
Price of Coverage
40%
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
20%
Financial Strength
20%
NAIC Complaint Index
20%
Overall Maximum
100%

Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

4.75 out of 5
5.0
Price of Coverage
Price of Coverage
40% of overall score

Using this quote calculator, we compare the price of the insurer’s coverage to competitors with equivalent products. The score they receive is based on how close their price is to those three least expensive providers:

  • 50-5% more expensive
  • 46-10% more expensive
  • 311-20% more expensive
  • 221-30% more expensive
  • 1≥ 40% more expensive
4.0
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
No-Waiting-Period Coverage
20% of overall score

This scoring factor assesses whether an insurer offers coverage with no waiting period and, if so, how difficult it is to qualify for it. If an insurer does not provide coverage with no waiting period, it gets an automatic 1. A score from 2 to 5 indicates that immediate coverage is possible, and the higher the rating, the easier it is for the average applicant to qualify for it.

  • 5Most applicants qualify
  • 4Fairly easy qualification
  • 3Somewhat difficult qualification
  • 2Very difficult qualification
  • 1No-waiting-period coverage unavailable
5.0
Financial Strength
Financial Strength
20% of overall score

Our financial strength scores are based on A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Ratings (FSR), which measure an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores they receive are based on the following scale:

  • 5Superior (A+ or A++)
  • 4Excellent (A- to A)
  • 3Fair/Good (B- to B++)
  • 2Weak/Marginal (C- to C++)
  • 1Poor (D or Not Rated)
5.0
NAIC Complaint Index
NAIC Complaint Index
20% of overall score

The NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) complaint index measures how frequently an insurer obtains consumer complaints relative to a median score across all insurers. Our scoring model is based on an insurer’s NAIC complaint index for the most recently available year and for ‘Individual Life’ products:

  • 50.0 - 1.0 (avg or below avg complaints)
  • 41.01 - 1.5 (slightly above avg complaints)
  • 31.51 - 2.0 (up to 2x avg complaints)
  • 22.01 - 3.0 (up to 3x avg complaints)
  • 1≥ 3.01 (more than 3x avg complaints)
Pros

  • No waiting period—If approved, you’re fully covered immediately for any natural or accidental death.
  • No exam coverage up to $50,000—You can buy up to $50,000 in coverage without having to take a medical exam.
  • Fast approvals—Most applications are approved within 24 hours.

Cons

  • Agent phone call required—To buy the no waiting period policy, you must verbally speak with an agent to apply. If you buy Mutual of Omaha life insurance for seniors through the mail or on their website, there is a two-year waiting period and a maximum coverage amount of $25,000.
  • Will not mail out duplicate policies—After you get the initial policy, they will not mail you a duplicate (they will only email it). However, at any time, they will send you a policy summary with all the pertinent information.

Why We Chose It

Mutual of Omaha’s “Living Promise” policy is the best plan on the market because its prices are regularly on the lowest end of the spectrum. Also, you can qualify for up to $50,000 of no waiting period coverage even if you have common health issues such as diabetes.

Mutual of Omaha has best-in-class financial ratings and a lower-than-average number of complaints with the NAIC compared to most life insurance companies. After policies are in force, it’s remarkably simple to update your coverage, which can often be done verbally or by email. In contrast, most other companies require paper forms to be filled out, signed, and mailed back for any policy changes.

They also have the best life insurance for children if you need coverage for a minor.

A+
Superior
A1
Stable
A+
Stable

AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores range from A++ to D-.

Moody’s Investors Service rates the creditworthiness of companies. The Moody’s Rating Scale has 21 possible scores ranging from “Aaa” (highest mark) down to “C” (lowest mark).

S&P Global Inc. issues credit ratings on a scale from “AAA” (highest rating) to “D” (lowest rating).

Customer Review Ratings
BBB
1.05/5
81 reviews
1.5/5
72 reviews
3.9/5
245 reviews
1.7/5
51 reviews
Consumer Protection Organization Scores

The Complaint Index compares a company’s performance to other companies in the market. The National Complaint Index is always 1.00. That means a company with a complaint index of 2.00 is twice as high as expected in the market. Reported scores are for the most recently available year and for “Individual Life” products.

The BBB rating is based on information BBB is able to obtain about the business, including complaints received from the public. BBB seeks and uses information directly from businesses and from public data sources. BBB assigns ratings from A+ (highest) to F (lowest). If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

Ratings and scores valid as of 10/30/2024.
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
45-85
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$50,000
States Where Available
All except New York
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
No
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Terminall Illness Rider
Yes
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
45-80
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$20,000
States Where Available
All except MT, NC & NY
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
Yes
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Terminall Illness Rider
No
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
45-85 (50-75 in NY)
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$25,000
States Where Available
All
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
No
2-Year Waiting Period
Yes
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Terminall Illness Rider
No
To get even more details, read our Mutual of Omaha review

 

Best for elderly seniors
Overall Score

Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

Factor Score Value
Price of Coverage
40%
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
20%
Financial Strength
20%
NAIC Complaint Index
20%
Overall Maximum
100%

Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

3.5 out of 5
3.0
Price of Coverage
Price of Coverage
40% of overall score

Using this quote calculator, we compare the price of the insurer’s coverage to competitors with equivalent products. The score they receive is based on how close their price is to those three least expensive providers:

  • 50-5% more expensive
  • 46-10% more expensive
  • 311-20% more expensive
  • 221-30% more expensive
  • 1≥ 40% more expensive
4.0
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
No-Waiting-Period Coverage
20% of overall score

This scoring factor assesses whether an insurer offers coverage with no waiting period and, if so, how difficult it is to qualify for it. If an insurer does not provide coverage with no waiting period, it gets an automatic 1. A score from 2 to 5 indicates that immediate coverage is possible, and the higher the rating, the easier it is for the average applicant to qualify for it.

  • 5Most applicants qualify
  • 4Fairly easy qualification
  • 3Somewhat difficult qualification
  • 2Very difficult qualification
  • 1No-waiting-period coverage unavailable
4.0
Financial Strength
Financial Strength
20% of overall score

Our financial strength scores are based on A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Ratings (FSR), which measure an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores they receive are based on the following scale:

  • 5Superior (A+ or A++)
  • 4Excellent (A- to A)
  • 3Fair/Good (B- to B++)
  • 2Weak/Marginal (C- to C++)
  • 1Poor (D or Not Rated)
5.0
NAIC Complaint Index
NAIC Complaint Index
20% of overall score

The NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) complaint index measures how frequently an insurer obtains consumer complaints relative to a median score across all insurers. Our scoring model is based on an insurer’s NAIC complaint index for the most recently available year and for ‘Individual Life’ products:

  • 50.0 - 1.0 (avg or below avg complaints)
  • 41.01 - 1.5 (slightly above avg complaints)
  • 31.51 - 2.0 (up to 2x avg complaints)
  • 22.01 - 3.0 (up to 3x avg complaints)
  • 1≥ 3.01 (more than 3x avg complaints)
Pros

  • Up to age 89 can apply— Aetna will issue a new policy to seniors as old as 89.
  • No exam & very lenient underwriting— You can get no waiting period coverage despite having a wide variety of chronic conditions such as COPD, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and much more.
  • Discounts available— If you have certain Aetna senior products, you might qualify for a 10% discount.
  • No NAIC complaintsAetna Life Insurance Company’s subsidiary Accendo Life Insurance has no registered complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which is incredibly rare and impressive.

Cons

  • No guaranteed issue option— Aetna requires you to medically qualify for their coverage by answering health questions, which means you can be denied. They presently have no guaranteed issue life insurance options.
  • Slow policy mailings— Customers often report that policies take around three weeks to arrive, which is slower than other providers.
  • Long phone call hold times— Both agents who represent Aetna and their customers often complain that it can take over 15-25 minutes to speak with a representative.

Why We Chose It

Many companies offer life insurance for seniors over 80 but not over 85, which makes Aetna unique because they accept new applicants as old as 89.

Their senior burial insurance has competitive rates and will approve applicants for a no-waiting period policy despite high-risk health conditions. Also, Aetna has no weight limits, so they’re an excellent option if you’re severely overweight.

Aetna has no complaints with the NAIC, an A rating with AM Best, and an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. Over 98% of applications are approved or declined in less than 15 minutes.

A
Excellent
Moody's
NR
Not Rated
A+
Stable

AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores range from A++ to D-.

Moody’s Investors Service rates the creditworthiness of companies. The Moody’s Rating Scale has 21 possible scores ranging from “Aaa” (highest mark) down to “C” (lowest mark).

S&P Global Inc. issues credit ratings on a scale from “AAA” (highest rating) to “D” (lowest rating).

Customer Review Ratings
BBB
1.08/5
354 reviews
1.4/5
161 reviews
2.2/5
135 reviews
1.1/5
28 reviews
Consumer Protection Organization Scores

The Complaint Index compares a company’s performance to other companies in the market. The National Complaint Index is always 1.00. That means a company with a complaint index of 2.00 is twice as high as expected in the market. Reported scores are for the most recently available year and for “Individual Life” products.

A+
Not Accredited

The BBB rating is based on information BBB is able to obtain about the business, including complaints received from the public. BBB seeks and uses information directly from businesses and from public data sources. BBB assigns ratings from A+ (highest) to F (lowest). If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

Ratings and scores valid as of 10/30/2024.
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
40-89
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$50,000
States Where Available
All except New York
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
No
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Terminall Illness Rider
Yes
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
40-89
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$50,000
States Where Available
All except New York
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
No
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Terminall Illness Rider
Yes
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
40-75
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$25,000
States Where Available
All except New York
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
Yes
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
To get even more details, read our Aetna review

 

Best for young adults
Overall Score

Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

Factor Score Value
Price of Coverage
40%
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
20%
Financial Strength
20%
NAIC Complaint Index
20%
Overall Maximum
100%

Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

3.75 out of 5
5.0
Price of Coverage
Price of Coverage
40% of overall score

Using this quote calculator, we compare the price of the insurer’s coverage to competitors with equivalent products. The score they receive is based on how close their price is to those three least expensive providers:

  • 50-5% more expensive
  • 46-10% more expensive
  • 311-20% more expensive
  • 221-30% more expensive
  • 1≥ 40% more expensive
4.0
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
No-Waiting-Period Coverage
20% of overall score

This scoring factor assesses whether an insurer offers coverage with no waiting period and, if so, how difficult it is to qualify for it. If an insurer does not provide coverage with no waiting period, it gets an automatic 1. A score from 2 to 5 indicates that immediate coverage is possible, and the higher the rating, the easier it is for the average applicant to qualify for it.

  • 5Most applicants qualify
  • 4Fairly easy qualification
  • 3Somewhat difficult qualification
  • 2Very difficult qualification
  • 1No-waiting-period coverage unavailable
5.0
Financial Strength
Financial Strength
20% of overall score

Our financial strength scores are based on A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Ratings (FSR), which measure an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores they receive are based on the following scale:

  • 5Superior (A+ or A++)
  • 4Excellent (A- to A)
  • 3Fair/Good (B- to B++)
  • 2Weak/Marginal (C- to C++)
  • 1Poor (D or Not Rated)
1.0
NAIC Complaint Index
NAIC Complaint Index
20% of overall score

The NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) complaint index measures how frequently an insurer obtains consumer complaints relative to a median score across all insurers. Our scoring model is based on an insurer’s NAIC complaint index for the most recently available year and for ‘Individual Life’ products:

  • 50.0 - 1.0 (avg or below avg complaints)
  • 41.01 - 1.5 (slightly above avg complaints)
  • 31.51 - 2.0 (up to 2x avg complaints)
  • 22.01 - 3.0 (up to 3x avg complaints)
  • 1≥ 3.01 (more than 3x avg complaints)
Pros

  • Excellent rates for young adults— Aflac often has some of the lowest prices for adults in their 50s. The prices are still competitive above 60.
  • Strong financial strength— Aflac is a renowned, trusted brand-name company with high financial marks with all major rating agencies, such as AM Best.
  • No exam and favorable underwriting— Adults with various health issues (even chronic conditions) can still obtain a policy with no waiting period.

Cons

  • Low age cap— Only seniors up to age 80 are eligible.
  • New to the market— Aflac has only been offering final expense insurance since 2022, which means there’s a higher chance (compared to other seasoned providers) of administrative hiccups if you need service on an existing policy.

Why We Chose It

Aflac’s funeral life insurance is a marriage of competitive premiums (particularly for younger adults) and lax underwriting. You can get no waiting period for high-risk chronic conditions like COPD, Parkinson’s disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, to name a few. Like Aetna, Aflac has no build chart, so your height-to-weight ratio doesn’t influence your eligibility or cost.

Aflac has an A+ rating with AM Best and the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, they have incredibly high marks from all the major insurance company rating agencies, such as S&P and Moody’s. You can trust that they have the financial means to pay their claims.

A+
Superior
Aa3
Stable
A+
Stable

AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores range from A++ to D-.

Moody’s Investors Service rates the creditworthiness of companies. The Moody’s Rating Scale has 21 possible scores ranging from “Aaa” (highest mark) down to “C” (lowest mark).

S&P Global Inc. issues credit ratings on a scale from “AAA” (highest rating) to “D” (lowest rating).

Customer Review Ratings
BBB
1.12/5
265 reviews
1.3/5
88 reviews
3.6/5
122 reviews
1.6/5
87 reviews
Consumer Protection Organization Scores

The Complaint Index compares a company’s performance to other companies in the market. The National Complaint Index is always 1.00. That means a company with a complaint index of 2.00 is twice as high as expected in the market. Reported scores are for the most recently available year and for “Individual Life” products.

The BBB rating is based on information BBB is able to obtain about the business, including complaints received from the public. BBB seeks and uses information directly from businesses and from public data sources. BBB assigns ratings from A+ (highest) to F (lowest). If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

Ratings and scores valid as of 10/30/2024.
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
45-80
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$50,000
States Where Available
All except New York
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
No
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Terminall Illness Rider
Yes
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
45-80
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$50,000
States Where Available
All except New York
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
No
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Terminall Illness Rider
Yes
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
45-75
Death Benefit Options
$2,000-$25,000
States Where Available
All except New York
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
Yes
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
To get even more details, read our Aflac review

 

Best for guaranteed acceptance
Overall Score

Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

Factor Score Value
Price of Coverage
40%
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
20%
Financial Strength
20%
NAIC Complaint Index
20%
Overall Maximum
100%

Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

1.5 out of 5
2.0
Price of Coverage
Price of Coverage
40% of overall score

Using this quote calculator, we compare the price of the insurer’s coverage to competitors with equivalent products. The score they receive is based on how close their price is to those three least expensive providers:

  • 50-5% more expensive
  • 46-10% more expensive
  • 311-20% more expensive
  • 221-30% more expensive
  • 1≥ 40% more expensive
1.0
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
No-Waiting-Period Coverage
20% of overall score

This scoring factor assesses whether an insurer offers coverage with no waiting period and, if so, how difficult it is to qualify for it. If an insurer does not provide coverage with no waiting period, it gets an automatic 1. A score from 2 to 5 indicates that immediate coverage is possible, and the higher the rating, the easier it is for the average applicant to qualify for it.

  • 5Most applicants qualify
  • 4Fairly easy qualification
  • 3Somewhat difficult qualification
  • 2Very difficult qualification
  • 1No-waiting-period coverage unavailable
4.0
Financial Strength
Financial Strength
20% of overall score

Our financial strength scores are based on A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Ratings (FSR), which measure an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores they receive are based on the following scale:

  • 5Superior (A+ or A++)
  • 4Excellent (A- to A)
  • 3Fair/Good (B- to B++)
  • 2Weak/Marginal (C- to C++)
  • 1Poor (D or Not Rated)
2.0
NAIC Complaint Index
NAIC Complaint Index
20% of overall score

The NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) complaint index measures how frequently an insurer obtains consumer complaints relative to a median score across all insurers. Our scoring model is based on an insurer’s NAIC complaint index for the most recently available year and for ‘Individual Life’ products:

  • 50.0 - 1.0 (avg or below avg complaints)
  • 41.01 - 1.5 (slightly above avg complaints)
  • 31.51 - 2.0 (up to 2x avg complaints)
  • 22.01 - 3.0 (up to 3x avg complaints)
  • 1≥ 3.01 (more than 3x avg complaints)
Pros

  • No health questions or exam— Approval is guaranteed, so you cannot be declined due to your medical history.
  • Very low guaranteed acceptance prices— AAA is typically the cheapest or very close to it relative to other providers that offer coverage with no health questions.
  • Highest interest— All guaranteed issue policies only refund premiums plus interest for the death during the first two years. AAA will refund 130%, whereas every other company is roughly 110%.

Cons

  • Mandatory waiting period– You’re not covered for natural causes of death during the first two years.
  • Limited coverage choices– You must choose from $3K, $5K, $7K, $10K, $15K, $20K, or $25K. Most burial insurance companies allow you to choose any increment you desire.

Why We Chose It

In addition to the very low prices, AAA will also pay out double the death benefit if you die from an accident, which is something no other guaranteed policy will do.

If you want to buy funeral insurance online, AAA allows for that, or you can apply by calling them.

A
Excellent
Moody's
NR
Not Rated
S&P Global
NR
Not Rated

AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores range from A++ to D-.

Moody’s Investors Service rates the creditworthiness of companies. The Moody’s Rating Scale has 21 possible scores ranging from “Aaa” (highest mark) down to “C” (lowest mark).

S&P Global Inc. issues credit ratings on a scale from “AAA” (highest rating) to “D” (lowest rating).

Customer Review Ratings
BBB
1.11/5
45 reviews
4.7/5
1027 reviews
3.9/5
241 reviews
1.0/5
15 reviews
Consumer Protection Organization Scores

The Complaint Index compares a company’s performance to other companies in the market. The National Complaint Index is always 1.00. That means a company with a complaint index of 2.00 is twice as high as expected in the market. Reported scores are for the most recently available year and for “Individual Life” products.

The BBB rating is based on information BBB is able to obtain about the business, including complaints received from the public. BBB seeks and uses information directly from businesses and from public data sources. BBB assigns ratings from A+ (highest) to F (lowest). If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

Ratings and scores valid as of 10/30/2024.
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
45-85
Death Benefit Options
$3,000-$25,000
States Where Available
All except NY
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
No
2-Year Waiting Period
Yes
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
To get even more details, read our AAA review

 

Best for low coverage amounts
Overall Score

Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

Factor Score Value
Price of Coverage
40%
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
20%
Financial Strength
20%
NAIC Complaint Index
20%
Overall Maximum
100%

Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

3.25 out of 5
5.0
Price of Coverage
Price of Coverage
40% of overall score

Using this quote calculator, we compare the price of the insurer’s coverage to competitors with equivalent products. The score they receive is based on how close their price is to those three least expensive providers:

  • 50-5% more expensive
  • 46-10% more expensive
  • 311-20% more expensive
  • 221-30% more expensive
  • 1≥ 40% more expensive
3.0
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
No-Waiting-Period Coverage
20% of overall score

This scoring factor assesses whether an insurer offers coverage with no waiting period and, if so, how difficult it is to qualify for it. If an insurer does not provide coverage with no waiting period, it gets an automatic 1. A score from 2 to 5 indicates that immediate coverage is possible, and the higher the rating, the easier it is for the average applicant to qualify for it.

  • 5Most applicants qualify
  • 4Fairly easy qualification
  • 3Somewhat difficult qualification
  • 2Very difficult qualification
  • 1No-waiting-period coverage unavailable
4.0
Financial Strength
Financial Strength
20% of overall score

Our financial strength scores are based on A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Ratings (FSR), which measure an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores they receive are based on the following scale:

  • 5Superior (A+ or A++)
  • 4Excellent (A- to A)
  • 3Fair/Good (B- to B++)
  • 2Weak/Marginal (C- to C++)
  • 1Poor (D or Not Rated)
1.0
NAIC Complaint Index
NAIC Complaint Index
20% of overall score

The NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) complaint index measures how frequently an insurer obtains consumer complaints relative to a median score across all insurers. Our scoring model is based on an insurer’s NAIC complaint index for the most recently available year and for ‘Individual Life’ products:

  • 50.0 - 1.0 (avg or below avg complaints)
  • 41.01 - 1.5 (slightly above avg complaints)
  • 31.51 - 2.0 (up to 2x avg complaints)
  • 22.01 - 3.0 (up to 3x avg complaints)
  • 1≥ 3.01 (more than 3x avg complaints)
Pros

  • No exam and no waiting period– Applicants with health conditions like COPD, kidney disease (even dialysis), heart disease, and many more can obtain immediate coverage. Keep in mind that you must still answer health questions.
  • Low coverage options– Transamerica will allow you to buy a death benefit as low as $1,000. Most funeral insurance companies have a minimum of $2,000-$5,000.

Cons

  • Complicated application– The application is unusually lengthy, and it’s very difficult to make any changes after submission.
  • Long telephone hold times—Getting in touch with Transamerica via telephone can often take a long time (much longer than with other providers).

Why We Chose It

Transamerica is an A-rated company that has been in business for over 100 years. Their final expense insurance is typically one of the lowest-cost policies, especially for seniors over 70.

They accept applicants who have health issues that most companies would outright deny, and they are among the few companies that will allow you to pay with a Direct Express Mastercard from Social Security.

A
Excellent
A1
Stable
A+
Stable

AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores range from A++ to D-.

Moody’s Investors Service rates the creditworthiness of companies. The Moody’s Rating Scale has 21 possible scores ranging from “Aaa” (highest mark) down to “C” (lowest mark).

S&P Global Inc. issues credit ratings on a scale from “AAA” (highest rating) to “D” (lowest rating).

Customer Review Ratings
BBB
1.1/5
259 reviews
1.1/5
207 reviews
3.0/5
175 reviews
Yelp
0/5
0 reviews
Consumer Protection Organization Scores

The Complaint Index compares a company’s performance to other companies in the market. The National Complaint Index is always 1.00. That means a company with a complaint index of 2.00 is twice as high as expected in the market. Reported scores are for the most recently available year and for “Individual Life” products.

A+
Not Accredited

The BBB rating is based on information BBB is able to obtain about the business, including complaints received from the public. BBB seeks and uses information directly from businesses and from public data sources. BBB assigns ratings from A+ (highest) to F (lowest). If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

Ratings and scores valid as of 10/31/2024.
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
0-85
Death Benefit Options
$1,000-$50,000
States Where Available
All
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
No
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Terminall Illness Rider
Yes
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
0-85
Death Benefit Options
$1,000-$50,000
States Where Available
All
Builds Cash Value
Yes
Has Health Questions
Yes
2-Year Waiting Period
No
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
Policy Type
Whole Life
New Applicant Age Range
45-80
Death Benefit Options
$1,000-$25,000
Builds Cash Value
All
Builds Cash Available
Yes
Has Health Questions
No
2-Year Waiting Period
Yes
Medical Exam Required
No
Age When Policy Expires
Never
Prices Increase
Never
To get even more details, read our Transamerica review

 

Best for paid-up policy options
Overall Score

Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

Factor Score Value
Price of Coverage
40%
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
20%
Financial Strength
20%
NAIC Complaint Index
20%
Overall Maximum
100%

Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

2.75 out of 5
3.0
Price of Coverage
Price of Coverage
40% of overall score

Using this quote calculator, we compare the price of the insurer’s coverage to competitors with equivalent products. The score they receive is based on how close their price is to those three least expensive providers:

  • 50-5% more expensive
  • 46-10% more expensive
  • 311-20% more expensive
  • 221-30% more expensive
  • 1≥ 40% more expensive
4.0
No-Waiting-Period Cov