Most insurance companies allow people to buy burial insurance online.

There are various options and pros and cons to each one.

Learn how to buy a policy online, how these plans work, see sample prices, and the best companies.

 

How To Buy Final Expense Insurance Online

Many (not all) final expense insurance companies offer an online application that does not require you to fill out a paper application.

Tip:
Even though the application is completed online, you’ll still get a physical policy in the mail after approval. Also, many companies, such as Mutual of Omaha, will mail you a paper version and email a digital copy of the policy.

There are two ways to approach this.

You can either buy funeral insurance online directly from the company or through a broker.

Both online methods are similar, but there are differences to consider.

 

1) Buy directly from the insurance company

In this circumstance, you’re going directly to the insurance company’s website and signing up.

For example, Globe Life, Colonial Penn, or the AARP life insurance program are three common examples of companies allowing this.

On their websites, you input all your information to completely fill out the application.

That includes providing your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, social security number, beneficiaries’ names, and payment information (credit card number or routing & account number).

In addition, you’ll answer their health questions if there are any.

You then sign your application electronically on your device, which submits it to the insurance company.

If you’re approved, you’ll get a policy in the mail. However, if you’re declined, you’ll get a letter outlining why you were denied.

In most cases, you don’t need to speak with a licensed agent or customer service representative at any point.

 

Pros & cons to going directly to the insurance company

The Good
  • Usually, you don’t have to speak to someone.
  • The process is typically pretty quick.
  • You have greater control over the application procedure.
  • They will show you the actual prices.
The Bad
  • You have no other carrier options.
  • There is no personal point of contact that you can call for service issues down the line.
  • If you apply for a plan with health questions, the health questionnaire is often ambiguous, which can lead to a denial. Being previously declined for life insurance can jeopardize your ability to qualify with another provider.
  • You likely won’t know for weeks whether you’re accepted or rejected because they don’t call you. They merely send (via US mail) a policy or denial letter that takes weeks to arrive.
  • It may not be immediately clear how the policy works. For example, very few people realize that an AARP burial insurance policy will increase in price every five years and expires at age 80.
  • You’re limiting yourself to a tiny portion of the market. Conservatively, 98% of life insurance companies only sell their policies through licensed agencies. They don’t sell their coverage directly, be it online, by mail, or by telephone.

 

2) Buy online from an insurance agency

For context, an insurance agency represents one or more insurance companies.

They are duly licensed and authorized to sell insurance for whichever companies they’ve partnered with.

It’s important to remember that buying through an agency doesn’t result in any fees or higher insurance costs.

The price you pay when purchasing through an agency is identical to the price you’d pay going directly to the insurer.

That said, working with a broker is a very similar process to going directly to the insurance company. You fill out the application online by providing all your personal information.

When working with an agency, the primary difference is that you’ll likely need to speak with a licensed agent to finalize the application.

They will confirm that your information is accurate and read you the health questions (if any).

Only after doing so can the application be formally submitted to the insurance company for underwriting consideration.

If approved, your agent will call you to notify you of the good news, and you will get your policy in the mail.

However, if you’re declined, your agent will call you to inform you of the bad news.

One of the key differences when buying final expense insurance online through an agent is that they can pivot and apply with another carrier.

So if the first company they suggest declines you, they can immediately apply with the next best option.

 

Pros & cons to going to buying through an agency

The Good
  • Their advisory services are free, and the insurance doesn’t cost more because you bought through a broker.
  • Agents can offer you more than one company. That allows them to compare offers from multiple providers to find you the best rate.
  • They can provide quotes from multiple carriers since they aren’t limited to one company.
  • You will have a personal point of contact that you can call for questions and help with service issues.
  • You’ll have access to far more life insurance companies. Most insurance carriers only sell their products through licensed agents (no direct sales channels).
  • A professional who can advise you on the pros and cons of the various types of life insurance and recommend the best plan.
  • They know how each carrier underwrites, which reduces the risk of a decline. Being declined by one life insurance company can make it harder to qualify elsewhere.
The Bad
  • Some agents are captive (such as State Farm) that only represent one provider and cannot offer you any other companies to get you a better deal.
  • You likely have to talk to a licensed agent.
  • Some unethical agents will only care about their commission and not make recommendations in accordance with your best interest.
  • Not all, but some agency websites don’t show you prices even though they make it appear as if they do.

 

What Is Final Expense Insurance And How Does It Work?

Final expense insurance is a small death benefit whole life policy meant to pay for your end-of-life expenses.

It pays a cash benefit (tax-free) to the beneficiaries of your choice. Alternatively, you can name a funeral home as the beneficiary.

Tip:
Final expense life insurance also commonly known as burial, funeral, or end-of-life insurance.

If the money is paid to your loved ones, they can spend it without restrictions. That means they can use the funds to pay for funeral costs, final medical bills, credit card debts, or anything else.

Also, if they don’t use all the money on your final expenses, they get to keep what’s left over.

Since a burial insurance plan is a type of whole life insurance, the details are simplistic.

The price will never increase, coverage won’t decrease, and it lasts forever (hence the term “whole life”).

Most final expense insurance companies offer plans to seniors 50-85, but some go below 50 and above 85. Also, they typically don’t sell more than $50,000 in coverage.

There are essentially two options:

  • Simplified issue: This option does not require a medical exam, but there are health questions. If approved, there is no waiting period. Death at any point would result in a total payout of the death benefit.
  • Guaranteed issue: This option has no medical exam or health questionnaire. Put simply; you are guaranteed approval. However, you must endure a two-year waiting period in exchange for the guaranteed acceptance provision. If you die of natural causes during the waiting period, they will only refund your premiums plus interest (usually 10%).

Once you die, your beneficiaries only need to call the insurance provider being the death claim process. They’ll need to provide a copy of the death certificate and sign a beneficiary statement form.

That’s all the paperwork your family will need to provide for the claim to be paid. Once claims are approved, most companies pay the money within two-three days.

 

How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost?

It’s important to understand that the cost of a burial insurance policy is based on your age, gender, health, state of residence, tobacco usage (if any), and how much coverage you want.

However, your health will not be a factor if you opt for a guaranteed issue life policy.

That said, the average cost of a final expense policy is about $50-$100 per month for a $10,000 death benefit.

The whole life price chart below shows sample monthly prices for simplified and guaranteed issue plans.

AgeFemale
$10,000
Simplified Issue
(Monthly Rates)
Female
$10,000
Guaranteed Acceptance
(Monthly Rates)
Male
$10,000
Simplified Issue
(Monthly Rates)
Male
$10,000
Guaranteed Acceptance
(Monthly Rates)
45$22$28$27$33
50$24$30$30$36
55$27$38$35$45
60$32$42$43$55
65$41$51$54$66
70$51$69$70$89
75$71$98$99$121
80$98$140$139$166
85$135$170$192$230

 

The Best Funeral Insurance Companies

First, there are dozens of final expense insurance companies in the USA.

No single company can be the best option for everyone.

That’s because they all have different prices, terms and conditions, and underwriting (which health issues they do and do not accept).

For those reasons, comparing burial insurance policies from multiple providers is advisable to find the best deal.

Below are five of the best final expense insurance policies to consider.

 

1) Mutual of Omaha

Founding Year: 1909
A.M. Best
A+
Superior
BBB
A+
99-100

Brochure Sample Policy Sample Application

Mutual of Omaha’s Living Promise policy is generally the least expensive final expense policy on the market.

If you can qualify for their level benefit option (most do), there will be no waiting period.

Product
Details
Policy Type: Whole Life Insurance
New Applicant Age Range: 45-85
2-Year Waiting Period: No (subject to underwriting approval)
Coverage Amount Range: $2,000-$40,000
States Available: All States (except New York)
Product
Benefits
Premiums Stay the Same Forever: Yes
Builds Cash Value: Yes
Policy Duration: Lifetime
Optional Riders: Accidental Death (2X the payout for accidental death)
Application
Details
Where to Apply: Agencies licensed to sell Mutual of Omaha products (you can't buy this plan directly from them)
Phone Number to Apply: 1-800-644-2926
Medical Exam Required: No
Guaranteed Acceptance: No
Application Approval Time: 10 Minutes to 2 Business Days
Common health conditions still eligible for no waiting period coverage:


Aneurysm
Arthritis
Asthma
Blindness
Blood clots > 2 years ago
Blood thinners
Cancer > 4 years ago
Circulatory surgery > 2 years ago
Crohn’s disease
Depression
Diabetes (type 2)
Diverticulitis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Grave’s disease
Heart attack > 2 years ago
Heart surgery > 2 years ago
Hepatitis A or B
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Scleroderma
Seizures
Sleep apnea
Squamous/basal cell skin cancer
Stroke/TIA > 2 years ago
Tumors (non-cancerous)

 

2) Aetna

Founding Year: 1853
A.M. Best
A
Excellent
BBB
A+
98-100
Brochure Sample Policy Sample Application

Aetna excels at offering life insurance to seniors over 80 because they will accept applicants as old as 89.

They also offer no waiting period coverage for people with high-risk chronic medical conditions.

Product
Details
Policy Type: Whole Life Insurance
New Applicant Age Range: 40-89
2-Year Waiting Period: No (subject to underwriting approval)
Coverage Amount Range: $2,000-$50,000
(varies by age)
States Available: All States (except New York)
Product
Benefits
Premiums Stay the Same Forever: Yes
Builds Cash Value: Yes
Policy Duration: Lifetime
Optional Riders: Accidental Death
(2X the payout for accidental death)
Application
Details
Where to Apply: Agencies licensed to sell Aetna products
(you can't buy this plan directly from them)
Phone Number to Apply: 1-800-644-2926
Medical Exam Required: No
Guaranteed Acceptance: No
Application Approval Time: 15 Minutes-3 Business Days
Common conditions still eligible for no waiting period coverage:


Afib
Aneurysm (if surgically repaired)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bipolar disorder
Blindness
Blood clots
Blood thinners
Cancer > 2 years ago
Chronic bronchitis
Circulatory surgery > 2 years ago
COPD
Crohn’s disease
Depression
Diabetes (type 1 or 2)
Diabetic coma > 2 years ago
Diverticulitis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Graves’ disease
Heart attack > 1 year ago
Heart surgery > 1 year ago
Hepatitis > 2 years ago
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Insulin shock > 2 years ago
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis
Obesity
Over 85 life insurance
Pacemaker (installed > 1 year ago)
Parkinson’s disease
Sarcoidosis
Schizophrenia
Scleroderma
Seizures
Sleep apnea
Squamous/basal cell skin cancer
Stroke/TIA > 1 year ago
Tumors (noncancerous)

 

3) Royal Neighbors of America

Founding Year: 1895
A.M. Best
A
Excellent
BBB
A+
98-100
Brochure Sample Policy Sample Application

Royal Neighbors of America is very accommodating of seniors who have severe health issues. For example, if you have diabetes, they will likely be the best carrier for you.

Their rates are affordable, and they approve applications in minutes.

Product
Details
Policy Type: Whole Life Insurance
New Applicant Age Range: 50-80
2-Year Waiting Period: No (subject to underwriting approval)
Coverage Amount Range: $7,000-$30,000
States Available: All States
(except AK, AL, HI, LA, MA, NH, NY)
Product
Benefits
Premiums Stay the Same Forever: Yes
Builds Cash Value: Yes
Policy Duration: Lifetime
Optional Riders: None
Application
Details
Where to Apply: Agencies licensed to sell Royal Neighbors products
(you can't buy this plan directly from them)
Phone Number to Apply: 1-800-644-2926
Medical Exam Required: No
Guaranteed Acceptance: No
Application Approval Time: 10 Minutes
Common conditions still eligible for no waiting period coverage:


Afib
Aneurysm
Arthritis
Asthma
Bipolar disorder
Blindness
Blood clots
Blood thinners
Cancer > 2 years ago
Circulatory surgery > 2 years ago
Crohn’s disease
Depression
Diabetes (type 1 or 2)
Diabetic neuropathy
Diverticulitis
Fibromyalgia
Grave’s disease
Heart attack > 2 years ago
Heart surgery > 2 years ago
Hepatitis > 2 years ago
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Home health care
Multiple instances of cancer
Pacemaker (installed > 2 years ago)
Retinopathy
Schizophrenia
Scleroderma
Severely overweight
Sleep apnea
Tia mini-strokes
Tumors

 

4) American Amicable

Founding Year: 1910
A.M. Best
A
Excellent
BBB
A+
97-100
Brochure Sample Policy Sample Application

American Amicable approves applications quickly, and they have low prices for people who smoke cigarettes.

Product
Details
Policy Type: Whole Life Insurance
New Applicant Age Range: 50-85
2-Year Waiting Period: No (subject to underwriting approval)
Coverage Amount Range: $2,500-$50,000 (varies by age)
States Available: All States (except CT, ME, MT, NH, NY, VT)
Product
Benefits
Premiums Stay the Same Forever: Yes
Builds Cash Value: Yes
Policy Duration: Lifetime
Optional Riders: None
Application
Details
Where to Apply: Agencies licensed to sell American Amicable products
(you can't buy this plan directly from them)
Phone Number to Apply: 1-800-644-2926
Medical Exam Required: No
Guaranteed Acceptance: No
Application Approval Time: < 10 minutes
Common conditions still eligible for no waiting period coverage:


Afib
Aneurysm > 3 years ago
Arthritis
Asthma
Bipolar disorder
Blindness
Blood clots
Blood thinners
Cancer > 3 years ago
Circulatory surgery > 3 years ago
Crohn’s disease
Depression
Diabetes (type 2)
Diverticulitis
Fibromyalgia
Grave’s disease
Heart attack > 3 years ago
Heart surgery > 3 years ago
Hepatitis > 3 years ago
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Pacemaker (installed > 3 years ago)
Schizophrenia
Scleroderma
Sickle cell anemia
Sleep apnea
Squamous/basal cell skin cancer
Stroke/TIA > 3 years ago
Tumors (non-cancerous)

 

5) Transamerica

Founding Year: 1904
A.M. Best
A
Excellent
BBB
B
84-100
Brochure Sample Policy Sample Application

Transamerica offers excellent rates for life insurance for seniors over 70.

Additionally, they will approve applicants with chronic conditions such as COPD or CKD for coverage with no waiting period.

Product
Details
Policy Type: Whole Life Insurance
New Applicant Age Range: 45-85
2-Year Waiting Period: No (subject to underwriting approval)
Coverage Amount Range: $1,000-$50,000 (varies by age)
States Available: All States
Product
Benefits
Premiums Stay the Same Forever: Yes
Builds Cash Value: Yes
Policy Duration: Lifetime
Optional Riders: Accidental Death (2X the payout for accidental death)
Application
Details
Where to Apply: Agencies licensed to sell Transamerica products (you can't buy this plan directly from them)
Phone Number to Apply: 1-800-644-2926
Medical Exam Required: No
Guaranteed Acceptance: No
Application Approval Time: 15 Minutes- 5 Business Days
Common conditions still eligible for no waiting period coverage:


Afib
Angina (chest pains)
Aneurysm (if surgically repaired)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bipolar disorder
Blindness
Blood clots
Blood thinners
Cancer > 4 years ago
Chronic bronchitis
Circulatory surgery > 1 year ago
COPD
Crohn’s disease
Depression
Diabetes (type 2)
Diverticulitis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Grave’s disease
Heart attack > 1 year ago
Heart surgery > 1 year ago
Hepatitis
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Kidney disease (no dialysis)
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis
Pacemaker (installed > 1 year ago)
Parkinson’s disease
Schizophrenia
Scleroderma
Seizures
Sleep apnea
Squamous/basal cell skin cancer
Stroke/TIA > 1 year ago
Tumors

 

How Choice Mutual Can Help You Buy Burial Insurance Online

Choice Mutual is an independent insurance agency licensed in all states throughout the USA.

We partner with nearly 20 final expense companies to help our customers find the lowest price on a final expense policy.

So if you’re looking to buy final expense coverage online, we can save you time and money.

Tip:
We have relationships with multiple insurance companies that will allow you to buy online. You’ll never have to meet in person with an agent. We can assist you entirely over the phone, by text, and by email.

We’ll compare every plan in your state from all the top companies to find you the best deal possible.

Our services are free, and the insurance has no surcharges because you worked with a broker.

Call us at 1-800-644-2926, and one of our friendly agents will answer all your questions and recommend the best policy.

We have thousands of positive online reviews from past customers. Call us and see why thousands of people trusted us to help them in such an important manner.