There are various pros and cons to burial insurance with no exam, which we’ll discuss below, along with the best companies and the cost.
No Exam Burial Insurance Options
Burial insurance with no medical exam does not require you to provide a blood and urine sample at a medical facility or via a nurse who comes to your home. Some plans require you to answer a few health questions, but some do not. The coverage amounts are typically $50,000 or less, depending on the company.
There are two types of no-exam final expense life insurance you can apply for.
- Simplified issue: There is no medical exam, but there are health questions to answer. Your eligibility and price depend on your prior health history. If approved, there is no waiting period, meaning you would be fully covered for natural or accidental death once your policy starts. Also, simplified issue policies have the lowest cost because the insurance company knows there is a high chance you won’t die soon.
- Guaranteed acceptance: There is no medical exam or health questions to answer. Your approval is guaranteed regardless of your pre-existing conditions. However, guaranteed issue final expense policies come with two significant drawbacks. First, they always have a two-year waiting period. Non-accidental death during the waiting period will only result in a refund of your premiums. You would have to live for more than two years before the insurance company would be willing to pay out the full death benefit. Secondly, these plans are typically the most expensive option. Because the insurance company knows nothing about your health, they must charge a higher price, given the increased risk.
Generally, most people can qualify for a simplified issue policy with no waiting period unless they have dire medical conditions such as dementia or a terminal illness.
Best No Exam Funeral Insurance Companies
In the USA, many funeral insurance companies offer no exam final expense policies. Because they all differ in price and what health conditions they accept, there is no way to single out just one as the best option for every person.
That’s why comparing multiple companies is critically important to find the best burial policy for seniors. Below are five of the top companies to consider. There’s a high chance that one of these companies is the best option for you.
Mutual of Omaha
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers consumer experience, policy cost, underwriting criteria, the insurer’s financial strength ratings, and complaint data.
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-.
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.
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.
- Typically, the lowest cost compared to other burial insurance companies.
- There is no waiting period upon approval.
- Strong brand name company that is very financially secure.
- Approvals usually take 24 hours, whereas many final expense companies render approvals within 15 minutes.
Affectionally called “Living Promise,” Mutual of Omaha’s final expense policy with no medical exam is simplified, which means you’ll have to fill out a health questionnaire when you apply.
If you’re approved, there is no waiting period. Mutual of Omaha life insurance for seniors is usually the best and least expensive option if you qualify. Plus, the company has some of the strongest financials in the industry, and they make it easy for policyholders to make basic changes to their coverage.
To get even more details, read our Mutual of Omaha review
Aetna
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers consumer experience, policy cost, underwriting criteria, the insurer’s financial strength ratings, and complaint data.
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-.
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.
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.
- Accepts new applicants as old as 89
- Low rates for seniors of most ages, especially those over 80
- The underwriting is very favorable for seniors with common health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, COPD, and much more.
- There is almost no history of consumer complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
- Prices for seniors over 50 and under 60 are less competitive than other providers.
- Rates for tobacco users are higher than many other companies.
Aetna’s final expense insurance has a very high life insurance age limit for new applicants. Seniors over 85 can obtain a new policy.
Aetna life insurance is priced well compared to other companies at most ages. In particular, they have exceptional rates for seniors over 80, and there’s no waiting period if you qualify.
To get even more details, read our Aetna review
Aflac
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers consumer experience, policy cost, underwriting criteria, the insurer’s financial strength ratings, and complaint data.
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-.
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.
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.
- Low premiums for seniors under 70
- High-risk medical conditions are still eligible for coverage with no waiting period.
- Approvals are fast, and policyholders can create an online account to manage the policy.
- Not available to seniors over 80.
- Policy mailings are slower than other providers.
Aflac is a brand-name company with a track record of paying their claims. Aflac’s no exam burial insurance is similar in cost to other providers. Especially for seniors under 70, their prices are amongst the lowest.
There is no waiting period even if you have various medical conditions such as diabetes, COPD, multiple sclerosis, or past heart attacks or strokes.
To get even more details, read our Aflac review
AAA
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers consumer experience, policy cost, underwriting criteria, the insurer’s financial strength ratings, and complaint data.
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-.
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.
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.
- Guaranteed approval regardless of health history.
- Typically, AAA has the lowest rates for guaranteed acceptance coverage.
- It refunds 130% of all premiums for non-accidental death during the first two years (most waiting period policies only refund 110%).
- You’re not covered for natural causes of death during the first two years.
- Consumers often report that AAA is hard to reach by phone.
AAA only offers modified whole life insurance with no health questions. It’s guaranteed acceptance, so you cannot be denied for any medical reason. AAA is the best relative to other companies offering guaranteed issue coverage.
They are usually the cheapest and will return all premiums plus 30% interest if you die in the first two years. Nearly every other guaranteed issue company will only refund your premiums plus 8-10% interest. Plus, AAA will pay out double the death benefit if you die from an accident.
To get even more details, read our AAA review
How Much Does Final Expense Life Insurance With No Exam Cost?
The median cost of a no-exam final expense policy is $50-$100 monthly for a $10,000 death benefit. Your price might differ depending on your age, health, gender, state of residence, tobacco usage (if any), and how much coverage you choose.
Below are some sample monthly burial insurance quotes for simplified and guaranteed issue options.
| Age & Gender | $5,000 | $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Female age 40 | $12 | $21 |
| Female age 45 | $13 | $23 |
| Female age 50 | $14 | $24 |
| Female age 55 | $15 | $28 |
| Female age 60 | $18 | $33 |
| Female age 65 | $22 | $41 |
| Female age 70 | $28 | $53 |
| Female age 75 | $37 | $71 |
| Female age 80 | $50 | $98 |
| Female age 85 | $70 | $136 |
| Female age 89 | $131 | N/A |
| Male age 40 | $14 | $25 |
| Male age 45 | $15 | $27 |
| Male age 50 | $17 | $31 |
| Male age 55 | $20 | $36 |
| Male age 60 | $23 | $43 |
| Male age 65 | $29 | $54 |
| Male age 70 | $37 | $70 |
| Male age 75 | $50 | $97 |
| Male age 80 | $69 | $135 |
| Male age 85 | $91 | $178 |
| Male age 89 | $180 | N/A |
| Source for monthly prices: Choice Mutual quote calculator. Rates valid as of 05/08/2024. | ||
Pros And Cons Of Burial Insurance With No Medical Exam
- No medical exam and some policies have no health questions (guaranteed acceptance)
- Fast approvals
- Low coverage minimums
- Lenient underwriting enables applicants to secure new coverage despite high-risk medical issues
- Lifetime coverage
- Fixed premiums
- Death benefit won’t decrease
- Builds cash value
- Low coverage maximums (typically $50,000 and under)
- Some policies have a two-year waiting period
- Higher cost compared to policies that require a medical exam
What’s The Difference Between No Medical Exam Vs No Health Questions?
A no-exam funeral insurance policy differs from one with no health questions.
Any time you see a company advertise a life insurance product with only the words “no-exam,” they are offering a simplified issue policy that would require you to answer health questions. Your eligibility for that plan would be based on your prior medical history.
On the flip side, if you see a company advertise a plan with “no health questions,” that means your acceptance is guaranteed. Policies with no health questions always (no exceptions) have a two-three-year waiting period. The insurer will only refund your money if you die during the waiting period.
One common final expense scam is that a company will make you believe they have a policy with no health questions and no waiting period. They are hoping you’ll never read the policy to discover the truth.
Don’t let yourself fall victim to a scamming agent. You must answer health questions to get burial insurance with no waiting period.
How Does Burial Insurance Work?
Burial insurance, commonly known as final expense or funeral insurance, is a type of whole life policy typically meant to cover end-of-life expenses. It’s still life insurance, meaning your beneficiaries will get a tax-free cash payout when you die.
Because insurance companies know these plans are usually for funeral costs, they pay out quickly, within 24-48 hours, once they have the necessary documentation.
The proceeds your loved ones receive can be spent on anything, including cremation costs, burial expenses, funeral services, debts, medical bills, or anything else. Any leftover funds are theirs to keep and use as they see fit.
Since final life expense insurance is a type of whole life policy, it comes with ironclad guarantees that nothing will ever change. The premiums never increase, the death benefit won’t decrease, and it will never expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final expense insurance never requires a medical exam. There are two types of policies that you can apply for, neither of which need an exam. The first option is simplified issue, which involves answering health questions to qualify. The second option is guaranteed issue, which has no health questions and guaranteed approval regardless of pre-existing conditions. Each option has pros and cons, so be sure to consider all the factors before deciding which type is best for you.
Some burial insurance policies have a waiting period, and some don’t. In short, any policy with no health questions and guaranteed approval will always have a two-year waiting period before you’re covered for natural causes of death. To get burial insurance with no waiting period, you don’t have to take a medical exam, but you’ll have to answer questions about health.
Mutual of Omaha is the best no exam final expense insurance company because they offer much lower prices than other providers, and the coverage has no waiting period if you’re approved. You can buy up to $50,000 in coverage in all states except New York.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance with no waiting period does not exist. If you buy a policy with no health questions, there will always be a two-three-year waiting period. The insurance company will only refund your premiums if you die during the waiting period. To get life or burial insurance with no waiting period, you don’t have to undergo a medical exam, but you must complete a questionnaire about your health.
On average, a final expense policy costs $50-$100 monthly for a $10,000 policy. The net cost of final expense insurance depends on your specific age, gender, tobacco habits, state of residence, health, and the amount of coverage.
Choice Mutual often cites third-party websites to provide context and verification for specific claims made in our work. We only link to authoritative websites that provide accurate information. You can learn more about our editorial standards, which guide our mission of delivering factual and impartial content.
