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 providing 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 depends 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 tomorrow.
- Guaranteed acceptance: There is no medical exam or health questions to answer. Your approval is guaranteed regardless of your pre-existing conditions. But 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, renal failure, or congestive heart failure, to name a few.
How Does Burial Insurance Work?
Burial insurance, which is commonly known as final expense or funeral insurance, is a type of whole life policy that’s 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-usually 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.
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 burial insurance quotes for simplified and guaranteed issue options.
| Age | Female $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 |
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.
1) Mutual of Omaha
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.
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.
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.
| 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-$50,000 | |
| 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) |
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2) Aetna
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.
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.
Aetna’s final expense insurance has a very high life insurance age limit for new applicants. Seniors up to age 89 can apply.
Aetna life insurance is priced well compared to other companies, they have exception rates for seniors over 80, and there’s no waiting period.
| 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) |
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3) American Amicable
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.
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.
Although American Amicable isn’t a well-known company, they are financially strong and have been in business since 1910. Their underwriting is very lenient, which means most seniors can qualify for coverage with no waiting period and no exam.
They approve applications quickly and are known for great customer service for active policyholders.
| 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) |
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4) Royal Neighbors of America
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.
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.
Royal Neighbors of America is very accommodating to seniors with serious health issues, especially diabetes. They don’t have a life insurance weight chart which means your height-to-weight ratio won’t preclude you from qualifying for no waiting period coverage.
They also grant every policyholder rights to various member benefits at no extra charge.
| 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 |
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5) AAA
Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.
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.
AAA only offers modified whole life insurance with no health questions. It’s guaranteed acceptance, so you cannot be denied for any medical reason. Relative to other companies that offer guaranteed issue coverage, AAA is the best.
They are usually the cheapest, and they 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.
| Product Details | Policy Type: Whole Life Insurance |
| New Applicant Age Range: 45-85 | |
| 2-Year Waiting Period: Yes | |
| Coverage Amount Range: $5,000-$25,000 | |
| States Available: All States (except New York) | |
| Product Benefits | Premiums Stay the Same Forever: Yes |
| Builds Cash Value: Yes | |
| Policy Duration: Lifetime | |
| Application Details | Where to Apply: AAA Online Application |
| Phone Number to Apply: 1-888-523-1863 | |
| Medical Exam Required: No | |
| Guaranteed Acceptance: Yes | |
| Application Approval Time: Instantaneously |
What’s The Difference Between No Medical Exam Vs No Health Questions?
A no-exam funeral insurance policy is not the same as a one with no health questions.
Any time you see a company advertise with only the words “no-exam,” they are offering a simplified issue product 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. Those plans all (no exceptions) have a two-three-year waiting period. The insurer will only refund your money if you die during the waiting period.
There is no such thing as final expense insurance with no health questions and no 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 lying and 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.
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.
