The states, not the federal government, create the rules and regulations governing all insurance forms.
For that reason, burial insurance programs available in one state may not be in another.
Similarly, specific policy features, riders, and the cost will also vary according to each state.
For example, in Montana, a law mandates insurers charge the same price regardless of gender.
All other states have different prices for males and females.
These are just some of the reasons why it’s critical that you ensure that you take your state of residence into account when shopping for final expense insurance.
That way, you know you’re investigating the correct plans.
How Does Final Expense Insurance Work?
A final expense insurance policy is a type of life insurance where the proceeds are usually earmarked to cover burial costs.
More specifically, insurance to cover burial is whole life insurance.
Tip:
Final expense insurance is also frequently referred to as “burial insurance,” “funeral insurance,” “cremation insurance,” and “
end-of-life insurance.” It does not matter which label is used because they all have the same meaning.
Senior final expense life insurance plans offer minimal amounts of coverage.
For example, some companies will allow you to purchase as little as $2,000 in insurance.
You do not have to take a medical exam to qualify. Seniors who deal with health conditions are still eligible.
Because the policy is whole life insurance, the coverage will never decrease in value or expire at any age.
The monthly premium is fixed for life, and the policy will build cash value.
Upon your demise, the insurance provider will give your beneficiaries (or funeral home, if you prefer) a tax-free check equal to how much coverage you purchased.
As is the case with all forms of life insurance, there are no restrictions on how your loved ones spend the money.
If your family does not spend all the money on your funeral, they keep the rest.
Two basic options
When you go to buy final expense life insurance, there are essentially two options with various providers:
- No health questions: Your acceptance is guaranteed regardless of your pre-existing conditions. However, these plans will always have a two-year waiting period. If you die during the waiting period, the insurer will only refund your premiums plus a small amount of interest. Additionally, these are the most expensive life insurance plans you can buy. Life insurance providers take grave risks when they know nothing about your health. For all forms of insurance, high risk always translates to more expensive premiums. Be aware that most TV burial insurance ads offer guaranteed issue coverage. For example, Colonial Penn life insurance is one prominent instance.
- Has health questions: These plans require you to complete a health questionnaire as part of the application. If you’re approved, the coverage has no waiting period. Also, the cost of these plans is generally the lowest since the insurer knows that it’s unlikely you’ll pass away soon.
Ultimately, opting for a guaranteed issue life policy is best when you have “uninsurable conditions.”
Uninsurable conditions are such a high risk that you could not qualify for a plan (with any insurance company) with no waiting period.
The goal of burial insurance is peace of mind. The policy ensures you don’t leave behind a financial burden on your loved ones.
With that in mind, that’s the primary reason it’s best to qualify for a plan with health questions. If approved, you will have immediate peace of mind knowing you’re protected the day you make your first payment.
Plus, your final expense premium will probably be lower (compared to a no-health question plan).
Burial Insurance Plans In Each State
Below you will see a summary of final expense insurance programs in all 50 states, including D.C.
It will show you how many different burial insurance companies are available.
In addition, it will show you the average cost of a funeral for your state and the cost of cremation.
That way, you know how much coverage to buy.
a
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $17,720
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $14,023
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
c
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $14,536
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $17,318
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
d
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $14,937
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
h
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $27,175
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
i
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,027
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,262
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $12,750
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
k
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $12,168
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
m
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $16,086
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $17,733
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $18,356
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $12,584
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $14,010
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $12,307
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,677
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
n
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $12,819
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $15,075
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $14,979
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $16,363
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $12,404
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,428
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
o
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $12,016
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $18,633
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
p
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $14,106
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
r
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $16,529
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
s
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,262
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,428
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
u
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,470
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
v
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $16,058
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $14,065
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
w
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $15,408
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $14,065
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $12,750
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,331
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
Direct means there is no funeral service of any kind. Funeral Service includes the cost of viewing for cremation and burial.
End-of-Life Medical Expenses: $13,207
(U.S. Average: $13,843)
How Choice Mutual Can Help
First, we service the entire nation. No matter which state you live in, we can help.
Choice Mutual is an independent insurance agency representing over 15 final expense companies.
Our entire goal is to match each client with whichever insurer offers them the best policy.
Our services come at no cost to you, and the insurance doesn’t cost more because you bought it through an agency.
Tip:
Policies with no waiting period are generally
only sold through licensed agencies. There is a two-year waiting period when you buy coverage directly from an insurer like
AAA or
USAA.
We can answer your questions and recommend the best options given your unique wants and needs.
Then if you’re ready to apply, we’ll hold your hand through the whole application process from start to finish.
Check out these real Choice Mutual reviews to see how happy past clients have been after working with us.
If you need burial insurance in the USA, call us at 1-800-644-2926, and we won’t let you down.