Burial insurance, or final expense insurance, is like a safety net for seniors. So, there’s this type of insurance that’s made to help out with the expenses when someone passes away. It’s meant for things like covering the cost of funerals and other stuff needed at the end of someone’s life.
What’s great about it? Even seniors with health concerns can qualify since no medical exams are necessary.
Plus, the monthly payments fall between $50 and $100, fitting well within most budgets.
Planning is key, especially when it comes to thinking about your final expenses. That’s why getting burial insurance is so important for seniors.
It ensures that, when the time comes, you won’t leave your loved ones scrambling to cover the costs. In this article, we’ll break down the best burial insurance for seniors in 2024.
If you’re thinking about adding burial insurance to your end-of-life plan, why not start by getting a free quote online? But before that, let’s keep reading to learn more about burial insurance for seniors.
Key Takeaways:
- Picking the best burial insurance is super important for older folks to make sure their family isn’t left with big bills for end-of-life costs.
- When you’re choosing burial insurance, think about things like how much it covers, how much you have to pay, and what you need to qualify for it.
- The best burial insurance companies in 2024 give you different choices for coverage and have lots of happy customers and are stable.
- Burial insurance plans made for older folks give you a good deal. They’re affordable but still cover everything you need without skimping on benefits.
- Older folks can make it easier to get burial insurance by following a simple step-by-step application.
- Comparing burial insurance quotes is essential to finding the best coverage and rates that meet your unique needs.
Best Burial Insurance for Seniors
Mutual of Omaha
This year, Mutual of Omaha is the top pick for final expense insurance across the nation, except in New York.
Mutual of Omaha (also known as United of Omaha) has a lifetime coverage called Living Promise. It’s for people aged 45 to 85, and they don’t separate smokers from non-smokers.
This cool life insurance lets people under 50 sign up for it, which isn’t very common in the insurance world.
Everyone who applies gets checked to see if they have any records with MIB and what prescriptions they’re taking. They also have to submit their height and weight details. Sometimes, they’ll randomly call for a quick chat over the phone.
Everyone who applies gets checked to see if they have any records with MIB and what prescriptions they’re taking.
Face Amounts: $2,000 – $40,000 ($20,000 Graded Max)
Types:
- Level
- Graded
Payouts:
- Level – Immediate
- Graded – 2-year policy (Return of Premium plus 10%); Full payout for accidental death.
Pros
Instant full coverage upon approval for natural or accidental death, with no waiting period.
Coverage without medical exam up to $50,000 in value.
Speedy approvals are typically within 24 hours for most applications.
Cons
Agent-assisted purchase is mandatory. The policy is unavailable for online or direct purchase from Mutual of Omaha.
Exclusive to licensed Mutual of Omaha agencies, requiring verbal application with an agent.
Opting for Mutual of Omaha coverage via mail or website entails a two-year waiting period and a maximum coverage cap of $25,000.
This personalized approach ensures tailored guidance and assistance throughout the application process.
Why We Choose It:
Mutual of Omaha’s “Living Promise” policy is the top pick because it always has good prices and covers lots of common health issues.
Notably, approval grants immediate coverage without any waiting period.
The policy gives you coverage of up to $50,000, even if you’re over 80 years old. That’s a lot more than what most other companies offer.
Mutual of Omaha makes you feel safe because they have great ratings for their money stuff and not many complaints from customers.
Moreover, adjusting coverage post-issuance is remarkably straightforward.
With Mutual of Omaha, you can easily change your policy by just talking to them or sending an email. Other companies might need you to fill out lots of paper forms, but not Mutual of Omaha!
Furthermore, Mutual of Omaha offers superior life insurance options for children requiring coverage.
AARP
AARP life insurance, which is provided by New York Life, usually offers a type of life insurance that ends when you turn 80.
It might be cheaper than other kinds of burial insurance that last your whole life. This is primarily because the coverage ceases upon reaching the 80th birthday milestone.
AARP’s final expense program also presents two distinct whole life insurance options for purchase.
One entails no waiting period for natural causes of death, while the other offers guaranteed acceptance, albeit with a two-year waiting period.
However, the challenge with their no waiting period for permanent life insurance is its higher cost compared to offerings from other providers.
It is coupled with stringent qualification criteria, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
For instance, a 65-year-old female seeking $25,000 in whole life burial insurance coverage would pay $97.72 monthly with Mutual of Omaha.
In comparison, AARP would charge $109.00 for the same coverage.
Face Amounts: $10,000 to $150,000 (except in Montana and New York, where it’s capped at $100,000).
Types:
- Level
- Graded
Payouts:
- Level – Immediate
- Graded – 2-year (Partial payout of 30%, increasing to 60% in certain states)
- Accelerated benefits (such as for terminal illness) will reduce the amount available to beneficiaries upon the policyholder’s death.
Pros
AARP’s advantages include its collaboration with New York Life, known for its strong financial stability, providing peace of mind for policyholders.
Moreover, AARP offers straightforward options for both term and permanent life insurance, eliminating the need for medical exams, which simplifies the application process.
Additionally, AARP provides accessible final expense insurance, addressing the specific needs of individuals looking to cover end-of-life expenses.
Cons
AARP’s benefits include policies with lower coverage limits, making them more affordable for many.
While their options are limited to term and whole life insurance, they offer straightforward choices that suit various needs.
It’s important to note that AARP membership is a requirement for accessing coverage, ensuring that policyholders are part of the AARP community.
Why We Chose It:
We picked AARP’s burial insurance for seniors because it’s a solid choice in a few key ways.
AARP works with New York Life, a company known for being financially strong. It means they can be trusted to pay out when needed.
Secondly, getting insurance through AARP is pretty straightforward.
You can choose between term or permanent life insurance without needing a medical exam. It is great for seniors who might have health issues.
Lastly, AARP’s burial insurance is designed to cover funeral costs and more, making it a smart option for seniors planning ahead.
Plus, you need to be an AARP member to get this insurance, which helps build a sense of community among policyholders.
Transamerica
Transamerica provides various options to address final needs, such as Easy Solution, Immediate Solution, and 10-Pay Solution products.
Covering ages from 0 to 85, Transamerica ensures comprehensive coverage options for individuals across all age groups and health statuses.
They offer graded terms to accommodate various health classes.
The 10-pay option offers a convenient payment plan, enabling policyholders to complete payments within ten years.
Any outstanding loan amounts taken into consideration, thus enhancing financial flexibility and peace of mind.
Face Amounts:
- $1,000 – $50,000
- $1,000 – $25,000 (Ages 76+)
Types:
- Level
- Graded
Payouts:
- Immediate Solution – Immediate
- Easy Solution – 2 Years (Returns premiums with a 10% bonus or offers a 30% payout, which increases to 60% in PA, NV, and AR).
- Accidental death pays in full.
Pros
No medical exam and instant coverage for applicants with health conditions.
Such as COPD, kidney disease, heart disease, and other ailments can secure immediate coverage without undergoing a medical examination.
Though they must still respond to health-related inquiries. This approach ensures accessibility for applicants with pre-existing conditions.
Transamerica allows policyholders to purchase a death benefit as low as $1,000. It’s a significantly lower minimum compared to most funeral insurance companies.
Which typically require minimums ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
This flexibility ensures that applicants can obtain coverage tailored to their specific needs and budgetary constraints.
Cons
The application process with Transamerica can be quite complex. It is characterized by an unusually lengthy form and limited flexibility for making changes after submission.
Also, contacting Transamerica via telephone can result in extended hold times, often exceeding those experienced with other insurance providers.
Why We Choose It:
Transamerica is a financially best burial insurance company that has been around for more than 100 years.
Their final expense insurance is usually one of the cheapest compared to other companies. Transamerica offers the least expensive burial insurance for older adults over 70.
They say yes to people who have health problems that most companies would say no to.
Also, they are one of the few companies that let you pay with a Direct Express Mastercard from Social Security.
Transamerica also has a good 10-pay option. With this plan, you pay for ten years, and then your policy is fully paid.
You don’t have to pay any more money, and your coverage stays in place forever.
Aetna (American Continental Insurance Company)
The ACI/CLI Final Expense policy from American Continental, an Aetna company, is set up as a graded product.
This easy-to-get policy doesn’t need you to meet any specific height or weight requirements, and you don’t have to take any medical exams.
Instead, you just need to fill out an application and do a tele-interview. If you answer “Yes” to any health questions, though, you won’t be able to get this policy.
Unfortunately, if you have serious health issues like lung, heart, or mobility problems, you won’t qualify for this policy. You might have to check out other options instead.
Also, keep in mind the amount of coverage you can get. And, where you can get it might be limited depending on the state you live in.
So, it’s important to check if you qualify for this policy based on where you live.
Face Amounts: $3,000 – $35,000
Types:
- Level
- Graded
- Modified
Payouts:
- Level – Immediate
- Graded – 2 years (40% payout, 70% payout)
- Modified – 2 Years (Return of Premium + 10% interest first two years)
Pros
You can apply for a new policy with Aetna up to the age of 89, making it accessible for seniors up to that age.
Aetna offers policies with no medical exams and very flexible underwriting criteria.
Even if you have chronic conditions like COPD or diabetes, you can still qualify for coverage without any waiting period.
If you have certain Aetna senior products, you could be eligible for around a 10% discount, providing some cost savings.
According to ValuePenguin, Aetna has mixed customer reviews, with some customers reporting dissatisfaction with the service and claims handling.
Aetna has an exceptional track record with virtually no complaints registered with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
This level of customer satisfaction is rare and impressive in the insurance industry.
Cons
Aetna doesn’t offer guaranteed issue life insurance, so you need to qualify for their coverage by answering health questions.
It means there’s a chance you could be denied coverage, as they don’t currently have any guaranteed issue options available.
Why We Choose It:
Unusually, Aetna allows individuals over 85 to get a new policy.
Their burial insurance for seniors offers competitive rates and accepts applicants with high-risk health conditions without a waiting period.
For instance, they don’t have any weight restrictions, so even if you’re significantly overweight, it won’t affect your eligibility.
Aetna has a spotless record with the NAIC, an A rating with AM Best, and a good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
You can easily apply for Aetna life insurance over the phone by speaking with a licensed Aetna agent. Often, you’ll find out if you’re approved or declined in under 15 minutes.
Royal Neighbors of America
Even though Royal Neighbors of America operates in only a select few states. Their Simplified Issue Whole Life and Graded Death Benefit Whole Life plans provide lifelong coverage.
With just a handful of straightforward health questions to answer. Even if you respond with a “Yes,” applicants aged 50 to 75 still have the option of the graded choice.
They don’t categorize applicants into preferred or sub-standard rates. Instead, they assess based on tobacco and non-tobacco ratings for each gender.
Face Amounts:
- Simplified Issue – $7,000 – $30,000
- Graded: $5,000 – $10,000
Types:
Simplified
Graded
Payouts:
- Simplified – Immediate
- Graded – 2 years (30% payout, 70% payout)
- Accidental death pays in full.
Pros
Royal Neighbors of America stands out as exceptionally welcoming to individuals with diabetes.
Regardless of whether you require insulin or are significantly overweight, there’s no weight limit. Additionally, the company has a notably low rate of application declines.
Most applicants are approved for coverage without a waiting period.
Also, Royal Neighbors of America is known for being accommodating to various medical conditions commonly seen in seniors.
Cons
Royal Neighbors of America tends to have higher prices for individuals in their 50s compared to other companies.
Its rates were similar to those charged by other insurers for individuals aged 60-65. If you’re under 60 and in good health, you may find better options elsewhere.
In addition, reaching Royal Neighbors of America via telephone can be frustrating. Callers often experience extremely long hold times, lasting between 15 to 30 minutes.
Why We Choose It:
Royal Neighbors offers competitive prices for applicants aged 60-80. And their lenient underwriting often results in immediate coverage approval for most applicants.
Even those with specific health issues, like diabetic neuropathy, might lead to denials or modified policies from other companies.
It can secure Royal Neighbors’ lowest rate and comprehensive coverage from the first payment onward.
Financially robust, Royal Neighbors has a commendable philanthropic history and provides all policyholders with free member benefits. It enhances the overall value of their coverage.
Picking the Best Final Expense Insurance for Seniors
Choosing the right insurance plan for final expenses is a personal decision. Whether you’re considering a standard or pre-need program, it’s helpful to think about what you need the plan to cover. Then, you can see which plan fits you best.
| Your Needs | Standard Plan | Pre-Need Plan |
| I want my beneficiary to get all the money from my plan. | ✔️ | |
| I want my family to be able to choose from different service providers for my final plans. | ✔️ | |
| I want to pay for my funeral in advance with a certain funeral home. | ✔️ | |
| I want to use my benefits for expenses other than just my funeral. | ✔️ | |
| I want my benefits to go straight to a funeral home, not to a family member or friend. | ✔️ | |
| I want to ensure that my policy remains in force even if I move to a different state. | ✔️ |
Affordable Burial Insurance Plans for Seniors
When it comes to burial insurance, affordability is a key consideration for seniors. It is essential to find a plan that offers financial security without breaking the bank.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to plan ahead for end-of-life expenses. Burial insurance provides a valuable solution.
It allows seniors to secure their final arrangements and protect their families from the financial burden of funeral costs, medical bills, and other related expenses.
“Affordable burial insurance plans can give seniors peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones will not be left with a hefty financial burden during an already difficult time.”
With the rising costs of funeral services and inflation, having an affordable burial insurance plan ensures that you won’t leave your family struggling to cover the expenses.
By selecting a plan that fits your budget, you can enjoy the comfort of knowing that your final wishes will be fulfilled without causing financial strain on your loved ones.
There are several insurance providers that offer affordable burial insurance plans tailored specifically for seniors.
These plans typically provide coverage for funeral expenses, cremation, burial plots, and other related costs.
Some options may even offer additional benefits, such as accidental death coverage or the ability to customize your plan to meet your unique needs.
Comparing Affordable Burial Insurance Plans
To help you make an informed decision, we have created a comparison table showcasing some of the top affordable burial insurance plans for seniors in 2024.
This table highlights key features, coverage options, and premium costs to assist you in finding the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
| Insurance Provider | Coverage Options | Premium Costs | Additional Benefits |
| Mutual of Omaha | Funeral expenses, burial plots, cremation, memorial services, medical bills | $50 to $100 per month | Cash value accumulation, guaranteed acceptance, accelerated death benefit rider. |
| AARP | Funeral expenses, burial plots, cremation, memorial services | $30 to $100 per month | No medical exam, fixed premiums, or cash value accumulation is required. |
| Transamerica | Funeral expenses, burial plots, cremation, memorial services | $30 to $100 per month | Accelerated death benefit rider, cash value accumulation, terminal illness benefit. |
| Aetna | Funeral expenses, burial plots, cremation, memorial services | $40 to $100 per month | No medical exam, fixed premiums, or cash value accumulation is required. |
| Royal Neighbors of America | Funeral expenses, burial plots, cremation, memorial services, and medical bills (focus on diabetes) | $30 to $100 per month | No medical exam required, accelerated death benefit rider, cash value accumulation. |
Please note that the premium costs can vary based on individual factors such as age, health, and coverage amount.
It’s always recommended to contact each insurance company directly for personalized quotes and detailed information on their burial insurance plans for seniors.
Or, you can talk to our insurance agent—they’ll check things out for you and suggest the options they think are right for you.
How Does Burial Insurance For Seniors Work?
Because burial insurance functions as a type of whole life insurance, it provides permanent coverage with fixed premiums.
It means that your monthly payments stay the same and the death benefit. It is the amount paid to your loved ones when you pass away doesn’t decrease over time.
Additionally, this type of insurance builds cash value over the years. Typically, burial insurance policies offer coverage amounts of $50,000 or less.
One of the standout features of burial insurance is its relaxed underwriting process.
Even if you have serious health issues, you can still qualify for a new policy, unlike traditional life insurance policies.
There are two main types of final expense insurance plans for seniors.
It’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each when deciding which plan is right for you:
Simplified issue
These plans are usually the most affordable option and can provide immediate peace of mind. This is because the full death benefit is available from day one, with no waiting period.
You won’t need to undergo a medical exam, but you will need to answer some health questions. Simplified issue policies are often called “no exam funeral insurance.”
Guaranteed issue
Often referred to as “guaranteed acceptance,” these plans don’t require you to answer any health questions, so approval is guaranteed.
However, they typically have higher premiums compared to simplified issue policies, and there’s always a 2-year waiting period for non-accidental deaths.
If you pass away during this waiting period, the insurance company will only refund your premiums plus a small amount of interest.
How Much Does Senior Burial Insurance Cost?
Funeral insurance for seniors typically runs between $50 and $100 each month for a $10,000 policy.
However, life insurance prices change depending on your health, age, gender, where you live, and how much coverage you want.
Here’s a chart from Choice Mutual showing a few examples of monthly costs:
| Age & Gender | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| Female age 40 | $12 | $21 | $47 |
| Female age 45 | $13 | $23 | $52 |
| Female age 50 | $14 | $24 | $55 |
| Female age 55 | $15 | $28 | $64 |
| Female age 60 | $18 | $33 | $76 |
| Female age 65 | $22 | $41 | $97 |
| Female age 70 | $28 | $53 | $127 |
| Female age 75 | $37 | $71 | $172 |
| Female age 80 | $50 | $98 | $241 |
| Female age 85 | $70 | $136 | $335 |
| Female age 89 | $131 | $260 | $651 |
| Male age 40 | $14 | $25 | $57 |
| Male age 45 | $15 | $27 | $63 |
| Male age 50 | $17 | $31 | $71 |
| Male age 55 | $20 | $36 | $84 |
| Male age 60 | $23 | $43 | $103 |
| Male age 65 | $29 | $54 | $130 |
| Male age 70 | $37 | $70 | $169 |
| Male age 75 | $50 | $97 | $238 |
| Male age 80 | $69 | $135 | $332 |
| Male age 85 | $91 | $178 | $440 |
| Male age 89 | $180 | $357 | $888 |
How to Apply for Burial Insurance as a Senior
When shopping for any product, it’s essential to compare offers from different companies before making a decision. It holds true for finding an affordable final expense policy for seniors.
Applying for burial insurance can sometimes be confusing, especially for seniors.
However, with the right information and guidance, the application process can be straightforward and hassle-free.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for burial insurance as a senior:
Gather Important Information
Before starting the application process, gather the necessary information and documents. It may include personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and contact information.
You may also need to provide your social security number, information about your health, and any pre-existing conditions you may have.
Research Burial Insurance Providers
Do some research and compare different burial insurance providers to find the one that best suits your needs.
Look for companies that specialize in burial insurance for seniors and have a good reputation.
Websites like us let you compare free quotes from multiple insurance providers, giving you a good idea of what coverage might cost you.
Contact The Chosen Insurance Provider
Once you have identified a burial insurance provider, contact them to initiate the application process.
Ultimately, if you’re after a life insurance policy with no waiting period and the lowest price possible, it’s best to talk to our agent.
Provide them with your basic information and let them know that you are interested in applying for burial insurance as a senior.
Consult with An Agent
In some cases, it may be beneficial to consult with an insurance agent who specializes in burial insurance for seniors.
You can typically reach out through our website, customer service hotline, or by clicking here for consultation.
Agents can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific needs and help you navigate the application process.
They can also help you understand the policy terms and conditions in detail, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Complete The Application Form
Once you have made initial contact with the burial insurance provider, they will guide you through the application form.
Fill out the form accurately and provide all the requested information.
Be thorough in disclosing any pre-existing health conditions, as this may impact the coverage or premiums.
Submit Required Documents
Along with the application form, you may be required to submit certain documents.
These can include identification documents, medical records, or any other paperwork requested by the insurance provider.
Make sure to gather and submit all the required documents promptly to avoid delays in the application process.
Review the Policy Terms
Once your application is submitted, the insurance provider will review it and assess your eligibility.
They will then provide you with the details of the burial insurance policy, including the coverage amount, premium, and any additional terms and conditions.
Take the time to carefully review the policy terms and clarify any doubts or concerns with the insurance provider before making a final decision.
With this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the burial insurance application process as a senior with confidence and ease.
Overall, an honest independent agent is your best bet for finding the best life insurance for seniors.
Planning for Funeral Insurance
Including funeral insurance in your end-of-life planning is essential for every senior. Funeral arrangements can be costly and may impose a significant financial burden on your loved ones.
No one should have to endure such strain while grieving the loss of a beloved family member or friend.
To alleviate this burden for your loved ones, consider adding funeral insurance planning to your to-do list alongside other end-of-life preparations, such as:
- Creating or updating your will
- Updating or adding beneficiaries to your financial accounts
- Transferring ownership of property or assets, such as a home or vehicle
- Updating or creating legal documents like power of attorney (POA), medical directives, and trust documents
If you are a parent, you can also explore options for purchasing life insurance.
Coverage Options for Elderly Parents
In brief, you have the option to purchase funeral expense insurance for your parents or grandparents.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Consent
Your parents or grandparents must agree to the policy being issued. You can’t buy life insurance for a parent without their knowledge and consent.
Even if you have power of attorney, they still need to answer questions and give consent.
You can consider other options, like putting money into a savings account or purchasing a prepaid burial from a funeral home if they choose not to participate.
- Health Questions
If you want immediate coverage for your parents or grandparents, they’ll need to answer health questions.
Before speaking with an agent, gather details about their past and current health issues.
With this information, your agent can determine which company, if any, will approve them for an immediate coverage plan.
- Initial Contact
You don’t need your parents or grandparents on the phone when you first speak with an agent.
For instance, at our agency, we can provide you with life insurance quotes, answer your questions, and walk you through the application process.
Once you’re ready to formally apply, we’ll coordinate a time to connect with both you and your parents or grandparents.
Final Thought
Getting burial insurance is an important step for seniors who want to make sure their loved ones aren’t left with big bills for final expenses.
Checking out the best burial insurance companies for seniors in 2024 will give you a good idea of what they offer, what their customers say, and how financially stable they are.
This research will help you find a company you can trust to take care of your legacy. Understanding the factors above things will help you pick the right burial insurance plan for you.
And don’t forget, talking to our agent can help you navigate all these steps and find the perfect plan for you.
FAQs: Burial Insurance for Seniors
What is burial insurance?
Burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance, covers the costs associated with a person’s funeral, burial, and other end-of-life expenses.
It is a type of insurance policy specifically designed for this purpose.
It provides financial protection for seniors, ensuring that their loved ones are not burdened with the financial responsibilities of their final arrangements.
How do you get funeral insurance for seniors with no waiting period?
If you want a policy with no waiting period, you need to answer some health questions at least.
You won’t have to go through a medical exam, but you’ll still need to fill out a health questionnaire.
Why do seniors need burial insurance?
Seniors need burial insurance to alleviate the financial burden on their loved ones when they pass away.
Funeral expenses can be costly, and without proper coverage, the responsibility may fall on family members.
Burial insurance ensures that seniors can plan ahead and secure their legacy while protecting their loved ones from financial stress.
What is the most affordable burial plan?
Direct cremation stands out as one of the least expensive choices for laying your loved one to rest.
Additionally, it provides families with more flexibility in creating personalized memorials. Losing a loved one is always challenging.
Additional Resources
- Final Expense Insurance
- Burial Insurance Works
- Burial Insurance w/ No Waiting Period
- End of Life Planning
- Burial Insurance w/ Pre-Existing Conditions
