You don't have to break the bank to get final expense insurance. In fact, there are several affordable options available, depending on your age and health status. For example, if you're under 50, you can expect to pay around $20-$30 per month for a basic policy.
One way to save money is to shop around and compare rates from different insurance companies. According to our research, some of the cheapest final expense insurance options come from companies like AARP and Mutual of Omaha, which offer plans for around $15-$25 per month.
However, it's essential to consider other factors beyond just the price tag. Your health status, for instance, can significantly impact your premiums. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you may want to consider a policy that offers more comprehensive coverage.
Ultimately, the cheapest final expense insurance option will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. By doing your research and comparing rates, you can find a plan that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need.
What Is Final Expense Insurance
Final expense insurance is a form of permanent life insurance that's designed to cover end-of-life expenses. This type of insurance typically comes with a lower coverage amount, which can be a cost-effective way to protect your family during a difficult time.
The coverage amount is generally smaller because it's meant to cover specific expenses, such as burial costs. This allows you to lessen the financial burden on your loved ones.
What Is Life
Life is precious, and we all want to make sure our loved ones are taken care of after we're gone. Final expense insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that's designed to cover end-of-life expenses, often referred to as burial insurance.
It's typically available for people between the ages of 50 and 80, making it a popular choice for older adults who want to ensure their final expenses are covered without placing a financial burden on their loved ones. This type of insurance is a cost-effective way to minimally protect your family during a difficult time.
There are generally two main types of final expense insurance: guaranteed issue and simplified issue. Guaranteed issue policies don't require a medical exam or any health questions, but usually come with a graded death benefit period.
Simplified issue policies, on the other hand, offer slightly higher coverage amounts and don't have a graded death benefit, meaning full coverage typically kicks in immediately upon approval. Some simplified issue policies may offer higher coverage amounts, with some up to $100,000.
Here are the key differences between guaranteed issue and simplified issue final expense insurance:
- Guaranteed issue: No medical exam or health questions required, but may have a graded death benefit period.
- Simplified issue: Requires answering a few health questions, but no medical exam required, and full coverage typically kicks in immediately.
Most final expense policies come with fixed premiums, though it's essential to review individual policy terms, as rates are not always guaranteed across all plans.
What Is
Final expense insurance is a type of life insurance that helps cover funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs.
It's designed for individuals who are 50 or older, typically on a fixed income, and may not have other sources of funds to cover these expenses.
The cost of a funeral can range from $7,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the location and type of service.
Most people don't have savings set aside for funeral expenses, which is why final expense insurance can be a valuable resource.
The policy typically pays out a lump sum benefit to the beneficiary to help cover the costs of the funeral, medical bills, and other expenses.
Cost
The cost of final expense insurance can vary greatly depending on several factors, including your age, gender, overall health, and coverage amount.
The cost of final expense insurance is generally affordable, with premiums usually coming in under $100 a month for a typical coverage amount of $25,000. However, individual quotes can vary significantly based on your specific situation.
According to Choice Mutual's quote calculator, the average monthly final expense insurance premiums for a 40-year-old male are $25 for $10,000 in coverage and $57 for $25,000 in coverage. For a 60-year-old male, the premiums are $43 for $10,000 in coverage and $103 for $25,000 in coverage.
Men tend to live shorter lives than women, with an average life expectancy of 76.2 years compared to 81.1 years for women, as reported by Statista. This can affect the cost of final expense insurance, with men typically paying more for coverage.
Some insurance companies, like Fidelity Life, offer quotes for a 60-year-old male in good health, with the RAPIDecision Final Expense policy starting at $55.04 per month for up to $10,000 in coverage and the RAPIDecision Life policy starting at $34.41 per month for up to $50,000 in coverage.
However, not all final expense policies offer fixed rates, with some companies like Globe Life increasing premiums over time. It's essential to read the fine print carefully and understand the terms of your policy to avoid any surprises later on.
Here is a comparison of the costs for a guaranteed issue final expense insurance policy, a simplified issue final expense insurance policy, and a term life policy for a 68-year-old man, as shown in the example from Choice Mutual:
Mutual of Omaha often offers the lowest premiums for final expense insurance, but it's essential to compare prices and financial strength across multiple companies to find the best life insurance policy for your needs.
Policy Details
Final expense policies don't require a medical exam, and many don't even ask health questions, making the process relatively simple.
You can apply for coverage in as little as five minutes and receive instant approval, with some companies offering coverage on the spot.
The typical coverage amount for final expense policies is $25,000, and premiums usually come in under $100 a month.
Here are some examples of quotes for a 60-year-old male in good health:
Keep in mind that individual quotes can vary significantly based on your specific situation, including your age, gender, overall health, and policy type selected.
Policy Expiration
A final expense life insurance policy is a type of permanent life insurance policy, so it's covered until you pass away as long as you've paid all your premiums.
You can count on this coverage remaining in place, without worrying about it expiring or running out.
Coverage Amount
The coverage amount is a crucial factor in determining the cost of a final expense policy. It's often low, typically around $25,000, which keeps premiums affordable, usually under $100 a month.
The more coverage you buy, the higher the price. For example, a $25,000 whole life burial policy will cost about five times a $5,000 policy.
Your individual quotes can vary significantly based on your age, gender, overall health, and policy type selected. For instance, a 60-year-old male in good health may receive quotes like these:
Keep in mind that these quotes are for coverage ranges, not specific coverage amounts. It's essential to understand the terms of your policy to avoid any surprises later on.
Standard Coverage
Standard Coverage is a type of policy that provides funds to the beneficiary, which can be used to cover various expenses related to the deceased's final arrangements.
The beneficiary can use these funds to pay for expenses such as a memorial service, wake, funeral, burial or cremation, casket or urn, and headstone.
One of the benefits of Standard Coverage is that it's easier to get than most life insurance plans, especially for seniors in poor health.
However, it's worth noting that the benefits of Standard Coverage are typically lower than most life insurance plans.
The funds can be used by the beneficiary for expenses other than funeral costs, such as legal bills, hospital bills, or outstanding balances on a home, car, or personal loan.
Here are some of the key pros and cons of Standard Coverage:
Alternatives and Options
If you're looking for alternatives to final expense insurance, there are several options to consider. Term life insurance policies often provide larger death benefits at relatively affordable rates, but keep in mind that you'll need to reapply for coverage when the term expires.
Whole or universal life insurance policies offer lifelong protection and a cash value component that grows over time, but they're typically more expensive than term or final expense insurance. You may also consider setting aside funds in a savings account or certificate of deposit for funeral expenses, but ensure your heirs can access the account quickly.
If you're considering pre-need coverage, you can work directly with a funeral home to pre-pay for your funeral, but be aware of the risk of the funeral home going out of business or unforeseen changes in your circumstances.
Here are some key differences between standard and pre-need final expense insurance plans to consider:
Coverage Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives to final expense coverage, you have options. One alternative is universal life insurance (UL), which remains in place for your whole life, as long as you pay your premiums.
You can also consider converting a term life insurance policy to a permanent policy during your lifetime. This provides options for additional family coverage when you need it and a smaller coverage amount when you're older.
Term life insurance policies with conversion options are a better value than final expense insurance, despite having higher premiums. However, they can be harder to qualify for, especially if you have major health problems.
It's essential to be aware of potential downsides, such as paying more in premiums than the death benefit, or qualifying for better coverage if you don't have health issues. Additionally, be cautious of insurers using scare tactics to sell you a more restrictive and expensive policy.
Here's a comparison of the two alternatives:
Senior Program Options
Senior Program Options offer flexibility and customization to meet individual needs. There are two main types of programs: standard and pre-need.
A standard plan allows your beneficiary to use the funds for expenses other than your funeral, and they can work with any service provider they wish. This plan also ensures that your loved ones receive all of the funds in your plan.
Pre-need plans, on the other hand, allow you to prepay for your funeral with a specific funeral home. This plan ensures that your funeral arrangements are carried out according to your wishes.
The cost of burial insurance varies based on age, sex, coverage amount, and overall health. You can expect to pay anywhere from $18 to $286 per month, depending on the insurance company and your individual circumstances.
Here are the key differences between standard and pre-need plans:
It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each plan to determine which one is best for you. Standard plans offer flexibility, but may not ensure that your funeral arrangements are carried out according to your wishes. Pre-need plans, on the other hand, provide peace of mind, but may limit your beneficiary's options.
No-Waiting Period Health Plan
If you're looking for a burial insurance plan with no waiting period, you'll typically need to be in good health. Most companies break down their products into one to three health classifications, each with a different price structure.
The best health rating will cost the least, with the middle-tier rating being more expensive and the last one being the costliest. You'll generally need to be in moderate to good health to qualify for the lowest cost, "Level" or "Preferred" rating.
These plans will have the lowest possible cost and no waiting period. Typically, you'll need to be in moderate to good health to qualify for these ratings. For example, Mutual of Omaha's Living Promise final expense policy has a "Level" rating with coverage amounts available up to $50,000.
Graded or Standard plans will always cost more than a Level or Preferred rating. They typically have partial coverage during the first two years, but some companies use "Graded" to describe a policy with a full two-year waiting period. Every company uses these words differently, so it's essential to check the specific policy details.
Here's a breakdown of the common health ratings and their characteristics:
Keep in mind that your health will dictate your eligibility for how much coverage you can buy.
Payment and Discounts
You can expect some flexibility when it comes to premium payments with final expense insurance. Most policies offer monthly bank draft, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually payment schedules.
Missing a payment can lead to a lapse in coverage, but insurers typically include a 30-day grace period to make up for a missed payment.
You can choose a payment plan that fits your financial situation best, but be sure to review the specific terms of your policy to understand how long your grace period is.
Most providers allow you to pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, but if you want a policy without a waiting period and want to pay monthly, an automatic bank draft is your only option.
You can pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually and get a minor discount with most insurance companies.
Company Cost of Living Determination
Your price for final expense insurance won't be the same as someone else's, unless they're nearly identical to you.
Insurance companies consider a few variables to determine the cost of final expense life insurance.
Flexible Payment Options
You can choose from a variety of payment schedules with final expense insurance, including monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually.
Most providers allow you to pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, giving you the flexibility to choose a plan that fits your financial situation best.
Be aware that missing a payment could lead to a lapse in your coverage, but insurers typically include a 30-day grace period to make up for a missed payment.
If you want immediate coverage and want to pay monthly, an automatic bank draft is your only option, and the payment must come from a checking or savings account on a day you choose using a routing and account number.
You can pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually and get a minor discount with most insurance companies.
Mutual of Omaha often offers the lowest premiums for final expense insurance, but it's essential to compare prices and financial strength among companies to find the best policy for your needs.
Senior and Age-Specific Information
Insurance rates for seniors vary based on age, sex, and desired coverage amount. The average cost of burial insurance over 60 and under 65 ranges between $18 to $88.
Women are generally cheaper to insure than men, with an average difference of $5-$10 per month. The average cost for senior women ranges from $18 to $77, while the cost for senior men ranges from $23 to $88.
Here's a breakdown of the average cost for senior women and men:
Keep in mind that these are general estimates and can vary depending on the insurance company and individual circumstances. It's essential to get a customized quote from multiple providers to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the average final expense policy?
The average final expense policy in California costs between $1,400 and $4,300, excluding casket, cemetery plot, and grave marker expenses. This estimate may vary based on individual choices of products and services.
Are final expense policies worth it?
Final expense policies can provide peace of mind and financial support to loved ones during a difficult time, helping to cover final costs and expenses. Consider investing in a final expense policy to ensure your family's financial well-being after you're gone.
How much does a burial insurance policy cost?
Burial insurance costs typically range from $50 to $100 monthly, depending on your age, health, and coverage amount. Get a personalized quote to see how much you'll pay for the coverage you need.
What is the best company to get burial insurance?
For burial insurance, State Farm is often recommended for customer satisfaction, while Ethos Life Insurance offers immediate coverage.
Which type of insurance would most often pay for funeral expenses?
Burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance, typically covers funeral expenses. This type of whole life insurance policy helps alleviate costs for loved ones after a person's passing.
Sources
- https://www.lgamerica.com/life-insurance/types/final-expense
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/life-insurance/final-expense/
- https://choicemutual.com/blog/burial-insurance-costs-age/
- https://www.lhlic.com/consumer-resources/burial-insurance-for-seniors/
- https://www.financialsamurai.com/final-expense-insurance/
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