
Funeral Advantage Insurance is a type of life insurance that provides a tax-free death benefit to pay for funeral expenses. This insurance is designed to alleviate the financial burden on loved ones during a difficult time.
The policy's death benefit can be used to cover funeral costs, including cremation, burial, and memorial services. Funeral Advantage Insurance policies can also be used to pay for other final expenses, such as outstanding medical bills and debts.
By purchasing Funeral Advantage Insurance, individuals can ensure that their funeral costs are covered, and their loved ones won't have to worry about taking on debt to pay for the funeral. This peace of mind can be a significant benefit for those who purchase the policy.
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What Is
Funeral Advantage insurance is a program that assists seniors with funeral and burial expenses, providing coverage up to $20,000. It's also known as final expense insurance.
The Funeral Advantage program is offered by Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company, which is the top final expense program in the United States.
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This program is designed to help families with inflated funeral and cremation costs, providing a cash benefit to cover these expenses.
The application process for Funeral Advantage is simple and usually doesn't require a medical exam. You'll be asked some health-related questions, and based on your responses, you may qualify for immediate coverage or be put on a waiting list.
Components and Features
The Funeral Advantage insurance program offers a unique set of components and features that make it an attractive option for those looking to plan ahead.
The program has two key components that work together to provide comprehensive support. The first is a Final Expense Life Insurance Cash Benefit that offers easy qualification and a streamlined application process.
This benefit provides a financial safety net for those who are struggling with end-of-life expenses. With easy qualification and a streamlined application process, you can get the coverage you need without unnecessary hassle.
The second component is the Family Support Services provided at no additional cost to every policyholder through the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS).
Benefits and Planning

The Funeral Advantage policy from Lincoln Heritage helps guide families through the funeral process with the help of the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS).
Lincoln Heritage will send you a funeral planning form when you sign up for a Funeral Advantage policy.
The FCGS will contact various funeral homes to compare prices and inform them of your funeral preferences, if you filled out the form.
This ensures that your wishes are respected and your loved ones don't have to make difficult decisions during a difficult time.
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Does It Pay Claims Within 24 Hours?
If you're considering a Lincoln Heritage burial insurance policy, you might be wondering if it pays claims within 24 hours. The truth is, it doesn't guarantee payment within 24 hours, even if it's advertised as such.
Only approved claims have the potential to be paid within 24 hours, but there's no contractual guarantee that this will happen.
If you die within the first 24 months, you can expect the claim process to take many weeks or months to conclude. This is because the insurer will review your medical records to ensure you truthfully answered all health questions when you applied.

The claim process after 24 months is faster, but it's still unclear how long it will take to pay out. Lincoln Heritage won't define the timeframe in their contract.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Death within the first 24 months: Expect a claim process that takes many weeks or months.
- Death after the first 24 months: The claim process could take less than a week or more, depending on how long it takes for a death certificate to be issued.
Plan
The Funeral Advantage plan is a whole life final expense insurance policy from Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company that pays a tax-free cash benefit to your loved ones to cover funeral expenses.
It's available up to $35,000 in all states except for New York and Washington.
You'll receive a tax-free cash benefit that can be used to cover funeral expenses, giving your loved ones peace of mind during a difficult time.
The Funeral Advantage plan is designed to help your family cover the costs of a funeral, which can be a significant financial burden.
This plan is a whole life policy, meaning it covers you for your entire lifetime, not just a specific term.
It's a final expense insurance policy, which means it's designed specifically to help cover funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs.
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Insurance Options

Lincoln Heritage only sells whole life insurance, a type of permanent coverage that lasts your entire life.
If you're considering their funeral advantage insurance, keep in mind that this type of insurance is a permanent coverage, so you'll be paying premiums for as long as you live.
First Service Final Expense Insurance
First Service Final Expense Insurance is a type of life insurance policy that offers a cash benefit with easy qualification.
It's known as funeral insurance, created to take care of a policy holder's family and financial responsibilities after they pass away.
No routine health or medical examinations are required, only a few health questions to get the insurance plan.
Most people get coverage, even with health issues.
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Term vs Permanent Life Insurance
Lincoln Heritage only sells whole life insurance, a type of permanent coverage that lasts your entire life. They do not offer term or universal life insurance.
There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent. Some insurance companies, like Lincoln Heritage, specialize in one or the other.
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Lincoln Heritage's focus on whole life insurance is a deliberate choice, as it provides a guaranteed death benefit and a savings component that can be borrowed against.
Term life insurance, on the other hand, is designed to provide coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10 or 20 years.
Financial Strength, Availability, History
Lincoln Heritage is a family-owned final expense insurance provider. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Their financial strength is supported by an A- rating from AM Best, indicating excellent financials. This suggests that Lincoln Heritage has a solid foundation to back up their insurance policies.
Lincoln Heritage is a legitimately licensed insurance company based in Phoenix, AZ. They are also accredited by the BBB, which adds credibility to their business practices.
Here are some key ratings and reviews that indicate customer satisfaction with Lincoln Heritage:
Lincoln Heritage does not offer guaranteed acceptance life insurance, and you must answer health questions to qualify for their Funeral Advantage final expense policy.
Is Life Insurance Company Legitimate?

Life insurance companies are regulated by state insurance departments, which means they must meet certain standards to remain licensed.
Funeral Advantage insurance companies are often licensed as life insurance companies, but they have a unique set of rules that govern their operations.
In the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides a list of licensed life insurance companies, which can be a good starting point for researching a company's legitimacy.
Funeral Advantage insurance companies often have a separate license from their life insurance counterpart, so it's essential to check both licenses when researching a company.
Some Funeral Advantage insurance companies have been known to have poor financial ratings, which can be a red flag for consumers.
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Cost and Restrictions
Funeral Advantage insurance can be a cost-effective way to cover funeral expenses, but it's essential to understand the costs and restrictions involved.
The cost of Funeral Advantage varies by insurance company, with some offering more affordable premiums than others. For example, American Amicable offers a premium of $44.88 for a 50-year-old male, while Gerber Life charges $65.68 for the same age and gender.
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Comparing quotes from multiple life insurance companies is the quickest and most efficient way to find the cheapest burial and final expense life insurance rates. This helps you get a better idea of what to expect to pay for life insurance and find lower rates.
Some factors can disqualify you from the Funeral Advantage program, such as an HIV diagnosis, AIDS diagnosis, terminal illness, going to jail, hospitalization, or needing hospice care.
Cost
The cost of Funeral Advantage is a crucial factor to consider when deciding if it's the right choice for you.
Lincoln Heritage promotes affordable Funeral Advantage premiums, especially for those who qualify for immediate coverage and are middle-aged or healthy.
The cheapest burial and final expense life insurance rates can be found by comparing quotes from multiple life insurance companies.
AIG has the highest premium for a 50-year-old male at $76.89, while American Amicable has the lowest at $44.88.

Funeral Advantage rates are determined by age, gender, tobacco usage, health, and coverage amount.
For example, a female age 40 can get a $10,000 policy for $25.80 per month, while a male age 40 would pay $31.10 per month for the same coverage.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly rates for a $10,000 policy:
The minimum coverage amount required by Lincoln Heritage is $10,000, and the minimum monthly premium is $15.
Restrictions
Restrictions can be a bit of a hurdle for those who want to take advantage of the Funeral Advantage program.
If you've been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, you may be disqualified from the program.
Terminal illnesses can also make you ineligible for Funeral Advantage.
Going to jail or being hospitalized can also put a temporary halt on your eligibility.
If you're receiving hospice care, you won't be able to participate in the program either.
Here are some specific situations that could disqualify you from the Funeral Advantage Program:
- HIV diagnosis
- AIDS diagnosis
- Terminal illness
- Going to jail
- Hospitalization
- Needing hospice care
Pros and Cons

Funeral advantage insurance can provide financial relief to your loved ones after you're gone. Family support services are often included with these policies, offering free emotional support and help with funeral planning.
Some funeral advantage insurance policies offer quick payouts, with claims being paid within 24 hours of filing. This can be a huge relief to your family during a difficult time.
However, it's essential to weigh the pros against the cons. Lincoln Heritage, for example, has three significant problems: they're unnecessarily expensive, underwriting is not favorable for seniors, and their agents are often captive and can't offer other insurance companies.
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Should You Buy Final Expense Insurance?
If you're considering buying final expense insurance, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. While it's a necessary expense for many people, not all final expense insurance policies are created equal.
Lincoln Heritage, one of the most well-known final expense insurance providers, has three significant drawbacks. Their policies are often unnecessarily expensive, with prices 20-25% higher than other companies, even for those in excellent health.
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If you're not in top shape, be prepared to pay even more – up to 300% more than other companies charge. This is a significant consideration, especially if you're on a fixed income or have limited financial resources.
Underwriting at Lincoln Heritage is also not favorable for seniors. Many people with health issues are offered a modified plan, which comes with a 2-3 year waiting period and costs significantly more.
It's worth noting that most Lincoln Heritage agents are captive, meaning they can only represent Lincoln Heritage and not other insurance companies. This can be a problem if you don't like what they're offering, as you may not have access to better deals from other providers.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Lincoln Heritage policies are often 20-25% more expensive than other companies.
- Prices can be up to 300% higher for those with health issues.
- Modified plans come with a 2-3 year waiting period and higher costs.
- Most Lincoln Heritage agents are captive and can't represent other insurers.
Pros
Family support services are included with all policies to help with emotional support and funeral planning, which can be a huge relief for those dealing with a loss.
No medical exam is required to get coverage, which means you don't have to worry about taking time off work or dealing with a lengthy health questionnaire.
Claims are paid within 24 hours of filing, so you can get the support you need quickly.
The application process is relatively easy, with a one-page application process for some policies.
Most people can get coverage, even with health issues, as long as they answer a few health questions.
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Cons

The Funeral Advantage program has its downsides, and it's essential to consider them before making a decision.
One significant con is the lack of online quotes, which means you'll need to fill out an application and speak with an agent to get a rate quote.
Low coverage limits are another drawback, with the program only providing up to $20,000 in coverage.
This limited coverage may not be sufficient for everyone's needs, especially those with larger families or more extensive funeral expenses.
The Bottom Line
Funeral Advantage insurance is an excellent investment for those who need it, protecting loved ones from end-of-life costs.
It's an affordable version of a permanent life insurance policy with a cash value aspect, allowing policyholders to pull from it as needed.
Premiums are fixed for the entirety of the policyholder's life, and their family receives a guaranteed death benefit to help with funeral costs.
Comparing multiple life insurance companies and policies is crucial to ensure you're getting the best out of your Funeral Advantage policy.
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Lincoln Heritage's Funeral Advantage plan stands out for its comprehensive coverage, including traditional final expense insurance and free Family Support Services for funeral planning and logistics.
Anyone looking for final expense insurance who doesn't need a high amount of coverage should consider Funeral Advantage, given the company's excellent financial strength and good customer satisfaction ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Funeral Advantage a legitimate company?
Yes, Funeral Advantage is a legitimate company, underwritten by Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company, a reputable insurance provider with over 55 years of experience. They offer a final expense program to help families cover funeral and cremation costs.
How much is a $10,000 burial policy?
A $10,000 burial policy typically costs between $50-$100 per month. Learn more about final expense insurance options and pricing.
Sources
- https://familyprotectinsurance.com/our-plan-2/
- https://choicemutual.com/blog/lincoln-heritage-burial-insurance-review/
- https://www.topquotelifeinsurance.com/updates/life-insurance-101-what-is-funeral-advantage/
- https://www.reviews.com/insurance/life/lincoln-heritage-review/
- https://iplanmyfuneral.com/funeral-advantage-insurance/
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