How Much is Final Expense Life Insurance?

Final expense life insurance is one of the cheapest policies you can buy. The cost is very reasonable, and most people can afford at least a small benefit amount to cover the basic final expenses.

Unfortunately, death will come for all of us, but the cost of dying isn't cheap or even affordable for the majority of people.

According to statistics from the NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association), families can expect to pay an average of $7640 for a funeral.

Though the figure may not include other expenses like the cost of a casket, the headstone, closing of the ground, etc., all of which can add up to a few thousand dollars.

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One way that people see as a way out of having to spend what for many is an astronomical amount is to opt for cremation. However, in practice, that does not save much, according to the latest NFDA figure. The figures show that cremations worked out to around $5000 on average regardless of what funeral home you choose.

Suffice to say, a person's death expenses are unavoidable, which is why having a final expense life insurance policy is so important. This type of life insurance coverage can be perfect for someone who wants to make sure that their expenses after death are covered.

What Is Final Expense Life Insurance?

It is a life insurance with a death benefit. The policy tends to be comparatively easier to approve for a life insurance company. It is also referred to as "funeral insurance," "modified whole life insurance," "simplified issue whole life insurance," or "burial insurance." Usually, these insurance policies have a face value of anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000 and premiums are fairly affordable.

Interestingly, a regular life insurance isn't much different from final expense life insurance, except for life insurance companies selling a smaller policy to make prices more affordable.

The death benefit is meant to cover funeral expenses or memorial service expenses.

It can include embalming, cremation, and buying a casket. That said, the beneficiaries of the death benefit have the option to use the money they get for any purpose, which includes maybe taking a vacation or paying their property taxes.

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How Do Final Expense Life Policies or Burial Insurance Work?

It is easiest to understand how final expense life insurance works with an example. Let's say that you are retired, and may no longer have life insurance via your employer, or an individual life insurance policy to cover your final expenses.

You also may not have any substantial savings that can be used by your loved ones to pay for your funeral and burial expenses.

In this case, you'll need some kind of guaranteed issue life insurance policy to alleviate any financial burden on your spouse and/or children.

While the thought of a an insurance payout to your loved ones leaves your mind at ease, you have to make sure you can afford the monthly premiums. Fortunately, there are quite a few different insurers that offer these final expense policies, some of which have small enough prices for you to afford.

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Average cost of final expense life insurance for women over 60:

Average final expense insurance prices as off 10/30/2024 - these are only estimates.

Average cost of final expense life insurance for men over 60:

Typical insurance rates as off 10/30/2024 - these are estimates, thus your own pricing will be different.

When is Final Expense Insurance the Right Choice?

Final expense life insurance is a policy structured to assist those who aren't able to get a whole life insurance. The policy is built to mainly absorb any risk that's associated with having a serious medical condition. That means all seniors, many of whom may have poor health, can secure a final expense insurance policy.

Many insurance companies will issue a final expense policy to people up to the age of 85. That said, depending on the insurer and the way that policy is designed, the minimum age may have to be at least 45, with a max-age of 85 at the time of applying. Also, the biggest death benefit or coverage amount you choose may be significantly smaller as you age. So, older people may get reduced death benefits depending on how much older they are. Some policies may go up to $50,000 for people under 55 years of age, but just $25,000 for those who are 76 years of age. Then there are also insurers that offer the maximum death benefit regardless of at what age it is applied for, which may work for many older people who aren't eligible for other policies.

The other upside, if you may, with final expense insurance is that there is no need for a medical exam or allowing the company to access your medical records. But you will have to answer a few questions relating to your health. Again, because of those health questions, everyone isn't going to qualify for a policy with coverage that starts that very same day.

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Guaranteed Issue Final Expense Insurance

Anyone who didn't qualify for a term life insurance policy can apply for what's called "guaranteed issue" life insurance policy. Applicants that have serious health issues may qualify for a policy that may not require a medical exam, showing medical records, or answering questions. The insurance is guaranteed, but they might have a 2-3 year waiting period associated with them before the benefits can be paid.

Now, if the insured party dies during the so-called waiting period, the beneficiaries don't get the policy's death benefit. They will, in most cases, receive a return for all the premiums that the deceased might have paid, plus a small interest amount.

A very popular type of guaranteed issue life insurance policy is the Colonial Penn $9.95 Plan. You probably have see one of their commercials or ads, but it actually isn't that good of a deal.

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Conclusion - Is Final Expense Life Insurance Worth it?

Yes, it is worth it especially if you don't have a nest egg or whole life policy. Having a less than ideal answer for a health question does not automatically mean that all insurance companies may reject your application. Some may still offer you immediate coverage but with slightly higher premiums, a guaranteed issue policy, or a graded benefit policy. The key is to shop around till you find something that works best for you. You can also find an agent who is willing to do the leg work for you.