Best Burial Insurance Companies of 2024 Complete Reviews
last updated on January 2, 2024
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |✅Fact Checked byLisamarie Monaco |Editorial Disclosure
For the past three decades, funeral insurance has been a hot topic of discussion. It’s no surprise given that it is one of the most expensive parts of dying. But what do you know about burial insurance?
The average cost for an adult burial in America is $7,191 according to National Funeral Directors Association and we all know that funerals can go into six figures and beyond.
So how much does your current life insurance policy cover? If not enough, keep reading because there are two companies coming up that have some excellent rates!
What is Burial Insurance or Burial Expense Insurance
My name is Lisamarie. I am a State Licensed Field Underwriter. I have several goals in this article.
First, explain what burial insurance policies are. Second, who they are meant for. Third, who the top carriers are in the final expense. In 2019 so much has changed in the art of life insurance and final expense or as most often referred to, burial insurance.
Not a fun topic at all. However, the last thing you want to think about is the first thing you should really take care of.
Above all, you want to try and lock in a burial policy before the age of 75 and over.
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Who Needs Burial Insurance
We must prepare for the unexpected. This is what life insurance, in general, is for. It isn’t for us, it is for the loved ones we leave behind. With burial insurance, it is the same concept.
However, in many cases, it is an add-on policy. Many of our clients have life insurance whether it be a term or whole life.
There are also many clients who just never put any type of life insurance in place and are now in their golden years and want to provide their family with some financial cushion to help with burial expenses.
With burial insurance, your face amount can start from $2,000- $40,000 depending on the carrier and their guidelines. The last thing you want to leave your family is a financial burden.
A burial insurance policy will help with funeral costs, cremation, medical bills, outstanding debts, or even legal fees. We always tell our clients, something is better than nothing. Even if you took out a $5,000 policy. This will most certainly give your family peace of mind in such a difficult time.
Many times when there is a death of a spouse, we receive calls from the widow/widower asking for burial insurance information.
They, unfortunately, realize the importance of having a policy in place after they have made funeral plans for their beloved spouse. Taking care of those financial matters and feeling overwhelmed with choosing funeral homes, a funeral director, etc.
You know you do not want your family or children to have that financial burden when you pass.
Why Do People Pre-Plan Their Funerals
No one ever likes to talk about death. However, it is best to take care of these arrangements ahead of time.
It gives your family member/members a financial plan. If you have ever had to make funeral arrangements, you know how overwhelming it can be.
Here is an idea of how to make this process simple. Besides your funeral services, many financial decisions need to be made.
A suggestion would have one family member or a financial advisor help you sought out what would need tending to. Things to consider having in order first, your bank account, any debt such as credit cards, take care of any tax return paperwork.
If the death of a spouse were there survivor benefits to help you through this difficult time.
Who Offers Burial Insurance
The below carriers are some of our top A-rated final expense insurance companies. Availability does vary by state.
The states and product feature your independent agent or state-licensed field underwriter can discuss with you. Let’s take a look…
Who offers instant approval life insurance?
Royal Neighbors
Prosperity Life
Sentinel
Liberty Bankers
Prosperity Life:
A burial insurance company that has been around since 2009. Rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best. Offers the following for our clients:
Coverage amounts from: $1,500-$35,000.
Available for ages: 50-80.
The guaranteed premium that will never increase
30-day money back guarantee
Permanent protection lasts your entire lifetime
You choose the face amount that is best for you and your family
Cash value may be borrowed for any reason
Guaranteed premiums for the lifetime
Access to 50% of your death benefit if you become terminally ill (not available in CA at this time)
Prosperity New Vista Voice
The Prosperity offers an extremely cool and simple way to complete your application. No more paper applications unless you are in the state of New York.
In 2019, we now have Voice Signature applications! This product is called New Vista Voice. I mean, it just can’t get any better than that! 95% of my clients are seniors. Many do not have access to a home computer.
So in this case, if my client qualifies for multiple carriers and they do not have a computer or email to sign their application via E-Signature process (we will also discuss this later) I can offer them a company that offers Voice Signature.
The process is fantastic. We have a 3-way conversation with a representative at the insurance company, your agent and of course you.
They will ask a short series of medical/lifestyle questions, in addition to some basic information such as name, phone, address, etc. This call takes roughly 15 -20 minutes.
At that point, instant approval once finished. On rare occasions, they will need to be additional underwriting review. The representative will connect with an underwriter to ask you additional questions.
By the end of the call, you will have either an approval or denial.
Mutual of Omaha
A fantastic company rated A+ Superior with A.M. Best.
Living Promise provides two plans:
Level benefit plan for ages 45-85.
Face Amounts from $2,000 to $40,000 (in WA, $5,000-$40,000)
The accelerated death benefit applies if you have a terminal illness or are confined to a nursing home.
This means that if a physician diagnoses you with a terminal illness, expected to result in death within 12 months or less from the date they sign a statement of proof of illness, you will receive a one-time accelerated benefit.
Graded Benefit Plan with Mutual of Omaha
Available for ages 45-80. (in NY 50-75)
Face amounts from $2,000 – $20,000 (in WA, $5,000-$20,000)
If death occurs due to natural causes within the first two years of a policy with a graded death benefit, the beneficiary will receive all premiums paid into the policy plus an additional 10%. After two years, the policy will pay the full benefit for death due to any cause.
If an accidental death occurs in the first 2 years, the full benefit will be paid to the beneficiary.
Royal Neighbors of America
50-85 (age last birthday)
Face amounts from $5,000 – $25,000
20 day free look period
Single Issue Whole Life
Full face death benefit. Face amount plus any premiums paid after the date of death. If the policy is in the grace period, past due premiums through the month of death will be deducted from the face amount before the payment is made.
Graded Death Benefit:
The death benefit is limited for the first two years unless death is accidental.
30% of the face amount in the first year
70% of the face amount in the second year
The death benefit is 100% if death is accidental except in Arkansas.
Underwritten via telephone interview
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Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company
New Vantage I:
Good health
Immediate full whole life coverage once policy issued
Affordable rates
New Vantage II:
Minor health issues provide whole life coverage once issued
A modified benefit plan that pays a death benefit of 30% of face value if death occurs in the first policy year, and 70% of face value if death occurs in the second policy year.
Full face value of the policy is payable if death occurs in the third policy year.
New Vantage III:
Affordable coverage for those in poor health.
A modified benefit plan that pays all of the premiums paid in, plus 10% if death occurs in the first or second policy year.
Full face value of the policy if paid out to beneficiary if death occurs in the third policy year
Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company
PO Box 27248, Salt Lake City, UT 84127, (801) 484-8514
AIG (American General life insurance company)
There will be times when you’re not in the best of health, and you do not qualify with the above carriers and fit into their guidelines.
AIG guaranteed issue life insurance company is a wonderful option. This is a Guaranteed Acceptance Policy. There are no health questions, no medical exam.
The general life insurance company has a 24-month graded period. This means, if death occurs in the first 24 months by natural causes, all premiums paid into the policy will be paid to the beneficiary PLUS 10%.
If death is caused by an accident, then the full death benefit is paid to the beneficiary by the issuing insurance company.
Can I Buy Burial Insurance For My Parents?
Yes, you can. As long as there is “insurable interest” this means, you will suffer some sort of financial loss in the event of your parents’ death.
Meaning, you are responsible for financial obligations. At this stage, a whole life cheap burial policy is the way to go. It wouldn’t make sense to have a million-dollar policy or a 30-year term policy.
What Is The Best Life Insurance For Your Parents?
When our parents pass it will be devastating. Being prepared when we have a financial obligation when it comes to funeral expenses is one of the most important things to do for your parent or parents.
Buying life insurance can be overwhelming. There are so many choices from term life insurance (terms of 10, years, 20 years, 30 years), permanent life insurance, universal life insurance.
Getting a life insurance quote is more simplistic than ever. You decide on the amount of coverage you need, give us a call and allow us to ask you some health/lifestyle questions.
This helps us isolate the right final expense coverage for you and your family’s needs. In a nutshell for our parent’s life insurance option, a final expense or burial policy is the way to go.
Of course, if you have any questions, call me. I am here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process of burial insurance one step at a time.
Burial Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
Not all health problems or pre-existing medical conditions will be an issue when applying for life insurance coverage. However, you will need to be completely honest with your independent agent.
The information you provide during the insurance application process is vital information for him/her to determine the accurate rate class, which will help him/her to isolate the best carrier.
This ultimately will determine your price as well.
Many clients feel if they tell the agent about their heart disease that they will be at high risk for denial. This is not always the case. Sure there are many health conditions that will result in a graded policy or even giving you a limited choice such as a guaranteed acceptance policy.
It is best to disclose all medications during your final expense insurance application process. You do not want to have any surprises after during underwriting as they do a MIB check.
Your insurance rates will vary depending on if you will be eligible for level, graded or a guaranteed acceptance policy. Life insurance is not a “one size fits all” so it is imperative your agent collect all information during the process to best assist you.
Facts about Buying Burial Insurance
Burial insurance is also known as final expense insurance.
Burial insurance is a simplified whole life policy that remains level for your entire life.
Typical coverage amounts range from $1,500-$40,000 depending on the carrier you choose.
No medical exam is required
Once the insurance carrier receives copies of the death certificate, the full death benefit will be paid to the beneficiary within a 48-72 hour period.
Peace of Mind knowing you have taken care of protecting your family from financial burden.
How much does a funeral?
In most states, the average cost of a funeral is around $9,000. I act as a comparison shopper for you with various insurance companies/plans.
At the end of a call with me, you will know if you qualify, the best plan available to you and the most affordable rates.
Rates will never be as cheap as they are today. Why? Because as you age, rates go up. Something in place is better than nothing. Remember, “Go Fund Me” is not burial insurance.
For more information about financial planning or for a financial planner CLICK HERE.
FAQs
What Makes Mutual of Omaha One of the Best Burial Insurance Companies?
Mutual of Omaha is recognized for its financial stability, customer satisfaction, and flexible burial insurance policies, often available without a medical exam.
Are AARP’s Burial Insurance Policies Through New York Life Beneficial for Seniors?
Yes, they are specifically tailored for seniors, offering guaranteed acceptance for AARP members, focusing on ease of enrollment and simplicity in policy terms.
What Distinguishes Transamerica in the Burial Insurance Market?
Transamerica stands out for its affordable and accessible insurance options, including low premium burial insurance with immediate and graded benefit plans.
Why is Gerber Life Insurance a Good Choice for Burial Insurance?
Gerber Life is known for policies that are straightforward and easy to understand, offering guaranteed acceptance life insurance ideal for burial expenses.
How Do These Companies Handle Pre-existing Conditions in Burial Insurance Policies?
Most of these companies offer policies that don’t require a medical exam, and some offer guaranteed acceptance, making them suitable for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
What are the Typical Coverage Amounts Offered by These Companies?
Coverage amounts vary, but they generally range from a few thousand dollars to around $25,000, designed to cover funeral and other final expenses.
Are the Premiums for These Burial Insurance Policies Fixed?
Most burial insurance policies from these companies have fixed premiums that don’t increase over time, ensuring predictability in costs.
What Happens if I Outlive My Policy with These Companies?
Burial insurance policies from these companies are usually whole life policies, so they remain active as long as premiums are paid, with a death benefit paid out regardless of when the insured passes away.
Do These Companies Offer Customizable Burial Insurance Policies?
Many offer some level of customization through various riders and options to suit individual needs and preferences.
Is a Medical Exam Required for Policies from These Companies?
Generally, no medical exam is required for burial insurance from these companies, with many offering guaranteed acceptance policies.
It is never too soon to start thinking about life insurance. Best Burial Insurance Companies of 2021 will take care of your family when you’re gone, but they won’t do it for free. You need a plan in place and the best way to get that done is by getting quotes from as many companies as possible so you can find the right one with competitive rates just for you! Our team has been providing quality funeral coverage since 1887 and we want to provide the same service for you, too. Get started today by filling out our quote request form or calling us at (855) 380-3300
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
✅
Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
