Life insurance guide
Final expense insurance
Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy that pays for a funeral, burial or cremation and the last bills, so your family isn't left with them. Most policies need no medical exam, only a few health questions.
What it is
Final expense insurance, also called burial or funeral insurance, is whole life insurance built for end-of-life costs. Coverage usually ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, so your family isn't paying for the funeral, burial or cremation, medical bills and other final expenses.
These policies are easier to qualify for than traditional life insurance. Most need no medical exam, just a few health questions, which makes them a fit for seniors and people whose health rules out other coverage.
The benefit goes to your beneficiaries as a lump sum, generally income tax-free, to use however they need.
How it works
From application to benefit.
Choose the amount
Pick coverage between $5,000 and $50,000 based on your estimated final expenses.
Answer health questions
Most policies need no medical exam, only a few questions about your health.
Coverage starts
Approval often comes within 24–48 hours, with a fixed monthly premium.
Your family is paid
Your beneficiaries receive a lump sum to cover the final expenses.
Who it suits
Who it suits.
Seniors
People who want coverage for the end-of-life costs without complex underwriting.
People with health conditions
Guaranteed acceptance options exist for people who can't qualify for traditional life insurance.
People who want it settled
Take the cost off your family at a hard time, decided in advance.
People whose term coverage has ended
A small permanent policy for the costs that come whenever you die.
What it pays for
Where the money goes.
Funeral services
Funeral home costs, memorial services and viewing arrangements.
Burial or cremation
Casket, burial plot, headstone or cremation.
Medical bills
Unpaid medical and hospital bills.
Other final costs
Legal fees, outstanding debts and other end-of-life costs.
Cost
What decides the price.
Your age, your health answers, the amount of coverage and whether the policy is simplified issue (a few health questions) or guaranteed issue (none). Premiums are fixed for life.
Most people need $10,000–$25,000. The national average funeral runs around $7,000–$12,000, and extras like burial plots and headstones push the total higher.
Coverage and pricing depend on underwriting, eligibility, state availability, and carrier approval.
Questions and answers
What people ask us.
What does final expense insurance cover?
Funeral costs, burial or cremation, medical bills, outstanding debts and other end-of-life expenses. Your beneficiaries can use the money however they need to settle your affairs.
How much coverage do I need?
Most people need $10,000–$25,000 to cover funeral costs and related expenses. The national average funeral runs around $7,000–$12,000, and extras like burial plots and headstones push the total higher.
At what age can I get final expense insurance?
Typically ages 50–85, though some carriers offer coverage starting at 40.
Can I be turned down?
With guaranteed issue policies, no, regardless of health. Simplified issue policies ask a few health questions but are far easier to qualify for than traditional life insurance. We look across carriers for the right option.
Related guides
Read next.
Whole life insurance
Coverage that never expires, with a fixed premium and guaranteed cash value.
Read the guideLife insurance overview
The main types side by side, and the job each one is designed to do.
Read the guideMortgage protection
A policy sized to your mortgage that pays your family, so the house stays theirs.
Read the guideMake sure your family isn't left with the bill.
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