Final expense insurance, so the arrangements are not a burden
Final expense insurance is a small permanent life policy meant to cover a funeral, burial or cremation and the bills that arrive afterward. It is simple to apply for, and coverage is designed to last for life.
Simplified and guaranteed-issue options compared across carriers
What a funeral costs today
National medians from the National Funeral Directors Association's 2023 data. Prices vary widely by region and by the choices a family makes, and do not include a cemetery plot, monument or flowers.
Bills a final expense policy can help with
Funeral and service
Funeral home services, casket or urn, viewing, transportation and the service itself.
Burial or cremation
Cemetery plot, opening and closing, vault, marker or cremation and niche costs.
Final medical bills
Deductibles, copays and uncovered care at the end of life.
Estate settlement
Probate filing fees, death certificates and other administrative costs.
Household bills
Rent, utilities and small debts while the family gets things in order.
Family travel
Travel for relatives who need to come home for the service.
Simplified issue vs. guaranteed issue
Most final expense policies fall into one of two groups. Health answers decide which one fits.
Simplified issue
- A short health questionnaire, usually no medical exam
- If you qualify, the full death benefit is typically available from the start
- Lower premiums than guaranteed issue for the same amount
- Some carriers offer a graded or modified version for certain conditions
Guaranteed issue
- No health questions within the eligible age range
- Usually has a graded death benefit: if death from natural causes occurs in the first years (commonly two), the beneficiary receives a return of premiums, sometimes with interest or a percentage added, rather than the full amount
- Accidental death may be paid in full from the start, depending on the carrier
- Higher premiums for the same coverage
Final expense insurance vs. a preneed funeral plan
Funeral homes may offer a preneed contract that pays for specific goods and services in advance, often funded by an insurance policy or trust assigned to that funeral home. A final expense policy pays cash to the beneficiary you name, who can use it at any funeral home and for any bill.
- Flexibility: final expense proceeds are not tied to one provider or a list of services, which helps if you move or your wishes change.
- Price protection: a preneed contract may lock in some prices; a final expense benefit is a fixed dollar amount, so choose an amount with some room for rising costs.
- Your rights when shopping: the FTC's Funeral Rule lets you get prices by phone, requires a written general price list when you visit, and lets you buy a casket or urn elsewhere without a handling fee.
Many families use both: a written plan for their wishes and a policy that pays cash to someone they trust.
Getting final expense coverage
Estimate the amount
Price the service you want locally, add a cushion for final bills and travel, and subtract any existing life insurance or savings set aside for this.
Answer a few health questions
We use your answers to identify carriers likely to offer full coverage from day one, and only look at guaranteed issue if needed.
Compare carriers
Premiums, graded-benefit terms and age limits vary by carrier. We compare options side by side.
Name the beneficiary and tell them
Name an adult you trust, keep the policy information with your other papers and let your family know the policy exists.
Final expense insurance FAQ
How much coverage should I buy?
Is there a medical exam?
What is a graded death benefit?
Will my premium go up?
Can I make the funeral home the beneficiary?
Does Social Security help with funeral costs?
Price a final expense policy
A few questions about your age, health and the amount you want is all we need to compare carriers.
Content on this page is a general summary for education. It is not tax, legal or investment advice, a statement of coverage, an offer or a binder. Scenarios and dollar figures are illustrative examples, not representations about any person or business. Tax figures reflect 2026 federal and Washington rules as we understand them and can change. Consult your tax advisor and attorney before acting. Policy features, conversion rights and guarantees vary by carrier and contract, are subject to underwriting and the terms of the policy issued, and are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer.