Final Expense Insurance
Final Expense Insurance
A smaller, permanent life insurance policy built to help your family cover funeral, burial, and other end-of-life costs — with an application process designed to be simple.
What is final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance sized specifically for end-of-life costs rather than income replacement or large estate planning needs. Coverage amounts are typically in the thousands of dollars — enough to help with funeral, burial, or cremation costs — which keeps premiums more manageable than a large traditional life insurance policy.
Because it's permanent coverage, a final expense policy doesn't expire the way term life insurance does. As long as premiums are paid, the policy is designed to stay in force, and premiums are generally structured to stay level over time.
How It Works
Two common ways to apply
Most final expense insurance products fall into one of two categories, and it's worth understanding the difference before you compare quotes.
Simplified issue
You answer a short list of health questions. No medical exam is required, and eligibility and pricing depend on your answers.
Guaranteed issue
No health questions at all. Coverage is easier to qualify for, though it often costs more per dollar of coverage and may include a graded death benefit for the first few years.
What It Covers
What final expense insurance is commonly used for
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Funeral & burial costs
Services, casket or urn, cemetery plot, and related fees.
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Cremation
Cremation services and related arrangements.
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Outstanding bills
Credit cards, medical bills, or other debts left behind.
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Medical expenses
Final medical costs not covered elsewhere.
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Other final expenses
Any remaining costs your beneficiary decides to use the funds for.
Cost
What affects your cost
Every applicant's quote is different. These are the main factors carriers consider.
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Age
Premiums are generally lower the younger you are when you apply.
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Gender
Pricing can differ between male and female applicants.
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Health & tobacco use
Health questions and tobacco use can affect eligibility and rate class.
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Coverage amount
Higher coverage amounts mean higher premiums.
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Policy type
Simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies are priced differently.
Want the full breakdown, including example pricing? Read How Much Does Final Expense Insurance Cost? on our blog.
Who It's For
Who needs final expense insurance?
Seniors
Looking for coverage that fits a fixed income and later-in-life needs.
Adults planning ahead
Who want arrangements in place before they're needed.
People without employer coverage
Who don't have life insurance through work and want their own policy.
Anyone who wants to ease the burden on family
By making sure funeral costs aren't a financial surprise.
Related Coverage
Explore related coverage types
Final expense insurance goes by a few different names depending on how it's used — explore the option that matches what you're looking for.
FAQ
Final expense insurance FAQs
What's the difference between simplified issue and guaranteed issue final expense insurance?
Simplified issue policies ask a short list of health questions and don't require a medical exam — pricing and eligibility depend on your answers. Guaranteed issue policies don't ask health questions at all, but they often cost more per dollar of coverage and may include a graded death benefit for the first two to three years.
What is a graded death benefit?
A graded death benefit is a feature on some guaranteed issue policies where the full coverage amount isn't payable if death occurs from natural causes within the first two to three years of the policy. Instead, beneficiaries typically receive a return of premiums paid, often with interest. Accidental death is usually covered at the full amount from day one.
Is final expense insurance permanent coverage?
Yes. Final expense insurance is typically a form of permanent (whole) life insurance, meaning coverage doesn't expire as long as premiums are paid, and premiums are generally designed to stay level over time.
Can I have more than one final expense policy?
In many cases, yes — some people choose to layer smaller policies from different carriers rather than one larger policy. Whether this makes sense depends on your goals and eligibility, and it's worth comparing options before deciding.
What happens if I stop paying premiums?
Requirements vary by carrier and policy. Missing payments can result in a grace period, and continued non-payment can lead to the policy lapsing. Review your specific policy documents once issued for exact terms.
See your final expense insurance options
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No obligation. Coverage available for eligible applicants.