Burial Insurance Explained

Burial insurance, also known as final expense or simplified life insurance is essentially a whole life insurance product with a simple application process and small face value. Typical face values range from from $5,000 to $25,000 although policies can often be written outside of that range. This type of insurance is designed to be conveniently purchased without the requirement of a medical exam or a complex questionnaire. Applications can be completed over the phone, only a few health questions are asked and no home visit is ever required.

This type of policy is ideal where the primary concern is the payment of final expenses such as:

  • Medical Bills
  • Funeral Expenses
  • Outstanding Debts
  • Administrative Expenses

Aside from the simple application process this type of insurance features:

  • An accumulating cash value that is available for emergency expenses.
  • A death benefit that never decreases.
  • Premiums that never increase.
  • Policy cannot be canceled regardless of age or health as long as premiums are paid.
  • Accelerated death benefit: Receive up to 50% of the death benefit early if diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Types of Final Expense Insurance

Immediate Full Death Benefits are generally available to qualifying applicants when no serious or immediate health concerns are presented.

Graded Death Benefits are available when serious health concerns are presented. Graded plans provide limited benefits during the first few years of the policy.

Guaranteed Issue Benefit Plans may also be available to you if your health makes you ineligible for for the standard or graded burial insurance products. These are available regardless of health and provide a graded benefit that provides a full death benefit after three years of policy payments and limited benefits before that.

Typical Payment Plans Available

A Level Pay Plan calls for premiums to be paid for the life of the policy.

A 10 Pay Plan calls for premiums to be paid for 10 years.

A Single Pay Plan requires only one premium payment.

10 pay and single pay plans will often include an annual growth rate on the death benefit.

To find the cheapest life insurance, you need to compare prices and policies to find the perfect coverage for your situation.  If you need to know more about burial insurance and life insurance in general you can read more.