Why Seniors and Families Are Rushing to Get Burial Insurance (2024)

Being prepared for the unexpected is more crucial than ever before today. But preparing for the worst can truly leave your loved ones in a better place in the event of your death. You can search online to begin preparing with a burial insurance policy right now.

Because, no matter how we go about it, it’s not cheap to die. Funeral homes, headstones, cremation, memorials, and everything else involved can add up. It can leave your family members in a financial struggle and leave them burdened with figuring it out. Burial insurance can help with these costs, and you can find affordable policies by searching online before it’s too late.

Why Seniors and Families Are Rushing to Get Burial Insurance (1)Plans, of course, will cost you money but when you consider that burial insurance can often cover from $5,000 – $20,000 for your loved ones, it would be foolish not to consider. A funeral itself can cost upwards of $10,000!

Don’t be someone who leaves money on the table just because they didn’t know how easy it was to find the right burial insurance policy.

Common Questions We’ve Received

What exactly is burial insurance?

Burial insurance usually refers to a “whole life” insurance policy with a death benefit that typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000. Ultimately, burial insurance’s primary goal is to cover end-of-life expenses without putting a strain on your family’s pockets. But it’s important to note, that while burial insurance is the known term for the coverage of expenses like caskets and headstones, it can be a bit misleading because these policies can cover non-burial costs.

How do I qualify?

While you will have to answer some basic questions to assure that you’re not terminally ill and expected to pass in just a few months, there’s no health exam associated with burial insurance policies; this means most people have no trouble qualifying for it.

If I have life insurance do I need it?

This is a common question. And in short, yes. Most people don’t factor funeral and burial costs into their family’s life insurance plan. So, burial insurance is the best option for someone who does not want their beneficiaries to have to pay out of pocket for their funeral costs.

How much does it cost?

Premiums are payable weekly or monthly. The premium is usually collected at the policy owner’s home or workplace, and the premium is usually a small round number, such as $2 or $3 per week; the death benefit is whatever that premium will buy given the insured’s current age. For example, a $3 per week premium might buy a $6,000 death benefit for a 36-year-old man or an $18,000 death benefit for a 9-year-old boy.

Who Gets the Money?

One common misconception is that the funeral home or creditor gets this money. This is wrong. The burial insurance beneficiary named on the policy received this money. This is typically a family member or someone with an “insurable interest”.

Insurance companies get uneasy when someone without a logical insurable interest is named. So you can often change the beneficiary to whoever you wish once your policy has been in effect for a year or so. The beneficiary is entirely your choice once your policy is in force.

How do I find the best policy?

Finding the perfect burial insurance policy for your needs can seem daunting, and thousands of Americans end up not completing a policy because they don’t think the payout would be worth it or they can’t afford payments.

There are so many burial insurance providers with attractive plans these days, but you should take time to choose the right one. Not only do you want to secure the most money for your family, you don’t want to overpay in the process. This balance can be hard, and many searches won’t reflect the best options in your area.

To decide, you need to decide how much money will be needed for your funeral, consider what life insurance plan you have, and determine how much you want to pay weekly or monthly. Get your search started today and see the difference.

Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.

Why Seniors and Families Are Rushing to Get Burial Insurance (2024)

FAQs

Why Seniors and Families Are Rushing to Get Burial Insurance? ›

Coverage Details

Is burial insurance a good idea? ›

You should consider adding a burial insurance policy:

Purchasing a burial insurance policy (or a small life insurance policy designed to cover final expenses) can help prevent the passing of any substantial debt to surviving family members.

What are the disadvantages of funeral insurance? ›

Potential Disadvantages of Burial Insurance

Limited Coverage: Burial insurance policies typically have lower coverage amounts than traditional life insurance, which may not be sufficient for other financial obligations or to provide ongoing support for your dependents.

Can you get burial insurance for seniors? ›

If you want to buy life insurance purely to cover your funeral costs, medical bills and other end-of-life expenses, look into burial insurance. Also known as final expense insurance, these policies are designed for seniors who need only a small amount of coverage, and not all insurers offer them.

Can you be denied burial insurance? ›

To qualify for immediate coverage, you must apply with a company that asks you health questions. In contrast, there are plans without health questions (guaranteed acceptance). With those, you cannot be denied, but there is a two-year waiting period.

How much is a $10,000 burial policy? ›

The average cost for a burial insurance policy is approximately $50-$100 monthly for roughly $10,000 in coverage. Multiple factors determine the net price, including your exact age, health, tobacco usage (if any), the type of policy, state of residence, and how much coverage you buy.

What does burial insurance not cover? ›

Unlike traditional term, whole life, and universal life policies, burial insurance is specifically designed to cover one-time and short-term expenses. It isn't meant to replace income or cover large expenses like purchasing a home or paying for college. It isn't a type of retirement plan or investment either.

What is the best burial insurance? ›

Our top five picks for the best burial insurance companies include:
  • Ethos: Our top pick.
  • Fidelity: Our pick for accidental death coverage.
  • Mutual of Omaha: Our pick for accelerated death benefits.
  • State Farm: Our pick for customer satisfaction.
  • New York Life: Our pick for permanent life coverage.
Jun 14, 2024

How long does it take for burial insurance to pay out? ›

One of the primary differences between burial insurance and traditional life insurance is the expedited claims payout. Most conventional life policies take 14-60 days to pay a claim, whereas burial insurance plans can be paid in less than 72 hours. Read burial insurance vs life insurance for more details.

Does Social Security offer burial insurance? ›

Does Medicare or Social Security Pay for Funeral Expenses? The short answer to this question is no; they don't. Medicare covers medical care, which ends when you die. Medicare doesn't have a death benefit either, but Social Security does offer survivor benefits.

What age should I get burial insurance? ›

Coverage is typically available for those between the ages of 50 and 85. One of the benefits of burial insurance is that it doesn't require a medical exam to qualify. Depending on the type of policy you pursue, even those without health insurance or who have a pre-existing condition can usually obtain a policy.

What are the two types of burial insurance? ›

There are two types of burial insurance: simplified issue or guaranteed issue. This makes it possible for seniors to acquire life insurance at an older age and even when they have some health problems. So, if you are worried about your health and eligibility, you should still request a free quote from us!

Is burial insurance worth the cost? ›

Whether burial insurance is worth it depends on your health, how much coverage you need and why you want a life insurance policy. Burial insurance doesn't provide a high amount for the death benefit, so it's not a good choice if you want a policy to cover your mortgage or income replacement.

Does AARP offer burial insurance? ›

AARP Funeral Insurance

The AARP Funeral Life Insurance Program offers funeral life insurance coverage for seniors between the ages of 50 and 80. Your spouse or partner is also eligible for coverage at age 45.

Does burial insurance have a waiting period? ›

Most burial insurance policies have no waiting period, but some do. The only ones with no waiting period don't require a medical exam. However, you must answer questions about your health history to determine if you're eligible for immediate coverage.

What happens with burial insurance when someone dies? ›

Burial insurance covers the cost of your funeral and/or cremation expenses after you pass away. It can also be used at the beneficiary's discretion to pay off debts including any medical bills, mortgage loans, or credit card bills.

Are prepaid burial policies a good idea? ›

It's for people who want to spare their loved ones from having to make decisions and experience financial stress while grieving. But some experts say these types of plans may end up costing you more than you would pay for an average funeral after fees and other charges have been calculated.

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