Final Expense Insurance
Give your family one less thing to worry about.
Final expense insurance — sometimes called burial insurance — is designed to cover funeral costs and end-of-life expenses, with simplified underwriting. No medical exam for eligible plans; approval depends on your health answers.
See My Final Expense OptionsSimplified approval
No medical exam for eligible plans — approval is based on a short health questionnaire. Eligibility depends on your answers.
Permanent coverage
Like whole life, coverage doesn't expire as long as premiums are paid.
Fixed premiums
Premiums are fixed for the life of an issued policy, as long as payments are made.
Accessible to seniors
Designed for adults 50+ who may not qualify for traditional life insurance.
What is final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance — also known as burial insurance or funeral insurance — is a type of whole life policy with a smaller death benefit designed specifically to cover end-of-life costs such as funeral services, burial or cremation, medical bills, and other final expenses.
It typically features simplified underwriting, meaning approval is based on a short health questionnaire rather than a full medical exam. This makes it more accessible to seniors and those with health conditions who may not qualify for traditional life insurance products.
Burial insurance vs. final expense insurance
These terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to small whole life policies designed to cover funeral and end-of-life costs. Some carriers market the same type of product under different names. When comparing policies, focus on the coverage amount, premium, graded benefit period, and underwriting requirements rather than the label.
Who may benefit from final expense insurance?
Seniors
Adults 50 and older who want to ensure end-of-life costs don't fall on their family.
Those with health conditions
Individuals who may not qualify for traditional life insurance due to age or health history.
Family protectors
Anyone who wants to spare their loved ones the financial burden of funeral planning.
Simple coverage seekers
Those who want straightforward, permanent coverage without complex underwriting.
How final expense insurance generally works
01
Answer a few health questions
No medical exam is typically required for eligible plans. Approval is based on a simplified health questionnaire. Eligibility still depends on your answers and the carrier's underwriting guidelines.
02
Choose your coverage amount
Select a benefit amount — typically between $5,000 and $25,000 — intended to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other final expenses.
03
Lock in your premium
Premiums are fixed for the life of an issued policy and your coverage never expires as long as premiums are paid. No re-qualifying due to age or health changes after issue.
04
Your family receives the benefit
When you pass, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit to use toward funeral costs and other final expenses. Payout timing varies by carrier and claim circumstances.
Typical coverage amounts
Coverage availability and eligibility depend on your age, health, state of residence, and the insurance carrier. No premiums are calculated or guaranteed on this page.
$5,000
Basic funeral coverage
$10,000
Full service coverage
$15,000
Funeral + final bills
$25,000+
Comprehensive end-of-life
Important things to understand
Some final expense policies include a graded benefit period — typically the first 2 years — during which the full death benefit may not be paid for non-accidental death. Read your policy carefully.
Coverage amounts are smaller than traditional life insurance and are designed for end-of-life costs, not income replacement.
Even with simplified underwriting, not everyone qualifies. Eligibility depends on your answers to health questions and the carrier's guidelines.
Product availability, coverage amounts, and terms vary by state and by the insurance carrier.
Common questions about final expense & burial insurance
Most final expense policies use simplified underwriting — a short health questionnaire rather than a full medical exam. However, your answers to health questions still affect eligibility. Some carriers offer guaranteed-issue policies with no health questions, though these typically have a graded benefit period.
Some final expense policies include a graded benefit period — typically the first 2 years of the policy — during which the full death benefit may not be paid for non-accidental death. Instead, your beneficiaries may receive a return of premiums paid plus interest. After the graded period, the full benefit is typically payable. Not all policies have this feature — ask your agent.
Yes — the terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to small whole life policies designed to cover funeral and end-of-life costs. The product type is the same; the name varies by carrier and marketing.
Payout timing varies by carrier and the specifics of the claim. Most carriers aim to process claims promptly, but timelines are not guaranteed. Your beneficiaries should contact the carrier directly when filing a claim.
Simplified underwriting makes final expense insurance more accessible than traditional life insurance for people with health conditions. Some carriers also offer guaranteed-issue policies with no health questions. Eligibility and terms vary — a licensed Afterly agent can help you find options that fit your situation.
Protect your family from the unexpected.
A licensed Afterly agent will help you find a final expense policy that fits your needs and budget — no pressure, no commitment.
See My Final Expense OptionsLife insurance products are not available in all states. Product features, coverage amounts, eligibility, premiums, and graded benefit terms vary by carrier, state, and individual underwriting. This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or guarantee of coverage. Afterly Life connects consumers with licensed insurance agents. Coverage is subject to policy terms and conditions.