Whether seeking new Final Expense coverage, hoping to lower your current policy’s premiums, or adding extra protection to an existing policy, we’re here to provide peace of mind.

As independent brokers, we partner with over a dozen trusted companies to ensure you get day-one coverage at the most affordable rate, so you and your loved ones can feel secure.

New to Final Expense Life Insurance?

Final expense life insurance is designed to cover the costs of your funeral, burial, and other end-of-life expenses.

If you’re starting to explore your options, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.

We’ll guide you through understanding how these policies work, what they cover, and how they can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Let us help you find the right coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Lower Your Final Expense Policy Premiums

Do you think you’re paying too much for your final expense policy? We can help.

We’ll review your current plan and explore options to reduce your monthly payments without sacrificing coverage.

As independent brokers, we help you keep more money in your pocket while protecting your loved ones.

Need Extra Protection?

If your current policy isn’t enough to fully cover your final expenses, we can help you add the extra protection you need.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your existing coverage or secure additional peace of mind, we’ll find a plan that fits seamlessly with what you already have.

As independent brokers, we ensure you get the best value for the extra coverage you need.

Why Work With Us?

We’re dedicated to helping you find the best final expense coverage with compassion and expertise.

As independent brokers, we work with over a dozen reputable insurance companies to offer personalized options that fit your needs and budget.

We aim to provide you with peace of mind, knowing your loved ones are protected without overpaying. Let us guide you through the process with honesty and care.

What Is Final Expense Funeral And Burial Life Insurance?

Final expense life insurance is a permanent whole life insurance designed to meet an individual’s final expense needs.

Final Expense Life Insurance can sometimes be called Burial Insurance or Funeral Insurance. It’s important to remember that all three terms mean the same thing.

Policies can be used for funerals, burials, cremations, and even for leaving a financial legacy for a loved one.

Unlike term life insurance, final expense whole life insurance policies never expire.

They typically offer smaller coverage amounts, making them more affordable for individuals on a fixed income.

The policy provides a death benefit to a chosen beneficiary, ensuring that the insured’s family is not left with significant out-of-pocket expenses during a difficult time.

How Does Final Expense Life Insurance Work?

Premiums Never Increase

Policy premiums are locked in and can never increase regardless of age, health, or if you move to another state.

Benefits Never Decrease

Policy face amount, or death benefit, will never decrease regardless of age, health, or if you move to another state.

Policy Never Expires

Your policy protects you for the rest of your life. You never have to worry about your policy expiring due to age, health, or moving to a new state.

Policy Builds Cash Value

Each time you pay your policy premium, part of it goes into a cash-value account. This account grows over time and can be borrowed against if needed.

No Medical Exams

You don’t need a medical exam to apply for final expense insurance. Approval is based on answering a few health questions and a quick review of your prescription history by the insurance company.

What Is The Cost Of A Funeral Today?

In 2023, the National Funeral Directors Association reported that the average cost of a funeral in the country is over $6,000 for a cremation and over $9,000 for a traditional burial service.

And that doesn’t consider other costs such as a cemetery plot, headstone, grave marker, or flowers.

It’s very easy to assume that a traditional burial service can cost well over $10,000 today.

Other expenses, such as debt, medical bills, or a beneficiary’s travel expenses, can significantly increase the overall cost of your final expenses.

Traditional Burial Over $9,000

The cost of a traditional burial can fluctuate based on personal preferences and regional differences.

• Basic Funeral Service Fee: $2,000 – $3,500
  • This covers the funeral home’s services, including planning, securing permits, and coordinating with the cemetery or crematorium.
• Transportation of the body: $300 – $700
  • This includes the transfer of the body to the funeral home.
• Embalming and Other Body Preparations: $500 – $1,500
  • Embaling is often required if there will be a viewing. Other preparations might include cosmetology, dressing, and casketing.
• Casket: $2,000 – $10,000+
  • Casket costs can vary significantly depending on the material and design. Basic metal or wood caskets are less expensive than custom or high-end models.
• Funeral Ceremony: $500 – $1,000
  • This covers the cost of holding a ceremony or service at the funeral home, church, or another location.
• Grave Site and Burial Plot: $1,000 – $4,000+
  • The burial plot cost can vary based on the cemetery and location.
• Grave Marker/Headstone: $1,000 – $3,000+
  • The price depends on the material, size, and inscription details.
• Vault or Grave Liner: $1,000 – $3,000
  • Many cemeteries require a vault or liner to support the grave.
• Obituary Notice: $200 – $500
  • Costs for publishing an obituary in a newspaper or online.
• Flowers: $200 – $1,000+
  • The cost can vary depending on the type and amount of flowers chosen.
• Reception: $500 – $2,000+
  • If a reception is held after the service, there may be costs for food, venue rental, and other services.

Total Estimated Cost: $7,000 – $15,000+

Cremation Over $6,000

The cost of cremation can vary widely depending on whether you opt for a direct cremation (the most economical choice) or add services such as a memorial or viewing.

Basic Cremation Costs:

• Direct Cremation: $500 – $3,000
  • This is the most straightforward and most affordable option, where the body is cremated shortly after death without a funeral service.
• Cremation Fee: $300 – $1,000
  • This fee covers the actual process of cremation
• Transportation of the Body: $300 – $700
  • This includes the transfer of the body to the crematory
• Basic Service Fee: $1,000 – $2,500
  • Funeral home services, including handling necessary paperwork and permits and coordinating with the crematory.
• Urn: $50 – $1,000+
  • The cost of an urn varies depending on the material and design. Basic urns are more affordable, while custom or high-end urns are more expensive.

Optional Costs:

• Embalming and Body Preparation: $500 – $1,500+
  • This is typically required if a viewing is held before cremation.
• Funeral or Memorial Service: $500 – $2,000
  • If a service is held before or after cremation, costs can include using a funeral home or another venue.
• Viewing/Visitation: $500 – $1,000
  • If a viewing is held before cremation, this covers the cost of using the facility.
• Cremation casket or Alternative Container: $200 – $1,000
  • A simple container or cremation casket is required for the body during cremation.
• Cremation Permit: $10 – $50
  • Some states or municipalities require a permit for cremation, with a small association fee.
• Obituary Notice: $200 – $500
  • Costs for publishing an obituary in a newspaper or online.
• Flowers: $100 – $500+
  • Costs for flowers if a memorial service is held.

Total Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $7,000+

Does Not Include Additional Costs

When planning for final expenses beyond the costs of a funeral or cremation, there are several additional costs that individuals and families should consider:

• Medical Expenses
  • Unpaid Medical Bills: Any outstanding hospital, doctor, or hospice bills.
  • Nursing Home Costs: Any remaining costs if the deceased was in long-term care.
  • Medications and Equipment: Costs associated with prescription medications and medical equipment not covered by insurance.
• Legal and Administrative Costs
  • Probate Fees: Costs for the legal process of administering the deceased’s estate.
  • Attorney Fees: If legal help is required to settle the estate or deal with complex issues.
  • Executor Fees: Compensation for the person responsible for administering the estate.
  • Court Fees: Various costs associated with filing probate or other legal documents.
• Taxes
  • Estate Taxes: Federal or state taxes may apply depending on the estate size.
  • Income Taxes: The final income tax return for the deceased may need to be filled.
  • Property Taxes: Ongoing taxes on property owned by the deceased.
• Outstanding Debts
  • Credit Card Debt: Any unpaid credit card balances.
  • Mortgage: The remaining mortgage balance on a home.
  • Car Loans: Any remaining car loan balance.
  • Personal Loans: Unpaid personal loans or lines of credit.
• Ongoing Living Expenses for Survivors
  • Housing Costs: Mortgage, rent, utilities, and maintenance for the deceased’s home.
  • Insurance Premiums: Health, life, and property insurance may still need to be paid.
  • Daily Living Expenses: Groceries, transportation, and other living costs that may continue.
• Memorial Costs
  • Gravestone or Marker: This can be an additional expense if not included in the funeral costs.
  • Cemetery Plot Maintenance: Long-term costs for maintaining a burial site.
  • Memorial Service: Any additional costs for hosting a memorial or celebration of life after the funeral.
• Travel Costs
  • Family Travel Expenses: Costs for family members who may need to travel to the funeral or memorial service.
  • Repatriation of the Body: The cost of transporting the body back to the deceased’s home country or state/city if they passed away elsewhere.
• Pet Care
  • Pet Boarding or Rehoming: If the deceased had pets, there may be costs associated with their care or rehoming.
• Miscellaneous Costs
  • Obituaries and Death Notices: Beyond initial publication, there may be additional costs for online or print announcements.
  • Death Certificates: Multiple copies may be needed for legal and financial purposes.
  • Subscriptions and Memberships: Canceling or transferring memberships, subscriptions, or club dues.

Final Expense Life Insurance vs Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

Final expense whole life insurance offers more flexibility and financial protection compared to a prepaid funeral plan from a funeral home.

One of the main advantages of final expense insurance is its versatility. Beneficiaries of these insurance policies are not limited in how they can use the death benefit.

This means that while the funds can certainly cover funeral costs, any remaining money can be used to settle other expenses and debts or even left as a legacy gift.

On the other hand, prepaid funeral plans typically lock funds into a specific funeral home. This can become problematic if the funeral home goes out of business or the family moves to another location.

Moreover, prepaid plans may not account for potential price increases in funeral services over time, whereas a final expense policy provides a guaranteed death benefit.

In essence, final expense whole life insurance gives beneficiaries more control over how their funds are used, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

TERM Life Insurance is NOT Final Expense Life Insurance

Term life insurance is typically cheaper than permanent whole life insurance, but that may not always be the case over time.

Some term life insurance policies have premium increases every five years. Term policies also typically expire once the insured turns 80 years old or even younger in some cases.

And because term life insurance doesn’t accumulate cash value, you won’t receive any financial return for the years of premiums you’ve paid.

Many individuals with term policies wonder what happens to their life insurance once it’s canceled.

Often, they miss the chance to convert to a whole life insurance policy before it’s too late. At that point, the higher premiums associated with applying at an older age may make a whole-life final expense policy unaffordable.

By the time some individuals reach their term insurance expiration date, they may have developed health issues that prevent them from qualifying for immediate day-one coverage, requiring them to wait two years for their new policy to take effect.

Term life insurance policies typically offer higher starting benefits than final expense insurance. Many companies set their minimum coverage at $20,000, resulting in higher initial premium payments.

In contrast, most final expense insurance companies offer benefits starting as low as $2,000, making the starting premiums much more affordable.

Many retirees could take their group life insurance policy with them when they retire from their occupation. However, many are unaware that the policy they carried into retirement may be a term life insurance policy.

Specifically Designed For People On A Fixed Income

Final expense life insurance programs are designed for seniors living on a fixed income.

As the most affordable form of permanent whole life insurance available to seniors today, these plans are designed to fit within a tight budget while providing essential coverage to protect their families.

Missing a payment can risk your final expense life insurance policy, potentially leaving you unprotected.

To address this, many final expense insurance companies offer Social Security billing options, allowing premium payments to be automatically deducted from your Social Security check on the same day it is deposited.

This feature helps ensure you never fall behind on your payments, keeping your policy active and in force.

Whether you receive your Social Security benefits on the third day of the month or the third Wednesday, you can customize your payment plan to align perfectly with your financial situation.

This flexibility provides peace of mind, knowing that your coverage is secure no matter your circumstances.

The Smallest Benefit Amounts Available For Life Insurance

One distinctive feature of these policies is that they offer lower face amounts, often unheard of with other types of life insurance.

For instance, final expense policies with benefits as low as $2,000 are not uncommon.

Such low face values make these policies more accessible and affordable for individuals, especially those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources.

Traditional life insurance policies are typically designed to replace income or pay off large debts and come with higher face amounts and corresponding premiums.

The availability of smaller face amounts in final expense insurance ensures that even those with modest means can secure a policy to cover end-of-life expenses without the burden of hefty premiums.

What Are The Benefits Of Having Cash Value?

Think of cash value as a type of savings account that builds throughout the life of your policy.
Each time you pay your premium on your policy, a portion of your payment goes towards paying for your policy, which is known as the cost of insurance.

After you pay the cost of insurance on your policy, the remainder of the payment goes into your cash value.

When your policy’s cash value matches the benefit amount, it becomes paid up, and you no longer have to make any more payments on it.

Most of the policy’s cash value will equal the death benefit when the insured reaches age 100.

If your policy has a $10,000 face amount and you were 60 when you first purchased it, your cash value will accumulate $10,000 within the next 40 years.

Insurance companies use this calculation to use the policy’s cash value to help pay for your benefit when given to your beneficiary.

Show Me The Money

The owner of a final expense policy can access the cash value in only 2 ways.

The first way is to take out a loan against your policy. Any money you remove from your policy’s cash value while still active will be considered a tax-free loan against it.

For example, if you accumulate $3,000 of cash value on a policy with a $10,000 face amount and decide to take out $2,000 from your cash value, then the policy’s face amount will drop from $10,000 to $8,000 until you pay back what you take out.

Remember, that happens because your cash value helps pay for the policy’s face amount benefit.

Anytime you take a loan out on your policy, the face amount benefit will be lower than the amount you borrowed.

Even though the loan you took out on your policy will be tax-free, meaning you will not have to pay one cent in taxes, insurance companies will charge you an interest rate on the loan until it is paid back.

Some companies will charge an interest rate of over 8 percent against your loan. It is always important to consult your agent or the company with which you have a policy before taking out a loan.

That is why we recommend taking out a loan against your policy only in certain situations where your cash value account is viewed as an emergency fund that will help you under dire circumstances (e.g., your air conditioner unit needs replacing, or you have a hole in your ceiling that needs to be patched).

These funds will be there to help you if nothing else is available.

The second way you can access the cash value account in your policy is by executing a cash surrender. When you cash surrender your policy, you are ultimately canceling it.

Once this happens, all the money that has accumulated in your policy’s cash value will be released to you.

Who Is Allowed To Apply For Final Expense Coverage?

Anyone between 0-89 may apply for final expense life insurance coverage.

• New Born Infants
• Children
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Great-Grandparents
• Even Great-Great-Grandparents

Final expense whole life insurance is an inclusive policy designed to accommodate a wide range of age groups and cater to diverse end-of-life financial needs.

One of the standout features of this insurance is its broad application age range. Anyone between 0 and 90 can apply for a final expense whole life insurance policy.

This wide age spectrum ensures that individuals from the very young to the elderly can secure coverage to address potential future funeral and burial costs.

However, like all insurance products, eligibility is not solely based on age. While age plays a role in determining premium rates and coverage amounts, applicants must also meet the specific criteria the insurance company sets.

These criteria relate to health status, medical history, and other relevant factors. Suppose an individual falls within the stipulated age range and meets the insurer’s criteria.

In that case, they can apply and potentially secure coverage, ensuring peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

How Are Your Rates Calculated?

Final expense insurance rates are calculated based on different criteria.

• State of Residence: Not every company is available in every state.
• Gender: Male and Female rates are different.
• Age: The older you are, the higher the premium will be for life insurance.
• Health History: The most crucial factor in determining life insurance cost.
• Mode of Payment: Not every company accepts every form of payment.
• Signature Method: Different companies offer different ways to sign for an application.

Many Health Issues Accepted

Final expense life insurance is designed with the understanding that many individuals, especially those in their senior years, might have pre-existing health issues.

Therefore, one of the distinguishing features of this type of insurance is its leniency towards various health conditions.

Many insurers offer day 1 coverage, meaning the policy becomes effective immediately upon acceptance, even for those with specific health issues.

Unlike other life insurance products that might exclude or heavily penalize applicants due to health concerns, final expense life insurance often adopts a more inclusive approach.

This ensures that individuals, regardless of their health status, can secure a policy that provides immediate peace of mind, knowing their end-of-life expenses will be taken care of without burdening their loved ones.

CARDIOVASCULAR

• Atrial Fibrillation
• Blood Clots
• Defibrillator
• Pacemaker
• Heart Attack
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Stroke
• TIA/Mini Stroke

PULMONARY

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• COPD
• Fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Sleep Apnea

DIABETES

• Insulin
• Neuropathy
• Nephropathy
• Retinopathy
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Overweight

ORGAN

• Hepatitis A, B, & C
• Liver Cirrhosis
• Kidney Disease
• Cancer History

JOINT & BONE PAIN

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Joint Replacement
• Fibromyalgia
• Systemic Lupus

NEUROLOGICAL

• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Seizures
• Cerebral Palsy

BEHAVIORAL

• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Schizophrenia

What Types of Benefits Are Available?

Different levels of coverage categorize all final expense life insurance plan benefits. Your health history is what qualifies you for a particular level of coverage.

LEVEL BENEFIT

The highest level of coverage and the only type offered in final expense does not include a waiting period.

If approved for a LEVEL benefit final expense plan, you get immediate day-one coverage at a much lower rate.

If you pass away even a day after your policy was put in force, your beneficiary will receive 100% of the policy benefit.

GRADED BENEFIT

Depending on which company, a GRADED policy’s cash benefit can be paid to a beneficiary in two different ways.

A two-year waiting period is always included in a GRADED benefit plan.

The first way a benefit may be paid out to a beneficiary is if you pass away within two years of purchasing the policy.

Then, your beneficiary will only receive all the premiums that you had paid into the policy up until that point.

In most cases, an additional interest rate is added to the benefit’s total.

If something happens to you after 2 years of purchasing the policy, then the total benefit amount will be paid to your beneficiary.

The second way a GRADED benefit may be paid out to a beneficiary is broken into chunks.

If you pass away within the policy’s first year, your beneficiary will receive 30% of the policy’s benefit.

If you pass away within the policy’s second year of purchase, your beneficiary will receive 70% of the policy’s benefit.

After the policy’s 2nd year, your beneficiary will receive the policy’s full benefit amount.

MODIFIED BENEFIT

All MODIFIED benefit plans have a 2-year waiting period, just like a graded benefit plan.

If you pass away within the 2-year waiting period, a MODIFIED benefit plan is paid to a beneficiary.

All the premiums you paid up until that point are returned to your beneficiary. A ten percent interest rate is usually added to the total cash payout.

If you pass away after the 2-year waiting period is over, your beneficiary will receive the policy’s full benefit amount, tax-free and no questions asked.

3 steps are used to determine at what level benefit a final expense life insurance company will approve you:

• Answers that are given on the company’s application
• A prescription history review
• A medical information bureau (MIB) report review

Guaranteed Issue Coverage Means Every One Is Approved!

Guaranteed issue final expense life insurance is accepted on the spot without having to answer any health questions.

You pick the benefit amount you want and are approved for coverage.

Certain health conditions and treatments make having a guaranteed issue plan available as a final option for final expense insurance.

• Alzheimer’s or Dementia
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Currently Hospitalized
• Dialysis
• HIV or Aids
• Hospice Care
• Treating Cancer
• Terminal Illness

All GUARANTEED issued final expense life policies are subject to a waiting period.

Riders and Living Benefits

You can always add coverage to your final expense insurance by purchasing policy riders and living benefits.

Many final expense insurance companies will include additional riders and living benefits in your policy once you apply.

• Terminal Illness Rider: A living benefit that allows you to cash in a portion of your policy’s benefit if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. You can use the portion of the benefit for anything, including any medical bills you receive due to your diagnosis.
• Accidental Death Benefit Rider: This additional rider will double your policy benefit if you pass away in an accident. Your beneficiary will receive twice the amount from the policy’s original benefit.
• Waiver of Premium Rider: Another living benefit that will suspend all your policy premium payments if you happen to be admitted into a long-term care or nursing facility. All your premium payments are paid, so you don’t have to worry about losing your final expense coverage.
• Child or Grandchild Rider: This option allows you to add an adolescent relative, such as a child or grandchild, to your policy to protect and insure them as well.
• And many more…

Free Look Period

Your policy’s free-look period starts at the moment your policy is issued.

This allows you to look over your policy and ask any questions that you may have regarding your coverage.

If anything looks out of place or you decide you made a mistake purchasing your policy, your free look period guarantees a complete cancellation, no questions asked.

When qualifying for a final expense policy, you do not have to pay for your coverage, even if you are immediately approved once you submit your application.

You have 30 days to submit your first premium payment.

If you have already paid your policy’s first premium payment and decide to cancel while still in the free look period, you will receive a full refund for the payment you have made.

This trial period is usually for 30 days (each state does vary) and is put in place to protect you.

Captive vs Independent

When applying for final expense life insurance coverage, you want to speak with an agent who will present you with the best options, given your current situation.

Two types of agents can help you qualify for final expense insurance.

A Captive Agent or an Independent Agent

A Captive Agent works for an insurance company and is obligated and constricted to that one company’s policies and underwriting.

If a Captive Agent’s company does not accept a specific health condition, you have no other options.

You will most likely be subjected to applying for coverage with a two-year waiting period or being denied coverage entirely with that company.

An Independent Agent works for YOU and has no obligations to any insurance company.

An Independent Agent listens to your needs and applies their knowledge and expertise to get you approved for immediate day 1 coverage with no waiting period, regardless of your health.

And if you are in excellent health, wouldn’t you want to take out the lowest-cost policy available?

Why would you only settle for company A when companies B and C also have something to offer?

Signature Process

In today’s world of technology, where everything we need or desire is available at any moment, final expense insurance companies have also taken enormous leaps and strides to adapt to today’s automation and get you approved for coverage immediately.

Long gone are the days when you needed to wait over a week to receive an answer from an insurance company about whether they would accept you.

Today, the final expense insurance application is completed using computers and electronic submissions, assuring the quickest response and resolution to getting you approved.

Why Everything Final Expense?

Our steadfast dedication lies in promptly securing day-one coverage for our clients at unbeatably low rates.

We pride ourselves on demystifying the often complicated insurance process, offering a clear, easy-to-follow path while accompanying our clients at every step.

We stand out not just for being professional but also for our unbiased approach.

We collaborate with various insurance companies, ensuring that our advice is always in the client’s best interest.

We firmly believe that the optimal insurance company for an individual is one tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

We sincerely thank you for considering Everything Final Expense for your life insurance needs. We eagerly await the opportunity to assist you and ensure your peace of mind.