What final expense insurance is
Final expense insurance is a small whole life insurance policy. Whole life means it is meant to last for the rest of your life, as long as you pay the premiums. When you pass away, it pays a set amount of money to the person you name.
Most people buy it for one reason: they do not want to be a burden. A funeral, a headstone, and the last medical bills can add up. A policy like this gives your family money to handle those costs, so they can focus on each other.
What it covers
The money goes to your beneficiary, the person you name on the policy. They can use it for anything: the funeral or cremation, the burial plot, medical bills, a car payment, or travel costs for family. The insurance company does not tell them how to spend it.
How it works, honestly
- Health questions. Many policies ask a short set of health questions instead of a medical exam. Your answers help decide which policies you can get.
- Waiting periods. Some policies have a waiting period, often the first year or two. If death from natural causes happens during that time, the policy may pay back the premiums or a part of the benefit instead of the full amount. Other policies pay the full benefit from the start. It depends on the policy and your health.
- Premiums. Many policies are designed with level premiums, meaning the price is set to stay the same. Check what each policy says.
- Read the policy. Every policy has its own rules. We go over them with you before you sign anything.
What you pay
Your premium and the amount of coverage you can get depend on your age, your health, whether you use tobacco, and the size of the policy you choose. We show you prices from the insurance companies we work with, so you can pick an amount that fits your budget. The price is the same with us as going direct.
Who it fits best
People who want to leave their family money for final costs and do not need a large life insurance policy. It can also help people who have health issues and want a policy with simple health questions.
Term vs whole life, in plain words
Term life covers you for a set number of years, like 10 or 20. If you pass away during that time, it pays. If you outlive the term, the coverage ends. Term policies are often used to cover a mortgage or to replace income while family depends on you.
Whole life is meant to last your whole life, as long as you pay the premiums. Many whole life policies also build cash value over time. Final expense is a type of whole life with a smaller benefit.
Which one makes sense depends on what you want the money to do. We can walk through it with you.
For veterans
If you served, you may be eligible for VA burial benefits. These can include burial in a VA national cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a burial allowance for some veterans. These benefits help, but they often do not cover the full cost of a funeral. Rules depend on things like discharge status and the cause and place of death. Check the details on VA.gov's burial allowance page.
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is one option for people who had military life insurance (SGLI) and recently left the service. You must apply within 1 year and 120 days of leaving. Learn more on VA.gov's VGLI page.
We can help you compare what VA benefits may cover with a private final expense policy, so your family has a clear picture. A private policy is from an insurance company, not the VA.
Get a quote
Send us your name and number. Someone from our team will call to ask a few questions and show you your options. There is no pressure to buy.
Rather talk now? Call (816) 307-6165 or book a time.
Questions people ask us
Can I get final expense insurance if I am over 80?
Many companies offer final expense policies to people in their 80s. Ages and health questions vary by company, so call us and we will show you what is available.
Do I need a medical exam?
Many final expense policies do not use a medical exam. Instead, you answer some health questions on the application. Your answers help decide which policies you can get and what they cost.
What is a waiting period?
Some policies do not pay the full benefit if death from natural causes happens in the first year or two. During that time they may pay back premiums or a part of the benefit instead. Each policy explains its own rules.
Can my premium go up?
Many final expense policies are designed with level premiums, which means the price is set to stay the same. Check the policy itself to see what it says.
Who gets the money?
The benefit goes to the person you name, called your beneficiary. They can use it for the funeral, bills, or anything else.
I am a veteran. Does the VA pay for my funeral?
VA burial benefits can help with some costs for eligible veterans, but they often do not cover everything. Check the rules on VA.gov, and we can help you see what might be left over.