What is Burial Insurance?
Burial insurance (also called final expense insurance) is a small whole life insurance policy designed to cover end-of-life expenses — primarily funeral costs, burial, cremation, and related debts. Coverage amounts are typically between $5,000 and $25,000.
Unlike term life insurance, burial insurance is permanent — it never expires as long as you pay premiums. Most policies are available without a medical exam.
Average Funeral Costs in the U.S.
$7,000–$12,000
Funeral with burial
$2,000–$5,000
Funeral with cremation
$1,000–$3,000
Gravestone / marker
$500–$1,500
Obituary + misc.
Types of Burial Insurance
Simplified Issue (Level Benefit)
Requires answering a few health questions — no exam. Full death benefit from day one. Best value if you qualify.
Best for: Adults 50–80 in reasonably good health
Guaranteed Issue (Graded Benefit)
No health questions. Cannot be declined. 2-year waiting period before full benefit is paid.
Best for: Adults 50–85 with serious health conditions
Pre-Need Insurance
Purchased directly through a funeral home. Proceeds go to the funeral home to prepay for specific services.
Best for: Those who want to pre-arrange their own funeral
How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost?
Sample monthly rates for a $10,000 simplified issue whole life policy:
| Age | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Age 50 | $21/mo | $27/mo |
| Age 55 | $26/mo | $34/mo |
| Age 60 | $32/mo | $43/mo |
| Age 65 | $40/mo | $55/mo |
| Age 70 | $52/mo | $73/mo |
| Age 75 | $73/mo | $104/mo |