Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about final expense insurance from our licensed experts

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General Questions

Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover end-of-life expenses such as funeral costs, burial expenses, medical bills, and outstanding debts. It typically offers smaller coverage amounts ($5,000-$35,000) with affordable premiums and simplified underwriting.

Unlike traditional life insurance, final expense policies are specifically designed for seniors and often don't require medical exams, making them accessible to people with health conditions.

Final expense insurance differs from traditional life insurance in several key ways:

  • Coverage amounts: Smaller amounts ($5,000-$35,000) vs. larger amounts for traditional policies
  • Medical requirements: Usually no medical exam required vs. extensive medical underwriting
  • Age focus: Designed for seniors (50-85) vs. all age groups
  • Purpose: Specifically for final expenses vs. income replacement
  • Approval: Easier qualification process vs. strict health requirements

Final expense insurance is ideal for:

  • Seniors aged 50-85 who want to protect their families from funeral costs
  • People with health conditions who can't qualify for traditional life insurance
  • Those without significant savings to cover end-of-life expenses
  • Anyone wanting to leave a small financial legacy for their loved ones
  • People who want guaranteed acceptance regardless of health status

Costs & Pricing

Final expense insurance premiums typically range from $15-$200 per month, depending on several factors:

  • Age: Older applicants pay higher premiums
  • Gender: Women typically pay less than men
  • Health: Better health means lower rates
  • Coverage amount: More coverage costs more
  • Plan type: Level benefit plans cost less than guaranteed acceptance

For example, a healthy 65-year-old might pay $50-70/month for $10,000 in coverage.

No, final expense insurance premiums are locked in and never increase. Once you're approved and your policy is in force, your premium will remain the same for the life of the policy, as long as you continue to pay on time.

This is one of the key benefits of whole life insurance policies - you have predictable, stable premiums that won't surprise you with increases as you age.

The amount of coverage you need depends on your specific situation, but here are some guidelines:

  • Average funeral costs: $8,000-$12,000 depending on your location
  • Outstanding debts: Credit cards, medical bills, etc.
  • Final medical expenses: Hospital bills, medications
  • Family support: Help with immediate expenses

Most people choose between $10,000-$25,000 in coverage. Use our coverage calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your needs.

Health & Medical Questions

No, final expense insurance typically does not require a medical exam. Instead, you'll answer a few simple health questions during the application process. This makes it much easier and faster to get coverage compared to traditional life insurance.

The number of health questions varies by plan type:

  • Level Benefit: 5-10 health questions
  • Graded Benefit: 2-5 health questions
  • Guaranteed Acceptance: No health questions at all

Having health problems doesn't automatically disqualify you from final expense insurance. We specialize in helping people with pre-existing conditions find coverage:

  • Diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 can often qualify
  • Heart disease: Coverage available after recovery periods
  • Cancer: Options for cancer survivors
  • COPD/Emphysema: Coverage with breathing conditions
  • High blood pressure: Usually not a problem if controlled

If you can't qualify for level benefit coverage, graded benefit or guaranteed acceptance plans are available.

Guaranteed acceptance final expense insurance is a policy that accepts everyone who applies, regardless of health conditions. Key features include:

  • No health questions: Everyone is accepted
  • Ages 50-85: Available to seniors in this age range
  • Graded death benefit: Limited coverage for the first 2 years
  • Higher premiums: Costs more than other plan types
  • Coverage limits: Usually $5,000-$25,000 maximum

This is the best option for people with serious health conditions who can't qualify for other types of coverage.

Application & Approval Process

The final expense insurance application process is designed to be quick and simple:

  • Application: 15-20 minutes over the phone
  • Review: 24-48 hours for most applications
  • Approval: Many applicants get same-day approval
  • Coverage begins: Immediately upon first payment (for level benefit plans)

The entire process from application to coverage can often be completed within 24-48 hours.

To apply for final expense insurance, you'll need:

  • Personal information: Name, address, date of birth
  • Contact details: Phone number and email address
  • Beneficiary information: Who will receive the death benefit
  • Health information: Answers to health questions (if required)
  • Payment method: Bank account or credit card for premiums

You do NOT need your Social Security number for quotes, and no medical records are required.

It depends on the type of plan you apply for:

  • Level Benefit Plans: Yes, you can be declined based on health answers (approval rate: 85-90%)
  • Graded Benefit Plans: Rarely declined, very high approval rate (95-98%)
  • Guaranteed Acceptance: Cannot be denied - 100% approval rate

If you're declined for one type of plan, we can often find you coverage with a different plan type or carrier. Our goal is to find you coverage that fits your health and budget.

Coverage & Benefits

Final expense insurance provides a death benefit that can be used for any purpose. Common uses include:

  • Funeral expenses: Service, casket, burial plot, headstone
  • Medical bills: Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications
  • Outstanding debts: Credit cards, loans, mortgages
  • Legal fees: Probate, estate settlement costs
  • Family support: Help with immediate living expenses
  • Any other purpose: Your beneficiaries can use the money however they need

When your coverage begins depends on the type of plan:

  • Level Benefit Plans: Full coverage begins immediately upon approval and first payment
  • Graded Benefit Plans: Partial coverage for first 2 years, then full coverage
  • Guaranteed Acceptance: Graded death benefit - limited coverage for first 2 years

All plans typically provide immediate coverage for accidental death from day one.

Yes, you can change your beneficiary at any time by contacting your insurance company. Most companies allow you to:

  • Update beneficiary information online or by phone
  • Add multiple beneficiaries with different percentages
  • Name contingent beneficiaries as backups
  • Change beneficiaries as your life circumstances change

It's important to keep your beneficiary information current, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of children or grandchildren.

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