This guide walks families through options with clarity, respect, and actionable insight, including tailored sections for seniors over 70 and over 80.
💡 What Is Burial or Final Expense Insurance — and Why It Matters
Final expense insurance is a simplified whole-life policy, usually ranging from $2,000–$50,000. For seniors, especially those with health concerns like mild to moderate COPD, diabetes, or a history of cancer, it’s often the most affordable and accessible option.
Key benefits:
- No medical exam required — just a few health questions for simplified issue policies.
- Locked-in premiums that don’t rise with age.
- Benefits that never decrease
- Payouts that aren’t delayed when you qualify for simplified issue coverage.
For families on fixed incomes or middle-income seniors, these policies offer peace of mind with minimal hassle, ensuring funeral costs and other expenses won’t burden loved ones.
🔍 Plan Types: Understanding Your Options
| Plan Type | Health Questions? | Waiting / Graded Period | Death Benefit from Day One? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified Issue | Yes, a few limited questions | None | ✅ Full benefit immediately | Usually lower than Guaranteed Issue; may be slightly higher for tobacco users |
| Guaranteed Issue | No | 2–3 years for natural death; accidental death paid immediately | ❌ Full natural death benefit delayed | Highest premiums; safety net only |
| Graded Benefit | Yes | Partial benefit first 24 months (5–30% year one, 50–70% year two), full benefit begins 25th month | ❌ Partial initially, 100% after graded period | Often better value than Guaranteed Issue for moderate health concerns |
| Modified Policy | Yes | Short limited period with reduced payout | Partial at first | Higher cost; usually only if other options aren’t available |
Key Takeaways:
- Simplified Issue: Full coverage from day one; usually lower premiums.
- Guaranteed Issue: No health questions; higher cost and delayed full payout.
- Graded Benefit: Partial benefits for two years, full at 25th month; better value than Guaranteed Issue for many seniors.
- Modified Policy: Only for higher-risk applicants; expensive early coverage.
💰 Typical Costs of Burial Insurance for Seniors
Funeral expenses in 2025 average $7,000–$12,000, depending on location and service choices. Without planning, your family may have to cover these costs.
Approximate monthly premiums for simplified coverage:
| Coverage | Age 60 | Age 70 | Age 80 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $25/mo | $40/mo | $60/mo |
| $10,000 | $40/mo | $55/mo | $80/mo |
- Smokers or those with certain health conditions may pay slightly higher rates.
- Guaranteed Issue is more expensive because no health questions are asked.
- Acting sooner locks in lower premiums before birthdays push you into higher age brackets.
🧓 Final Expense Insurance for Seniors Over 70
Seniors aged 70–79 can still find simplified or graded coverage.
- Simplified Issue is usually available if health questions are answered honestly.
- Even with mild to moderate COPD, diabetes, or heart issues, most seniors still qualify.
- Working with a skilled independent agent ensures you get the right plan for your health profile and full benefits from day one.
Example:
Joan, 72, realized her funeral cost of nearly $10,000 would strain her savings. She qualifies for a $15,000 simplified issue plan at $55/month. Upon passing, funeral expenses are fully covered, and her children receive leftover funds.
Call to Action:
Call 269-244-3420 today — a senior-focused agent can find the best plan for you and answer your questions.
🧓 Final Expense Insurance for Seniors Over 80
Seniors 80+ often worry that age or health will limit coverage, but many still qualify for simplified issue plans.
- Partial coverage (Graded Benefit) may be necessary for some, but full first-day benefits are often possible for mild to moderate conditions.
- An independent agent can guide you through options, helping maximize coverage without guesswork.
Example:
George, 82, with mild COPD, qualifies for a $10,000 simplified issue policy at $75/month. His family avoids financial stress, and he keeps peace of mind knowing his coverage is permanent.
Call to Action:
Don’t wait — call or email now to explore your options and lock in a rate before your next birthday.
🏦 Choosing the Right Provider
Not all companies are created equal. Avoid:
- Colonial Penn 995 plan: High premiums, 2-year natural death waiting period.
- Direct-mail gimmicks: “Guaranteed acceptance — no health questions,” = 2-3 year delayed benefits.
Better options include:
- Gerber Life: Guaranteed issue for serious health concerns.
- Mutual of Omaha: Simplified underwriting, optional accelerated benefits.
- Foresters & Royal Neighbors: Diabetic-friendly; good for rocky health.
- SBLI: Competitive rates, liberal underwriting and funeral concierge included
- Aflac: Strong financial ratings, liberal underwriting, competitive rates
Pro Tip:
Don’t self-diagnose your eligibility. Most seniors — even those with mild to moderate COPD ,diabetes, heart trouble and more— qualify for simplified issue plans. Agents can match you to the right policy and make sure you get full benefits from day one.
Reach out now at 269-244-3420 — an expert can guide you through every step.
🧩 How Benefits Work
- Policies can be assigned directly to the funeral home.
- Leftover funds go to family for bills, spouse support, or legacy gifts.
- Correct beneficiary naming bypasses probate for faster payout.
⚖️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Rushing into guaranteed acceptance without checking waiting periods or premiums.
- Policies tied to a specific funeral home — you want flexibility.
- Companies with poor financial ratings or service records.
- Misrepresenting health information — it can delay or deny payouts.
Talk to an independent agent today to avoid costly mistakes and secure coverage that fits your needs.
📈 Why Acting Now Matters
- Premiums increase with age; delaying can cost hundreds of dollars more per year.
- Health changes may reduce eligibility for simplified issue plans.
- Locking in coverage before your next birthday ensures maximum benefit for minimum cost.
“Taking action today can secure coverage at a predictable rate and protect your loved ones from unexpected expenses.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is burial insurance for seniors?
Burial insurance for seniors, also called final expense insurance, is a simplified whole-life policy that covers funeral costs and leaves money for loved ones. It’s permanent coverage with predictable premiums.
Q: Can seniors over 70 get final expense insurance?
Yes. Seniors 70–79 can qualify for simplified issue coverage. Even with common health conditions, many get full benefits from day one. A specialized agent can help find the best plan.
Q: Can seniors over 80 get final expense insurance?
Yes. Seniors over 80 often qualify for simplified issue plans, even with multiple health concerns. Graded plans may be used in some cases, with full benefits starting on the 25th month.
Q: How does a Graded Benefit plan work?
Partial death benefits are paid during the first 24 months (5–30% year one, 50–70% year two), with full benefits starting on the 25th month. Accidental death is usually paid in full immediately.
Q: How soon can beneficiaries access funds?
Simplified Issue pays immediately. Guaranteed Issue may require a 2–3 year waiting period for natural death benefits.
📞 Take Action Today
Planning for the inevitable is one of the kindest things you can do for those you love. Don’t let rising premiums or changing health limit your options.
Call 269-244-3420 or email anytime — we’ll help you:
- Compare multiple carriers and coverage options
- Find the best rates for your health and age
- Secure peace of mind for your family
Your family deserves protection. Act now — the sooner you enroll, the lower your rate and the better your coverage.