Looking for a legit and thorough Funeral Advantage Program review from Lincoln Heritage? You’re in the right place. In this article, I break down the pros, cons, hidden fees, and what seniors need to know before applying. I’ll also compare Lincoln Heritage to a few trusted final expense carriers so you can see which plans offer the best value and coverage for your situation.
You’ll get a professional, real-world look from someone who has been helping seniors navigate final expense insurance for years. My goal: help you avoid overpaying, understand coverage restrictions, and know when an independent agent can save you money.
Funeral Advantage Program: What You Need to Know
We’ll cover:
- Who Lincoln Heritage is
- How the Funeral Advantage insurance plan works
- What makes it different—or not—from competitors
- The pricing realities and affordability
- Why the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS) isn’t the deal it’s made out to be
Curious how Lincoln Heritage stacks up against other trusted life insurance carriers? Many seniors assume the Funeral Advantage Program is the only option, but a quick comparison shows there may be better value elsewhere.
Below is a snapshot of sample monthly premiums for $10,000 of level benefit whole life coverage for a 70-year-old female non-smoker. These examples highlight the potential savings and help you see which carriers offer full first-day coverage versus waiting periods or higher premiums.
Check the table below and see a few companies we work with. I’m sure you see the obvious differences. Consider getting you own personalized quote to find out what you qualify for. The example carriers below were chosen because they are competitive companies offering good value and available in most states. We offer many other options but may not be available in your state. Your overall health is key to finding the right policy and avoiding a decline (not good). We can sort that part out for you.
| Company | Monthly Premium* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Heritage – Level | $76.81 | Level Benefit Whole Life |
| Mutual of Omaha | $53.24 | Level Benefit Whole Life |
| Transamerica | $52.88 | Level Benefit Whole Life |
| Foresters Financial | $54.63 | Level Benefit Whole Life |
| Aflac | $55.97 | Level Benefit Whole Life |
| SBLI | $63.59 | Level Benefit Whole Life |
*Sample rates for a 70-year-old female non-smoker seeking $10,000 coverage, July 2025. Rates vary by age, gender, health and state of residence.
Take a closer look — there are other trusted carriers offering the same coverage at a lower monthly premium. Compare rates and see which plan fits your budget and needs.
Most carriers don’t sell their full range of life insurance products directly online. Customer service in the carriers home office cannot offer level-benefit whole life insurance among many other products. Why? Those departments are not staffed with licensed agents to do so. Sure, they can refer you out to an agent that offers that companies insurance products to see if it is the right fit for you. However, independent agents/brokers give you access to the full portfolio of top-tier products from all of the top companies, ensuring you can qualify for the right coverage. In other words, guidance tailored to your situation. The rates you see above are the state-approved rates for the named insurance companies for 2025 meeting the example criteria (*). I used Michigan for the reference state.
Who Is Lincoln Heritage?
Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company was founded in 1963 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. They focus exclusively on final expense life insurance for seniors. Their flagship product? The Funeral Advantage Life Insurance Program — it’s the only type of life insurance they sell.
Lincoln Heritage is known for fast claim payouts once all paperwork is submitted. They also include Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS) membership, which they heavily market. However, fast claims and FCGS membership don’t always translate into better value or affordability compared to competitors.
Is Lincoln Heritage Legitimate?
- Licensed and regulated since 1963.
- Specializes solely in final expense insurance for seniors.
- Reliable claims process — death benefits typically paid quickly.
- FCGS membership included, though the value is often overstated.
Want to see if you’re overpaying for Funeral Advantage? Keep reading — multiple carriers offer similar coverage at a lower monthly premium.
💡 Don’t Waste Another Minute Chasing One Company
Many seniors spend days or weeks looking at only one carrier, thinking they’re finding the best policy. Stop spinning your wheels — talk to a licensed expert who can compare dozens of final expense and life insurance carriers to help you find the right coverage for your situation.
Independent. Unbiased. Helping seniors nationwide since 2001.
What Is the Funeral Advantage Program?
The Funeral Advantage Program is a whole life insurance policy designed to cover up to $20,000 in final expenses. It comes with FCGS membership, marketed as a concierge-style service.
Final expense insurance, burial insurance, funeral insurance — these are essentially the same product. Differences come down to:
- Price-to-benefit ratio
- Health qualifications
- Service
Independent reviews and agent experience suggest FCGS benefits are heavily promoted but not unique.
Is Funeral Advantage Whole Life Insurance?
Yes. Premiums stay level for life, and the policy won’t expire as long as payments are current. Claims are processed quickly once all paperwork is submitted. Modified plans and health-based restrictions can make costs higher than advertised.
The Pricing Problem with Lincoln Heritage
Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage rates are often 2–3 times higher than comparable policies from top carriers. Seniors on a fixed income need to carefully consider whether paying more is necessary.
Sample Monthly Premiums for $10,000 Level Benefit Whole Life (70-year-old female non-smoker, July 2025):
| Company | Plan Type | Monthly Premium* | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Heritage | Level | $76.81 | $10,000 |
| Mutual of Omaha | Level | $53.24 | $10,000 |
| Transamerica | Level | $52.88 | $10,000 |
| Foresters Financial | Level | $54.63 | $10,000 |
| Aflac | Level | $55.97 | $10,000 |
| SBLI | Level | $63.59 | $10,000 |
*Rates vary by age, health, gender, and state.
Important: These rates are only available if you qualify health-wise. Calling the company directly may lead to referrals, higher premiums, or declines. An independent agent can guide you to the carrier and plan most likely to approve your application while ensuring competitive pricing.
Funeral Advantage Insurance: The Modified Plan Trap
The Modified Plan includes:
- A 2-year waiting period before full coverage
- Higher premiums
- Benefit restrictions for certain health conditions
Seniors with health challenges — such as stroke, heart issues, COPD, kidney disease, or diabetes complications — are often rated up or downgraded into the Modified Plan, significantly reducing value.
From My Experience in the Field
Many families end up with less coverage than desired because Modified Plans are triggered by health issues. Lincoln Heritage agents can only offer Lincoln Heritage products, which limits alternatives.
As an independent broker, I routinely find better value, lower-cost policies elsewhere. This is why consulting an independent agent before applying can save you money, increase coverage and better protect your loved ones.
Lincoln Heritage Review: Maple Valley IG Quick Grade
- Pricing: D – Higher premiums than competitors.
- Level Benefit Plan: C+ – Solid coverage but overpriced and touchy underwriting
- Modified Plan: F – Waiting periods and inflated premiums.
- Claims Service: A – Fast and reliable.
The Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS) Membership
FCGS membership provides funeral planning guidance and discounts, but most services are available elsewhere at little or no cost. The true value lies in the insurance, not the FCGS perks.
Independent vs. Captive Agents
Independent agents can compare multiple carriers to find better pricing and flexible coverage.
Captive agents are restricted to Lincoln Heritage products, limiting options and often resulting in higher costs and lower coverage.
Final Thoughts
Funeral Advantage is legitimate but very overpriced. Seniors should consult independent agents to explore better value options, especially if you are on a fixed income.
From personal experience, the Funeral Advantage program does not justify its high pricing. Lincoln Heritage is committed to the final expense business, but their pricing and underwriting are out of line. Competitors and other concierge services — like Everest and Sequoia — offer more for your dollar.
Your age, health, and financial situation determine the best policy, and independent guidance ensures you get the right coverage at the right price.
FAQ About The Funeral Advantage Program
Is Funeral Advantage insurance worth it?
The Funeral Advantage program can be useful if you prioritize fast claim processing, but it is often much more expensive than other final expense or burial insurance options. Independent agents can help seniors find lower-cost, equally reliable coverage.
Can I get better rates elsewhere for final expense insurance?
Yes. Many carriers offer similar senior life insurance coverage at lower premiums. Working with an independent broker ensures you can compare multiple carriers to find the best rates and underwriting for your health situation.
What is the Modified Plan trap in Funeral Advantage?
The Modified Plan is triggered by certain health conditions and includes a 2-year waiting period, higher premiums, and benefit restrictions. Many seniors assume full coverage starts immediately, but the plan can significantly limit early benefits.
Is FCGS membership essential?
No. While the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society provides funeral planning guidance and discounts, most services are available elsewhere at little or no cost. The core value lies in the insurance coverage itself.
Should I consult a professional before choosing funeral insurance?
Absolutely. An independent life insurance agent ensures seniors get the best rates and coverage tailored to their health, avoiding surprises from Modified Plans or overpriced Funeral Advantage premiums.
Is Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage legitimate?
Yes. Lincoln Heritage is licensed, regulated, and reliably pays claims. The concern is value, as premiums are often 2–3 times higher than comparable final expense plans from carriers like Mutual of Omaha, Foresters Financial, or Aflac.
Can seniors get better funeral insurance than Funeral Advantage?
Yes. Independent brokers can compare multiple final expense carriers to find lower-cost policies with flexible underwriting, often avoiding Modified Plan restrictions while offering comparable coverage.
How expensive is the Funeral Advantage Program?
Premiums are typically much higher than similar plans. For example, a 70-year-old non-smoker may pay over $120/month for $10,000 coverage, while comparable carriers often charge under $60/month for the same level-benefit coverage.
Can I switch from Funeral Advantage to a better plan later?
Yes, but switching will require new underwriting. Seniors usually get better long-term value by consulting an independent broker first, ensuring they avoid high costs and waiting periods while securing the right coverage.
Many seniors spend days or weeks reviewing a single carrier, thinking they’re finding the best policy. Stop spinning your wheels — talk to a licensed expert who can compare dozens of final expense and life insurance carriers and help you find the coverage that truly fits your situation.
Hi!! Just want to give a Huge Thank You to “Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company!!” Each time I called in with a question concerning the policy when my husband had passed away, each & every representative was very polite & kind. They all gave me their condolences before they began helping me with whatever question I had. Thank you so much for your services. I am a satisfied customer!!
Glad you had a good experience when your husband passed away. It is nice to talk to emphathetic people when we are grieving. Having a good claims experience following the death of a family member is always a positive for the family. I hear stories regularly from families who have been very thankful for the senior life insurance their loved ones purchased. It is one of the main reasons we do what we do here. Thanks for your commentary and be well.