Burial Insurance

Affordable whole life coverage that pays your burial and funeral costs in cash.

📞 Call 1-800-633-4427 — FreeAmerica's Trusted Toll-Free Number

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Quick answer

Burial insurance is a small whole life policy, usually $5,000 to $25,000, that pays your family a tax-free cash benefit for funeral and burial expenses. Most plans need no medical exam. It is the same product as final expense or funeral insurance, just a different name. The 2023 median U.S. burial funeral cost about $8,300 (NFDA).

Burial insurance helps seniors cover the rising cost of a funeral and burial without leaving the bill to family. Here is how it works.

What does burial insurance cover?

Burial insurance pays a cash benefit your family can use for the casket, plot, headstone, funeral service, transportation, and related costs. Because the benefit is paid directly to your beneficiary as cash, it is not limited to burial alone — leftover funds can clear medical bills or other debts. The policy is whole life, so it never expires while premiums are paid, and it builds modest cash value over time. Most seniors qualify without a medical exam, answering only a few health questions or, with guaranteed issue, none at all.

How much burial insurance do you need?

Coverage should reflect what a funeral and burial cost in your area. The 2023 national median for a funeral with viewing and burial was about $8,300 (National Funeral Directors Association), not including the cemetery plot, which can add thousands more. Most seniors choose $10,000 to $15,000 to cover services with a cushion for extras. If you also want to leave money for medical bills or small debts, size up accordingly. A licensed agent at 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) can help you choose the right amount.

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Frequently asked questions

What is burial insurance?+

Burial insurance is a small whole life policy that pays your family cash to cover funeral and burial costs. Benefits usually range from $5,000 to $25,000, most plans require no medical exam, and coverage never expires while premiums are paid. It is the same as final expense insurance.

How much does burial insurance cost?+

Premiums depend on age, health, tobacco use, and benefit size. Many seniors pay between $30 and $80 a month for $10,000 of coverage. Guaranteed issue plans cost more. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) for a personalized quote.

Do you need a medical exam for burial insurance?+

Usually no. Most burial insurance uses simplified issue underwriting with a short health questionnaire and no physical exam. Guaranteed issue plans ask no health questions at all, so nearly any senior can qualify.

Is burial insurance the same as life insurance?+

Burial insurance is a type of whole life insurance with a smaller benefit aimed at covering funeral costs. It works like other whole life policies — permanent coverage, level premiums, cash value — but with simpler underwriting and lower face amounts suited to seniors.

Can my family use burial insurance for other expenses?+

Yes. The benefit is paid as cash to your beneficiary, who can use it for anything — funeral, burial, cremation, medical bills, or debts. It is not restricted to burial services, unlike pre-need plans bought through a funeral home.

Talk to a licensed specialist — free.

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