Final Expense Insurance 2026

What Is Final Expense Insurance?

Final expense insurance (also called burial insurance) is a small whole life policy — typically $5,000–$25,000 — designed to cover end-of-life costs:

• Funeral and burial: $9,000–$15,000 average
• Cremation: $2,000–$6,000
• Headstone, obituary, flowers: $2,000–$5,000
• Outstanding medical bills
• Probate and legal fees

The average American funeral costs $12,000–$15,000. Final expense insurance ensures your family isn't left scrambling to cover it.

Final Expense Rates 2026 — $10,000 Coverage

Age	Male	Female	Tobacco User (M)
50	$29/mo	$23/mo	$41/mo
55	$34/mo	$27/mo	$50/mo
60	$39/mo	$31/mo	$59/mo
65	$51/mo	$39/mo	$77/mo
70	$68/mo	$52/mo	$104/mo
75	$97/mo	$73/mo	$148/mo
80	$142/mo	$108/mo	$218/mo
85	$198/mo	$152/mo	N/A

Types of Final Expense Policies

Type	Health Questions?	Waiting Period?	Best For
Level Benefit	Yes (simplified)	None — day-1 coverage	Relatively healthy applicants
Graded Benefit	Yes (simplified)	2 years (partial payout)	Some health issues
Guaranteed Issue	None	2 years	Serious health conditions
Modified Benefit	Yes	2–3 years	Recent major health events

Best Final Expense Insurance Companies 2026

Company	Coverage Range	Max Age	Waiting Period?
Mutual of Omaha	$2,000–$25,000	85	No (level benefit)
Foresters Financial	$3,000–$35,000	80	No
American Amicable	$2,000–$30,000	80	No
AIG (Guaranteed)	$5,000–$25,000	80	2 years
Gerber Life	$5,000–$25,000	80	2 years
Royal Neighbors	$5,000–$30,000	85	No

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a medical exam for final expense insurance?

No — final expense policies require no physical exam. You'll answer a short health questionnaire (level benefit) or no questions at all (guaranteed issue). Approval is typically same-day.

What's the 2-year waiting period?

Graded and guaranteed issue policies often have a 2-year waiting period. If you die in the first 2 years, beneficiaries receive your premiums back plus 10% interest — not the full death benefit. After 2 years, the full benefit pays out.

Can I get final expense insurance at 80?

Yes. Most carriers issue policies up to age 80–85. Guaranteed issue options are available even with serious health conditions.