Final expense insurance is designed to help cover funeral expenses, medical bills and other end-of-life costs, helping reduce the financial burden on loved ones.
Final expense insurance is a type of permanent life insurance designed primarily to help cover costs that may arise after death.
These costs can include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, outstanding debts and other final financial obligations.
Policies typically offer smaller death benefits than traditional life insurance and may use simplified underwriting, making them easier to qualify for than some larger policies.
Why Choose Final Expense Insurance?
Final Cost Protection
Coverage can help pay for funeral, burial and other end-of-life expenses.
Permanent Coverage
Policies are generally designed to remain in force for life as long as required premiums are paid.
Simpler Underwriting
Many final expense policies use simplified health questions instead of full medical underwriting.
Explore Final Expense Insurance Options
Simplified Issue
Coverage with a streamlined application and fewer health questions than traditional policies.
The table below can be used to compare sample monthly premiums.
Rates updated: 2026
Age
Sex
Coverage
Simplified Issue
Guaranteed Issue
Graded Benefit
50
Male
$10,000
$—
$—
$—
50
Female
$10,000
$—
$—
$—
60
Male
$10,000
$—
$—
$—
60
Female
$10,000
$—
$—
$—
70
Male
$10,000
$—
$—
$—
70
Female
$10,000
$—
$—
$—
80
Male
$10,000
$—
$—
$—
80
Female
$10,000
$—
$—
$—
Disclaimer: Rates shown are sample monthly premiums for general comparison purposes only. Actual premiums vary by age, sex where permitted, health, smoking status, coverage amount, policy type, state, insurer and underwriting classification.
What Affects the Cost of Final Expense Insurance?
Age
Premiums generally increase as the applicant gets older.
Health
Health history can affect eligibility and pricing for simplified-issue coverage.
Smoking
Tobacco use can increase final expense insurance premiums.
coverage Amount
Larger death benefits generally result in higher monthly premiums.
Policy Type
Guaranteed-issue policies may cost more than medically underwritten options.
Benefit Structure
Level, graded and waiting-period benefits can affect pricing and coverage.
Who May Consider Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance may be worth considering if you want smaller permanent coverage focused on end-of-life costs.
Common Reasons
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical bills
Small outstanding debts
Leaving money for family
Limited existing life insurance
Difficulty qualifying for traditional coverage
Wanting simple permanent protection
Benefits and Things to Consider
Benefits
Permanent coverage
Smaller coverage amounts
Simplified underwriting options
No medical exam on many policies
Designed specifically for final expenses
Things to Consider
Premiums can be higher per dollar of coverage
Coverage amounts may be limited
Some policies include waiting periods
Graded benefits may apply in early years
Guaranteed-issue coverage may cost more
Final Expense vs Other Life Insurance
Final Expense
Permanent coverage focused mainly on funeral and end-of-life costs.
