Burial Insurance Companies – What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for insurance that covers end-of-life expenses, you may have heard about burial insurance. But what is it, and how does it work? This guide will provide everything you need to know about burial insurance, including an overview of the top companies in the industry.

What Is Burial Insurance?

Burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance or funeral insurance, is a type of life insurance policy designed to cover the costs associated with a funeral and other end-of-life expenses. These policies typically have lower coverage amounts than standard life insurance policies, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The premiums for burial insurance policies are usually fixed, meaning they won’t increase as you age or if you develop health problems. This makes them an attractive option for seniors or those with pre-existing conditions who may have difficulty getting traditional life insurance.

When you pass away, the death benefit from your burial insurance policy can be used to cover expenses such as funeral costs, cremation, burial fees, and other related costs. This can help ease the financial burden on your family during a difficult time.

Top Burial Insurance Companies

There are many insurance companies that offer burial insurance policies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the top burial insurance companies to consider:

Company
Strengths
Weaknesses
AIG
Flexible coverage options
Not available in all states
MetLife
High coverage amounts
May require a medical exam
New York Life
Excellent customer service
Higher premiums than some competitors
Prudential
No medical exam required
Higher premiums for smokers

AIG

AIG offers a variety of burial insurance policies with coverage amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. They also offer flexible payment options, allowing you to choose between a single payment or monthly payments. AIG policies are not available in all states, so be sure to check availability in your area.

One potential downside of AIG is that their policies may be more expensive than some competitors, especially if you’re a smoker or have pre-existing health conditions. However, their flexible coverage options and excellent customer service make them a strong contender in the burial insurance market.

MetLife

MetLife offers burial insurance policies with coverage amounts up to $50,000, which is higher than many of their competitors. Their policies also come with a guaranteed acceptance option, meaning you won’t be turned down due to health issues or age.

One potential downside of MetLife is that they may require a medical exam, depending on your age and health. However, their high coverage amounts and competitive pricing make them a popular choice for those in need of burial insurance.

New York Life

New York Life is known for their outstanding customer service, which can be a major advantage when dealing with end-of-life issues. They offer burial insurance policies with coverage amounts up to $25,000, and their policies come with a guaranteed acceptance option.

One potential downside of New York Life is that their premiums may be higher than some competitors, especially if you’re older or have pre-existing health conditions. However, their excellent customer service and strong reputation make them a top choice for those in need of burial insurance.

Prudential

Prudential is another top-rated burial insurance company, offering policies with coverage amounts up to $25,000. One advantage of Prudential is that they don’t require a medical exam, making it easier to get coverage even if you have health issues.

One potential downside of Prudential is that their premiums may be higher for smokers, so be sure to compare rates if you’re a smoker. However, their no-exam policy and competitive pricing make them a popular choice for many consumers.

FAQ About Burial Insurance Companies

How much does burial insurance cost?

The cost of burial insurance depends on a variety of factors, including your age, health history, and coverage amount. Premiums can range from a few dollars per month to several hundred dollars per month, so it’s important to compare rates from multiple companies to find the best deal.

Do I need a medical exam to get burial insurance?

Many burial insurance companies offer policies with no medical exam required, but some companies may require an exam depending on your age and health history. If you’re concerned about getting coverage due to health issues, be sure to compare policies from multiple companies to find the best fit.

What is the difference between burial insurance and life insurance?

The primary difference between burial insurance and life insurance is the coverage amount. Burial insurance policies typically have lower coverage amounts than traditional life insurance policies, and are designed specifically to cover end-of-life expenses such as funeral costs and burial fees. Life insurance policies can offer much higher coverage amounts and are designed to provide financial support to your beneficiaries after you pass away.

What happens if I don’t use all of my burial insurance benefits?

If you don’t use all of your burial insurance benefits, the remaining funds will typically be paid out to your designated beneficiary. Some policies may also allow you to use the remaining funds for other end-of-life expenses, such as hospice care or medical bills.

How long does it take to get approved for burial insurance?

The time it takes to get approved for burial insurance can vary depending on the company and the type of policy you choose. Some companies offer instant approval policies that can be approved in a matter of minutes, while others may require a longer underwriting process that could take several weeks.

Conclusion

Burial insurance can be a valuable tool for those looking to ease the financial burden on their loved ones after they pass away. By choosing one of the top burial insurance companies, you can ensure that your end-of-life expenses are covered and your family is taken care of during a difficult time.