The cost of burial insurance depends on four main factors: your age, your gender, your health history, and the type of plan you choose. Someone aged 55 in good health will pay significantly less than someone aged 75 with serious health conditions.
Premiums are locked in at the age you apply and cannot increase over time. This means the earlier you apply, the lower your permanent monthly rate will be.
Plan Types Available
Level Benefit
Full death benefit coverage from day one. Best for applicants in reasonably good health. Requires a short health questionnaire — no medical exam.
Graded Benefit
For applicants with some health concerns who may not qualify for a level plan. Full death benefit becomes payable after a 2-year waiting period.
Guaranteed Issue
No health questions whatsoever. Available to almost anyone ages 50–80. Best option for those with serious health conditions who may not qualify elsewhere.
What Affects the Cost of Burial Insurance
Age is the single biggest factor. The older you are when you first apply, the higher your starting premium. Gender also plays a significant role — women typically pay 20–30% less than men of the same age, because women statistically have longer life expectancies.
Your health history determines which plan type you qualify for. Serious health conditions may move you from a level benefit plan (the lowest cost option) to a graded or guaranteed issue plan, which costs more. Tobacco use typically adds 30–50% to your premium.
The coverage amount scales your premium proportionally. A $15,000 policy costs roughly 50% more than a $10,000 policy. A $5,000 policy costs about half.
Is Burial Insurance Worth the Cost?
For most seniors who do not have $8,000–$10,000 set aside specifically for funeral expenses, burial insurance is a practical solution. The real value is not about getting your money back — it is about ensuring your family is not handed an unexpected bill at one of the hardest moments of their lives.
A 65-year-old woman paying $44/month for a $10,000 level benefit policy has peace of mind that her funeral costs are covered, her premium will never increase, and her family will not need to scramble for funds when she passes.
The best time to apply is now — every year you wait, your locked-in premium will be higher.
Monthly Cost Ranges — $10,000 Policy
The table below shows typical monthly premium ranges by age and gender. Actual rates depend on your health history, coverage amount, and carrier.
| Age | Female / Month | Male / Month | Plan Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 50 | $18 – $28 | $22 – $35 | Level Benefit |
| Age 55 | $22 – $34 | $27 – $42 | Level Benefit |
| Age 60 | $28 – $44 | $35 – $55 | Level Benefit |
| Age 65 | $35 – $56 | $46 – $70 | Level / Graded |
| Age 70 | $44 – $70 | $55 – $90 | Level / Graded |
| Age 75 | $65 – $105 | $85 – $135 | Graded / Guaranteed |
| Age 80 | $90 – $140 | $120 – $185 | Graded / Guaranteed |
Estimates for a $10,000 policy. See the full cost breakdown →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get burial insurance without a medical exam?
What is the age limit for burial insurance?
What is the difference between burial insurance and final expense insurance?
Does my premium increase over time?
Who will contact me after I submit my information?
Does burial insurance cost increase over time?
What is the most affordable type of burial insurance?
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