Let's be direct. Burial insurance is not a great investment in the traditional financial sense. If you live a long life and pay premiums for 20–30 years, you will likely pay in more than the death benefit over time.
But that is not the right way to think about it. Burial insurance is not an investment — it is a way to transfer the financial risk of your funeral and end-of-life costs away from your family. The question is not whether you will come out ahead financially. The question is whether your family can absorb an unexpected $8,000–$10,000 expense at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
For most seniors without dedicated funeral savings, the answer makes burial insurance a practical and worthwhile decision.
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.
When Burial Insurance Makes Sense
Burial insurance makes sense if you do not have $8,000–$10,000 set aside specifically for funeral costs, if you want to ensure your family is not burdened with those costs, or if your existing life insurance coverage has expired or is no longer sufficient.
It also makes sense if you are currently healthy enough to qualify for a level benefit plan — because locking in a low premium now prevents a significantly higher premium later if your health declines.
When It May Not Be Necessary
If you have sufficient savings or investments that your family can access quickly after you pass, and those funds clearly cover funeral costs and any outstanding debts, then burial insurance may be an unnecessary expense.
Similarly, if you have a large existing life insurance policy in force, and that policy will pay out in a timely manner, your family may already have the funds needed.
The key word is accessible — many assets (estate funds, retirement accounts, certain investments) can take weeks or months to become available to a family after a death. Funeral homes typically require payment within days. Burial insurance pays quickly, which is part of its practical value.
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?
Is burial insurance a scam?
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