Burial insurance (also called final expense insurance) is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover funeral expenses and end-of-life costs. It typically offers smaller coverage amounts ($5,000-$25,000) compared to traditional life insurance, with simplified underwriting and no medical exam requirements.

Burial insurance is ideal for seniors (typically ages 50-85) who want to ensure their funeral expenses won't burden their loved ones. It's particularly valuable for those who don't have significant savings, don't qualify for traditional life insurance due to health issues, or want a simple, dedicated policy specifically for end-of-life expenses.

No, burial insurance typically does not require a medical exam. Most policies use simplified underwriting, which means you only need to answer a few health questions. Some policies offer guaranteed acceptance with no health questions at all, though these may have a waiting period before full benefits are paid.

Monthly premiums typically range from $25 to 00, depending on your age, gender, health status, and the coverage amount you choose. Premiums remain fixed for the life of the policy and never increase. The younger you are when you purchase a policy, the lower your premium will be.

Most burial insurance claims are paid within 24-48 hours of receiving the necessary documentation (death certificate and claim form). This quick payout is designed to help families cover immediate funeral expenses without delay, unlike traditional life insurance which may take weeks to process.

Burial insurance can cover funeral services, burial or cremation costs, casket or urn, headstone, funeral transportation, and other final expenses. The death benefit is paid directly to your beneficiary, who can use the funds for any purpose, including outstanding medical bills, legal fees, or as a small financial legacy.

With simplified issue policies, you may be denied based on your health questionnaire answers. However, guaranteed acceptance policies are available that accept everyone regardless of health status, though they typically have a 2-3 year waiting period before full benefits are paid for natural causes of death (accidental death is covered immediately).

No, burial insurance is typically a form of whole life insurance, which means it provides permanent coverage that never expires as long as premiums are paid. The coverage amount never decreases, and premiums never increase, providing lifelong protection and peace of mind.