Final Expense
Life Insurance
Simple whole life coverage from $5,000 to $50,000. No medical exam required on most plans. Your rate is locked the day you apply and never goes up.
The Basics
What Is Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover end-of-life costs: funeral expenses, burial, cremation, outstanding medical bills, and any remaining debts. It is a permanent policy that never expires as long as premiums are paid.
Unlike traditional life insurance that often requires detailed medical exams and health records, final expense insurance uses simplified underwriting. Most applicants answer a brief set of health questions over the phone, and coverage can begin within 24 hours.
The average funeral in the United States costs between $7,000 and $12,000. Without coverage, that cost falls on the people you leave behind. Final expense insurance ensures your family can focus on grieving, not on how to pay the bills.
Pricing
How Much Does Final Expense Insurance Cost?
Your monthly rate depends on your age, health, coverage amount, and gender. The younger you are when you apply, the lower your rate stays for life. Toggle below to see typical rates for your gender — all figures are averages for non-smokers in standard health.
Rates shown are estimates for non-smokers in standard health. Actual rates vary by carrier and individual health factors. Contact Asurgo for an exact quote.
For a detailed breakdown of costs by age and coverage amount, see our Final Expense Insurance Cost Guide.
Your exact rate takes 5 minutes.
We compare 25+ carriers so you get the lowest available rate for your age and health.
Your Options
Three Types of Final Expense Plans
Not everyone qualifies for the same plan. The right one for you depends on your health history. Here is how they differ:
Level Benefit
The best option if you are in reasonably good health. Full death benefit is paid from the very first day your policy is active.
- Lowest monthly premiums
- Immediate full coverage
- Brief health questionnaire only
- Ages 45–85
Graded Benefit
If you have some health history, a graded plan may be the right fit. Coverage builds to 100% over a 2-year period.
- Accepts many health conditions
- 25–50% benefit in year 1
- 75% benefit in year 2
- Full benefit from year 3 on
Guaranteed Issue
If other plans have turned you down, guaranteed issue coverage is available. No one is declined. No health questions at all.
- No health questions
- No one is turned down
- 2-year waiting period
- Premiums returned if death in yr 1–2
Not sure which plan fits your health? A licensed specialist will match you in minutes.
Find My PlanFlexibility
How Families Use the Death Benefit
The death benefit is paid in cash, tax-free, with zero restrictions. Your beneficiary receives a check and decides how to use it. There is no requirement that the money be spent on funeral costs.
Burial Costs
- Funeral & Burial Costs 62%
- Medical Bills 20%
- Debt Payoff 12%
- Other Expenses 6%
Source: NFDA National Consumer Survey. Your beneficiary may use funds for any purpose.
Why Coverage Matters
What Does a Funeral Actually Cost?
Most families are unprepared for the real cost of end-of-life arrangements. The average funeral in the U.S. now exceeds $9,000 — and that figure climbs higher every year. Without a plan in place, that bill lands on your spouse or children at the worst possible moment.
Final expense insurance exists precisely for this reason: to make sure the people you love are not left scrambling for money while they are grieving.
Estimate My Coverage NeedAverage U.S. Funeral Costs
- Basic services fee $2,300
- Casket $2,500
- Embalming & preparation $775
- Viewing & ceremony $1,200
- Burial plot & grave opening $1,500
- Headstone or marker $1,000
- Estimated total $9,275+
Source: NFDA 2024 Cremation & Burial Report. Costs vary by region.
Side by Side
Final Expense vs. Traditional Whole Life
Both are permanent life insurance policies, but they serve different needs. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Final Expense | Traditional Whole Life |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage amount | $5,000 to $50,000 | $50,000 to $1M+ |
| Medical exam | ✓ Not required (most plans) | Often required |
| Typical monthly cost | $25 to $150 | $100 to $500+ |
| Age range | Ages 45 to 85 | Ages 0 to 65 typically |
| Cash value builds | ✓ Yes (small) | ✓ Yes (larger) |
| Application process | Brief health questionnaire | Full medical underwriting |
| Best for | Seniors, burial costs, fixed income | Long-term wealth building |
The Process
Getting Covered Is Simple
Three steps from your first call to active coverage. No paperwork, no offices, no long waits.
Tell Us About Yourself
A quick 10-minute conversation about your coverage needs, age, and health. No forms to fill out — just talk.
We Shop 25+ Carriers
We compare rates from every carrier we work with and present you with the best options for your situation.
Get Covered in 24 Hours
Same-day quotes. Most clients are approved and covered within 24 hours of their first call.
Is This Right for You?
Who Qualifies for Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance is designed for adults ages 45 to 85 who want affordable, permanent coverage without a medical exam. Most applicants qualify — even those with common health conditions like diabetes, COPD, or heart disease.
Planning Ahead
You are healthy enough to qualify for a level benefit plan and want to lock in the lowest possible rate before premiums increase with age.
Protecting Your Family
You want to make sure funeral costs, medical bills, and outstanding debts do not become a burden for your spouse or children.
Hard to Insure
Traditional insurers have declined you or your premiums are too high. Guaranteed issue plans accept everyone — no health questions asked.
Not sure which plan applies to you? A licensed Asurgo specialist will review your health situation at no charge and match you with the right carrier and coverage level.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does final expense insurance cover?
Final expense insurance pays a tax-free death benefit to your beneficiary when you pass away. They can use the money for funeral expenses, burial, cremation, medical bills, outstanding debts, or any other purpose. There are no restrictions on how the benefit is used.
Do I need a medical exam to get final expense insurance?
Most final expense plans do not require a medical exam. You typically answer a brief health questionnaire over the phone, and coverage can be approved within 24 hours. Asurgo works with carriers that accept applicants with most common health conditions.
How much does final expense insurance cost per month?
Most clients pay between $30 and $70 per month for $10,000 to $20,000 in coverage. Your rate depends on your age, coverage amount, and health. The younger you are when you apply, the lower your locked-in rate will be.
Can I get final expense insurance if I have health problems?
Yes, in most cases. Final expense insurance is specifically designed for seniors who may have health challenges. Some plans are guaranteed issue, meaning no health questions are asked and no one is turned down. Other plans accept applicants with diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and other common conditions.
What is a graded death benefit and how does it work?
A graded benefit means the full death benefit is not paid immediately if you pass away within the first two years. Instead, your beneficiary typically receives your paid premiums plus interest. After the two-year period, the full benefit applies for the rest of your life.
What is the difference between final expense and burial insurance?
Burial insurance and final expense insurance are the same thing. Both terms refer to small whole life policies designed to cover end-of-life costs. The names are used interchangeably in the industry.
How quickly does coverage begin?
Many plans offer same-day approval and immediate coverage. Some plans have a two-year graded period for applicants with serious health conditions. An Asurgo specialist will always tell you upfront which type of coverage you are getting.
Can my beneficiary use the death benefit for anything besides funeral costs?
Yes. The death benefit is paid in cash, tax-free, with no restrictions. Your beneficiary can use it for funeral costs, medical bills, debt, living expenses, or any purpose they choose.
Is final expense insurance whole life or term life?
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance. It is permanent, meaning it never expires as long as premiums are paid. Unlike term life, there is no end date and no risk of losing coverage.
What carriers does Asurgo use for final expense insurance?
Asurgo works with 25+ top-rated carriers including Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, Aetna, American Equity, Gerber Life, and others. We compare all of them to find the best rate for your specific health situation and age.
Is the death benefit from final expense insurance taxable?
In most cases, no. Life insurance death benefits paid to individual beneficiaries are generally income-tax-free under IRS guidelines. Your beneficiary receives the full amount without owing federal income tax.
Can I take a loan against my final expense policy?
Yes. Whole life policies, including final expense insurance, build a small cash value over time. Once your policy has accumulated sufficient cash value, you may be able to borrow against it. Check your specific policy terms for details.
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Go Deeper
Final Expense Insurance Guides
Get the full picture before you buy. These guides answer the most common questions about final expense coverage, eligibility, and costs.