Life Insurance Made Easy

Where Can I Get Burial Insurance?

Introduction

The subject of death is often uncomfortable, but planning for the end-of-life expenses shouldn’t be avoided. One of the ways to lessen the financial burden on your loved ones is through burial insurance. This comprehensive guide aims to answer all your questions about burial insurance: what it is, why you need it, how to choose the best plan, and most importantly, where you can get it. By the end, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision for your future and the well-being of your family. This is our goal here at PolicyHub.

The Basics of Burial Insurance

What is Burial Insurance?

Burial insurance, also known as funeral insurance or final expense insurance, is a type of insurance policy designed to cover the costs associated with your funeral and other end-of-life expenses. Unlike traditional life insurance, which often aims to provide financial security for your dependents, burial insurance specifically targets the immediate costs that arise when someone passes away. This can include not just the funeral but also any outstanding debts or medical bills you may leave behind.

Why Do You Need Burial Insurance?

Emotional Peace for Family Members: Dealing with grief is hard enough without the added pressure of financial constraints. Burial insurance can ease this emotional burden.
Financial Planning: With the rising costs of funerals, planning ahead can save your family from going into debt. The average funeral can cost between $7,000 and $12,000, making financial preparedness essential.
Quick Payout: Unlike other types of insurance, burial insurance often has quicker approval and payout processes, ensuring that your family receives the funds when they need them most.

Types of Burial Insurance

There are several types of burial insurance policies, each with its own set of features and limitations. Here are the most common types:

Simplified Issue: Requires a basic medical questionnaire but no medical exam. The coverage can vary, and premiums may be higher for those with medical issues.
Guaranteed Issue: No medical questionnaire or exam is needed, but the policy often comes with a graded death benefit. This means the policy won’t pay out the full amount if death occurs within a certain initial period.
Pre-need Funeral Insurance: This is directly tied to a funeral service provider and is meant to cover the exact expenses of the predetermined funeral services.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Burial Insurance

Cost

The cost of burial insurance varies based on multiple factors, including age, coverage amount, and the type of policy. Premiums can range from as low as $20 a month to well over $100, depending on these variables.

Coverage

Coverage amounts for burial insurance typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 but can go higher depending on the provider. Consider the potential costs of a funeral, any debts, and medical bills when determining the coverage amount.

Medical Examination

Most burial insurance policies either don’t require a medical exam or require a simple medical questionnaire. This makes the application process faster but may affect the premiums if there are underlying health issues.

Exclusions

Certain exclusions might apply, especially during the waiting or “exclusionary” period, which is often the first two years of the policy. Always read the policy’s fine print to understand what is covered and what is not.

Payout Time

One of the most significant advantages of burial insurance is the quick payout time. Most policies pay out within 24-48 hours after the necessary paperwork is completed, ensuring that funeral expenses can be promptly met.

Company Reputation

When choosing an insurance provider, always look for a company with a strong financial background and positive customer reviews. You can check the company’s financial health through A.M. Best ratings and read reviews on third-party platforms.

Where to Get Burial Insurance

Insurance Companies

Numerous national and regional insurance companies offer burial insurance policies. Large companies usually have various plans to choose from, each with their pros and cons. Make sure to read the fine print and consult a financial advisor before making a choice.

Online Brokers

Comparison websites are useful tools for seeing what different providers have to offer. These brokers pull quotes from various companies, allowing you to compare prices and coverage at a glance. Always make sure the website you’re using is reputable and secure.

Funeral Homes

Many funeral homes offer pre-need funeral plans that act as burial insurance. These policies are generally limited to covering funeral expenses and are tied to the funeral home in question. This could be a good option if you have a specific funeral home you want to use.

Directly From an Insurance Agent

Local insurance agents can provide personalized service tailored to your needs. They’ll guide you through the entire process and help you choose a policy that fits your specific circumstances.

Employer-based Plans

Some employers offer burial insurance as an additional benefit. While convenient, these plans might offer limited coverage and may not be portable if you change jobs.

Government and Special Programs

Veterans and certain other groups may be eligible for special burial benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides certain burial and memorial benefits for veterans. Additionally, some states have programs for low-income families.

How to Compare Burial Insurance Policies

Price Comparison

It’s important to compare prices before settling on a policy. Online quote comparison tools can give you an idea, but personalized quotes from individual companies will provide the most accurate information.

Policy Features

Beyond price, consider the features that each policy offers. Look for riders that might be beneficial, such as accelerated death benefits in case of terminal illness, and understand any exclusions or limitations.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews can give you valuable insights into the company’s customer service and claims process. Make sure to read reviews from multiple sources to get a balanced view.

Financial Health of Insurance Company

The company’s financial health is a critical consideration. You want a company that will be around when your family needs to make a claim. Use financial rating services to check a company’s stability.

Policy Flexibility

Your needs may change over time, so it’s important to choose a policy that offers some flexibility. Look for policies that allow you to adjust coverage amounts or upgrade to a different plan.

Application Process

Steps to Apply

Applying for burial insurance can usually be done in three primary ways: online applications, face-to-face consultations with an agent, or over the phone. Documentation like proof of age and identity is typically required.

Medical Examination and Health Questions

Some plans require a medical questionnaire to assess your health condition. It usually consists of a series of yes-or-no questions about your medical history. Very few burial insurance plans require a full medical examination.

Payment

Once your application is approved, you’ll need to decide on your payment schedule—monthly, quarterly, or annually. Most companies offer multiple payment methods, such as direct debit, check, or online payment.

FAQs

Is burial insurance worth it? – If you don’t already have a life insurance policy or savings to cover end-of-life expenses, a burial insurance policy can be a practical investment.
Can I buy burial insurance for my parents? – Yes, but you’ll need their consent to do so.
How soon does burial insurance take effect? – Most policies have immediate coverage but may have a waiting period for full benefits.

Case Studies

To give you a practical idea of how burial insurance works, let’s look at some hypothetical scenarios:

Case 1: John, a 70-year-old with no life insurance, buys a burial insurance policy. He passes away two years later. Because he selected a policy with immediate benefits, his family receives the full coverage amount.
Case 2: Sarah, 55, buys a policy but passes away within the waiting period from a condition not disclosed in the application. Her beneficiaries receive only a portion of the benefit.
Case 3: Emily, 40, purchases burial insurance and later wants to increase her coverage. She can do so easily because she initially chose a flexible policy.

Conclusion

Burial insurance serves as a financial safety net, providing your family with the funds needed to cover your end-of-life expenses. The key is to choose a policy that offers the best balance of cost, coverage, and company reputation.

Additional Resources

Appendix

Glossary of Terms: A list of common terms used in burial insurance policies to help you understand the language.
Checklists and Templates: Printable checklists and templates to guide you through the application and decision-making process.

Call to Action

You can’t predict the future, but you can plan for it. Take the step today to secure a burial insurance policy that aligns with your needs and gives peace of mind to you and your family.

For any further queries, feel free to reach out through our contact page. Your financial and emotional well-being are too important to leave to chance.