Final Expense Insurance from just $1/day*
Compare guaranteed-acceptance and simplified-issue burial insurance plans from A+ rated U.S. carriers. Protect your family from funeral costs — with no medical exam on many plans.
“Got my mom covered in one afternoon — no exam, no runaround.”
— Sandra M., FL
Peace of mind for you. Protection for the people you love.
A small monthly premium can cover the full cost of a funeral, medical bills, and any small debts — so your family isn't left scrambling.
Fixed Premiums
Your rate never goes up — locked in for life.
Money for Loved Ones
Leave a tax-free benefit to help your family.
Simple Application
A few health questions. No exam on most plans.
Lifetime Coverage
Whole life protection that never expires.
Any Health Profile
Guaranteed-acceptance plans available for seniors.
Up to $50,000
Coverage sized to your funeral and final wishes.
Compare rates from top carriers now
Answer a few quick questions and we'll shop A+ rated carriers to bring you your best rate. A licensed agent will call you promptly with your options.
- Your info is never sold to unrelated third parties.
- Speak with a real licensed agent — no robocalls.
- Zero cost to compare. Zero obligation to buy.
Comparing carriers can cut your premium by up to 40%
Every insurance company underwrites health conditions and ages differently. The same 65-year-old with well-controlled diabetes might be offered level-benefit coverage from one carrier and graded coverage from another — with monthly premiums that vary by hundreds of dollars per year for the exact same $10,000 policy.
Rates vary 20–40%
For identical applicants, monthly premiums can vary by 20–40% between A+ rated carriers.
Different underwriting
Some carriers are more lenient with diabetes; others favor tobacco users. Matching matters.
Independent shopping
An independent agent shops 15+ carriers in one call — a captive agent only sells one company's plan.
| Approach | Carriers Compared | Best Available Rate? |
|---|---|---|
| Direct from one carrier | 1 | Rarely — you get their price, not the market's |
| Captive agent | 1 | No — captive agents represent a single company |
| Independent comparison service | 15+ | Yes — we shop the whole market for your best rate |
Family Shield is an independent comparison service, not a single carrier — we work for you, not for one insurance company.
How final expense insurance actually works
Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy — usually $5,000 to $50,000 — built specifically to cover your funeral, cemetery, and small end-of-life expenses. It's whole life, so it never expires as long as premiums are paid.
It's whole life, not term
Coverage never expires. Term life insurance expires at a set age; final expense stays in force as long as you pay the premium.
Fixed premium, forever
Your monthly rate is locked in the day the policy is issued. It never rises — even if your health worsens or you turn 90.
No medical exam
Approval is based on a short list of health questions (simplified issue) or no questions at all (guaranteed issue).
Tax-free payout
The death benefit is paid directly to your beneficiary, income tax-free, usually within 24–72 hours of a claim.
The three benefit types explained
Full death benefit from day one. Best rates. Requires answering a short list of health questions and passing simplified underwriting.
Partial payout in years 1–2, full benefit thereafter. Designed for moderate health conditions like COPD, cardiac history, or diabetes with complications.
No health questions, no medical exam, no decline. 2-year graded period, then full benefit. Available for anyone ages 50–80.
See your exact rate in 60 seconds
An independent licensed agent will shop 15+ A+ rated carriers to find your lowest rate — with no obligation to buy.
Free · No obligation · Licensed agents in all 50 states
Who qualifies for coverage?
Nearly every U.S. resident between 50 and 85 qualifies for some form of final expense insurance. The plan type and rate depend on your age, state, and health history — but very few people are truly ineligible.
| Age Range | Simplified Issue | Guaranteed Issue |
|---|---|---|
| 50–65 | Yes — best rates available | Yes |
| 66–75 | Yes — most applicants approved | Yes |
| 76–85 | Yes — some carriers | Yes (up to age 80) |
| 86–89 | Rarely | Rarely |
Right-size your coverage
The average U.S. funeral now runs $8,000–$12,000. Most families choose $10,000–$25,000 of coverage — enough for a proper funeral plus a small cushion for debts or family expenses.
| Coverage Amount | Best For | Sample Premium (age 65, non-tobacco) |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | Cremation only, minimal debts | $18–$35/mo |
| $10,000 | Basic funeral, small debts | $35–$70/mo |
| $15,000 | Traditional funeral with viewing | $50–$100/mo |
| $25,000 | Funeral + debts + small cushion | $80–$160/mo |
| $50,000 | Full cushion, legacy for family | $150–$320/mo |
Not sure how much you need? Read our full coverage calculator guide →
What makes final expense different
Final expense combines the permanence of whole life with the simplicity of a small, senior-friendly application — the result is coverage that stays with you for life at a predictable price.
Cash value builds
Whole life policies accumulate a small cash value over time — accessible via policy loan after several years.
No expiration
Coverage stays in force for life. There is no age cap beyond which the policy stops paying.
Locked-in premium
Your premium is fixed on day one and remains the same for the entire life of the policy.
Free-look period
Every state requires a 10–30 day free-look period during which you can cancel for a full refund.
Portable coverage
Coverage moves with you between states, marriages, and family changes — no re-underwriting.
Fast claim payout
Most carriers pay claims within 24–72 hours of receiving the death certificate and completed claim form.
Why families choose us
Best-Price Guarantee
We shop 15+ A+ rated carriers to find your lowest rate — not sell you one product.
Fast Approval
Many applicants qualify same-day. No medical exam on most plans.
Real Licensed Agents
No robots, no pressure. Just clear, honest answers from a human.
Rates that fit fixed incomes
Based on $10,000 coverage, non-tobacco. Your actual rate depends on age, health, and coverage amount.
| Age | Example Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|
| 50 years old | From $18/mo |
| 60 years old | From $27/mo |
| 70 years old | From $44/mo |
| 80 years old | From $79/mo |
*Rates vary by age, health, tobacco use, coverage amount, state, and carrier.
Independent comparison vs buying direct
Buying life insurance directly from a single carrier — or through a captive agent — locks you into that company's rates and underwriting. An independent comparison service works for you, not for one insurance company.
| Feature | Direct-from-Carrier | Independent Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Carriers offered | 1 | 15+ A+ rated |
| Agent works for | The carrier | You, the client |
| Rate shopping | None — one price | Full market comparison |
| Health-underwriting flexibility | Limited to that carrier's rules | Matched to the most lenient carrier for your profile |
| Ongoing service | Same carrier's rep | Same independent agent, any carrier |
| Cost to compare | N/A | $0 — always free |
Coverage for every stage of life
We serve seniors from every walk of life — including those with health conditions who've been declined for coverage elsewhere. Whatever your situation, there is almost certainly a plan for you.
Seniors
Adults 50–85
Final expense insurance is designed specifically for seniors.
Retirees
Recently retired seniors on fixed income
Retirees rely on Social Security, pensions, and savings that can't easily absorb an unexpected $10,000+ funeral bill.
Veterans
Military veterans and surviving spouses
The VA burial allowance covers only a fraction of a typical funeral.
Diabetes
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics
Contrary to what many people think, diabetes rarely prevents someone from qualifying for final expense insurance.
COPD
Adults with COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
A COPD diagnosis limits your options for traditional term life insurance, but you still qualify for final expense coverage.
Heart Disease
Adults with heart disease, past heart attack, or stroke
Cardiac conditions are among the most common health issues among seniors, and final expense carriers have designed plans specifically for people with heart disease.
Cancer Survivors
Adults with a history of cancer
A cancer diagnosis is not a barrier to final expense insurance.
Smokers
Current tobacco and nicotine users
Smoking doesn't disqualify you from final expense insurance.
Fixed Income
Seniors and retirees on limited monthly income
If Social Security or a pension is your primary income, an unexpected funeral bill can wipe out an emergency fund overnight.
Explore our final expense insurance products
Burial Insurance
Coverage sized for funeral costs and small debts.
Learn moreFuneral Insurance
Cash payout your family can use at any funeral home.
Learn moreNo Medical Exam
Skip the blood draw. Approval based on questions only.
Learn moreGuaranteed Issue
No health questions. No decline. Ages 50–80.
Learn moreAffordable Plans
Starting around $20/month. Fits any budget.
Learn moreWe compare quotes from the nation's most trusted insurers
Carrier availability varies by state and applicant profile. See all carriers →
3 simple steps to peace of mind
Request a Quote
Call us or complete our 60-second form. Zero cost, zero obligation.
Compare Plans
A licensed agent shops A+ rated carriers to find your best rate.
Get Covered
Approved and protected — often the same day. No medical exam on most plans.
Common misconceptions about final expense insurance
Myth: "I'm too old to qualify."
Fact: Most carriers accept applicants through age 85, and some go to 89. As long as you can complete a phone application, you almost certainly qualify.
Myth: "My health will disqualify me."
Fact: Guaranteed-issue plans accept every applicant ages 50–80 with no health questions. Health only affects rate — not whether you can get covered.
Myth: "It's too expensive."
Fact: Small policies start around $20/month. Most seniors pay between $30 and $80 per month for the coverage they actually need.
Myth: "The company will find a reason not to pay."
Fact: Final expense claims are paid at rates above 99%. As long as premiums were paid and the application was answered truthfully, the death benefit is paid.
Myth: "I already have life insurance through work — I'm covered."
Fact: Employer group life insurance usually ends when you retire or leave the company. Final expense is portable and stays with you for life.
Myth: "Buying insurance will affect my Medicare or Social Security."
Fact: No. Final expense insurance is private life insurance and has zero effect on Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid eligibility.
Trusted by families across America
“The process was easy, and I found affordable coverage for my mother. The agent was patient and kind — never pushy.”
“The agent answered all my questions and helped me choose the right plan. No pressure at all. Got approved same day.”
“I was worried I wouldn't qualify because of my health. They found me a guaranteed-acceptance plan that fit my budget.”
Answers to common questions
What is Final Expense Insurance?
Final Expense (also called burial insurance) is a small whole life policy — typically $5,000 to $50,000 — designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses so your family isn't left with the bill.
Is there a waiting period?
Many plans offer full, first-day coverage. Some guaranteed-issue plans have a 2-year graded benefit period. A licensed agent will help you find the plan that best fits your health profile.
Do I need a medical exam?
No. Most final expense plans require no medical exam — just a few simple yes/no health questions on the application.
What ages qualify?
Coverage is typically available for ages 50 to 85. Some carriers accept applicants up to 89.
How much coverage do I need?
The average U.S. funeral costs $8,000–$12,000. Most families choose between $10,000 and $25,000 to cover the funeral plus small debts.
Can I keep my current doctor?
Yes. Final Expense Insurance is life insurance — it has no effect on your doctor, Medicare, or any medical coverage.
Ready to protect your family?
Speak with a licensed agent today — free, no obligation.
Open today 8am–8pm ET · Average wait: under 1 minute