The best final expense insurance is from State Farm. Depending on your needs, the top provider may differ. Below are the best final life insurance companies for different categories to help you weigh your options.
Life Insurance
Best Final Expense Insurance in 2025
Updated: May 20, 2025
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Key Takeaways
State Farm is the best final expense life insurance provider, earning a MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100 and boasting strong financial stability with an A++ AM Best rating.
Progressive excels in customer satisfaction for final expense life insurance, receiving a MoneyGeek score of 96, though its policies are issued through partner companies.
Final expense insurance provides a financial cushion for end-of-life costs like medical bills, burial, or cremation, while also offering flexibility for beneficiaries to address other financial needs.
What Is the Best Final Expense Insurance Company?
Best Overall Final Expense Insurance Company: State Farm
Best OverallState Farm
MoneyGeek Score:
99/ of 100
Monthly Cost$22
Overview
State Farm is the best choice for final expense life insurance, receiving an overall MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100. The company excels in financial stability and product diversity, which are key factors when considering a long-term commitment like life insurance. State Farm's final expense coverage offerings are designed to ease the financial burden of end-of-life expenses, making it a reliable option for those looking to secure their family's future.
State Farm has carved a niche for itself in the life insurance market, especially when it comes to final expense policies. With over a century in the business, the company brings a wealth of experience and reliability to the table. It offers guaranteed issue final expense insurance, which is one of its whole life insurance products. Final expense insurance is designed to cover funeral and burial expenses, medical bills and other debts. This focus on final expenses makes State Farm ideal for those who want to ensure their loved ones are financially secure in dealing with end-of-life costs. The company's strong financial stability and diverse product offerings further solidify its position as a top choice for final expense life insurance.
Runner-Up and Best Final Expense Insurance Buying Process: Nationwide
Runner-Up and Best Buying ProcessNationwide
MoneyGeek Score:
99/ of 100
Monthly Cost$16
Overview
With a MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100, Nationwide offers an optimal buying process for final expense insurance, earning the highest rating in this category. This distinction underscores the company's commitment to a seamless customer experience, making it the top choice for those prioritizing ease of purchase. Nationwide's overall score tied with State Farm, but it landed the runner-up spot due to State Farm's superior financial stability rating.
Nationwide stands out for its exceptional buying process. With 97 years in the business, the company has honed its customer service, offering 24/7 online chat support and multiple payment options. Nationwide not only issues its own policies but also provides a comprehensive range of products, from term to whole and universal life insurance. This makes it a one-stop shop for many insurance needs, including final expense coverage. If you're looking for a hassle-free buying experience coupled with diverse policy options, Nationwide can be a compelling choice.
Best Final Expense Insurance for Customer Satisfaction: Progressive
Best for Customer SatisfactionProgressive
MoneyGeek Score:
96/ of 100
Monthly Cost$31
Overview
Receiving a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100, Progressive stands out as the top choice for customer satisfaction among insurers offering final expense life insurance. It's worth noting that Progressive's policies are issued through partner companies.
Progressive earned the highest rating in the customer satisfaction category with a low rate of customer complaints. Although Progressive doesn't issue its own life insurance policies, it offers a broad spectrum of products, including term life, whole life and universal life, through its partners. The company has been in business for 86 years, adding a layer of trust and reliability. Its robust digital presence allows potential clients to get final expense insurance quotes online in as little as 60 seconds. However, Progressive's multiple payment options are limited, and there's no direct agent support over the phone.
Final Expense Insurance: Buying Guide
Finding the right final expense insurance policy requires careful consideration of your specific needs and priorities. This guide will help you choose the best policy that fits your budget, from comparing coverage options and costs to determining the right coverage amount.
How to Choose a Final Expense Insurance Policy and Coverage Amount
Similar to other types of life insurance, final expense plans can have varying face-value amounts. A coverage amount of at least $10,000 is ideal, but you can increase your coverage to $20,000 or higher. Remember that the higher your limit is, the higher the cost of final expense insurance becomes.
Final expense insurance is best suited for seniors — typically, buyers who are 60 and older and have limited income benefit most from this coverage. It may also work for those who have severe health conditions because it is more affordable than term life or permanent life plans.
Depending on your preference, you can purchase simplified issue life insurance, which requires you to answer several health-related questions. If you think your health condition is a cause for concern, guaranteed issue life insurance may be a better alternative.
CAN YOU BUY FUNERAL INSURANCE ONLINE?
Yes, purchasing funeral insurance policies online is a convenient option. Many insurance companies offer online platforms where you can compare funeral insurance quotes, review policies and secure a plan suited to your needs from the comfort of your home.
Final Expense Insurance Cost
The cost of final expense insurance depends on several factors. Typically, the older you are when you purchase your policy and the higher your coverage level is, the more expensive your premium becomes.
Life insurance companies also have varying requirements. Some will ask you to complete a health questionnaire, while others guarantee acceptance. Policies with guaranteed acceptance pose a lower risk for you, but they typically cost more than those that require you to answer health-related questions.
COST OF FINAL EXPENSES, INCLUDING BURIAL AND FUNERAL
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the national median cost of a funeral is $8,300. This amount only covers the barest of services, including viewing and burial. A funeral with cremation is less expensive at $6,280. If you add on the cost of interment in a cemetery, monument or marker and flowers, final expenses can exceed $10,000.
Compare Final Expense Insurance Quotes
Comparing quotes and offers from multiple funeral insurance companies can help you find the best life insurance to cover funeral expenses. When evaluating quotes, pay close attention to premium costs, coverage amounts, waiting periods and policy exclusions to ensure you compare equivalent coverage.
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
While finding cheap life insurance may seem appealing, keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best one. A lower price may mean reduced coverage or higher out-of-pocket expenses later. Always compare funeral insurance policies thoroughly, focusing not just on the cost but also on what is covered. This approach ensures you receive the best insurance for funeral expenses, offering adequate protection without compromising on necessary benefits.
Tips to Lower the Cost of Final Expense Insurance
There are several strategies to reduce the cost of funeral insurance, making it more affordable without sacrificing coverage:
- 1
Compare Policies
Conduct a thorough funeral insurance comparison by researching different policies from the best funeral insurance companies. This can help you find a plan that offers the best value for the coverage you need.
- 2
Choose Only Necessary Coverage
Tailor your funeral cost insurance policy to cover only essential end-of-life expenses. This means opting for a realistic death benefit that covers expected costs without over-insuring, which can help keep premiums manageable.
- 3
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Some insurers consider your overall health when determining premiums. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle could qualify you for lower rates, especially if the policy requires a medical exam.
These tips can help make life insurance for funeral costs more accessible and ensure you choose the best funeral insurance plan that aligns with your financial goals.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Shop around and compare quotes to assess varying funeral insurance plans, ensuring you find an option that aligns with your financial goals and coverage needs. It can significantly affect the affordability and comprehensiveness of your coverage, potentially leading to substantial savings and better benefits tailored to your specific end-of-life requirements. Additionally, reading funeral insurance reviews can provide insights into customer experiences, further guiding your decision-making process and helping you choose a reputable provider.
What Is Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance that provides permanent coverage. Unlike term life insurance, it won't expire after a specific period. Coverage typically lasts until death, though some policies have a maturation age, usually 100. This insurance is also known as funeral insurance, burial insurance or modified issue whole life insurance.
Final expense insurance is no different from other whole life insurance policies. However, it usually has a smaller death benefit, making it more affordable. If you have final expense coverage, your beneficiary can use the payout as they see fit. That said, it's primarily used to cover expenses from a memorial service, embalming, purchasing a casket or having a body cremated.
With a death benefit usually ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, final expense and burial insurance is popular among seniors to make sure their families won't face financial burden with end-of-life expenses.
FINAL EXPENSE VS BURIAL INSURANCE VS FUNERAL INSURANCE
In the context of life insurance, final expense insurance, funeral insurance and burial insurance essentially describe the same product. These terms typically denote a small whole life policy covering end-of-life expenses, including funeral or medical bills.
Final Expense Insurance Coverage Requirements: Medical Exam or Questions
Insurers often offer two types of final expense plans: simplified issue and guaranteed issue. Neither type requires a health exam for approval. However, simplified issue life insurance does require you to answer several health-related questions about your medical history.
Guaranteed issue life insurance, as the name implies, ensures automatic acceptance regardless of health status. It simplifies the process but also costs more and typically includes a waiting period before the full death benefit is available.
How Final Expense Insurance Works
Navigating the financial implications of end-of-life expenses can be a significant concern, especially if you're retired and lack coverage from a personal or employer-sponsored life insurance policy. Final expense insurance offers a solution to this challenge.
Key Steps to Acquire Coverage
- Application: Most final expense policies require you to answer a few health-related questions, although some offer guaranteed acceptance without any health queries.
- Premium Payment: Once approved, you have the option to pay premiums on a weekly or monthly schedule.
Your needs may change over time, so it’s wise to periodically review your funeral insurance policy with your provider to ensure it still meets your requirements.
Utilizing the Death Benefit
- End-of-Life Expenses: The death benefit covers costs like final medical bills, burial or cremation.
- Additional Uses: Beneficiaries can use the death benefit for other purposes, such as purchasing caskets or urns.
A final expense policy provides a financial cushion, allowing your beneficiaries to manage these costs more effectively. While the primary purpose of the death benefit is to cover end-of-life expenses, it offers the flexibility to be used for other financial needs as well. This adaptability makes final expense coverage a versatile financial tool in preparing for the inevitable.
Final Expense Policy Payouts
The process for claiming death benefits from final expense life insurance is similar to other life insurance policies. Your beneficiaries must present your death certificate and a completed claim form. They also need to have your policy information. The insurer usually releases the payout within 30 days of filing. Your beneficiaries receive the amount as a tax-free lump sum.
Reasons Final Expense Life Insurance Payout Delays
Most final expense policies guarantee that your beneficiaries will receive your death benefit within 30 days after filing the claim. However, there are several reasons why there may be delays. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Incomplete or incorrect forms: There are several documents your beneficiaries need to submit to your insurer to complete the claim filing process.
- The cause of death was homicide: Insurers need to investigate and ensure the beneficiaries were not involved in the incident.
- Premium payments are not up to date: Most insurers have a 30- or 31-day grace period after the payment due date. If you pass away within the grace period, your beneficiaries may still be eligible for the payout minus whatever is past due.
Who Needs Final Expense Insurance?
We all want to save our loved ones from additional stress when the worst happens. When you die, the last thing you want is for your family to be in financial distress from end-of-life expenses. Final expense insurance helps address this concern, though it's best suited to specific situations. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether it's the right kind of life insurance for you:
Your age
There’s a reason why funeral insurance is popular with seniors — they are the target market for this type of insurance. You can still purchase it even if you’re well into your 80s.
Your financial responsibilities
People purchase life insurance to ensure their loved ones have financial support when they die. Final expense insurance is more affordable because the death payments are primarily for end-of-life expenses. However, if you have long-term costs such as mortgages or long-term dependents, you may have better options.
Your general health condition
Insurers factor in whether you’re in good health when setting premiums. If you’re not in the best health, you may be paying a high premium or not qualifying for a policy. Funeral insurance is typically a better option when you have health issues.
If you’re relatively young and in good health, you may want to consider other types of life insurance policies.
Funeral Expense Insurance: Who It's Not For
Funeral expense life insurance might not suit everyone's financial or personal circumstances. Here are some profiles of individuals who may not need to invest in a funeral life insurance policy:
- Individuals with Sufficient Savings: Those who have set aside ample funds specifically for end-of-life expenses may not require additional coverage through a funeral insurance policy.
- People with Comprehensive Employer Benefits: Employees with extensive benefits packages that already include death benefits or funeral cover might not need separate life insurance to cover funeral costs.
- Young Adults Without Dependents: Younger individuals without dependents or significant end-of-life expenses could consider other financial protections that align more closely with their current life stages.
- Those Covered Under Family Policies: Individuals included in family life insurance plans that already cater to funeral costs might not need separate policies.
GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE VS. FINAL EXPENSE WITH NO WAITING PERIOD
A guaranteed acceptance (or guaranteed issue) policy doesn’t require a health exam or answers to health questions, so these policies are generally more expensive. However, these plans typically come with a waiting period, which means your full death benefit won’t be available for at least two years unless you suffer an accidental death.
In contrast, a final expense policy with no waiting period typically requires answering some health questions but means your beneficiaries get your entire death benefit from day one of coverage, even if you've only made a single payment of your premium. This immediate coverage feature makes this kind of policy very popular for final expense plans.
Burial Insurance Alternatives
Final expense insurance isn’t your only option when you want to leave something behind for your beneficiaries to use for your funeral expenses. You may find other types of policies better suited to your current situation. If you find that purchasing funeral insurance isn’t the most logical option for you, here are some alternatives to consider:
- 1
Term Life Insurance
According to the American Council of Life Insurers' 2024 Life Insurers Fact Book, 39.5% of new individual life policies in 2023, or 3.8 million policies, were term life insurance. These policies provide coverage for a specific amount of time, whether 10, 20 or 30 years. They're also more affordable than permanent life insurance, so they may be a better option if you're relatively young and healthy.
- 2
Pre-Need Insurance
This type of policy, also known as a funeral policy, is offered by funeral homes and directors. It allows you to arrange the details of your funeral — the service and the burial or cremation — in advance, relieving your family of the burden of doing it themselves. The payout goes to the funeral home after your death instead of to your loved ones.
- 3
Self-Insure
If your only reason for purchasing life insurance is to cover your end-of-life expenses, consider saving for it instead of paying a premium for years. It’s best to decide on this early because the more time you have, the longer you have to set funds aside.
Best Final Expense Life Insurance: Bottom Line
This guide explains final expense insurance, how it works, and who may benefit from it. Designed to cover funeral and other end-of-life costs, final expense policies offer smaller coverage amounts with simplified or guaranteed issue options. They can be helpful for seniors, individuals with health conditions, or those seeking an affordable way to ease financial strain on loved ones. By comparing the best final expense insurance companies, including State Farm and Nationwide, you can find a policy that aligns with your budget and personal needs. Getting personalized quotes from multiple insurers can also help.
Final Expense Burial Insurance: FAQ
To help you better understand the nuances of final expense insurance, here are some frequently asked questions about it.
Who offers the top-rated final expense insurance?
Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, State Farm offers the best final expense insurance and ranks first for financial stability.
Nationwide is in second place overall and the top option when it comes to the buying process. Those who value customer experience may also consider Progressive, which has the highest customer satisfaction rating.
How much does final expense insurance cost?
The cost of final expense insurance varies widely from person to person due to a range of individualized factors. Your age influences your monthly premium, the coverage limit you select and your overall health condition.
What is final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance is also called funeral insurance or burial insurance. It’s a type of whole life insurance designed specifically to cover end-of-life expenses.
What does final expense insurance cover?
Final expense insurance covers a range of costs related to a person’s passing, such as funeral services, burial or cremation and outstanding medical bills. It provides a financial safety net, allowing families to focus on healing rather than financial concerns during difficult times.
Is final expense insurance worth it?
Final expense policies may be worth it for those seeking to safeguard their loved ones from the financial strain of end-of-life expenses. They ensure that funeral costs and other associated expenses are covered, making them a prudent choice for many.
What is a final expense agent?
A final expense agent is an individual associated with an insurance agency whose primary job is to sell life insurance products that cover various expenses of the deceased. These may include legal, funeral and essential household expenses. Agents are also responsible for studying the market and available plans, enabling them to recommend the best policy to a prospective buyer based on their situation.
What are final expenses?
Final expenses are the costs associated with a person's death, including funeral services, burial or cremation and medical bills. Managing these costs helps ease the financial burden on grieving families, highlighting the potential benefit of planning with final expense coverage.
Should you buy funeral expense insurance for seniors?
Buying funeral life insurance for seniors can be a prudent decision, particularly if you wish to ensure that funeral expenses won't burden your family. Funeral insurance for the elderly can help manage the costs associated with end-of-life arrangements, providing financial security to loved ones.
What is the best burial insurance for seniors?
The best funeral insurance for seniors may vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. It often includes affordable funeral insurance plans that provide comprehensive coverage without extensive costs. Seniors' funeral insurance can offer tailored benefits to meet their unique end-of-life financial needs.
How can you get burial insurance?
You can obtain burial insurance by comparing quotes from various funeral insurance providers online. It's advisable to review different funeral insurance quotes and policies to find a plan that fits your financial situation and coverage requirements.
Best Final Expense Insurance Companies: Our Ratings Methodology
Why Trust MoneyGeek?
We analyzed customer satisfaction, financial stability reports, product offerings and more to determine the best final expense life insurance companies for various needs.
Recency
Company information for life insurance providers were updated in 2025.
Methodology
MoneyGeek created a scoring system to compare 14 life insurance companies across five categories and ranked them based on their scores. We chose to review these companies based on their broad national coverage and ability to provide an online quote.
MoneyGeek’s Scoring System
Companies can earn up to five points in each category in our unique scoring system. We then use these category scores to calculate an overall MoneyGeek score out of 100. We applied the following weightings to score insurers:
- Product Diversity: 35%
- Financial Stability: 25%
- Customer Satisfaction: 20%
- Buying Process: 20%
Affordability was not included in this category since we do not have quotes for final expense life insurance policies.
Each company’s score incorporates the following:
- Financial strength ratings from AM Best and number of years in business
- Customer satisfaction data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) customer complaint index (We reviewed annual complaint data from 2020 to 2022, the most recent year available.)
- Availability of tools to aid in the buying process, such as online product materials and multiple payment options
- Diversity of life insurance products offered
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- American Council of Life Insurers. "2024 Life Insurers Fact Book." Accessed May 8, 2025.
- Insurance Information Institute. "What Is Burial Insurance?." Accessed May 8, 2025.
- National Funeral Directors Association. "Statistics." Accessed May 8, 2025.