The best burial insurance is from GEICO. The top provider may differ depending on your needs. Below are the best burial insurance companies for different categories to help you weigh your options.
Life Insurance
Best Burial & Final Expense Insurance Companies in 2025
Updated: September 15, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
GEICO is the best burial insurance provider, earning a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100 for men and 96 for women. The company got the highest rating for customer satisfaction and coverage options.
AARP is our top pick for smokers. The company earned a MoneyGeek score of 92 for this category.
Physicians Mutual is the best cheap burial insurance company, with average monthly costs at $41 for women and $50 for men for a $10,000 policy.
Burial insurance provides a financial cushion for end-of-life costs like medical bills, burial or cremation, while offering beneficiaries flexibility to address other financial needs.
Burial insurance costs depend on policy type, coverage amount and the applicant's age. For a guaranteed acceptance policy, the average monthly cost for 60-year-old nonsmokers can range from $4 to $205 depending on the coverage level.
Who Has the Best Burial Insurance?
Overall | GEICO | 96 (women) 97 (men) | $43 (women) $53 (men) | $512 (women) $634 (men) |
Smokers | AARP | 92 | $44 (women) $60 (men) | $528 (women) $720 (men) |
Affordability | Physicians Mutual | 85 | $41 (women) $50 (men) | $494 (women) |
*Rates are based on quotes for a guaranteed acceptance life insurance policy for a 60-year-old with $10,000 coverage amount. Individual rates will vary depending on your coverage needs, age, health status and state regulations. Rates shown are estimates based on our survey methodology and may not reflect actual quotes available to you. Contact licensed insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Burial insurance availability, coverage options, and pricing vary by state. Some features may not be available in all states due to regulatory requirements.
Best Burial Insurance Company: GEICO
Best OverallGEICO
MoneyGeek Score:
97/ 100
Average Monthly Rate$43
Average Annual Rate$512
Overview
GEICO ranks as the best overall burial insurance provider by offering reliable coverage, accessible policies and strong financial stability. A 60-year-old nonsmoker pays an average of $43 per month ($512 per year) for women and $53 per month ($634 per year) for men for a $10,000 policy.
Applicants aged 45 to 85 can buy coverage ranging from $1,000 to $75,000 without a medical exam. Policies are issued through GEICO’s partner insurers, which hold an A++ AM Best rating for financial strength. Depending on the carrier, policies may also build cash value and allow policy loans.
GEICO is also the best burial insurance company for smokers who aren't AARP members, with average rates at $60 per month for women and $74 per month for men.
*Rates are based on LifeQuotes.com quotes for GEICO.
Best Burial Insurance Company for Smokers: AARP
Best for SmokersAARP
MoneyGeek Score:
92/ 100
Average Monthly Rate$44
Average Annual Rate$528
Overview
AARP offers the best burial insurance option for smokers, balancing cost and accessibility. With policies available to members ages 50 to 85, coverage ranges from $1,000 to $30,000 and builds cash value over time.
Average costs for 60-year-old smokers are $60 per month for men and $44 for women for $10,000 in coverage. While the policy has a two-year limited benefit period for natural deaths, its affordability, financial strength and member-focused availability make AARP a leading choice for smokers seeking burial insurance.
Best Burial Insurance Company for Affordability: Physicians Mutual
Best CheapPhysicians Mutual
MoneyGeek Score:
85/ 100
Average Monthly Rate$41
Average Annual Rate$494
Overview
Physicians Mutual ranks as the most affordable choice for burial insurance, offering competitive premiums and dependable coverage. A 60-year-old nonsmoker can expect to pay about $41 per month ($494 per year) for women and $50 per month ($595 per year) for men for a $10,000 policy.
Coverage is available to applicants between the ages of 45 and 85, with policy amounts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Policies also build cash value, which policyholders can borrow against if needed. Physicians Mutual carries an A rating from AM Best and an A+ rating from the BBB, reflecting strong financial stability and reliability.
Best Burial Insurance Policy: Buying Guide
Finding the right burial 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 the Best Burial Insurance Policy and Coverage Amount
Similar to other types of life insurance, final expense plans can have varying face-value amounts. An ideal coverage amount is at least $10,000, but you can increase it to $20,000 or higher. The higher your limit, the higher the cost of burial insurance becomes.
Burial insurance is best suited for seniors or those who are 60 and older and have limited income. It may also work for those who have severe health conditions because it’s more affordable than term life or permanent life plans.
Depending on your preference, you can buy 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 BURIAL INSURANCE ONLINE?
Yes, purchasing burial 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.
How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost?
The cost of burial insurance depends on several factors. The older you are when you buy your policy and the higher your coverage level, the more expensive your premium will be.
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 may cost more than those that require you to answer health-related questions.
The table below shows average costs for different ages and coverage amounts. These rates are based on quotes for a guaranteed acceptance life insurance policy.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age:60
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Gender:Female
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Smoking Status:No
| $1,000 | $4 | $54 |
| $2,000 | $9 | $105 |
| $3,000 | $14 | $167 |
| $4,000 | $19 | $222 |
| $5,000 | $23 | $274 |
| $6,000 | $27 | $328 |
| $7,000 | $32 | $383 |
| $8,000 | $37 | $438 |
| $9,000 | $41 | $493 |
| $10,000 | $48 | $575 |
| $11,000 | $50 | $594 |
| $12,000 | $54 | $648 |
| $13,000 | $59 | $702 |
| $14,000 | $63 | $756 |
| $15,000 | $68 | $810 |
| $16,000 | $74 | $889 |
| $17,000 | $79 | $944 |
| $18,000 | $83 | $1,000 |
| $19,000 | $88 | $1,056 |
| $20,000 | $93 | $1,111 |
| $21,000 | $94 | $1,132 |
| $22,000 | $99 | $1,186 |
| $23,000 | $103 | $1,240 |
| $24,000 | $108 | $1,294 |
| $25,000 | $112 | $1,348 |
| $26,000 | $93 | $1,116 |
| $27,000 | $97 | $1,159 |
| $28,000 | $100 | $1,202 |
| $29,000 | $104 | $1,244 |
| $30,000 | $107 | $1,287 |
| $31,000 | $85 | $1,015 |
| $32,000 | $87 | $1,048 |
| $33,000 | $90 | $1,081 |
| $34,000 | $93 | $1,113 |
| $35,000 | $96 | $1,146 |
| $36,000 | $98 | $1,179 |
| $37,000 | $101 | $1,212 |
| $38,000 | $104 | $1,244 |
| $39,000 | $106 | $1,277 |
| $40,000 | $109 | $1,310 |
| $41,000 | $112 | $1,343 |
| $42,000 | $115 | $1,375 |
| $43,000 | $117 | $1,408 |
| $44,000 | $120 | $1,441 |
| $45,000 | $123 | $1,473 |
| $46,000 | $126 | $1,506 |
| $47,000 | $128 | $1,539 |
| $48,000 | $131 | $1,572 |
| $49,000 | $134 | $1,604 |
| $50,000 | $136 | $1,637 |
| $51,000 | $139 | $1,670 |
| $52,000 | $142 | $1,703 |
| $53,000 | $145 | $1,735 |
| $54,000 | $147 | $1,768 |
| $55,000 | $150 | $1,801 |
| $56,000 | $153 | $1,834 |
| $57,000 | $156 | $1,866 |
| $58,000 | $158 | $1,899 |
| $59,000 | $161 | $1,932 |
| $60,000 | $164 | $1,965 |
| $61,000 | $166 | $1,997 |
| $62,000 | $169 | $2,030 |
| $63,000 | $172 | $2,063 |
| $64,000 | $175 | $2,096 |
| $65,000 | $177 | $2,128 |
| $66,000 | $180 | $2,161 |
| $67,000 | $183 | $2,194 |
| $68,000 | $186 | $2,227 |
| $69,000 | $188 | $2,259 |
| $70,000 | $191 | $2,292 |
| $71,000 | $194 | $2,325 |
| $72,000 | $196 | $2,358 |
| $73,000 | $199 | $2,390 |
| $74,000 | $202 | $2,423 |
| $75,000 | $205 | $2,456 |
*Individual rates will vary depending on your coverage needs, age, health status and state regulations. Rates shown are estimates based on our survey methodology and may not reflect actual quotes available to you. Contact licensed insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Burial insurance availability, coverage options, and pricing vary by state. Some features may not be available in all states due to regulatory requirements.
COST OF FINAL EXPENSES, INCLUDING BURIAL AND FUNERAL
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the national median funeral cost is $8,300. This amount only covers the basic 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 Burial Insurance Quotes
Comparing quotes and offers from multiple insurance companies helps 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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DON'T JUST FOCUS ON COST
While finding cheap life insurance may seem appealing, the cheapest option isn't always the best one. A lower price may mean reduced coverage or higher out-of-pocket expenses later.
Compare burial 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 Get Cheap Burial Insurance
Several strategies are available to reduce the cost of burial insurance, making it more affordable without sacrificing coverage:
- 1
Compare Policies
Conduct a thorough insurance comparison by researching different policies from the best final expense insurance companies. This helps 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.
COMPARE PERSONALIZED QUOTES AND COMPANIES
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 affect the affordability and comprehensiveness of your coverage, potentially leading to substantial savings and better benefits tailored to your specific end-of-life requirements. Reading reviews can also provide insights into customer experiences, further guiding your decision-making process and helping you choose a reputable provider.
What Is Burial Insurance?
Burial insurance is a type of whole life insurance that provides permanent coverage. Unlike term life insurance, burial insurance won't expire after a specific period. Coverage lasts until death, though some policies have a maturation age, usually 100. Burial insurance is also known as funeral insurance, final expense or modified issue whole life insurance.
Burial insurance is no different from other whole life insurance policies, but burial insurance 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. But these payouts are 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 from end-of-life expenses.
FINAL EXPENSE VS BURIAL INSURANCE VS FUNERAL INSURANCE
Final expense insurance, funeral insurance and burial insurance essentially describe the same life insurance product. These terms typically denote a small whole life policy covering end-of-life expenses, including funeral or medical bills.
Burial Insurance Coverage Requirements: Medical Exam or Questions
Insurers often offer two types of final expense plans: simplified issue and guaranteed acceptance. Neither type requires a health exam for approval, but simplified issue life insurance does require you to answer several health-related questions about your medical history.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance, as the name implies, ensures automatic acceptance regardless of health status. It simplifies the process but also costs more and includes a waiting period before the full death benefit is available.
How Does Burial Insurance Work?
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. Burial insurance offers a solution to this challenge.
Unlike health insurance, burial insurance policies don't have deductibles. Your beneficiaries receive the full death benefit amount.
Key Steps to Get 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 end-of-life expenses.
Final Expense Policy Payouts
The process for claiming death benefits from burial insurance is similar to that of 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 for Burial Insurance Payout Delays
Most final expense policies guarantee that your beneficiaries will receive your death benefit within 30 days after filing the claim, but 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 Burial Insurance?
If you're worried about burdening your family with funeral costs, you're not alone. Worrying about funeral costs is a common concern, especially for seniors. When you die, the last thing you want is for your family to be in financial distress from end-of-life expenses.
Burial insurance helps address this concern, though it's best suited to specific situations. Factors to consider when deciding whether burial insurance is the right kind of life insurance for you include:
Your age
There’s a reason why funeral insurance is popular with seniors. They're the target market for this type of insurance. You can still buy it even if you’re well into your 80s.
Also read: Best Age to Get Life Insurance and When Should You Get Life Insurance?
Your financial responsibilities
People buy life insurance to ensure their loved ones have financial support when they die. Burial insurance is more affordable because the death payments are primarily for end-of-life expenses. 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 can be a better option when you have health issues.
Also read: Life Insurance for High-Risk Applicants and Can You Get Life Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions?
Final Expense Insurance: Who It's Not For
Final expense life insurance might not suit everyone's financial or personal circumstances. Here are some profiles of those 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 people 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: People included in family life insurance plans that already cater to funeral costs might not need separate policies.
Final Expense Life Insurance Alternatives
Other options for covering funeral expenses include:
- 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. Term life policies provide coverage for a specific amount of time, whether 10, 20 or 30 years. Term life policies are also more affordable than permanent life insurance, so term life insurance may be a better option if you're relatively young and healthy.
- 2
Pre-Need Insurance
Pre-need insurance, also known as a funeral policy, is offered by funeral homes and directors. Pre-need insurance 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 the arrangements 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 buying life insurance is to cover your end-of-life expenses, consider saving for funeral costs instead of paying a premium for years. Self-insurance is best to decide on 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 burial insurance, how burial insurance works and who may benefit from final expense coverage. Designed to cover funeral and other end-of-life costs, final expense policies offer smaller coverage amounts with simplified or guaranteed issue options. Final expense insurance can be helpful for seniors, people with health conditions or those seeking an affordable way to ease financial strain on loved ones.
By comparing the best burial insurance companies, including GEICO, AARP and Physicians Mutual, 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
We answer common questions about final expense insurance:
Who offers the top-rated final expense insurance?
GEICO offers the best burial insurance based on MoneyGeek's analysis. AARP is the top option for smokers. Those who value affordability may also consider Physicians Mutual.
How much does final expense insurance cost?
Final expense insurance costs vary widely from person to person because of individualized factors. Your age influences your monthly premium, the coverage limit you select and your overall health condition.
What is the best burial insurance for seniors?
The best burial insurance for seniors varies based on individual needs and circumstances. The best funeral insurance for seniors often includes affordable funeral insurance plans that provide comprehensive coverage without extensive costs. Seniors' funeral insurance can offer tailored benefits to meet unique end-of-life financial needs.
How can you get burial insurance?
You can get burial insurance by comparing quotes from various funeral insurance providers online. Review different funeral insurance quotes and policies to find a plan that fits your financial situation and coverage requirements.
What is final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance is also called funeral insurance or burial insurance. Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed specifically to cover end-of-life expenses.
What does burial insurance cover?
Burial insurance covers costs related to a person's passing, such as funeral services, burial or cremation and outstanding medical bills. Burial insurance provides a financial safety net, allowing families to focus on healing rather than financial concerns during difficult times.
Is burial insurance worth it?
Burial insurance may be worth it for those seeking to safeguard their loved ones from the financial strain of end-of-life expenses. Final expense policies ensure that funeral costs and other associated expenses are covered, making burial insurance 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. Final expenses may include legal, funeral and essential household expenses. Final expense 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 final expenses 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?
You should buy funeral expense insurance for seniors if you wish to ensure that funeral expenses won't burden your family. Funeral insurance for seniors can be a prudent decision because funeral insurance for the elderly can help manage the costs associated with end-of-life arrangements, providing financial security to loved ones.
Best Burial Insurance Companies: Our Ratings Methodology
Burial insurance serves a specific purpose: covering final expenses without burdening your family. Unlike traditional life insurance, these policies offer smaller coverage amounts and simplified applications. We designed our research to help you find reliable, affordable coverage that fits your budget and needs.
Our Research Approach
We evaluated burial insurance companies using a three-category scoring system that reflects what matters most for this coverage type. Each company earned up to five points per category, which we combined into an overall MoneyGeek score out of 100:
- Affordability (50%): Premium costs for typical coverage amounts
- Customer Experience (30%): Application process and customer service quality
Coverage Options (20%): Policy flexibility and available benefit amounts
What We Analyzed
Our scoring incorporated multiple factors that directly impact your experience:
Financial Stability Measures
- AM Best financial strength ratings
- Years in business handling claims
Customer Satisfaction Data
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index
- Various customer reviews and website ratings
- Claims processing efficiency
Practical Features
- Online application availability and quote tools
- Multiple payment options
- Range of life insurance products offered
Our Sample Customer Profile
We gathered quotes using a standard profile representing typical burial insurance applicants:
- 60-year-old male
- Nonsmoker
- 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds
- Average health rating
We then modified this profile by age, gender, height, weight, tobacco use, health rating and location to gather quotes for different customer types. This approach helped us identify which companies offer the best policies across various demographics.
Why This Methodology Works: We focused on companies with broad national coverage and online quote capabilities, ensuring our recommendations are accessible and practical for most consumers.
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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 August 29, 2025.
- Insurance Information Institute. "What Is Burial Insurance?." Accessed August 29, 2025.
- National Funeral Directors Association. "Statistics." Accessed August 29, 2025.