Best Final Expense Insurance Companies in 2026

The best final expense insurance companies in 2026 are Transamerica, Mutual of Omaha and Americo.

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Best Final Expense Insurance Companies in 2026

Updated: July 6, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Final expense insurance, also called burial insurance, is a type of whole life insurance that provides lifelong coverage. Unlike term life insurance, it doesn't expire after a set number of years. As long as you keep paying your premiums, the policy stays in force for the rest of your life, though some policies mature at age 100.

Like other whole life policies, final expense insurance builds cash value and pays a guaranteed death benefit. The difference is that coverage amounts are much smaller, making premiums more affordable. While your beneficiaries can use the payout for any purpose, these policies are designed to help cover end-of-life costs such as funeral services, burial or cremation, a casket and other related expenses.

Many seniors buy final expense insurance so that their families don't have to pay funeral costs out of pocket. Based on our analysis, coverage amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000.

Best Final Expense Insurance Companies

Transamerica, Mutual of Omaha, Americo, Aetna and Lincoln Heritage are the best final expense insurance companies in MoneyGeek's analysis of 20 insurers. We evaluated each carrier based on pricing, financial strength, customer satisfaction and coverage options.

Transamerica is the best overall final expense insurer because it pairs the broadest age eligibility of 18-85 years old with the lowest average cost and a high coverage limit of $50,000. With monthly premiums varying by as little as $5 to $7, age eligibility, coverage limits and insurer quality are more important factors than small differences in price.


Overall	Transamerica	$53 (Female), $70 (Male)	$1,000	$50,000	18-85	4.5
Customer Experience	Mutual of Omaha	$53 (Female), $75 (Male)	$2,000	$50,000	45-85	4.4
Smokers	Americo	$53 (Female), $71 (Male)	$5,000	$40,000	40-85	4.3
Older Applicants	Aetna	$58 (Female), $73 (Male)	$2,000	$50,000	40-89	4.2
Funeral Planning Support	Lincoln Heritage	$58 (Female), $77 (Male)	$2,000	$35,000	40-85	4.2

* Rates shown are based on quotes for a 70-year-old with $10,000 coverage. Your rates will vary depending on your coverage needs, age and health.

Transamerica

Best Overall

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

5/5Affordability

3.7/5Customer Experience

4.5/5Coverage

Average Monthly Rate
$53 (Female), $70 (Male)
Max Coverage
$50,000
Ages
18-85

pros
- Broadest age eligibility of reviewed carriers
- Fully digital application process
- No medical exam required
- Free Funeral Concierge Rider includes 24/7 support and legacy planning tools
cons
- High 3.86 NAIC complaint index
- Maximum coverage drops to $25,000 for applicants 76 to 85
Transamerica is the best final expense insurance company, with a MoneyGeek score of 4.5 out of 5. The company covers applicants ages 18 to 85 with no medical exam required, which is the broadest eligibility range among the insurers we reviewed. Its FE Express Solution policy allows you to complete the process fully online, and most applicants get a decision in minutes.

A 65-year-old woman pays an average of $41 per month for $10,000 in coverage, while a 65-year-old man pays $54. By age 75, premiums increase to $71 for women and $97 for men. Maximum coverage reaches as high as $50,000 for applicants under 56 and decreases to $25,000 for those ages 76 to 85. Transamerica has a high NAIC complaint index of 3.86.
The coverage step-down at age 76 is the sharpest in our analysis. A 75-year-old can get $30,000 from Transamerica, but a 76-year-old is capped at $25,000.
- Age 18-55: Up to $50,000
- Age 56-65: Up to $40,000
- Age 66-75: Up to $30,000
- Age 76-85: Up to $25,000
Transamerica is a weaker fit if complaint history gives you pause. Its NAIC index of 3.86 is the highest on this list by a wide margin, nearly four times the industry baseline of 1.00. While that does not disqualify the company, it's a notable data point to consider. If you prioritize claims experience over price, you may prefer Mutual of Omaha, which has a much lower NAIC index of 0.51 on a comparable product, though it charges higher premiums.

Mutual of Omaha

Best Customer Experience

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.5/5Affordability

4.2/5Customer Experience

4.4/5Coverage

Average Monthly Rate
$53 (Female), $75 (Male)
Max Coverage
$50,000
Ages
45-85

pros
- Ranked first in J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study
- $50,000 max coverage regardless of age
- Accelerated death benefit included for terminal illness
- Optional accidental death rider pays 200% of the death benefit
cons
- Pricing less competitive for older age groups
Mutual of Omaha is a top choice for burial insurance based on its strong customer experience and industry reputation. The company ranked first in the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study and has an NAIC complaint index of 0.51, well below the industry baseline of 1.00. It also holds an AM Best A+ rating, reflecting superior financial strength.

Its Living Promise level plan covers applicants ages 45 to 85 and offers maximum coverage of $50,000 no matter your age. For $10,000 in coverage, a 65-year-old woman pays about $41 per month on average, while a man of the same age pays roughly $57. That $41 rate is matched by Transamerica for the same age and coverage amount. The reason to pay the same rate here comes down to claims confidence: Mutual of Omaha's 0.51 NAIC index and J.D. Power first-place ranking are difficult to match in this product category.

At age 75, premiums increase to around $72 per month for women and $100 for men. The policy includes an accelerated death benefit at no additional cost, and an optional accidental death rider can double the payout.
- Age 45-85: $50,000 max
Mutual of Omaha's pricing advantage shrinks for older applicants. A 75-year-old woman pays $72 per month, compared to $71 with Americo and $71 with Transamerica. It's not a large gap, but Mutual of Omaha doesn't win on price at advanced ages the way it does in the mid-60s. Buyers prioritizing the lowest possible premium after age 75 should compare quotes from other providers before deciding.

Americo

Best for Smokers

MoneyGeek Rating

4.3/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

3.5/5Customer Experience

4.2/5Coverage

Average Monthly Rate
$53 (Female), $71 (Male)
Max Coverage
$40,000
Ages
40-85

pros
- No tobacco surcharge on certain products
- Wide age range
- Children's rider covers biological children, stepchildren and grandchildren
cons
- High 2.79 NAIC complaint index
- Minimum coverage of $5,000 highest in our list
Few final expense carriers treat smokers the same as nonsmokers on pricing, but Americo does, making it MoneyGeek's top pick for tobacco users with a 4.3 out of 5 score. In our rate analysis, a 65-year-old female smoker paid the same $42 per month for Americo's Eagle Select product that a nonsmoker paid. At most carriers, that same smoker would pay 20% to 40% more. Coverage runs from $5,000 to $40,000 for applicants ages 40 to 85, with an application algorithm to place you in one of three coverage tiers based on your health.

Americo has competitive rates across age groups and genders, with a 65-year-old woman paying $42 per month for $10,000 in coverage and men paying $54 per month. Americo holds an AM Best rating of A for financial stability, though its NAIC complaint index of 2.79 is high.
- Age 18-85: $40,000 max
Americo's $5,000 minimum coverage is the highest floor on our list. Applicants who need only $2,000 or $3,000 in coverage, enough to cover direct cremation, can't get there with Americo. Lincoln Heritage and Mutual of Omaha both offer coverage as low as $2,000 and Mutual of Omaha.

Aetna Medicare

Best for Older Applicants

MoneyGeek Rating

4.2/ 5

4.7/5Affordability

3.4/5Customer Experience

4.4/5Coverage

Average Monthly Rate
$58 (Female), $73 (Male)
Max Coverage
$50,000
Ages
40-89

pros
- Highest upper age limit among companies we reviewed
- Accepts high-risk conditions many carriers decline
- Existing Medicare Supplement policyholders can qualify for a discount
- Accidental death benefit rider doubles payout for ages 40 to 70
cons
- Higher premiums than other companies in our list
- $25,000 maximum coverage for ages 76 to 89
Aetna is the top final expense insurance provider for older applicants, with coverage available through age 89. The company also accepts high-risk conditions that most carriers decline outright, including COPD, congestive heart failure and diabetes diagnosed after age 40.

Maximum coverage is $50,000 up to age 55 but falls to $25,000 for ages 76 to 89. 65-year-old women pay about $48 per month for $10,000 in coverage and men pay about $58. By age 80, monthly rates increase to $101 per month for women and $140 for men. Aetna has an NAIC complaint index of 0.97, slightly below the industry baseline.
- Age 40-55: Up to $50,000
- Age 56-65: Up to $40,000
- Age 66-75: Up to $30,000
- Age 76-89: Up to $25,000
Aetna is less competitive for applicants in their 60s or younger. A 60-year-old woman pays about $41 per month, compared to $33 at Transamerica or Mutual of Omaha for the same $10,000 in coverage. Pricing becomes more competitive at older ages. By 80, Aetna’s $101 monthly rate for women matches Transamerica, and no other carrier on this list accepts applicants beyond age 85.

For those in their early to mid-60s, Transamerica or Americo offer lower premiums. Aetna is best for applicants near or past 80, where its age-89 eligibility limit and acceptance of higher-risk conditions provide a clear advantage.

Lincoln Heritage

Best for Funeral Planning Support

MoneyGeek Rating

4.2/ 5

4.3/5Affordability

4.1/5Customer Experience

4.4/5Coverage

Average Monthly Rate
$58 (Female), $77 (Male)
Max Coverage
$35,000
Ages
40-85

pros
- Free Funeral Consumer Guardian Society membership
- Optional $100,000 accidental death benefit rider available
- Specializes exclusively in final expense insurance
cons
- Maximum coverage drops to $15,000 for applicants ages 81 to 85
- Highest premiums in our list for older age groups
Lincoln Heritage is a top option for final expense insurance focused on funeral planning support. Each policy includes free membership in the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS), which becomes active immediately after the policyholder’s death and helps your family compare up to three funeral homes. Lincoln Heritage says FCGS membership helps families compare funeral pricing, reporting that it saves customers an average of $1,800 on traditional services.

Coverage ranges from $2,000 to $35,000 for applicants ages 40 to 80 and decreases to $15,000 for ages 81 to 85. A 65-year-old woman pays $45 per month for $10,000 in coverage, while a 65-year-old man pays about $58. Lincoln Heritage holds an AM Best rating of A and has an NAIC complaint index of 0.72. The company also has fast claim payments within 24 hours after approval.
- Age 40-80: Up to $35,000
- Age 81-85: Up to $15,000
Lincoln Heritage is among the most expensive in our analysis for older applicants. A 80-year-old man pays $148 per month for $10,000 in coverage, $12 more per month than Transamerica and $8 more than Mutual of Omaha. Over 10 years, that gap is $960 to $1,440 in additional premiums. The Funeral Consumer Guardian Society membership is a valuable benefit, but it doesn't offset the cost for buyers focused solely on low-cost coverage.

How to Choose the Best Final Expense Insurance

The best final expense insurance policy provides enough coverage to pay end-of-life costs, stays affordable for the long term and comes from a financially strong company that's likely to be there when your family files a claim. Here's what to compare before you buy.

1
Assess your health history
Aetna accepts conditions like COPD, congestive heart failure and diabetes diagnosed after age 40 that most carriers decline. Carriers who decline high-risk applicants may still offer graded plans, which pay partial benefits in the first two years and full benefits after.
2
Decide how much coverage you need
Calculate your actual anticipated costs before picking a benefit. A traditional burial with viewing costs a median $8,300, per the National Funeral Directors Association. Outstanding medical bills can add thousands more. Choose a benefit that covers your expenses rather than defaulting to the highest option available.
3
Get quotes based on your profile
Final expense premiums are fixed but paid for the rest of your life. Run the math on monthly costs over 10 years and beyond to confirm the amount fits your income before you apply.
4
Check industry ratings
AM Best ratings and NAIC complaint indexes tell you how financially stable an insurer is and how often policyholders file complaints. Look for an AM Best rating of A or better and an NAIC index below 1.00.
5
Consider payout speed
Some carriers, like Lincoln Heritage, pay claims within 24 hours of approval. Most carriers take three to 10 business days. When families are arranging services immediately after a death, the speed difference matters.
6
Look for additional benefits
Mutual of Omaha's accidental death rider doubles the payout to $100,000 for qualifying deaths at no change to the base premium structure. Transamerica's Funeral Concierge Rider includes 24/7 support and legacy planning tools at no added cost. These riders add real value, but only if the scenario applies to you.

How Much Does Final Expense Insurance Cost?

Final expense insurance premiums increase steadily with age and coverage amount, but what stood out most in our analysis is how sharply rates jump later in life. A 50-year-old woman pays an average of $30 per month for $10,000 in coverage, compared to $38 for a man. By age 70, that rises to $64 for women and $84 for men, with faster increases after 65.

The biggest shift happens between 70 and 80. A man’s premium for $10,000 nearly doubles from $84 to $164, while a woman’s rises from $64 to $125. Coverage size also plays a major role. A 70-year-old man pays $84 monthly for $10,000 but $373 for $50,000.

The takeaway is timing. Locking in a policy when you're younger can greatly reduce total lifetime costs compared to waiting.


$5,000	$17 (F), $21 (M)	$22 (F), $28 (M)	$33 (F), $43 (M)	$64 (F), $83 (M)
$10,000	$30 (F), $38 (M)	$42 (F), $53 (M)	$64 (F), $84 (M)	$125 (F), $164 (M)
$15,000	$44 (F), $55 (M)	$61 (F), $77 (M)	$95 (F), $123 (M)	$186 (F), $242 (M)
$20,000	$56 (F), $72 (M)	$80 (F), $101 (M)	$124 (F), $162 (M)	$246 (F), $321 (M)
$30,000	$76 (F), $96 (M)	$105 (F), $137 (M)	$167 (F), $220 (M)	$327 (F), $424 (M)
$40,000	$98 (F), $126 (M)	$136 (F), $180 (M)	$222 (F), $298 (M)	$408 (F), $548 (M)
$50,000	$115 (F), $151 (M)	$159 (F), $217 (M)	$273 (F), $373 (M)	$460 (F), $639 (M)

* These rates are for nonsmokers of average health, height and weight.

AVERAGE FINAL EXPENSES, INCLUDING BURIAL AND FUNERAL

Burial with viewing costs a median $8,300, while cremation with services averages $6,280, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Lower-cost options include direct burial for $2,800 and direct cremation for $1,500 to $2,000. Extras like plots, vaults or headstones add $1,000 to $5,000 to your final expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer common questions about final expense insurance:

Beneficiaries can use the death benefit for funeral costs, cremation, final medical bills, caskets or urns. While designed for end-of-life expenses, beneficiaries have flexibility to use the money for other financial needs if necessary.

For most applicants in their 60s and 70s, yes. A traditional burial costs an average of $8,300. A $10,000 policy for a 65-year-old woman runs about $41 per month, or $492 per year. If the policy pays out within 17 years, the family comes out ahead financially. That math changes if you already have savings set aside for end-of-life costs or have existing life insurance with a sufficient death benefit.

Final expense insurance works best for seniors on fixed incomes who want to cover funeral costs, medical bills and small debts without burdening family. It's a good fit if you don't qualify for traditional life insurance or need a small death benefit between $1,000 and $50,000.

Yes. Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance. It doesn't expire, builds cash value over time and keeps your premium fixed for life. Death benefits are smaller than traditional whole life policies, ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.

Guaranteed issue insurance approves all applicants regardless of health, with no medical questions or exams required. Premiums are higher and most policies include a two-year waiting period before paying the full death benefit. It's designed for people who can't qualify for medically underwritten coverage.

Final expense insurance is a type of life insurance with smaller death benefits up to $50,000 and simplified or guaranteed approval. Traditional life insurance offers larger coverage amounts up to $10 million and lower rates for healthy applicants.

No. Most final expense policies use simplified issue underwriting, which requires only a few health questions and no physical exam. Guaranteed issue policies skip health questions entirely. Because approval is easier, premiums are higher than traditional life insurance for comparable coverage amounts.

Our Review Methodology

We analyzed thousands of final expense insurance quotes along with customer satisfaction data, financial strength ratings and policy features to determine which insurers offer the best balance of affordability and reliability.

Our Scoring Framework

We ranked final expense insurance companies using the following criteria:

Affordability (50%): We compared real quotes across ages, genders, smoking status and coverage levels to identify the most competitive pricing.
Customer Experience (30%): We reviewed AM Best financial strength ratings, BBB grades, consumer feedback and overall ease of application and approval.
Coverage Options (20%): We evaluated policy availability, coverage limits, eligibility ages, riders and additional benefits.

Sample Customer Profile

Unless otherwise noted, rates in this article are based on the following baseline profile:

Age: 70
Smoking status: Nonsmoker
Coverage amount: $10,000
Health: Average health rating

We adjusted age, gender, coverage amounts and smoking status from this baseline to estimate what different applicants may pay and to identify insurers that consistently offer lower rates across a range of customer profiles.

Read more in our full Life Insurance Methodology.

About Patrick Bryant

Patrick Bryant is the Vertical Lead for Life and Health Insurance at MoneyGeek, where he researches insurance products, writes consumer guides and maintains the scoring methodologies behind our provider comparisons. He analyzed more than 50 life insurance carriers across multiple policy types, collecting thousands of quotes nationwide to evaluate rates, coverage options and underwriting factors. His methodologies are reviewed quarterly to reflect current market conditions and carrier data.

Read Full Bio »

Best Final Expense Insurance Companies in 2026

Best Final Expense Insurance Companies

Transamerica

Mutual of Omaha

Americo

Aetna Medicare

Lincoln Heritage

How to Choose the Best Final Expense Insurance

How Much Does Final Expense Insurance Cost?

AVERAGE FINAL EXPENSES, INCLUDING BURIAL AND FUNERAL

Frequently Asked Questions

What does burial insurance cover?

Is final expense insurance worth it?

Who needs final expense life insurance?

Is final expense insurance whole life?

What is guaranteed issue final expense insurance?

What's the difference between final expense and life insurance?

Do you need a medical exam for burial insurance?

Our Review Methodology

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