Planning for end-of-life costs is an important part of getting your finances in order so that your loved ones don’t have to deal with unexpected problems. Final expense insurance, which is also called burial insurance or funeral insurance, is meant to pay for funeral services, medical bills, and any debts that are still owed. It’s more important than ever to pick the right final expense insurance policy because the costs of healthcare and funerals keep going up. There are many high-quality providers that offer flexible and easy-to-get coverage, whether the goal is to save money, make things easier, or get better benefits. It goes over ten of the most reliable final expense insurance companies in 2025. We look at each provider’s application process, policy features, reputation for customer service, and price.
1. Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha provides dependable final expense insurance policies tailored for seniors. Most applications do not require a medical exam, and policies feature level premiums that never increase with age. The company is well-regarded for its customer service, offering clarity during application and policy management.
Highlights
- No medical exam for most applicants
- Flexible coverage from $2,000 up to $40,000
- Level premiums and quick approval
- Coverage typically includes funeral, medical, and small debt expenses
2. AARP Final Expense (Underwritten by New York Life)
Designed specifically for individuals over 50, AARP’s final expense plans offer competitive rates and a no-fuss application process. These policies are backed by New York Life, one of the most reputable life insurers in the country.
Highlights
- Guaranteed acceptance for eligible applicants
- Coverage from $2,000 to $50,000
- Premiums remain level
- Direct benefit payouts to beneficiaries
3. Gerber Life Guaranteed Life Insurance
Gerber Life offers guaranteed acceptance policies without requiring any medical exams or health questions, making it one of the most accessible options for seniors with existing health conditions.
Highlights
- No health questions or exams
- Fixed premiums and death benefit
- Coverage amounts: $5,000 to $25,000
- Quick application approval
4. Globe Life Final Expense Insurance
Globe Life offers simplified final expense insurance with a fast application turnaround. Coverage starts immediately after approval, with level death benefits and fixed premiums.
Highlights
- Quick approval in many cases
- Level benefit policies
- Health questionnaire required (no exam)
- Designed to cover funeral and related expenses
5. Colonial Penn Easy Acceptance
Colonial Penn’s final expense policy is a guaranteed acceptance plan for individuals between 50 and 85. The application process does not require any health screening or medical records.
Highlights
- Coverage up to ~$25,000 (unit-based)
- Guaranteed acceptance with fixed premiums
- Beneficiaries receive prompt payouts
- Suitable for those with chronic or serious health conditions
6. Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage Program
Lincoln Heritage offers a combination of final expense insurance and funeral planning services. Their Funeral Advantage program simplifies both the financial and logistical sides of planning, relieving stress from family members during difficult times.
Highlights
- Funeral planning assistance included
- Coverage amounts vary, typically up to $35,000
- Quick claims processing
- Accessible to most seniors regardless of health status
7. Transamerica Final Expense Insurance
Transamerica provides flexible final expense insurance with instant underwriting decisions, allowing faster coverage issuance. Applicants can choose payment frequencies that align with their budget, including monthly or annual billing.
Highlights
- No medical exam required
- Instant decision for many applicants
- Flexible payment options
- Coverage adjusts to financial needs
8. Fidelity Life Final Expense
Fidelity Life focuses on making coverage both flexible and accessible. Most policies do not require a medical exam and can be approved in a short time frame. These policies include cash value accumulation, which can be used during the policyholder’s lifetime.
Highlights
- Coverage from $2,000 to $50,000
- Fixed premiums for life
- Cash value component available
- Simplified application process
9. Royal Neighbors of America
As a member-based organization, Royal Neighbors combines competitive insurance coverage with community support and charitable programs. Their final expense insurance offers valuable riders like accelerated death benefits.
Highlights
- Community-oriented with competitive premiums
- Rider options: accelerated death benefit, accidental death, and waiver of premium
- Acceptance typically does not require a medical exam
- Coverage up to $30,000
10. Prudential Final Expense Insurance
Prudential is known for financial strength and reliability. Their final expense insurance offers flexibility in coverage levels and consistent premium structures, even for those with moderate health issues.
Highlights
- No medical exams for many plans
- Strong financial ratings
- Accelerated death benefit riders available
- Policies designed to fit a range of final expense budgets
Top Final Expense Insurance Providers Summary
| Provider | Medical Exam Required | Coverage Amount Range | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | No | $2,000 to $40,000 | Strong customer service; flexible coverage |
| AARP (via NY Life) | No | $2,000 to $50,000 | Trusted AARP partnership |
| Gerber Life | No | $5,000 to $25,000 | Guaranteed acceptance for health-compromised applicants |
| Globe Life | No | $5,000 to $50,000 | Fast approval with fixed benefits |
| Colonial Penn | No | ~$5,000 to $25,000 (unit-based) | Guaranteed acceptance for ages 50–85 |
| Lincoln Heritage | No | $5,000 to $35,000 | Includes funeral planning assistance |
| Transamerica | No | Varies by age and health | Customizable premiums and coverage |
| Fidelity Life | No | $2,000 to $50,000 | Quick approvals and cash value accumulation |
| Royal Neighbors | No | $7,000 to $30,000 | Offers unique benefit riders |
| Prudential | No | $5,000 to $50,000 | Financial strength and stable premiums |
Conclusion
Final expense insurance serves a vital purpose: reducing the financial burden left to loved ones during emotionally difficult times. With policies that typically cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and minor debts, the right insurance can provide both peace of mind and financial security.
The best final expense insurance depends on individual priorities. For example:
- Mutual of Omaha and AARP offer reliability and easy approval for most seniors.
- Gerber Life and Colonial Penn provide access to those with health challenges.
- Lincoln Heritage adds value through funeral planning support.
- Transamerica and Fidelity Life deliver flexible plans with fast decisions.
It helps to compare providers based on things like coverage limits, underwriting requirements, and extra benefits to make sure you make the right choice, one that is affordable, easy to get, and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and minor debts. Coverage amounts are generally lower than traditional life insurance policies, making it more affordable and accessible to seniors.
Who should consider final expense insurance?
Seniors, individuals without traditional life insurance, or those with health issues who need affordable end-of-life coverage often benefit from final expense insurance.
What is the typical coverage range?
Most final expense policies offer coverage between $2,000 and $50,000. The amount depends on the provider, the applicant’s age, and selected benefits.
Do final expense policies require medical exams?
Many policies do not require a medical exam. Instead, simplified issue or guaranteed acceptance policies rely on basic health questionnaires or none at all.
How long does it take to get approved?
Approval times vary. Some providers, like Transamerica and Globe Life, offer instant decisions. Others may take a few business days.
Can beneficiaries use the payout for anything?
Yes. These policies are sold as ways to pay for funeral costs, but the death benefit is paid in cash to the beneficiary and can be used for anything they need, like medical bills, legal fees, or personal debts.
Is final expense insurance permanent?
Yes. Most final expense policies are whole life insurance policies, meaning they do not expire as long as premiums are paid.
What happens if premiums stop?
If premiums are not paid, the policy can lapse. However, some providers offer options such as grace periods or reduced paid-up coverage.
Updated by Albert Fang
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