Peace of Mind for a Farewell you Deserve
How to choose the right burial insurance policy
Choosing the right burial insurance policy is a crucial decision that can provide peace of mind, ensuring that your final expenses are covered and your loved ones won’t be burdened with financial stress after your passing. Burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance, is a type of life insurance specifically designed to cover funeral costs, burial, or cremation expenses, as well as other related end-of-life costs.
With many burial insurance options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right burial insurance policy for you or your loved ones.
1. Determine Your Coverage Needs
- Funeral Costs: The average cost of a traditional funeral in the United States ranges between $7,000 and $12,000, which includes the funeral service, casket, and burial plot. Cremation tends to be less expensive, typically ranging between $2,000 and $5,000.
- Burial or Cremation Preferences: Consider whether you want a traditional burial or cremation, as this will influence the overall cost. Traditional burials often involve additional expenses, such as a burial plot, headstone, and grave marker.
- Other Final Expenses: Burial insurance can also cover other final expenses, such as unpaid medical bills, legal fees for settling the estate, and any remaining debts. Be sure to account for these additional costs when determining your coverage amount.
2. Compare Policy Types
- Simplified Issue Burial Insurance: This type of policy requires applicants to answer a few health-related questions but does not require a medical exam. If you’re in relatively good health, a simplified issue policy might offer lower premiums and immediate coverage. These policies provide a balance between affordability and ease of qualification.
- Guaranteed Acceptance Burial Insurance: Guaranteed acceptance policies do not require any medical exams or health questions, making them ideal for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those who have been denied coverage by traditional life insurance providers. However, these policies typically have higher premiums and may include a waiting period (usually 1-2 years) before the full death benefit is available.
- Pre-Need Burial Insurance: This is a policy specifically tied to a particular funeral home and allows you to prepay for your funeral and burial services. While this type of policy locks in funeral costs at today’s rates, it is less flexible, as the funds are tied to a specific provider.
3. Consider the Cost of Premiums
- Fixed Premiums: Look for policies with fixed premiums, meaning the amount you pay each month or year will not increase over time. This provides financial predictability, especially for seniors on a fixed income.
- Paying Annually vs. Monthly: Some insurers offer discounts if you choose to pay your premiums annually instead of monthly. If you can afford to pay upfront, this could be a way to save money.
- Age and Health Considerations: The younger and healthier you are when you purchase burial insurance, the lower your premiums will likely be. If you’re in good health, opting for a simplified issue policy may help you secure more affordable premiums.
4. Look for Policies with No Waiting Period
Some burial insurance policies, especially guaranteed acceptance policies, come with a waiting period before the full death benefit is paid out. This waiting period can range from one to two years, meaning that if the policyholder passes away during this time, the insurance company may only refund the premiums paid, rather than paying the full death benefit.
If you’re in good health, it’s worth looking for a policy with no waiting period, so your beneficiaries will receive the full death benefit immediately upon your passing. Simplified issue policies are more likely to offer immediate coverage, while guaranteed acceptance policies may come with a waiting period.
5. Consider the Reputation of the Insurance Provider
- Financial Stability: Choose an insurer with strong financial ratings from independent agencies like A.M. Best or Moody’s. This ensures that the company has the financial resources to pay out claims when needed.
- Customer Reviews: Look for online reviews and testimonials from policyholders to gauge the company’s customer service and claims handling. A company with a reputation for quick payouts and responsive service is essential, especially during a time of loss.
- Transparency: Make sure the policy terms are clear and straightforward. The insurance company should be transparent about coverage amounts, premium costs, and any limitations or exclusions in the policy.
6. Understand the Flexibility of the Policy
- Use of Funds: With burial insurance, the death benefit can be used for funeral expenses, burial or cremation, unpaid medical bills, outstanding debts, or any other financial obligations. This flexibility ensures that your loved ones can use the funds as needed.
- Beneficiary Designation: You can name any person or entity as the beneficiary of your burial insurance policy. Be sure to choose someone you trust to handle the financial aspects of your funeral and final arrangements.