🎯 How to Choose the Right Final Expense Insurance Policy
(Without Falling Asleep)
Let’s be real: nobody wakes up excited to talk about funeral costs and final expense insurance.
But guess what? If you learn it now, you could save your family a TON of money, headaches, and unnecessary stress later.
It’s one of the smartest and most loving moves you can make.
So, let’s make this simple (and maybe even a little fun).
Here’s everything you need to know to pick the right final expense policy without feeling overwhelmed. Ready? Let’s go!
First Things First: What Are the Costs Involved in a Funeral?
Before we jump into picking a policy, it’s important to know what you’re actually planning for.
Here’s the truth most people don’t realize:
Funerals are expensive. Like, REALLY expensive.
The average funeral in the U.S. costs between $7,000 and $10,000 depending on where you live and what services you choose.
Typical Funeral Costs Breakdown:
- Basic service fee (what you pay the funeral home just to handle things): $2,000+
- Transportation of your loved one: $500+
- Embalming & body prep (for viewings): $750+
- Casket (yes, they can be outrageously priced!): $2,500+
- Burial plot: $1,000 to $4,000 depending on location
- Headstone: $1,000+
- Flowers, obituaries, programs, little things: $500+
Bottom Line: Even a very simple funeral adds up FAST.
If you don’t plan ahead, your family could be scrambling to find money they don’t have. (And trust me — that’s the LAST thing you want.)
So… What Exactly Is Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance is basically life insurance’s cool, more relaxed cousin.
Instead of a huge million-dollar payout, it’s designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other final expenses — without overcomplicating things.
Key Point:
Final expense insurance typically gives you coverage amounts between $5,000 and $25,000 — just enough to cover funeral costs and leave a little extra for your family.
How to Pick the Perfect Final Expense Policy (Without Stress)
Okay, now let’s dive into the fun part:
How do you pick the RIGHT policy for YOU?
Step 1: Know How Much You’ll Need
Think about what you want:
- Big traditional funeral? Cremation and celebration of life? Something simple and beautiful?
- Add up a rough estimate based on today’s prices.
- Then add a cushion (because inflation is real, my friend).
Pro Tip:
Most people feel comfortable with coverage between $10,000 and $20,000.
Step 2: Choose Between Two Main Types
1. Simplified Issue Final Expense
- No medical exam, just some basic health questions.
- Cheaper if you’re in pretty good health.
2. Guaranteed Issue Final Expense
- NO health questions. Everyone gets approved.
- Costs a little more and sometimes has a 2-year waiting period before full payout.
Which one’s better?
If you’re reasonably healthy — go simplified issue and save $$$.