Cremation insurance is a small-value life insurance policy that covers cremation services and other end-of-life expenses. The payout can also help pay outstanding bills, debts, or other final costs.

A cremation policy costs about $10 to $50 per month. Its purpose is to reduce the financial burden of funeral arrangements on family members. Most buyers are older adults or people on fixed incomes who want to avoid passing these costs to loved ones.

Cremation insurance is often sold as final expense insurance for seniors. These policies have smaller payouts than standard life insurance but are easier to get. Many require no medical exam and only a few health questions.

The best cremation insurance differs from prepaid cremation in how it works. Insurance pays a cash benefit to a named beneficiary after death. Prepaid cremation allows you to arrange and pay for services in advance, often locking in the price and reducing steps for your family.

Not sure if cremation or a funeral is right for you? Our team at After can explain your options with clarity and care. Call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427 to explore advance cremation planning.

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How Does Cremation Insurance Work?

A cremation insurance policy pays a set cash benefit to a named beneficiary after the policyholder dies. The funds can cover cremation services and other final expenses.

Monthly Premium Payments

Policyholders pay fixed premiums each month or year. Age, health, and coverage level at application determine the cost. Premium amounts stay the same for the life of the policy.

Payouts

The insurer sends a lump-sum payment to the chosen beneficiary. This is often a spouse, child, or trusted relative. The payout is usually tax-free and arrives within days to a few weeks after claim approval.

Limitations

• Waiting periods: Most policies require 24 months before full coverage for natural causes. Accidental death coverage starts immediately.
  
  
• Medical underwriting: Guaranteed-issue plans require no medical exam. Simplified-issue plans include basic health questions.
  
  
• Payout caps: Benefits typically range from $2,000 to $50,000, which is lower than traditional life insurance.
  
  
• Long-term cost: A $10,000 policy can cost about $27 per month for a healthy 50-year-old or $140 per month for someone age 80. Premiums paid over decades may exceed the payout.

You can avoid ongoing premiums by arranging cremation services in advance. After offers transparent, fixed-price packages that secure today’s rates and reduce stress for your family later.

5 Best Cremation Insurance Plans: At a Glance

While cremation insurance can cover costs, it isn’t always the simplest or most affordable option.

That’s why many families turn to After, which offers transparent prepaid cremation packages that lock in today’s prices. This helps avoid the hassle of waiting for an insurance payout and reduces the financial and emotional stress on loved ones.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the leading cremation insurance providers and what they offer, but keep in mind that After’s fixed-price plans for direct cremations may be a more practical alternative for many families.

1. Mutual of Omaha: Best for Seniors

Mutual of Omaha offers term, whole, and universal life insurance in every state except New York. Its Living Promise whole life policy is one of the best cremation insurance options for covering final expenses like cremation or burial. The policy has guaranteed benefits, level premiums, and no medical exam requirements.

Who It’s For

This policy is well-suited for adults ages 45 to 85 seeking final expense coverage, especially seniors and individuals with preexisting conditions who want simplified approval and fewer health requirements.

Key Features

• Whole life coverage up to $50,000, depending on the policy
• Guaranteed-issue and simplified-issue options with no medical exam
• Term life available up to age 80 (convertible to permanent coverage)
• Universal life available up to age 85
• Optional riders for accelerated death benefit, critical illness, and long-term care
• A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior) for financial strength

Pros

• Multiple policy types with flexible coverage limits
• Final expense plans without medical exams
• Available in most states
• Strong reputation and reliable claims process

Cons

• Many quotes require speaking with an agent
• Guaranteed-issue plans have higher monthly premiums

Pricing

A $10,000 final expense policy costs about $41 per month for those aged 45 to 85. Term life rates start at around $61 per month for a 35-year-old woman and can exceed $1,300 per month for a 65-year-old man, depending on coverage and health.

Bottom Line

Mutual of Omaha offers accessible final expense coverage for seniors and those with health concerns. It provides flexible policy types, no-exam options, and strong financial backing.

Some plans require agent interaction, but the broad availability and generous age limits make it one of the best cremation insurance providers for older adults.

2. Aflac: Best for Fast Payouts

Aflac offers Final Expense Whole Life Insurance that can help cover cremation, burial, and other end-of-life costs. The policy pays a cash benefit directly to the beneficiary, who can use it for funeral expenses, medical bills, legal fees, or other needs.

Who It’s For

This plan suits buyers who want a major national brand, fast claims processing, flexible benefit amounts, and the security of lifetime coverage.

Key Features

• Level plan with full benefits from day one for accidental and natural deaths
• Benefit amounts from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on age
• Competitive, fixed premiums that do not increase over time
• Lifetime coverage as long as you pay premiums
• No physical exam, with applicants only answering a few health questions

Pros

• Fast claim payouts and strong customer service
• Wide range of benefit amounts to match different needs
• Nationwide availability with strong brand recognition
• Cash benefit to use for funeral costs, medical bills, probate expenses, or any other purpose
• Policy that builds cash value over time

Cons

• Minimum coverage amounts may be higher than some competitors.
• Benefit maximums decrease with age (e.g., $20,000 max for ages 76–80).
• Requires answering health questions for approval.

Pricing

A $10,000 policy typically costs about $43 to $48 per month, depending on age and coverage level.

Bottom Line

Aflac works well for those who value speed, reliable service, and the backing of a large, well-known insurer.

3. Lincoln Heritage: Best for Personal Funeral Planning Support

Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance sells one policy called Funeral Advantage. This final expense whole life plan covers funeral, cremation, and other end-of-life costs.

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The plan also gives policyholders access to the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society. This group offers live, personalized help for funeral arrangements and cost-saving advice.

Who It’s For

This plan is a good fit for people who want hands-on guidance for funeral planning, as well as those seeking a simplified application process without a medical exam.

Key Features

• One-page application with no medical exam
• Fixed premiums and benefits for the life of the policy
• Coverage up to $20,000 (relatively low compared to other insurers)
• Optional accidental death benefit rider worth up to $100,000 (limitations apply)
• Available in every state except New York and Washington
• Membership in the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society for personalized family support

Pros

• Simplified application and quick approval process
• Claims typically paid within 24 hours of approval
• Dedicated representative for funeral arrangements and cost-saving guidance

Cons

• Only one policy type available
• Maximum benefit of $20,000 that’s lower than most competitors

Pricing

Premiums start at about $15 per month. A $10,000 policy costs about $44 per month for most applicants. Age, health, location, and coverage level affect the price. Adding riders or higher coverage increases the rate.

Bottom Line

Lincoln Heritage works best for people who value personal funeral planning support and simple applications. Its lower coverage limits and lack of guaranteed acceptance may not suit buyers who need larger benefits or guaranteed approval.

4. Globe Life: Best for Simple, No-Exam Coverage

Globe Life sells term and whole life insurance policies, including final expense coverage. It does not require medical exams and has no waiting period for benefits. Customers can buy policies online, by mail, or through an agent. Optional riders increase coverage for funeral costs, accidental death, and mortgage protection.

Who It’s For

This plan fits adults who want fast coverage without a medical exam. It also suits families who need children’s life insurance or supplemental health policies.

Key Features

• Term and whole life policies, including final expense and children’s life insurance
• Coverage amounts up to $50,000 for adults and $30,000 for children
• Optional riders for accidental death, mortgage protection, and funeral or cremation costs
• Supplemental health insurance options, including cancer, critical illness, and accident coverage
• A (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating

Pros

• Requires no medical exams
• No waiting period once coverage begins
• Wide range of supplemental health insurance policies available

Cons

• No variable or universal life insurance options
• Some policies require contacting an agent for details and pricing

Pricing

A $10,000 final expense policy generally ranges from $28 to $53 per month, depending on age and coverage details.

Bottom Line

Globe Life works well for buyers who want quick approval and no medical exams. It offers a variety of life and health policies, but limited policy types and modest coverage caps may not suit people who need larger benefits or more flexibility.

5. State Farm: Best for Brand Loyalty and Discounts

State Farm sells term, whole, universal, survivorship, and final expense life insurance. The final expense policy pays a cash benefit to cover cremation, burial, or other end-of-life costs. It does not require a medical exam.

Who It’s For

This plan suits existing State Farm customers, seniors who want generous age limits, and people who value working with a local agent.

Key Features

• 10 life insurance policy options, including term, whole, universal, survivorship, and final expense
• No medical exam required for final expense coverage
• Generous age limits for some whole life policies up to ages 80 to 85 (or even 100 in New York)
• Final expense policy starting at $15,000 in coverage
• Can convert term policies to permanent coverage (up to age 60)
• A++ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
• Over 19,000 agents available nationwide for in-person service

Pros

• Wide selection of policy types and coverage options
• Term policies convertible to permanent coverage
• Strong brand reputation and financial stability

Cons

• State Farm’s Life insurance is not available in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
• The convertible term policy excludes applicants over age 60.
• You must work with an agent since you cannot entirely purchase policies online.

Pricing

Final expense coverage for $10,000 costs about $41 to $54 per month. Rates vary by age and policy details.

Bottom Line

State Farm is a strong choice for buyers who want broad policy options, generous age limits, and trusted in-person service. Limited online purchasing and some age restrictions may not work for everyone.

Pros and Cons of Cremation Insurance

Cremation insurance can be a helpful option for covering funeral costs. But it isn’t the only option. Some buyers may look for the best prepaid cremation plans for cost control and simplicity.

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Some are looking for cheap burial insurance options that provide affordable coverage for funeral and end-of-life expenses.

Pros

• Cremation insurance helps families budget for end-of-life expenses in a predictable way.
• It works alongside other coverage, such as life or health insurance, to provide more complete protection.
• It gives peace of mind by ensuring loved ones do not face sudden costs.
• Seniors and people with health concerns can often get coverage without a medical exam or with only basic health questions.

Cons

• Premiums paid over many years can exceed the policy’s payout.
• The benefit focuses mainly on funeral or cremation costs, which limits flexibility.
• Some claims require paperwork and waiting periods, especially with certain medical histories.

Why Prepaid Cremation Might Be a Better Choice

Prepaid cremation allows you to arrange and pay for services in advance. It removes the need for ongoing insurance premiums and gives you more control, transparency, and simplicity than traditional cremation insurance.

The benefits of prepaid cremation include:

• Cost control: Prepaid cremation locks in today’s prices. It prevents decades of premium payments that may add up to more than the service cost.
  
• Direct payment: You directly pay the provider. This removes delays, middlemen, and claims paperwork for your family.
  
• No health questions: Anyone can arrange prepaid cremation, regardless of age or medical history.
  
• Peace of mind: Your family knows every detail of your arrangements. They understand exactly what the plan includes.
  
• Simplicity: The provider handles the process from start to finish. This reduces paperwork and decisions during a difficult time.

After offers prepaid cremation packages that combine price certainty with compassionate, professional care. You can secure your arrangements online in minutes or speak with a care specialist at 1-844-760-0427 to explore options.

Cremation Insurance vs. Prepaid Cremation

With After’s prepaid cremation packages, families pay the provider directly, which skips the extra step of involving a funeral home. These packages lock in today’s rate, so families don’t have to worry about rising costs.

They also cut down on out-of-pocket expenses, since loved ones don’t wait for an insurance payout before covering the bill.

This chart illustrates the difference in features between cremation insurance and prepaid cremation plans:

After: A Smarter Alternative to Cremation Insurance

After offers a modern, transparent way to arrange prepaid cremation. We remove guesswork, eliminate hidden costs, and make planning simple. All prices are clear upfront, so you avoid surprise fees or complex contracts.

You can arrange everything online using After’s planning tools. The platform stores documents digitally and gives you access to support at any time. Anyone can set up services in advance, regardless of age or health, and there are no medical exams.

We also include a price lock guarantee. Once you book, your cost stays the same and protects you from future price increases. You can choose every detail of your arrangements to ensure they match your wishes.

When the time comes, After activates services right away with minimal paperwork. This fast, streamlined process allows your family to focus on what matters most instead of dealing with delays or administrative tasks.

You can complete your arrangements online in minutes or speak with a care specialist who will guide you through every step. Have questions about end of life planning or the best cremation insurance services?

Call 1-844-760-0427 any time to explore your options or view advance planning packages here.

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Cremation Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cremation Insurance the Same as Life Insurance?

Cremation insurance is not the same as life insurance. It is a small-value life insurance policy created specifically to cover funeral and cremation costs. 

Traditional life insurance covers a wider range of financial needs, often including income replacement, debt repayment, and other long-term expenses.

How Much Does Cremation Insurance Cost?

Cremation insurance costs $15 per month for younger, healthy people and over $100 per month for seniors. A $10,000 policy for a healthy 50-year-old costs about $27 to $35 per month.

Can I Prepay for Cremation Instead of Buying Insurance?

You can prepay for cremation instead of buying insurance. Prepaid cremation locks in today’s prices and removes the need for insurance claims

Is Cremation Cheaper Than Burial?

Cremation is cheaper than burial. The average funeral costs $7,000 to $12,000. This price includes the viewing, burial, fees, transport, casket, embalming, and preparation. A funeral with cremation costs $6,000 to $7,000 on average.

Do I Need Insurance if I Choose Direct Cremation?

You don’t need insurance if you choose direct cremation. Many families prefer to prepay for direct cremation instead, since it locks in today’s price and avoids the delays and paperwork of an insurance claim.

Prepaid cremation covers the full cost upfront, so your family doesn’t face unexpected bills or wait for funds during an already difficult time.

Can You Use Cremation Insurance for Other Funeral Costs?

You can use cremation insurance for other funeral costs. Beneficiaries can use the payout for memorials, medical bills, debts, or other expenses.