Families planning for end-of-life expenses often discover that burial insurance costs can swing dramatically based on age, health, and coverage. Burial insurance, also called final expense or funeral insurance, covers burial, cremation, or other end-of-life costs.

Burial insurance costs add up quickly, no matter which company you choose. Premiums rise steeply with age, and depending on the policyholder’s age, health, and how long they pay, total premiums may end up exceeding the actual cost of a funeral or cremation.

That’s why many people are turning to funeral or cremation insurance with After instead. After focuses on making cremation a simpler, more affordable, and more transparent option compared to traditional burial insurance.

Not sure about what insurance covers? Our team is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427.

‍

{{cta_blue}}

‍

What Is Burial Insurance (Final Expense or Funeral Insurance)?

Burial insurance is a small-value life insurance policy specifically for end-of-life expenses. Insurance companies often market it under different names, including funeral insurance, cremation insurance, or final expense insurance.

All of these terms describe policies that provide a lump sum payout to help cover funeral or cremation arrangements. This type of insurance does not limit families to burial costs alone.

While some people use these terms interchangeably, insurers structure them differently. Final expense insurance functions as a small life insurance policy that pays a lump sum to beneficiaries, who can then use the funds for funeral, cremation, or other end-of-life expenses.

Funeral or burial insurance can also pay a lump sum to beneficiaries, though in some cases the payment goes directly to a funeral home. The claim process and payment details vary by insurer and policy.

Beneficiaries can use the payout for cremation, transportation, death certificates, or even outstanding debts. Families choose it because it creates financial flexibility and immediate access to funds when expenses arise.

What Does Burial or Funeral Insurance Cover?

Burial insurance includes the core elements of funeral and cremation services. Most policies cover funeral home services, a burial plot or cremation, transportation, a casket or urn, and official death certificates.

These are the essential costs that families must address quickly after a death. Policies may exclude extras such as flowers, receptions, or memorial headstones.

Funeral and cremation costs can add up quickly, often exceeding what a burial insurance policy covers. 

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with burial is $8,300. But if you add a vault, the price rises to $9,995. A cremation funeral with a viewing typically costs $6,280.

These figures represent national averages, and actual costs vary depending on location. Because most burial insurance policies offer coverage between $5,000 and $25,000, families often weigh those benefits against the cost of prepaid cremation.

Premiums also vary by policy type: simplified issue policies typically cost $50–$100 per month with coverage up to $50,000, while guaranteed issue policies often cost $100 or more per month and cap coverage at $25,000.

A prepaid cremation plan, by contrast, locks in today’s price with a one-time payment or short installment schedule. This approach eliminates rising premiums and provides a predictable cost for direct cremation.

Average Burial Insurance Costs & Rates in 2025

The average cost of burial insurance in 2025 depends on several factors, including age, gender, health, tobacco use, coverage amount, state of residence, and even the insurer’s pricing model or added policy riders.

In general, younger applicants and women pay lower premiums, while older applicants and men face higher costs.

Monthly Premium Ranges by Age (for $10,000 to $25,000 in coverage)

These averages show how quickly premiums increase with age. A 40-year-old woman can expect to pay about $21 per month for $10,000 of coverage, while an 80-year-old man may pay more than $240 per month for $25,000 of coverage.

Policy Types and Their Impact on Cost

There are two main types of policies:

• Simplified issue policies include health questions but no medical exams. They usually cost less and may provide immediate coverage.
  
  
• Guaranteed issue policies require no health questions and guarantee approval. However, they cost more and always include a two-year waiting period before full benefits apply.

Advertising often paints an unrealistic picture. TV commercials that highlight plans “starting at $9.95 per month” may apply to very small policies, often $1,000 or less, for younger applicants. For most families, realistic coverage requires significantly higher premiums.

Burial Insurance for Seniors

Seniors see the steepest rise in burial insurance costs. By age 60, a woman pays about $33 per month for $10,000 in coverage, while by age 80, a man may pay close to $241 per month for $25,000 in coverage.

Most seniors purchase coverage between $5,000 and $20,000. This amount pays for a funeral or cremation but leaves little room for additional costs such as medical bills, mortgages, or credit card debt.

Seniors who only want coverage for cremation often find burial insurance expensive compared to prepaid cremation.

A prepaid cremation plan secures today’s price with a one-time payment or short installment plan. This structure eliminates the risk of paying premiums for decades that may ultimately exceed the cost of the service.

Cost of Final Expense Insurance vs. Prepaid Cremation

Families often compare the long-term cost of insurance premiums with the one-time cost of prepaid cremation. The differences highlight why many prefer prepaid options.

Funeral insurance can provide flexible cash, but most families only use it for funeral or cremation expenses. In contrast, prepaid cremation secures the service directly, without ongoing premium payments.

Pros and Cons of Burial Insurance

Pros

• Lump sum payout: Burial insurance pays beneficiaries directly, which allows them to use the money however they choose. This flexibility can cover funeral or cremation services, debts, or other expenses.
  
  
• Easy approval for many applicants: Simplified issue policies don’t require medical exams, and guaranteed issue policies accept everyone. Families who worry about health conditions often find these options accessible.
  
  
• Peace of mind: Burial insurance provides assurance that covers some costs, which reduces immediate financial stress on families.

Cons

• High lifetime cost: Monthly premiums can add up to thousands of dollars over decades. Many families ultimately pay more than the cost of a funeral or cremation.
  
  
• Coverage limitations: Most policies cap coverage between $5,000 and $25,000, which may not fully cover a traditional funeral or outstanding debts.
  
  
• Risk of lapse: If families miss payments, the policy may lapse, leaving them without coverage despite years of paying premiums.
  
  
• Waiting periods: Guaranteed issue policies always impose a two-year waiting period. If the insured passes away during that time, beneficiaries only receive a refund of premiums paid.

How To Compare Burial Insurance Quotes

Families who want burial insurance should compare multiple quotes from different insurers. Insurance companies vary in pricing, and some structure premiums by exact age while others use age brackets.

Ask whether the policy is a guaranteed issue or simplified issue policy because that choice affects both cost and eligibility. Simplified issue policies cost less but require you to answer health questions, while guaranteed issue policies accept everyone at a higher price.

After specifically writes funeral insurance policies for cremations, not traditional burials. If your family wants insurance to cover a burial, another provider may be a better fit. But if you’re planning for cremation, After specializes in affordable, transparent options.

Plan Your Cremation With After

Prepaid cremation with After gives families an alternative to burial insurance. After specializes in insurance-backed direct cremation, combining affordability with compassionate support.

The Base Package ($995) includes:

• Transportation within 30 miles
• All permits and paperwork
• Honorable cremation
• Refrigeration for up to five business days
• A temporary urn upon request
• A basic cremation container
• Online obituary listing
• Support from a dedicated care specialist
• Access to After-grief support

We add no hidden fees or surprise costs to this flat rate. Families can also use LilyPay for flexible 3, 6, 9, or 12-month payment plans with low flat fees.

LilyPay even supports crowdfunding, allowing relatives and friends to contribute to expenses. This makes prepaid cremation accessible and predictable, unlike the rising costs of funeral insurance premiums.

Lower Burial Insurance Costs With Prepaid Cremation

Your chosen coverage amount directly determines burial insurance cost.

Burial insurance provides financial flexibility, but costs increase with age and may exceed actual end-of-life expenses. Prepaid cremation with After locks in today’s price, eliminates ongoing premiums, and offers clarity during a difficult time.

Families that need transparent, affordable, and compassionate options can explore After’s cremation planning if the person may pass within six months.

Not sure about what cremation insurance covers? The team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427.

‍

{{cta_blue}}

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Burial Insurance Cover Cremation?

Burial insurance does cover cremation as well as burial and other end-of-life costs. Beneficiaries can use the payout for services such as transportation, paperwork, or a cremation container.

How Are Burial Insurance Rates Set?

They set burial insurance rates using age, gender, health, tobacco use, coverage amount, and state of residence. Men, smokers, and older applicants pay the highest premiums.

What’s the Cost of Final Expense Insurance for Seniors?

The cost of final expense insurance for seniors ranges from $33 per month at age 60 to more than $200 per month at age 85. Coverage levels and health status also affect the final price.

Are Funeral Insurance Cost Estimates Reliable?

Funeral insurance cost estimates are not always reliable because ads often highlight teaser rates. The most accurate way to know your cost is to request a quote.

Can I Get Burial Insurance Quotes Without Medical Exams?

You can get burial insurance quotes without medical exams through guaranteed issue plans. These policies cost more and include a two-year waiting period before full coverage begins.

Is Burial Insurance Worth It if I Prefer Cremation?

Burial insurance may not be worth it if you prefer cremation because premiums often exceed the actual service cost. A prepaid cremation plan locks in today’s price without ongoing payments.

How Much Coverage Should I Choose?

You should choose between $5,000 and $20,000 of coverage to match typical funeral or cremation expenses. Larger coverage amounts may be necessary if you want to pay debts or medical bills.

Can I Get Funeral Cover Quotes Online?

You can get funeral cover quotes online through comparison tools and insurance websites. However, most companies require you to complete the purchase through a licensed agent.

Is Prepaid Cremation Cheaper Than Burial Insurance?

Prepaid cremation can be cheaper than burial insurance in some cases because it involves a one-time payment or a short installment plan.

However, actual savings depend on the cost of the prepaid plan, the person’s age, and how long they pay insurance premiums. In some situations, burial insurance may end up being more cost-effective.