Cremation insurance helps cover end-of-life costs without creating financial stress for your family. It provides a tax-free payout to your chosen beneficiary to cover cremation and related expenses.

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.

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What Is Cremation Insurance?

Cremation insurance is a small-value life insurance policy that helps cover cremation costs and related end-of-life expenses.

The policy pays a tax-free cash benefit to your chosen beneficiary when you pass.

Your beneficiary can use this money for cremation services, memorial costs, or any other expenses they choose.

Insurance companies also call these policies "final expense insurance," "burial insurance," or "cremation policies." They work the same way but focus on smaller coverage amounts than traditional life insurance.

Cremation insurance differs from broader life insurance because it targets specific cremation needs rather than full funeral costs. Most cremation policies offer $2,000 to $15,000 in coverage, while traditional burial insurance might go higher.

What Does Cremation Insurance Typically Cover?

Cremation insurance provides a cash payout that can be used for:

• Direct cremation services (without a ceremony)
• A basic urn or container
• Transportation of the decedent
• Permits and filing fees
• Funeral home coordination
• Memorial services, if included in the policy

Some policies include memorial coverage automatically. Others offer it as an optional add-on.

The payout can also help with other expenses, such as:

• Medical bills
• Unpaid debts
• Travel costs for family members

What Cremation Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Most policies do not cover:

• Death from pre-existing conditions (if within the waiting period)
• Self-inflicted injuries
• High-risk circumstances (like certain occupations or activities)

Policies that skip the medical exam often include a two-year waiting period. If death occurs during this time, the insurer usually refunds premiums with interest, but does not pay the full benefit.

How Much Does Cremation Insurance Cost?

Monthly premiums for cremation insurance range from $15 to $75, depending on your age, health, and coverage amount.

Here are typical costs by age:

• Age 65: $53-$79 per month for $10,000 coverage
• Age 75: $97-$145 per month for $10,000 coverage

Most buyers choose $2,000 to $15,000 in coverage since direct cremation averages $2,200 nationally. Full cremation with memorial services can cost $6,200.

Some providers offer inflation protection that locks in current service prices. Guaranteed premiums stay the same throughout your life, which helps with budgeting.

The best prepaid cremation plans often cost less over time than insurance if you live many years after purchasing coverage.

Cremation Insurance vs. Prepaid Cremation Plans

This chart shows the main differences between cremation insurance and prepaid cremation plans:

Cremation insurance makes sense if you want cash flexibility for multiple end-of-life expenses. Your family can use the money however they need.

Prepaid cremation plans work better if you want to lock in today's prices and ensure your exact wishes are followed. You won't worry about policy lapses or premium increases.

After offers a flexible model where you can plan now and pay later. This combines thoughtful preplanning with multiple payment options.

Do You Really Need Cremation Insurance?

Cremation insurance costs more than direct planning for most people. You're better off saving money or using existing life insurance to cover cremation costs.

Cremation insurance is a small life insurance policy that covers funeral expenses. Companies sell these policies to people over 50 who want to pay cremation costs in advance.

How Cremation Insurance Works

You pay monthly premiums for a guaranteed payout when you die. Most policies cost $30 to $120 per month, depending on your age and coverage amount.

Your family receives cash, not cremation services. They can spend the money on cremation, burial, or other expenses. Most policies require no medical exam. Companies accept people with health problems who can't get regular life insurance.

Cremation Insurance Pros

• Your family receives cash within days of filing a claim. This immediate payout covers cremation costs without waiting for your estate to settle or accessing savings accounts.
  
  
• Your monthly premiums stay fixed for life. A 65-year-old paying $40 monthly will always pay $40 monthly, regardless of age or health changes.
  
  
• Companies accept applicants with serious health conditions. Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer won't disqualify you from coverage when regular life insurance companies reject your application.
  
  
• Most insurers accept applicants up to age 85. Older adults can still get coverage when other insurance options become expensive or unavailable.

Cremation Insurance Cons

• Total premiums often exceed actual cremation costs. Someone paying $50 monthly for 15 years spends $9,000 for a $10,000 policy. Simple cremation costs between $995 and $2,500.
  
  
• You lose all coverage if you stop making payments. Miss several monthly payments, and your policy cancels, even after paying premiums for years.
  
  
• Your family can spend the money on expensive funeral services. Cash payouts give them less guidance than prepaid cremation plans that lock in specific services.
  
  
• Policy benefits don't increase with inflation. Your $10,000 policy today might only cover $6,000 worth of cremation services in 20 years.

Who Should Consider Cremation Insurance

Cremation insurance is ideal for people over 65 with limited savings. They will generally find monthly payments more manageable. Paying $50 monthly feels easier than saving $3,000 at once for cremation costs.

It’s also advisable for those with serious health conditions who can't qualify for regular life insurance. Cremation insurance companies accept people that other insurers reject due to medical issues.

Lastly, families facing financial hardship can consider cremation insurance. The cash prevents your loved ones from going into debt or depleting emergency savings for cremation expenses.

Advice on Choosing the Right Cremation Policy

Look for providers with transparent pricing and strong reputations for paying claims quickly. Ask these key questions before buying:

• Does coverage start immediately, or is there a waiting period?
• What medical information do you need? Exams or just health questions?
• How much coverage can I buy, and what are the minimum and maximum amounts?
• How do beneficiaries receive payment? Lump sum or installments?
• Can I keep the policy if I move to another state?
• What's the cancellation policy, and are refunds available?

Choose coverage that matches your estimated cremation costs. Include expenses for urns, transportation, and any memorial services you want.

Avoid policies with premium increases or unnecessary add-ons. Make sure your beneficiaries understand how to file claims and have all the needed documentation.

How After Supports Cremation Planning

After offers straightforward cremation planning without insurance complexity or pressure.

Here's how After helps families:

• No-obligation preplanning lets you arrange services without buying insurance immediately.
• Flexible payment options include upfront payment, monthly installments, or plan-now-pay-later arrangements.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or aggressive sales tactics.
• Supportive team explains everything clearly without confusing insurance terms.

After does offer discounted services through LilyPay. The LilyPay organization allows you to take out a flexible loan for cremation costs and use crowdfunding to cover that loan. Visit the LilyPay Community Gardens pages to learn about easily setting up your donation profile.

Start planning online at After's prearrangement page.

Explore Cremation Planning Without the Insurance Pressure

We encourage you to compare traditional insurance with flexible cremation insurance planning options. Direct planning often costs less and gives you more control over your final arrangements. You can lock in current prices without ongoing premium payments or policy complications.

Explore our cremation services and transparent pricing for a straightforward alternative to insurance policies. Visit After's pricing page to see current options, or call (844) 760-0427 to speak with a planning specialist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Cost of Cremation Insurance?

The average cost of cremation insurance premiums typically ranges from $15 to $75 for $5,000 to $15,000 in coverage. Your exact cost depends on your age, health, and chosen coverage amount.

Is Cremation Insurance the Same As Burial Insurance?

Cremation insurance isn’t the same as burial insurance. Both are forms of final expense insurance. Burial insurance may target traditional funeral costs while cremation insurance focuses on cremation expenses. The policies work similarly but differ in typical coverage amounts.

Can I Get Cremation Insurance With No Medical Exam?

You can get cremation insurance with no medical exam. Most providers offer guaranteed issue policies without medical exams. Expect higher premiums and a waiting period before full coverage begins.

What’s Better: Cremation Insurance or Prepaid Cremation?

If you want to know what’s the better choice between cremation insurance or prepaid cremation, prepaid cremation locks in today's prices and works well for specific arrangements. Cremation insurance offers cash flexibility for all end-of-life needs but may cost more over time. What’s better depends on your specific needs and financial situation.

Who Receives the Payout From Cremation Insurance?

Your named beneficiary receives payout from cremation insurance. This is tax-free and you can use it for any expenses. It is usually a family member or trusted person that you have designated.

Can Cremation Insurance Cover Memorial Services Too?

Cremation insurance can cover memorial services. Some policies offer specific add-on coverage for these events.

Is Cremation Insurance Worth It for Older Adults?

Yes, cremation insurance is worth it for older adults. This is especially for those without adequate savings who want to spare their family from financial stress. It's valuable if you can't qualify for other life insurance.

What Happens if I Stop Paying My Cremation Insurance?

If you stop paying your cremation insurance, the policy lapses. This then ends your coverage. Any premiums you paid are usually lost unless you're within a limited refund period.

Does After Offer Cremation Insurance?

After focuses on prepaid cremation plans and flexible payment options rather than traditional insurance policies. This approach often provides better value and more control.

How Can I Start Planning without an Insurance Policy?

You can start planning and prepay for cremation directly with providers like After. This lets you lock in costs, choose payment plans, and ensure your preferences are followed without insurance complexity.