According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average cost of a funeral is more than $9,000. The National Funeral Directors Association states that the median funeral cost can be more than $9,000. This means that surviving loved ones are often left with a heavy financial burden in times of grief.
Many of us have suffered the loss of a family member and recall how stressful it was trying to balance our grief, financial obligations, and funeral planning. It's unbearable to think of our spouses and children going through this same experience.
What is final expense life insurance? What can we do for our families to help alleviate this financial burden? How can we make sure they don't have a stack of bills when we die?
Different policies offer final expense life insurance. A final expense policy is rarely more than $20,000, as it only covers one debt: funeral or cremation arrangements. (learn more: How does cremation work). ).
It focuses on the after-life. Life insurance policies don't usually cover the costs of funeral preparations for family members. Caskets can run up to $10,000 depending on the material and style. Other funeral costs such as transportation, preparation of body, graveliners, flowers or headstones are not included. These costs can be covered by a final expense policy, which will protect your family from financial hardship.
Final expense insurance can be considered a whole-life policy. The premium and death benefit for traditional whole-life policies are the same throughout the policy's lifetime. Whole-life policies are designed to last the life of the policyholder. Some policies accumulate cash value. Because the policy's term isn’t restricted to a certain time period like term insurance, whole life insurance is sometimes called "permanent live".
Focuses on afterlife planning. Most policies for life are not designed to cover the many expenses of family members when planning for a funeral. Caskets are available in a variety of styles and materials, with prices up to $10,000. This price does not include transportation costs, preparation of the corpse, grave liners and flowers, nor the cost of the headstone. This policy covers the final expenses of your loved one and can reduce financial stress for your family.
Final expense insurance refers to a whole life policy. For traditional whole-life options, the premium and death benefit remain the same throughout a policy's existence. The majority of whole-life policies last throughout the policyholder’s lifetime. Others accumulate cash values. Whole-life insurance is often called "permanent," as the policy term doesn't expire like term.
It is also more affordable than other types of insurance policies. Because it's usually used to cover funeral expenses, the coverage amount can be much lower than traditional policies. Average people insure themselves between $10,000 and $20,000. This makes it more affordable to purchase a final expense policy than larger policies.
This number was $2,737 in 1985.
This number rose to $7,848 in 2021; with a vault, it was $9,420.
These numbers indicate a 991 percent increase in funeral costs over the past four decades.
Burial insurance can be a great option for seniors who want to protect their loved ones and reduce funeral costs. It is easy to apply because it is based upon answers to questions about your health. Many cases don't require you to have a medical exam.
Final expense insurance may not be necessary if you are financially independent and have sufficient savings. Keep an eye out for rising funeral costs, and keep up to date on all current expenses.
Final expense insurance is a life insurance policy that has a lower death benefit, usually intended to cover final expenses and burial costs. Also known as burial insurance or funeral insurance, it's designed for older adults who are ready to make end-of-life plans, typically age 50 and older.
What is the average cost of final expense insurance? Final expense insurance premiums could cost around $20 or more per month, depending on your age and the policy you choose. However, everyone's premiums will vary based on personal conditions.
Does Final Expense Have a Cash Value? Final expense insurance does allow for a cash value to build because it's a form of a whole life insurance policy. However, the savings must accrue, and there are some things to keep in mind when you want to borrow against the cash value.