Best Burial Insurance for Parents over 70
Finding the best burial insurance for parents over 70 comes down to three things: guaranteed approval options, level premiums that never increase, and a quick, simple application your parent (or you as payer) can complete in minutes. At this age, most families choose final expense whole life insurance designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and small debts—without medical exams or lengthy underwriting.
Compare Burial Insurance for Ages 70–85
See carriers that accept seniors up to 85 with stable premiums and lifelong coverage.
What Types of Policies Work Best After 80?
- Guaranteed Issue Whole Life: No health questions or exams; approval based on age and state. Most policies include a graded benefit period (commonly two years) where natural death pays a return of premiums plus interest, while accidental death is fully covered from day one.
- Simplified Issue Final Expense: A short health questionnaire (no exam). If approved, many plans offer immediate full benefits with level premiums for life.
Coverage amounts typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. Children or caregivers can be the payer, and ownership can be structured so you control premium payments and beneficiary designations.
Burial Insurance Calculator
Estimate monthly costs for ages 70–85 and compare multiple carriers in one place.
How to Choose the Right Policy
- Eligibility: If health is complex or unknown, start with guaranteed issue. If your parent answers “no” to knockout questions (e.g., current treatment for certain conditions), simplified issue may offer lower premiums and immediate benefits.
- Benefit Structure: Understand the graded period on guaranteed issue. Ask how accidental death is handled and when the full natural death benefit begins.
- Premium Stability: Look for permanent whole life policies with level rates and benefits that never decrease.
- Ownership & Payer Setup: Consider owning the policy yourself so you can manage payments and keep the plan in force.
Conservative Pricing Examples (Illustrative)
Actual rates vary by age, state, gender, and underwriting class. These ranges are conservative for guidance only:
- Age 70: $10,000 benefit – roughly $65–$110/mo (simplified issue) or $85–$120/mo (guaranteed issue)
- Age 75: $10,000 benefit – roughly $100–$150/mo (guaranteed issue common at this age)
Use the calculator above for real-time quotes from multiple carriers and benefit amounts.
Application & Timing Tips
- Run quotes with the calculator for the desired benefit (often $10k–$20k).
- Pick the underwriting path: If unsure on health, start guaranteed issue; if basic health questions look favorable, try simplified issue for potential savings.
- Set the payer/owner so premiums are auto-drafted and never missed.
- Confirm beneficiaries and note where the funds should be directed (funeral home or family).
New to this topic? Our overview of options is a helpful primer: Burial Insurance.
Get the Best Policy for Parents 70–85
We’ll compare multiple carriers, explain graded vs. immediate benefits, and help you lock in level premiums.
FAQs: Best Burial Insurance for Parents Over 70
What kind of burial insurance works best at age 70+?
Most families choose final expense whole life. It offers guaranteed lifetime coverage, level premiums, and a fixed death benefit sized to funeral costs. You can apply with simplified questions or choose guaranteed-issue if health is a concern.
Can parents over 70 get burial insurance with no medical exam?
Yes. Many final expense policies for ages 70–85 use no exam. Simplified-issue asks brief health questions and may cost less. Guaranteed-issue asks no health questions but usually has a graded waiting period for natural causes in the first years.
How much coverage do most people buy for a parent over 70?
Common amounts are $8,000–$20,000 to cover funeral, burial or cremation, and final bills. Choose the smallest amount that comfortably meets expected costs and fits the monthly budget.
Will the premium ever increase or the policy end?
Final expense whole life typically has level premiums that do not increase and lifetime coverage that does not expire as long as premiums are paid on time.
What is a graded death benefit and why does it matter?
With many guaranteed-issue policies, natural-cause deaths in the first 2–3 years pay a limited benefit (often return of premium plus interest). Accidental deaths are usually covered fully from day one. After the grade period, the full benefit is payable.
How are rates determined for someone in their 70s?
Age, gender, tobacco use, state, coverage amount, and health answers (if any) drive the premium. Simplified-issue can be more budget-friendly than guaranteed-issue if health allows.
How fast can coverage start for a parent over 70?
Many simplified-issue applications are approved within minutes to a few days. Guaranteed-issue approvals are often instant after identity and eligibility checks.
Can an adult child own and pay for the policy?
Yes. An adult child can be the owner and payer with the parent’s consent, and also name the beneficiary. This helps keep premiums current and ensures proceeds go to the right person.
What’s the most cost-effective way to set this up?
Right-size the benefit, compare simplified-issue first if health allows, avoid unnecessary riders, consider EFT or annual pay discounts, and compare multiple carriers to find the lowest level-premium option.
Does health history like diabetes or COPD mean automatic decline?
Not necessarily. Many carriers accept common conditions on simplified-issue. If not, guaranteed-issue remains an option (with graded benefits early on).
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