Best Burial Insurance for Parents over 80
Finding the best burial insurance for parents over 80 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 80–85
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 80–85 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 80: $10,000 benefit – roughly $75–$120/mo (simplified issue) or $95–$140/mo (guaranteed issue)
- Age 85: $10,000 benefit – roughly $110–$170/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 80–85
We’ll compare multiple carriers, explain graded vs. immediate benefits, and help you lock in level premiums.
FAQs: Best Burial Insurance for Parents Over 80
Can you get burial insurance at age 80 or older?
Yes. Many final expense whole life policies accept applicants ages 80–85. Availability, maximum benefit amounts, and pricing vary by state and carrier.
Is a medical exam required for ages 80–85?
Usually no. Most options are no-exam. You’ll choose between simplified-issue (short health questions) or guaranteed-issue (no questions, graded benefit).
How much coverage do parents over 80 typically buy?
Common amounts are $5,000–$15,000, with some carriers allowing up to $20,000–$25,000 at these ages. Pick the smallest benefit that meets expected final costs.
Will premiums increase or can the policy expire?
Final expense whole life generally has level premiums that don’t increase and lifetime coverage that doesn’t expire as long as premiums are paid.
What is a graded death benefit for age 80+?
Guaranteed-issue policies often pay a limited amount for natural-cause deaths in the first 2–3 years (e.g., return of premium plus interest). Accidental deaths are typically covered in full from day one. After the grade period, the full benefit pays.
Can serious health conditions still qualify at 80+?
Yes. Even with conditions like diabetes, COPD, or cardiac history, guaranteed-issue coverage is often available. If health allows, simplified-issue may cost less.
How fast can coverage start for an 80-year-old?
Many simplified-issue decisions take minutes to a few days. Guaranteed-issue approvals are often immediate after identity checks.
Can an adult child own and pay for the policy?
Yes. With the parent’s consent, an adult child can be owner and payer, and name or update the beneficiary. This helps keep premiums current.
How can we keep premiums affordable at age 80+?
Right-size the benefit, compare multiple carriers, avoid unnecessary riders, choose EFT or annual pay when discounts apply, and consider simplified-issue if health allows.
Does tobacco use affect rates for over-80 applicants?
Yes. Tobacco rates are usually higher. If eligible for non-tobacco, premiums may be meaningfully lower.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
