Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 50
Jason Stolz CLTC, CRPC
Burial insurance for seniors over 50 is a simple, permanent way to make sure your loved ones are not left with funeral costs, medical bills, or small debts when you pass away. Even if you’re in your 50s and just starting to think about final expenses, this is often the most affordable time to lock in coverage that never expires and premiums that never go up.
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we work with multiple top-rated carriers that specialize in final expense coverage. We help compare plans designed specifically for people in their 50s—including options for applicants with health conditions—so you can choose the policy that fits your budget and goals.
Compare Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 50
Use the final expense calculator below to compare real-time rates from multiple burial insurance companies.
What Is Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 50?
Burial insurance—also called final expense insurance—is a small whole life policy typically ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 or more. It is designed to cover:
- Funeral, burial, or cremation costs
- Final medical bills or hospice expenses
- Small credit card balances or personal debts
- Miscellaneous costs your family might face after you’re gone
Because these policies are whole life, they stay in force for your entire lifetime as long as premiums are paid. Premiums are fixed and do not increase with age, which is a major advantage for people who start coverage in their 50s.
Why Your 50s Are a Smart Time to Buy
Many people wait until their 60s or 70s to think about burial insurance, but there are real benefits to acting earlier:
- Lower premiums: Buying at 50–59 locks in significantly lower rates than waiting until your 60s or 70s.
- Better underwriting: You are more likely to qualify for immediate full coverage and preferred plans.
- More options: More carriers are willing to offer level benefit plans with no waiting period.
- Longer protection window: Your plan is in place well before retirement, protecting your family through every stage.
Many clients also coordinate burial coverage with other policies discussed in our guides on burial insurance for seniors and life insurance with pre-existing conditions.
Types of Burial Insurance Available After Age 50
Level Benefit Burial Insurance
Level benefit plans pay the full death benefit from day one for natural or accidental death. Many people in their 50s qualify for this type of coverage—even with controlled conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Graded or Modified Benefit Plans
For applicants with more serious health histories, graded plans may pay a portion of the benefit in the first one or two years, then the full amount afterward. These can be a good fit if you’ve had challenges qualifying elsewhere.
Guaranteed Issue Burial Insurance
Guaranteed issue policies accept you with no health questions and no exams. They are typically used when someone has been declined by other carriers. These plans usually include a waiting period for natural causes but still provide immediate coverage for accidental death.
How Much Burial Insurance Do Seniors Over 50 Need?
The right amount depends on your goals, but most people in their 50s choose between $10,000 and $25,000 of coverage. When estimating how much you need, consider:
- Average funeral and burial or cremation costs in your area
- Any medical bills that might remain unpaid
- Credit cards, personal loans, or small debts
- Extra funds you may want to leave for a spouse or children
Some clients pair burial insurance with other protection strategies like term coverage using tools such as our term life insurance calculator, and then use a smaller final expense policy to specifically target funeral costs.
Burial Insurance Rates for Seniors Over 50
Rates are based on age, gender, tobacco use, and health history. Applying in your 50s gives you a strong advantage: premiums are lower and more carriers offer day-one coverage. Smokers, people with controlled diabetes, or those who are overweight can still qualify, often with help from carriers that specialize in higher-risk profiles, similar to the options described in:
- Burial Insurance for Smokers
- Burial Insurance for Overweight People
- Burial Insurance for People with High Blood Pressure
Burial Insurance Calculator
Use the instant final expense calculator below to compare burial insurance quotes for seniors over 50 from multiple carriers—without any obligation.
Burial Insurance vs. Leaving Money in Savings
Some people plan to “self-fund” their funeral by earmarking savings. Burial insurance can still be a better fit because it:
- Provides a tax-free death benefit directly to your beneficiaries
- Can’t be lost to market declines right before you pass away
- Protects savings earmarked for a spouse, children, or retirement
- Guarantees that money is dedicated to final expenses
For many families, combining a modest burial policy with existing savings offers the best balance of cost, predictability, and flexibility.
How Diversified Insurance Brokers Helps Seniors Over 50
As an independent, family-owned agency, we help seniors over 50:
- Compare multiple burial insurance carriers side by side
- Identify plans that offer day-one full coverage when possible
- Find solutions for health conditions that caused prior declines
- Coordinate burial insurance with other coverage you already own
We’ll walk you through your options in plain language and help you choose a plan that fits comfortably into your budget while providing the protection your loved ones need.
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FAQs: Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 50
Can I get burial insurance if I’m over 50?
Yes. In fact, your 50s are often one of the best times to buy burial insurance. You’ll typically qualify for lower premiums and more plan options compared to waiting until your 60s or 70s.
Do I need a medical exam for burial insurance?
Most burial insurance plans for people over 50 are simplified issue, meaning there is no medical exam. You simply answer health questions on the application. Guaranteed issue options with no health questions are also available when needed.
How much coverage should seniors over 50 buy?
Many people choose between $10,000 and $25,000 of coverage to handle funeral costs and final expenses. The right amount depends on local costs, outstanding debts, and how much extra you want to leave to family.
Will my burial insurance premiums ever increase?
No. Burial insurance is a form of whole life insurance with level premiums. Once your policy is issued, your rate is locked in and will not increase due to age or health changes.
What if I have health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure?
Many carriers accept common conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol—especially if they are controlled. If your health is more complex, graded or guaranteed issue plans may still be available.
Does burial insurance expire at a certain age?
No. Burial insurance stays in force for your lifetime as long as you pay your premiums. It is not term coverage and does not end at a specific age.
How long does it take for my family to receive the benefit?
In most cases, claims are processed quickly after the insurance company receives proof of death and required forms, helping your family pay funeral costs and other bills without delay.
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.
