Burial Insurance for Veterans
Burial Insurance for Veterans
VA burial benefits are helpful—but they rarely cover all funeral and final expenses. A small, affordable policy can close the gap and protect your family.
As a veteran, you’ve already given so much. When it comes to protecting your family, many are surprised to learn that VA benefits don’t usually cover funeral home services, transportation, flowers, or memorial costs in full. That’s where burial insurance for veterans—also called final expense whole life—can provide guaranteed, tax-free funds directly to your loved ones.
VA Burial Benefits Versus Private Insurance
What VA benefits cover—and what they typically do not
- Common VA benefits: Gravesite in a national cemetery, government headstone/marker, burial flag.
- Common gaps: Funeral home services, transportation, flowers, obituary, memorial venue, and other incidentals.
- How insurance helps: A dedicated policy pays cash directly to your beneficiary, so your family isn’t forced to cover a $10,000–$15,000 funeral from savings or credit.
For a broader overview of how these policies work, see our comprehensive burial insurance services guide.
Who Qualifies and Typical Policy Options
Veterans can choose simplified, graded, or guaranteed policies
- Level benefit policies: Day-one coverage for many applicants who can answer basic health questions favorably.
- Graded benefit policies: Partial benefit for natural causes during the first 2 years; full benefit thereafter. Accidental death is typically covered immediately.
- Guaranteed issue policies: No health questions or exams. Designed for veterans with significant health concerns who still want guaranteed approval.
Working with an independent broker matters. We compare 75+ carriers to find a fit for your age, state, and health profile—including options similar to those shown on our affordable burial insurance overview.
Coverage Amounts and Typical Costs
How much coverage veterans usually choose—and why
Most veterans select $8,000–$20,000 to cover a basic funeral plus incidentals. Premiums vary by age, tobacco status, and policy type:
- Age 60 (non-tobacco): Often $40–$60 monthly for $10,000 coverage.
- Age 70 (non-tobacco): Often $70–$100 monthly for $10,000 coverage.
- Age 80 (non-tobacco): Often $110–$160 monthly for $10,000 coverage (guaranteed issue may apply).
Want instant pricing based on your state and birthday? Try the calculator below or visit our burial insurance calculator page.
How to Apply and Get Approved Fast
Simple steps to secure veteran final expense coverage
- Quick intake: We capture age, state, and a few health answers (or none for guaranteed issue).
- Carrier match: We shop multiple insurers and present clear, side-by-side offers.
- Fast decision: Most policies are issued within minutes to a few days—no medical exam required.
Burial Insurance Calculator for Veterans
Get instant quotes from multiple final expense carriers
Use the tool below for real-time pricing, then we’ll verify eligibility and confirm the best value:
Planning Tips to Keep Premiums Low
Smart moves veterans can make before applying
- Apply sooner rather than later: Rates rise with age and health changes.
- Right-size the benefit: Many veterans choose $10,000–$15,000 to cover essentials.
- Compare multiple carriers: Underwriting varies—our team shops the market so you don’t have to.
- Consider non-tobacco rates: If eligible, this can materially reduce cost.
Need a broader primer first? Start at our general burial insurance resource page.
Veterans Burial Insurance FAQs
Does the VA cover all funeral and burial costs?
No. VA benefits often include a national cemetery gravesite, a headstone/marker, and a burial flag. Families are usually responsible for funeral home services, transportation, memorial events, and other incidentals. Burial insurance fills those gaps.
Can I have both VA burial benefits and a private policy?
Yes. A private policy pays your beneficiary directly and does not generally affect eligibility for VA benefits. Families can use the insurance proceeds for any remaining expenses.
Do I need a medical exam to qualify for coverage?
Usually not. Most final expense policies are simplified issue (health questions only) or guaranteed issue (no health questions). We’ll match you to the least-hassle option that meets your goals.
How much burial insurance do most veterans buy?
Common face amounts range from $8,000 to $20,000. We help you right-size coverage to match expected funeral costs and your budget.
How fast are claims paid to my beneficiaries?
Most carriers pay approved claims within days of receiving a completed claim form and the death certificate, providing timely funds for final arrangements.
Will service-connected disabilities affect my approval?
It depends on the condition and severity. Many service-connected issues still qualify for simplified or guaranteed issue options. We’ll shop carriers that are most accommodating to your health profile.
Can a family member own or pay for the policy?
Yes. With your consent, an adult child or trusted person can be the payer and even the owner of the policy. This helps ensure premiums are paid and the beneficiary stays up to date.
Will a policy affect my VA pension or other benefits?
Final expense policies are generally not counted as income. Benefits are paid to your beneficiary and used for expenses at their discretion. For specific means-tested programs, consult a benefits specialist.
Get a Veteran Burial Insurance Plan in Place
We compare carriers, confirm eligibility, and lock in level premiums—often with day-one coverage.
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