The average funeral in the United States costs $8,300. In West Virginia, it's $8,074. If you're over 50 and don't have a plan to cover that cost, your family will be writing a check or passing a hat at a time when they're already devastated. Burial insurance — also called final expense insurance — exists to prevent that. It's simple, it's affordable, and most people qualify regardless of health.
Rates depend on your age, gender, health, and coverage amount. Call for a personalized quote.
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What Is Burial Insurance?
Burial insurance is a small whole life insurance policy — typically $5,000 to $25,000 — designed specifically to cover funeral and burial costs. It's not the same as the $500,000 term policy you might have through work. It's smaller, simpler, and built for one purpose: making sure your family doesn't pay for your funeral out of pocket.
It's permanent. Unlike term life insurance, burial insurance doesn't expire. Once you're approved, you're covered for life — as long as you pay the premiums.
Your rate never increases. The monthly premium you lock in at enrollment is the same premium you'll pay at age 70, 80, and beyond. It will never go up.
The payout is fast. Most burial insurance claims are paid within 24-72 hours of filing — much faster than traditional life insurance. This matters because funeral homes typically require payment at the time of service.
Your family can use the money for anything. Despite the name, burial insurance payouts are not restricted to funeral costs. Your beneficiary receives a lump-sum check and can use it however they need — funeral, outstanding bills, groceries, mortgage payments.
How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost?
Your cost depends on four factors: your age, your gender, your health, and how much coverage you want.
| Age | $10K (Male) | $10K (Female) | $20K (Male) | $20K (Female) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $30–$40 | $25–$35 | $55–$75 | $45–$60 |
| 55 | $35–$50 | $30–$40 | $65–$90 | $55–$75 |
| 60 | $45–$60 | $35–$50 | $80–$110 | $65–$90 |
| 65 | $55–$75 | $45–$60 | $100–$140 | $80–$110 |
| 70 | $70–$95 | $55–$75 | $130–$180 | $100–$140 |
| 75 | $90–$125 | $75–$100 | $170–$240 | $140–$190 |
| 80 | $120–$170 | $95–$130 | $230–$330 | $180–$250 |
These are estimated ranges. Your actual rate depends on your specific health profile and the insurer. The only way to get your exact rate is to call.
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How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Match your coverage to your actual funeral costs — not an arbitrary number.
$5,000–$10,000 — Covers direct cremation ($1,100–$2,300) or a basic burial with minimal services. Enough for families choosing the most affordable options.
$10,000–$15,000 — Covers a traditional funeral with viewing, ceremony, and burial in most of the United States. This is the most common coverage amount and covers the national average funeral cost of $8,300.
$15,000–$25,000 — Covers a traditional funeral PLUS cemetery costs (plot, vault, headstone), outstanding medical bills, or leaves a small cushion for the family. Choose this if you want to cover everything and leave nothing for your family to worry about.
In West Virginia, where the average burial costs $8,074, a $10,000–$15,000 policy covers a full funeral with room to spare. WV funeral costs by city →
Real example: Margaret, 67, lives in Fairmont, WV. She wants enough coverage to pay for a traditional funeral so her two daughters don't have to. Based on the WV average funeral cost of $8,074, she chose $10,000 in coverage.
Her rate: $47/month with simplified issue (no medical exam).
If Margaret lives another 15 years to age 82, she'll pay a total of $8,460 in premiums for $10,000 in coverage — a net benefit of $1,540 that her family receives tax-free within 72 hours of her death.
If Margaret passes away after just 2 years, she'll have paid $1,128 for $10,000 in coverage — an $8,872 return for her family.
The math works at every age. The younger you are when you start, the less you pay in total — and the rate never goes up.
*Margaret is a hypothetical example for illustration. Your rate will depend on your specific age, health, and coverage amount.
Three Types of Burial Insurance
Simplified Issue
Best value for most people- •Short health questionnaire (5-10 questions)
- •No medical exam, no blood work
- •Full coverage from day one
- •Best rates of the three types
- •You may be declined if you have serious health conditions
Guaranteed Issue
Can't be turned down- •No health questions at all
- •No medical exam
- •Acceptance guaranteed regardless of health
- •Higher premiums than simplified issue
- •2-3 year waiting period before full death benefit
- •Best for people who've been declined elsewhere
Pre-Need Insurance
- •Purchased through a funeral home as part of pre-planning
- •Proceeds go directly to the funeral home, not your family
- •Locks in today's funeral prices
- •Less flexible — transferring can be complicated
- •Consider a regular burial insurance policy for more flexibility
For most seniors, simplified issue is the best option — you get full coverage from day one at the lowest rate. If you have serious health issues and can't qualify for simplified issue, guaranteed issue ensures you won't be turned down.
Burial Insurance vs. Other Options
| Option | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burial insurance | $30–$170/mo | Guaranteed coverage, rate locked, fast payout, no exam | Monthly cost, may have waiting period (guaranteed issue) |
| Savings account | Self-funded | No monthly premium, flexible | Not protected from spending, may not reach goal in time |
| Term life insurance | Varies | Higher coverage amounts | Expires at a set age (often 70-80), may not be available to seniors |
| GoFundMe / crowdfunding | $0 | No cost to you | Unpredictable, burdens others, may not raise enough |
| Prepaid funeral plan | Lump sum or payments | Locks in today's prices | Tied to one funeral home, less flexible |
| Nothing | $0 | No cost | Family pays $8,000+ out of pocket during worst moment of their lives |
The "nothing" option is the most expensive — it just shifts the cost to your family at the worst possible time.
Who Qualifies?
Age 50-85 — most burial insurance is designed for this age range. Some carriers extend to age 89.
No medical exam required. No blood tests, no doctor visits, no waiting for results. Application is done over the phone in 15-20 minutes.
Simplified issue: You'll answer 5-10 yes/no health questions. Common disqualifiers include: active cancer treatment, organ transplant within 2 years, hospitalization within 6 months, or use of oxygen equipment. If none of these apply, you'll likely qualify.
Guaranteed issue: No health questions at all. If you're between 50-85, you're approved. Period. The tradeoff is higher premiums and a 2-3 year graded benefit period (if you die within the first 2-3 years, the policy returns premiums paid plus interest rather than the full benefit).
Pre-existing conditions don't always disqualify you. Diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, heart disease history, and many other conditions are accepted by simplified issue policies. The health questions focus on RECENT and ACTIVE conditions, not your full medical history.
What Happens When You Call
If you've never called for an insurance quote, here's exactly what to expect — no surprises.
Minute 1-2: Basic information. A licensed advisor answers. They'll ask your name, age, state, and who you're looking to cover. That's it to start.
Minute 3-5: Health questions. For simplified issue, they'll ask 5-10 yes/no health questions. Things like: "Have you been hospitalized in the past 6 months?" These are simple yes/no answers — not a medical exam.
Minute 6-10: Coverage discussion. Based on your age and health answers, they'll explain which plan types you qualify for and quote your exact monthly rate for different coverage amounts ($5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000).
Minute 11-15: Your decision. You can enroll over the phone if you're ready, or take time to think about it. There is ZERO pressure. Many people call back a day or a week later after discussing it with family. The rate they quoted will still be available.
After the call: If you enroll, you'll receive policy documents by mail within 7-10 days. If you don't enroll, that's the end of it — no follow-up calls, no pressure, no spam.
The most common thing seniors say after calling: "That was a lot easier than I expected."
How to Apply
Call 1-855-321-3094. A licensed insurance advisor will ask about your age, health, and coverage needs.
Answer health questions (simplified issue). 5-10 yes/no questions over the phone. No medical exam.
Choose your coverage amount. $5,000 to $25,000 based on your funeral cost estimate and budget.
Get your rate. The advisor will quote your exact monthly premium — locked in for life.
Coverage begins immediately (simplified issue) or after the waiting period (guaranteed issue).
The entire process takes 15-20 minutes by phone. There's no obligation to buy.
Get Your Free Quote in 15 Minutes
No medical exam. No obligation. Just your exact rate based on your age and health.
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Common Questions Seniors Ask
Final expense insurance in WV →
How to Spot Burial Insurance Scams
Unfortunately, seniors are frequently targeted by dishonest insurance sellers. Here's how to protect yourself:
Never pay with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate insurance companies accept checks, bank drafts, or credit/debit cards. Anyone asking for a gift card is running a scam.
Verify the agent's license. Every state has a Department of Insurance website where you can look up an agent's license number. Ask for it and check it.
Get everything in writing. A legitimate insurer will mail you a physical policy document. If they can't provide written documentation, walk away.
You have a "free look" period. In most states (including West Virginia), you have 10-30 days after receiving your policy to review it and cancel for a full refund if you change your mind. This is required by law.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. $10,000 of coverage for $5/month doesn't exist for a 75-year-old. Realistic rates are in the table above — use them as a benchmark.
We include this section because we believe an informed consumer makes the best decisions — and because we want you to feel safe calling anyone, including us.
You May Also Find Helpful:
Final Expense Insurance in WV
WV-specific guide to final expense insurance — coverage, costs, and how to apply.
Read →Funeral Costs in West Virginia
What funerals actually cost in WV — by city, by type, with a full price breakdown.
Read →How to Plan a Funeral
Step-by-step funeral planning guide covering the first 24 hours through the service.
Read →