Best Final Expense Life Insurance in 2026
The best final expense life insurance companies are Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, and Guardian. Rates start at $17 a month. Lincoln Financial offers guaranteed final expense insurance to applicants who are declined elsewhere. Final expense insurance helps pay for funerals, burial services, and medical bills.
Read more
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Life insurance policies starting at less than $1/day
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Published Insurance Expert
Melanie Musson, a published insurance expert, is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. Over the past two decades, she has gained in-depth knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels. She specializes in autonomous technology, real estate, home security, consumer analyses, investing, di...
Melanie Musson
Managing Editor
Laura Kuhl holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her career began in healthcare and wellness, creating lifestyle content for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare and holistic professionals. She curated news articles and insider interviews with investors and small business owners, leading to conversations with key players in the le...
Laura Kuhl
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Zach Fagiano
Updated January 2026
The best final expense life insurance comes from Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, and Guardian, with rates starting at $17 per month.
- Guardian is one of the best companies for its stable lifetime benefits
- MassMutual offers the cheapest final expense rates starting at $17 a month
- Coverage compares health rules, waiting periods, and payout timing
Final expense life insurance plans come with limited benefit amounts designed to cover funeral costs, burial expenses, and unpaid medical bills.
Many applicants qualify without an exam, but if you’re looking for life insurance quotes based on your age and health, Mutual of Omaha final expense insurance will cover most applicants with pre-existing conditions.
Top 10 Companies: Best Final Expense Life Insurance| Company | Rank | Claims Satisfaction | A.M. Best | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | 707 / 1,000 | A+ | Easy Approval |
 | #2 | 695 / 1,000 | A+ | Flexible Plans |
 | #3 | 679 / 1,000 | A | Stable Benefits |
 | #4 | 677 / 1,000 | A++ | Lifetime Security |
 | #5 | 671 / 1,000 | A++ | Long-Term Value |
 | #6 | 656 / 1,000 | A++ | Strong Stability |
 | #7 | 653 / 1,000 | A | Instant Coverage |
 | #8 | 652 / 1,000 | A+ | Claims Support |
 | #9 | 635 / 1,000 | A+ | Guaranteed Benefit |
 | #10 | 604 / 1,000 | A+ | Broad Acceptance |
Final expense insurance is an affordable option for many families, and Nationwide offers different payment plans that fit most budgets.
You can get free quotes for final expense life insurance and secure financial protection for your loved ones by entering your ZIP code into our tool.
Final Expense Life Insurance Cost Comparison
Pricing varies according to age. Monthly costs climb depending on the applicant’s age. One of the biggest reasons to buy life insurance young is that it often leads to lower costs over the long run.
Rates remain low throughout your 30s and 40s, then rise steadily as you enter your 50s and beyond. Once you reach age 60, coverage with the same benefit amount and for the same policy type may cost twice as much.
Final Expense Life Insurance Monthly Rates by Age| Company | Age: 30 | Age: 40 | Age: 50 | Age: 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19 | $24 | $37 | $54 |
| $18 | $23 | $36 | $52 |
| $21 | $27 | $42 | $61 |
| $17 | $22 | $34 | $50 |
| $20 | $25 | $39 | $56 |
| $20 | $26 | $40 | $59 |
| $22 | $28 | $43 | $63 |
| $23 | $29 | $45 | $65 |
| $23 | $30 | $47 | $68 |
| $24 | $31 | $48 | $70 |
Younger purchasers can secure lower monthly costs because insurers anticipate they will live longer and pay more premiums over a longer period (Read More: Best Life Insurance for Young Adults).
Graded and modified benefit options are typically more expensive with increasing age, since full benefits do not start immediately. Policies with guaranteed issue, which do not depend on your health history, are at the top of the price range at every age.
Final Expense Life Insurance Monthly Rates by Policy Type| Company | Graded Benefit | Guaranteed Issue | Modified Benefit | Simplified Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32 | $52 | $42 | $22 |
| $33 | $53 | $43 | $23 |
| $34 | $54 | $44 | $24 |
| $35 | $55 | $45 | $25 |
| $36 | $56 | $46 | $26 |
| $37 | $57 | $47 | $27 |
| $38 | $58 | $48 | $28 |
| $39 | $59 | $49 | $29 |
| $40 | $60 | $50 | $30 |
| $41 | $61 | $51 | $31 |
Simplified issue policies are cheaper because they contain fewer health questions. Globe Life often offers the cheapest simplified issue final expense life insurance at $22 a month.
Higher benefit amounts raise final expense life insurance costs, and prices vary by state. Health history also shapes final expense life insurance pricing, even with fast approval, and tobacco use elevates rates for all types of policies.
Serious conditions raise costs, which is why Mutual of Omaha and Nationwide charge more but keep rates steady as policyholders age and their health risks increase.
Compare final expense life insurance rates based on where you live and your health history to find out which companies remain competitive as you get older.
Final Expense Life Insurance Costs by State
Don’t assume final expense insurance prices are uniform statewide. Monthly final expense costs vary more by location than many people expect.
In some states, the average cost of life insurance can be as low as $43. But in higher-cost regions, that same coverage can run between $63 and $73 a month.
States with more restrictive insurance regulations, higher medical costs, or larger populations, like Texas, generally have higher prices.
Be aware of how rates change from state to state, and compare the average final expense life insurance cost near you with our free comparison tool.
Free Life Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How Final Expense Death Benefits Work
Final expense death benefits exist for one reason: to handle costs that come up right after someone passes away. The money is usually used for funeral services, burial or cremation, and medical bills that weren’t paid before death.
Families also use these benefits for smaller but urgent expenses. That can include utility bills, short-term debts, or travel costs tied to funeral arrangements.
Coverage size matters because price climbs fast as benefits increase. Even small jumps in coverage can raise monthly costs more than people expect.
That’s why many buyers focus on how much life insurance you need to cover real expenses, not worst-case scenarios.
Most policies fall between $10,000 and $20,000. That range usually covers funeral expenses and basic medical bills without stretching the budget.
Premium policies offer larger benefit amounts, typically around $30,000, and may include add-ons for accidental death or hospice care.
Choosing $10,000 to $20,000 in final expense coverage keeps premiums manageable while covering funeral costs, so families aren’t left paying out of pocket.
Tim Bain Licensed Insurance Agent
Final expense insurance works best when the payout matches actual end-of-life costs. Lower amounts handle essentials only. Higher amounts leave room for debts or extra support.
Since final expense insurance only covers burial and funeral costs, consider your lifestyle. If you prefer broader coverage for long-term care or terminal diagnoses, you may want to choose a different type of life insurance.
Final Expense vs. Other Types of Life Insurance
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance, and it’s usually the simplest to get approved for.
It covers you for life, but the coverage amounts are pretty small. Most policies fall somewhere between $5,000 and $30,000.
Monthly costs tend to land in the high-20s to low-30s range. Most policies offer around $10,000 to $50,000 in coverage, and the monthly cost is usually about $22 to $30.
Term life insurance offers more coverage, up to $500,000, for around $10–$15 a month. However, it only lasts 10 to 30 years, and qualifying is harder.
Final Expense vs. Term vs. Whole Life Insurance| Feature | Final Expense | Term Life | Whole Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approval Difficulty | Easy | Strict | Moderate |
| Coverage Amount | $5K-$30K | $50K-$500K | $10K-$50K |
| Coverage Period | Lifetime | 10-30 Years | Lifetime |
| Monthly Rate | $28-$32 | $10-$15 | $22-$30 |
| Waiting Period | 0-2 Years | None | None |
Comparing the policies side by side helps you see which one actually fits your needs. For some people, the lower-cost, short-term coverage makes the most sense.
Others would rather have something that stays in place for life, even if the benefit isn’t as large.
Ways to Save on Final Expense Life Insurance
Qualifying for multiple discounts can significantly lower your monthly cost for final expense coverage.
Non-smoker discounts produce the greatest monthly savings by far across almost all providers, while family history discounts are also significant, at companies like Northwestern Mutual and Guardian.
Top Final Expense Life Insurance Discounts| Company | Auto-Pay | Bundling | Family History | Non-Smoker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 4% | 12% | 12% |
| 2% | 5% | 12% | 15% |
| 2% | 6% | 12% | 15% |
| 6% | 10% | 6% | 15% |
| 5% | 5% | 7% | 10% |
| 2% | 8% | 5% | 12% |
| 3% | 3% | 10% | 10% |
| 2% | 4% | 20% | 10% |
| 3% | 6% | 10% | 10% |
| 2% | 8% | 6% | 11% |
Policy bundling cuts monthly costs even more, particularly with MassMutual and Nationwide, and autopay discounts provide smaller but reliable savings that add up over time.
Some insurers also reward early enrollment with lower base rates. Reviewing all available discounts before applying can change which company offers the best price.
Eligibility rules vary by carrier, so asking which discounts can be combined makes a real difference when comparing quotes.
Beyond just discounts, small choices can lead to real monthly savings if you know where to look:
- Ask About Non-Smoker Rates: If you are a non-tobacco user, this can be the biggest possible monthly discount.
- Bundle Policies When Possible: If you bundle life insurance with other types of insurance, your monthly rates can be cheaper.
- Choose Auto-Pay: A lot of insurers offer an automatic-payment method that lowers the monthly premium.
- Compare More Than One Provider: Monthly rates and discounts for comparable coverage can range widely.
- Review Family History Discounts: Some organizations charge less on a monthly basis, depending on the longevity of the family.
When these family history discounts stack together, they can lower monthly premiums enough to shift which insurer ends up being the most affordable option.
Taking a few minutes to confirm which discounts apply to you, as outlined in this life insurance guide, can make final expense coverage more affordable without reducing the benefit your family receives.
Free Life Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Qualifying for Final Expense Life Insurance
If you have pre-existing health conditions or a terminal disease, final expense plans may be the only life insurance option available to you.
It works best for older applicants or those who have been declined for other types of life insurance coverage.
Final expense life insurance is one of the most affordable plans and provides much-needed coverage for funerals without any medical questions.
However, health conditions directly affect which final expense insurers will even consider an application. Lincoln Financial is the most flexible option, accepting applicants with dementia, heart failure, lung disease, and prior stroke history.
Globe Life, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, and Transamerica will usually cover people with lung disease or a past stroke, but they generally don’t accept applicants with dementia or heart failure.
Final Expense Insurance Eligibility by Health Condition| Company | Dementia | Heart Failure | Lung Disease | Stroke History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
If health issues are a concern, this breakdown shows which companies work alongside health insurance gaps and which insurers are likely to decline coverage.
Guardian, MassMutual, and Northwestern Mutual apply tighter limits across most serious conditions. New York Life and Pacific Life show the strictest eligibility overall, declining coverage for all listed conditions.
Filing a Final Expense Life Insurance Claim
Filing a final expense life insurance claim follows a simple process. Families notify the insurer, submit a death certificate, and complete a short claim form.
Once documents are received, the claim moves into review. Claim timing depends on the policy and any waiting period, but any delay can make a difference when a family needs cash quickly.
No medical exam life insurance with simplified issue and level benefit whole life insurance is one popular option available for this, so you don’t have to take an examination and can receive full benefits from the first day.
Some carrier plans are graded or guaranteed issue, with extended waiting periods and graded benefits that can take a year or more until your beneficiaries receive the full amount.
Final Expense Insurance Waiting Periods by Policy Type| Policy Type | Immediate | Delayed | Refund | Full Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accidental Death | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Day 1 |
| Graded Benefit | ❌ | 1-2 Years | 1-2 Years | 2 Years |
| Guaranteed Issue | ❌ | 2 Years | 1-2 Years | 3 Years |
| Level Benefit | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Day 1 |
| Modified Benefit | ❌ | 1-2 Years | 1-2 Years | 2-3 Years |
| Return of Premium | ❌ | 1-2 Years | 1-2 Years | 2-3 Years |
| Simplified Issue | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Day 1 |
Companies that skip medical exams often pay claims faster. Mutual of Omaha and Nationwide stand out for speed and clear updates. Guardian focuses on long-term reliability, and keeping records organized helps avoid delays.
Overall, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, and Guardian are the best final expense insurance companies that provide policies with minimal waiting periods.
Best Final Expense Life Insurance Companies
Most of the market share for final expense insurance is captured by a small number of the big providers (Learn More: Best Life Insurance Companies).
Lincoln Financial has the largest market share, indicating strong acceptance guidelines and wide availability. Mutual of Omaha is close behind, with competitive pricing and broad eligibility.
Transamerica, AIG, and Gerber Life all have substantial blocks of this business as well, with streamlined underwriting and guaranteed issue final expense insurance options.
Check the pros and cons of final expense insurance to see what each company does well and where trade-offs may matter for your situation.
#1 – Mutual of Omaha: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Liberal Underwriting: Mutual of Omaha will underwrite many applicants with controlled diabetes, heart disease, or COPD, even into their early 80s.
- Higher Coverage Caps: Final expense plans usually go up to $40,000, exceeding the industry standard for simplified issue policies.
- Straightforward Claims Process: According to J.D. Power reviews, claims are quickly paid with little or no dispute at the end of the graded period.
Cons
- Benefits are Graded: Most plans pay only a portion in the first one or two years (Read More: Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance Review).
- Spiking Age-Based Pricing: If you compare final expense insurance rates by age, the cost jumps sharply after age 75, compared with earlier enrollment.
#2 – Nationwide: Best for Flexible Plans
Pros
- Different Benefit Structures: Nationwide provides level, graded, and guaranteed issue structures for an exact fit to health history.
- Balanced Pricing Model: Rates are competitive across all ages up to 80, starting at $20 a month.
- Handled Claims Experience: Policyholders describe that instructions were easy to understand and that follow-up is the same.
Cons
- Common Waiting Periods: Graded plans can take up to two years to pay out final expense life insurance benefits (Learn More: Nationwide Insurance Review).
- Not Same-Day Coverage: Approval doesn’t usually come on the same day, but may take a couple of days.
#3 – Guardian: Best for Stable Benefits
Pros
- Contract-Based Payouts: Guardian will not change or reduce benefits if your health changes as you get older.
- Claims Accuracy: Guardian is consistently listed as one of the best providers for getting claims paid on time and in full.
- Financially Conservative: Established more than 160 years ago, Guardian boasts a solid financial grade from A.M. Best.
Cons
- Health Restrictions: Guardian is unlikely to underwrite final expense insurance for applicants with heart failure or lung disease (Learn More: Best No-Exam Life Insurance).
- Smaller Discounts: Many final expense life insurance companies offer bigger discounts than Guardian, especially for automatic payments and bundling policies.
#4 – Northwestern Mutual: Best for Lifetime Security
Pros
- Level Life Policies: Premiums and benefits are locked in for the life of the policy, so you won’t be surprised by any rate increases as you get older.
- Full Payout at Once Options: Some policies pay out full benefits right away, not after a graded amount of time.
- Stability You Can Bank On: Northwestern Mutual has operated for over 165 years with one of the highest financial security ratings in the industry.
Cons
- Medical Review: Some plans include exams or full underwriting, and applicants with dementia or lung diseases are unlikely to get coverage.
- Limited Budget Options: Pricing is higher than most simplified issue carriers (Read More: Single Premium Life Insurance).
#5 – MassMutual: Best for Long-Term Value
Pros
- Designed to Last a Lifetime: Policies are designed to last a lifetime, and premiums will not increase.
- Top Financial Ratings: MassMutual has held A++ ratings for decades, supporting the claim’s credibility down the road.
- Coverage Flexibility: Provides more face amounts than most final expense competitors.
Cons
- Stricter Health Review: Applicants with multiple conditions may face declines.
- Higher Monthly Costs: Premiums exceed fast-approval carriers (Read More: MassMutual Insurance Review).
#6 – New York Life: Best for Financial Stability
Pros
- Generous Capital Reserves: As the biggest mutual life insurance company, New York Life has significant reserve resources to cover claims.
- Immediate Cover Options: Some policies do away with graded benefit periods altogether.
- Higher Benefit Limits: Great for larger families that need more final expense coverage.
Cons
- Frequent Medical Exams: Underwriting can delay approval.
- High Premiums: More expensive than no-exam options (Read More: Instant Life Insurance).
#7 – Globe Life: Best for Instant Coverage
Pros
- Quick Approval Model: The majority of the applications are approved within a short period with few health queries.
- Lower Up Front Pricing: Monthly costs begin lower than most of the plans offered by traditional insurers.
- Easy Policy Construction: Sensible coverage without any complicated riders.
Cons
- Coverage Caps are Lower: There is a cap on the maximum benefits.
- Limited Customization: Not much opportunity to tailor coverage options (Read More: Whole vs. Term Life Insurance).
#8 – Pacific Life: Best for Claims Support
Pros
- Reputation for Claims-First: Pacific Life has a reputation for paying claims smoothly and quickly.
- Substantial Financial Resources: Longevity backed by exceptional insurer ratings.
- Transparent Policy Language: Policies use language that is free from ambiguity (Read More: Pacific Life Insurance Review).
Cons
- Increased Age for Entry: Fewer options are available to younger applicants.
- Higher Premiums: Prices are usually higher than simplified issue plans.
#9 – Lincoln Financial: Best Guaranteed Benefit Options
Pros
- Issue Guaranteed Access: If you’ve been turned down elsewhere on account of very serious health problems.
- Limited Health Screening: No medical questionnaire.
- Simple Language: Policy structure written in clear, easy-to-understand language (Read More: High-Coverage Life Insurance Options).
Cons
- Increased Rates: Guaranteed acceptance is going to cost you every month.
- Graded Benefits: Full coverage is delayed.
#10 – Transamerica: Best for Broad Acceptance
Pros
- Broad Range of Health Tolerance: Breadth of accepted medical profiles.
- Variety of Policy Types: Provides graded, modified, and guaranteed issue policies.
- Nationwide Availability: Policies can be purchased in all states.
Cons
- Common Waiting Periods: Most plans make you wait for full benefits.
- Costs Go Up With Age: Quote prices rise exponentially as you get older (Learn more: Cheapest Life Insurance Companies).
Free Life Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Buying Final Expense Life Insurance
The best final expense life insurance is the one that offers quick coverage, easy approval, and reliable payment of benefits.
Mutual of Omaha allows higher coverage and simpler claims, Nationwide fits varied health profiles, and Guardian focuses on long-term stability. Covered options differ by provider, and those differences matter most when it comes to scheduling.
Provider Comparison: Final Expense Life Insurance Details| Company | Coverage | Issue Age | Benefit Begins | Medical Exam? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5K-$20K | 40-80 | Immediate | ❌ |
| $5K-$25K | 45-80 | 1-2 Years | ❌ |
| $5K-$20K | 40-85 | 2-Year Delay | ❌ |
| $5K-$35K | 45-85 | Immediate | ❌ |
| $5K-$40K | 45-85 | 1-2 Years | ❌ |
| $5K-$30K | 45-80 | 1-2 Years | ❌ |
| $10K-$50K | 45-80 | Immediate | ✅ |
| $10K-$25K | 45-80 | Immediate | ✅ |
| $5K-$25K | 50-80 | 1-2 Years | ❌ |
| $5K-$30K | 45-85 | 1-2 Years | ❌ |
Globe Life and MassMutual offer instant coverage with no medical exam. Some insurers use short waiting periods to manage risk.
New York Life and Northwestern Mutual require medical exams, but provide higher coverage immediately.
Pick final expense life insurance with immediate payouts that match funeral costs, so your family can file a simple claim and avoid delays when expenses need to be paid.
Michelle Robbins Licensed Insurance Agent
Comparing policies side by side helps you choose coverage that fits your needs without overbuying. The best insurance comparison sites can help you find which insurers strike a balance with your budget and coverage needs.
Safeguard your family’s future while saving on coverage. Enter your ZIP code to compare final expense life insurance quotes with our free tool today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the best final expense life insurance?
The best final expense insurance is whole life, offering lifetime coverage, fixed premiums, and a guaranteed payout. Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide, and Guardian stand out for stability, pricing, and financial strength.
What are the final expenses of life insurance?
What are the four types of expenses covered by final expense insurance? Final expenses usually include funeral and burial costs, cremation, medical bills, hospice care, and small outstanding debts. Most families use final expense life insurance to cover costs ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, so loved ones aren’t forced to pay out of pocket.
Stop overspending on life insurance. Use our tool to compare final expense life insurance rates from top providers near you.
Does final expense life insurance have cash value?
Yes, final expense life insurance builds cash value over time. While the growth is modest, policyholders can borrow against it if needed, adding flexibility beyond the death benefit.
Learn More: Cash Value Life Insurance
How much does final expense life insurance cost?
Final expense policies typically cost between $28 and $32 a month, with the price varying by age, health, coverage amount, and type of policy. Simplified issue policies typically remain under $30, while guaranteed issue policies might be over $50 a month.
What is the waiting period for final expense life insurance?
Wait periods usually range from a year to two years for graded or guaranteed issue policies. During this time, the policies may refund premiums or pay benefits in part. Whole life level benefit policies typically pay the full benefit in a lump sum.
Which insurance is best for death benefit payouts?
Level benefit whole life insurance offers a dependable death benefit by paying in full from day one, unlike many term or whole life insurance options. Guardian and Northwestern Mutual stand out for strong claims handling and financial stability.
What are the best states to sell final expense life insurance?
Generally, the greater the senior population and the more average insurance regulation in states such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, the higher the final expense demand. Many of these markets exhibit steady policy expansion and price competition.
What are the alternatives to final expense life insurance?
Options include term life, whole life, prepaid funeral plans, and savings. Term life costs less but lapses after 10 to 30 years. Whole life is forever, but costs more. Final expense life insurance is in-force and pays cash directly to the beneficiary for funeral expenses.
Is final expense life insurance worth it?
Final expense life insurance is a good buy if you’re looking for inexpensive, lifetime coverage and don’t like enduring rigid medical underwriting. Monthly rates start as low as $17, and comparing insurance plans can help you decide how much coverage to buy.
What does Warren Buffett say about life insurance?
Warren Buffett says life insurance works beautifully when it solves a need, such as covering final expenses or protecting dependents. He has slammed complicated and costly policies and supports simple, low-cost coverage. Final expense life insurance is made to suit that attitude by promising simple protection with no astronomical premiums.
What deaths are not covered by life insurance?
How much does a $1,000,000 life insurance policy cost per month?
What are the tax implications of final expense life insurance?
Related Articles
Get a FREE Quote in Minutes
Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
