Affordable whole life coverage that pays funeral and burial costs directly — no medical exam required, premiums never increase, and coverage never expires. Protect your family from one of life’s most certain expenses.
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Key Points
Burial insurance — also called funeral insurance or final expense insurance — is a small whole life policy purchased specifically to cover the costs associated with dying. It pays a tax-free death benefit directly to your beneficiary, who can use it to cover funeral and burial costs, outstanding medical bills, credit card balances, or any other expenses without financial hardship.
Unlike term life insurance — which covers you for a set number of years — burial insurance is permanent whole life coverage. It never expires as long as premiums are paid, the premium never increases, and it builds a small cash value over time. The application is simple, approval is fast, and no medical exam is ever required.
Many families are caught off guard by how quickly burial costs add up. Here are the verified 2026 Florida figures:
| Expense | Average Cost (Florida 2026) |
|---|---|
| Traditional funeral (full service) | $7,800 |
| Cemetery plot | $1,500–$8,000+ |
| Burial vault | $1,440 (required by most FL cemeteries) |
| Headstone / grave marker | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Cremation with services | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Total (traditional burial, all-in) | $14,640–$20,580 |
Worth knowing: Over 55% of Florida families now choose cremation — but even a full-service cremation with a viewing averages $5,000–$7,000. Without a burial insurance policy, these costs come directly out of your family’s savings at one of the most difficult times in their lives.
The full death benefit is payable from day one — no waiting period. Requires answering health questions and qualifying. Best for applicants in generally good health who want full immediate protection at the lowest available premium.
Best for: Generally healthy seniors wanting immediate full coverage
Pays a reduced benefit during the first 2–3 years (typically 25–50% of face value), then the full benefit after that period — unless death is accidental, which always pays full benefit from day one. For applicants with some health history who can still answer health questions.
Best for: Seniors with some health conditions who can answer health questions
No health questions, no medical exam — acceptance is guaranteed for anyone within the eligible age range. Comes with a 2–3 year graded period for non-accidental death. Typically the most expensive option per dollar of coverage, but always available regardless of health history.
Best for: Seniors who cannot qualify for other coverage due to serious health conditions
✓ No Medical Exam
No blood draws, no urine samples, no paramedical visit required.
✓ Premiums Never Increase
Your rate is locked in at purchase regardless of age or health changes.
✓ Policy Never Expires
Permanent whole life — stays in force as long as premiums are paid.
✓ Tax-Free Death Benefit
Proceeds paid to your beneficiary are generally income tax-free.
✓ Fast Approval
Most policies issued within 24–48 hours. No waiting weeks for lab results.
✓ Builds Cash Value
Accumulates a small cash value you can borrow against if needed.
✓ Coverage from $1,000–$50,000
Buy exactly what you need. You can hold policies with multiple carriers.
✓ Cannot Be Cancelled
Insurer cannot cancel your policy due to health changes after issue.
Seniors ages 50–85 without life insurance
If you don’t currently have any life insurance in place, a burial policy ensures your family isn’t left with an unexpected $15,000–$20,000 bill during an already difficult time.
Those whose term life policy has expired
If your 20 or 30-year term policy has ended or is about to end, a small burial insurance policy fills the gap and ensures your final expenses are covered.
People who don’t want to burden their family
Even families with savings rarely have $15,000–$20,000 readily available in cash at the time of a loved one’s passing. A burial policy eliminates that conversation entirely.
Those who have been declined for other coverage
Guaranteed issue burial insurance accepts all applicants within the eligible age range — no health questions, no possibility of being declined.
Pricing and underwriting vary significantly between carriers. Working with NISONA means your application is matched to the carrier most favorable for your age and health profile.
Mutual of Omaha
Ages 45–85, coverage up to $40,000, level benefit from day one. A+ financial rating, strong claims reputation and competitive pricing.
Foresters Financial
Ages 50–85, coverage up to $35,000. Fraternal benefit society with unique member perks. Competitive rates and flexible underwriting.
Aetna / CVS Health
Ages 40–89, guaranteed issue up to $25,000. One of the widest age ranges available. Strong brand and financial stability.
Liberty Bankers Life
Ages 40–80, flexible underwriting standards. Good option for applicants with some health history that other carriers may be more restrictive about.
Gerber Life
Ages 50–80, coverage up to $25,000, guaranteed issue. Known for straightforward policies and competitive pricing for seniors.
They are the same product — just different names for the same type of small whole life policy. “Burial insurance” and “funeral insurance” emphasize the intended use, while “final expense insurance” is the more formal industry term. The policy itself is identical regardless of what it’s called.
A good starting point is the average total burial cost in Florida — $14,640 to $20,580 — plus any outstanding debts or medical bills you’d want covered. Many people choose $10,000–$20,000. You can also hold policies with multiple carriers if you want more total coverage.
Yes — some policies allow you to designate a funeral home as the beneficiary, or your family can assign the benefit to the funeral home at the time of need. However most policies pay the benefit directly to your named beneficiary, who then pays the funeral home — giving your family flexibility to use any funeral provider they choose.
Not at all. Most carriers issue burial insurance policies up to age 85, and guaranteed issue options extend to age 89 with some carriers. The premium will be higher at an older age, but coverage is absolutely still available — and the peace of mind it provides is worth it at any age.
Anything — the death benefit is paid to your beneficiary with no restrictions on use. Funeral and burial costs, medical bills, credit card balances, mortgage payments, or simply money left for family. Your beneficiary decides how to allocate it.
Our local NISONA advisors compare burial insurance from top Florida carriers and find the best rate for your age and health profile — at no cost to you.
Nisona serves the insurance needs of the Treasure and Space Coast.