How much does burial insurance cost? 2026 rates by age
Burial insurance (also called final expense or funeral insurance) is small whole-life coverage — usually $5,000 to $25,000 — that pays out fast to cover a funeral and final bills. Here's what it actually costs in 2026, by age, gender and coverage.
Most seniors pay $30 to $100 a month for $10,000 in coverage. A healthy 65-year-old pays about $31/mo (female) or $44/mo (male); a 75-year-old, about $51–$69/mo. Plans start as low as $9.95/month, and none require a medical exam.
Average burial insurance rates by age (2026)
Real average monthly premiums from our own book of 1,283 placed policies (whole-life coverage that never increases). Age 85 is estimated (thin sample). Toggle gender and coverage amount.
| Your age | Monthly premium | Annual |
|---|
Illustrative non-tobacco rates for whole-life coverage. Your exact rate depends on age, gender, tobacco use, health and state — and it's locked in for life once you start. Tobacco users typically pay 30–50% more.
What affects your burial insurance rate
Age
The biggest factor. Every year you wait raises your locked-in rate — a 60-year-old pays roughly half what an 80-year-old does.
Gender
Women generally pay less than men at the same age because they live longer on average.
Tobacco
Smokers and tobacco users pay about 30–50% more for the same coverage.
Health
Simplified-issue plans ask a few health questions for the best price; guaranteed-issue skips them but costs a bit more.
Coverage amount
More coverage = higher premium. Most people pick $10,000–$20,000 to cover a funeral plus final bills.
Policy type
Simplified issue pays day one; guaranteed issue usually has a 2-year waiting period for natural causes.
Compare the top burial insurance companies
A-rated carriers that write final expense coverage for seniors, no medical exam.
| Carrier | Starts at | Issue ages | Waiting period | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | ~$8/mo | 45–85 | Day one (simplified) | Budget + fast claims |
| Colonial Penn | $9.95/mo | 40–85 | 2 yrs (guaranteed) | Guaranteed acceptance |
| AARP / New York Life | ~$16/mo | 50–80 | 2 yrs (guaranteed) | AARP members |
| Gerber Life | ~$12/mo | 50–80 | 2 yrs (guaranteed) | No health questions |
| Globe Life | $3.49 intro | 18–80 | Varies | Low intro rate |
Illustrative starting rates. We're a free matching service — the right carrier depends on your age, health and budget. Get matched below.
Burial insurance cost — frequently asked questions
How much does burial insurance cost for a 70-year-old?
Is there burial insurance with no medical exam?
Does burial insurance have a waiting period?
How much coverage do I need?
Can I get burial insurance over 80?
Related guides: Coverage over 65 · Best burial insurance companies · No-exam burial insurance · Texas rates
See your exact rate in 60 seconds
Free, no obligation, no medical exam. Compare the lowest rates from top A-rated carriers for your age.
About these figures: the premiums and averages shown are estimates based on our own placed-policy data (our internal systems) — not official carrier-published quotes. Your actual rate depends on age, gender, tobacco use, health and coverage amount, and is confirmed by the carrier at application.