Burial Insurance for Seniors Over 80: Your Options

Turning 80 does not mean you are out of options for final expense coverage. It does mean the choices get narrower, the premiums get higher, and the details matter more. Here is how burial insurance works for seniors over 80, in plain English.

Can you still get burial insurance after 80?

In many cases, yes. Coverage for people in their 80s is usually offered through guaranteed acceptance (also called guaranteed issue) whole life policies. There are no health questions and no medical exam, so you cannot be turned down for your health. The maximum age to apply varies by carrier. Many stop at 80 or 85, and a few go older, so it is worth comparing.

The two types of policies

• Simplified issue. A few short health questions, no exam. If you qualify, coverage can pay in full from day one. These are usually offered up to a lower maximum age, so they are not always available over 80, but they are worth checking first if your health is reasonably good.
• Guaranteed acceptance. No health questions at all. The tradeoff is a graded benefit: if the insured passes from natural causes during the first two years, the policy typically pays back the premiums paid plus interest instead of the full benefit. Accidental death is generally covered in full from the start.

What does it cost?

Premiums are based mainly on your age, the amount of coverage, and the plan type. At 80 and older, premiums are meaningfully higher than at 65, and guaranteed acceptance plans cost more than simplified issue for the same amount. Most whole life policies lock the premium for life, so the number you start with is the number you keep. Smaller face amounts, such as $5,000 to $10,000, keep payments manageable and still cover a basic service.

How much coverage do you need?

A good starting point is the cost of the funeral you want. The National Funeral Directors Association reports that a funeral with viewing and burial has a median cost of roughly $8,300, and cremation with a viewing is around $6,280 (2023 figures). Our guide to whether burial insurance is worth it walks through how to size a policy.

Things to watch for

• The graded period. Know exactly how long it is and what is paid if death occurs during it.
• Premium changes. Make sure the premium is level for life and the policy cannot be cancelled while you keep paying.
• Who it pays. Name a beneficiary your family can reach easily, so funds are not tied up in court.
• Scams. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or mail promising guaranteed coverage. Work with a licensed agent you can reach by phone.

Wondering how this compares with a traditional policy? See burial insurance vs. life insurance, or read about plans with no waiting period.

Get a quote

Amy Plunkett is an independent insurance agent at Plunkett Insurance Services in Castor, Louisiana. She can compare burial and final expense policies from more than 20 carriers to find the best coverage for your health, including options that pay in full from day one. Contact Amy to see what you qualify for.