Finding the best burial insurance company isn’t about big brand names or catchy TV ads. It’s about getting the right policy that covers your needs without overpaying—and without a two-year waiting period if it can be avoided.
This guide is a complete breakdown of the best burial insurance companies in 2025. We personally help families compare all of these options to make sure they’re not overpaying or getting stuck in the wrong plan.
If you’re looking for real answers—not fluff—this article will walk you through which companies are worth considering, who should avoid certain plans, and how to make the best move based on your age and health.
Quick Summary: Best Burial Insurance Companies in 2025
Company | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Mutual of Omaha | No waiting period | 4.75/5 |
Aetna | Elderly seniors | 3.5/5 |
Aflac | Young adults | 3.25/5 |
AAA | Guaranteed acceptance | 1.5/5 |
Transamerica | Low coverage amounts | 3.25/5 |
Baltimore Life | Paid-up policy options | 2.75/5 |
American Amicable | Tobacco users | 2.75/5 |
Royal Neighbors | Diabetics | 2.75/5 |
How We Scored Each Company
Each burial insurance provider was scored out of 5 using the following criteria:
- Price of Coverage – Monthly premium compared to competitors for same health profile.
- No Waiting Period Availability – If the company offers immediate coverage and for which conditions.
- Financial Strength – Ratings from A.M. Best, S&P, Moody’s.
- Complaint Index – Complaint history reported to the NAIC.
Best for No Waiting Period & Overall – Mutual of Omaha (4.75/5)
- Price of Coverage: 5.0
- No Waiting Period Coverage: 4.0
- Financial Strength: 5.0
- Complaint Index: 5.0
Mutual of Omaha’s “Living Promise” plan is the top overall option for most people. They offer immediate coverage with no waiting period for common conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even prior heart issues (if over 2 years ago). Prices are consistently low and policies get approved fast—usually in under 24 hours.
However, this plan can’t be bought online or through the mail if you want no waiting period. You must apply through a licensed agent.
Why We Chose It: Immediate coverage, fast approvals, no medical exams, A+ financials. Must apply with an agent to avoid the 2-year wait.
Coverage: $2,000–$50,000 | Ages: 45–85 | States: All except NY | Builds Cash Value: Yes
Best for Elderly Seniors – Aetna (Accendo) (3.5/5)
- Price of Coverage: 3.0
- No Waiting Period Coverage: 4.0
- Financial Strength: 4.0
- Complaint Index: 5.0
If you’re trying to get a policy for someone over 85, Aetna is one of the only options. They accept new applicants up to age 89 and cover many health conditions other companies decline.
They’re very forgiving with COPD, Parkinson’s, and insulin-dependent diabetes—but do require health questions. There’s no guaranteed issue policy.
Why We Chose It: Accepts new applicants up to age 89, lenient with chronic health issues. No guaranteed issue plans.
Policy Details: $2,000–$50,000 | Ages 40–89 | All states except NY | Builds cash value
Best for Healthy Adults in their 50s and 60s – Aflac (3.25/5)
- Price of Coverage: 4.0
- No Waiting Period Coverage: 4.0
- Financial Strength: 5.0
- Complaint Index: 1.0
Aflac recently entered the final expense market in 2022. If you’re younger (50s or early 60s) and in moderate health, their prices can be very competitive—plus, they don’t care about weight.
They partner with Aetna for administration, which can cause some confusion, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Why We Chose It: Low prices for ages 50–60, generous underwriting. Administrative confusion due to Aetna partnership.
Policy Details: $2,000–$50,000 | Ages 45–80 | All states except NY | Builds cash value
Best for Guaranteed Acceptance – AAA (1.5/5)
- Price of Coverage: 2.0
- No Waiting Period Coverage: 1.0
- Financial Strength: 4.0
- Complaint Index: 2.0
AAA offers a guaranteed issue policy—no health questions, no exam. There’s a mandatory two-year waiting period and coverage options ranging from $3K–$25K.
What they do well is refund 130% of premiums if you pass in the first two years. Still, there are better options unless you aren’t eligible for day-one coverage.
Why We Chose It: True guaranteed issue coverage with 130% refund during the 2-year wait.
Policy Details: $3,000–$25,000 | Ages 45–85 | All states except NY | Builds cash value
Best for Low Coverage Amounts – Transamerica (3.25/5)
- Price of Coverage: 5.0
- No Waiting Period Coverage: 3.0
- Financial Strength: 4.0
- Complaint Index: 1.0
If you need a small policy—say $1,000–$3,000—Transamerica is one of the few that goes that low. Their pricing is great, and they’ll often approve people with dialysis, kidney disease, or heart issues.
Downside? Long applications, poor customer service, and it’s hard to make changes once approved.
Why We Chose It: Approves as low as $1,000 in coverage. Covers serious conditions. Application and service are lacking.
Policy Details: $1,000–$50,000 | Ages 0–85 | All states | Builds cash value
Best for Paid-Up Policy Options – Baltimore Life (2.75/5)
- Price of Coverage: 3.0
- No Waiting Period Coverage: 4.0
- Financial Strength: 3.0
- Complaint Index: 3.0
Baltimore Life stands out for people who want to pay premiums for only 20 years—or just once—and still be covered for life. These are called “paid-up” policies. They also accept people up to age 89 and cover a wide range of conditions.
Their downside is outdated administration—most changes require physical paperwork. Still, they’re a stable company with a strong history.
Why We Chose It: Offers single-pay and 20-pay options. Outdated systems and longer phone wait times.
Policy Details: $2,500–$50,000 | Ages 45–89 | All states except NY | Builds cash value
Best for Tobacco Users – American Amicable (2.75/5)
- Price of Coverage: 3.0
- No Waiting Period Coverage: 4.0
- Financial Strength: 4.0
- Complaint Index: 2.0
American Amicable is often the best option for cigarette smokers. Their prices are better than most, and they’ll even let you apply as a non-smoker if you only smoke cigars or a pipe.
They’re also flexible with medications—if you have a complicated health history, their underwriters might still approve you where others would decline.
Why We Chose It: One of the few companies favorable to smokers. Flexible underwriting and rider options.
Policy Details: $2,500–$50,000 | Ages 50–85 | Most states | Builds cash value
Best for People with Diabetes – Royal Neighbors of America (2.75/5)
- Price of Coverage: 3.0
- No Waiting Period Coverage: 4.0
- Financial Strength: 4.0
- Complaint Index: 2.0
Royal Neighbors is great if you have diabetes, especially if it’s insulin-dependent or comes with other complications. They approve many applicants other companies won’t touch.
They’re also one of the few life insurers with a member benefits program—things like dental and vision discounts.
Why We Chose It: Very forgiving to diabetics and overweight applicants. Rarely declines applications.
Policy Details: $2,000–$50,000 | Ages 50–85 | All states except NY | Builds cash value
Premium Comparison Chart
Monthly cost for a $10,000 policy by age & gender:
Company | Female (age 65) | Male (age 65) |
|---|---|---|
Mutual of Omaha | $41.32 | $53.59 |
Aetna | $43.96 | $56.71 |
Aflac | $43.77 | $56.19 |
Transamerica | $38.44 | $50.94 |
Royal Neighbors | $44.53 | $58.24 |
American Amicable | $42.78 | $54.98 |
Baltimore Life | $46.12 | $59.67 |
AAA (Guaranteed Issue Plan) | $68.00 | $76.00 |
Companies to Avoid (And Why)
- Colonial Penn – Extremely high complaints and misleading pricing. $9.95 per unit often buys less than $1,000 in coverage for seniors. Mandatory 2-year wait for all.
- AARP / New York Life – Offers term policies disguised as permanent. Coverage ends at 80 and premiums rise every 5 years. Extremely costly.
- Globe Life – Term life only. Rates increase every 5 years, and the policy expires at age 80–90. Hard to qualify unless you’re in perfect health.
- Lincoln Heritage – Pushes overpriced policies with limited approval flexibility. Waiting periods common. 25–300% higher premiums than competitors.
- State Farm – Only guaranteed issue available with a 2-year waiting period and inflated rates. No immediate coverage option.
- TruStage – Overpriced compared to Mutual of Omaha or Aetna. Very few customization options. Policies take time to update or change.
How to Find the Best Final Expense Life Insurance Policy
It comes down to 2 things: health and age. There’s no “one size fits all” plan. Compare plans side-by-side to avoid overpaying or getting stuck in a waiting period.
Example: 67-year-old female with diabetes:
- Mutual of Omaha: $52/month – 2-year wait
- Aetna: $54/month – Immediate coverage
- Royal Neighbors: $59/month – Immediate coverage
Had she not compared, she might’ve picked the wrong plan.
Helpful Advice from an Experienced Final Expense Agent
“Be open to companies you’ve never heard of. Most of the best policies aren’t advertised. That’s why brokers exist—to find them.”
—David Duford
Key Factors You Should Consider
- No Waiting Period – Immediate coverage is always better
- Locked-In Rates – Rates should never increase
- Cash Value – Builds savings over time
- Flexible Coverage – Choose exactly what you need
- Policy Administration – Is service fast and simple?
→ Need Help Deciding? At Horizon Senior Benefits, we shop across dozens of top-rated carriers and make this easy. If your parent has health issues—or if other companies already said no—we’ll still help you find a policy that fits.
Our job is to get you answers, not give you the runaround.
Contact us or request a quote today, and we’ll walk you through it personally.
“Our plans are…based on yours.”
Need Help Choosing the Right Plan?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which final expense insurance companies don’t have a waiting period?
Companies like Mutual of Omaha, Aflac, Royal Neighbors, and Aetna often offer no waiting period policies—if you qualify based on health. These plans typically require you to answer health questions to bypass the 2-year waiting period.
How does burial insurance work?
Burial insurance is a whole life policy designed to cover final expenses like funerals, cremation, medical bills, and small debts. It pays a tax-free cash benefit directly to your beneficiary.
How much does burial insurance cost?
Premiums depend on your age, gender, tobacco use, health, and the amount of coverage you select. A healthy 65-year-old can expect to pay between $40 and $55 per month for a $10,000 policy.
Are burial policies worth it?
Yes—if you don’t have savings set aside, these policies can prevent your family from absorbing thousands of dollars in funeral bills. They provide immediate peace of mind and a guaranteed tax-free payout.
Does life insurance cover burial expenses?
Yes. All life insurance policies can be used to pay for funeral expenses. Burial insurance is simply a smaller, more accessible form of whole life insurance tailored to cover end-of-life costs.
Does Social Security help pay for funeral expenses?
Only minimally. Social Security pays a one-time death benefit of $255 to a qualifying spouse or child. It won’t cover full funeral costs.
Does a burial insurance policy have cash value?
Yes. Burial insurance is whole life insurance, so it builds a small cash value over time that you can borrow against or surrender for a reduced payout if needed.
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