Posted on August 17, 2025

When planning for the future, final expense life insurance—also called burial insurance—is one of the most practical solutions for senior citizens. This type of coverage is specifically designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses, providing peace of mind to both you and your loved ones.

But how do you know if you qualify? Let’s explore the eligibility and qualifications for final expense life insurance, including the difference between level and graded insurance policies.

Who Is Eligible for Final Expense Life Insurance?

One of the advantages of final expense insurance is that it’s accessible to a wide range of people, especially senior citizens. Unlike traditional life insurance, it does not require a medical exam. Instead, applicants usually answer a few health-related questions.

Most insurance companies set the eligibility age between 50 and 85 years old, though some carriers may extend coverage beyond this range. If you are a senior looking for affordable protection, final expense insurance is often one of the easiest policies to qualify for.

Common Qualifications

While requirements vary by insurer, here are the typical qualifications for burial insurance:

• Age range: Most companies accept applications starting at age 50.
• Health status: No medical exam is required. Instead, you answer basic health questions.
• Affordability: Premiums are based on age, gender, health, and coverage amount. Policies usually range from $2,000 to $50,000 in coverage.
• Residency: Applicants must be legal residents or citizens of the United States.

Understanding Level vs. Graded Final Expense Insurance

When applying, it’s important to know the difference between level and graded final expense policies.

✅ Level Final Expense Insurance

• Offers immediate coverage.
• The full death benefit is available from day one.
• Best option for seniors in relatively good health who can answer “no” to most health questions.
• Provides peace of mind knowing your family is fully protected right away.

✅ Graded Final Expense Insurance

• Provides limited coverage during the first 2 years.
• If death occurs in the first 24 months (except accidental death), beneficiaries may receive only a percentage of the benefit or a return of premiums paid plus interest.
• After the waiting period, the full death benefit becomes available.
• Ideal for seniors with health issues who may not qualify for a level plan.

Why Seniors Choose Final Expense Life Insurance

For many senior citizens, burial insurance is the most practical option because:

• It guarantees affordable premiums that never increase.
• Coverage lasts for life, as long as premiums are paid.
• It removes the financial burden from loved ones at a difficult time.
• Seniors with health conditions still have options, thanks to graded policies.

Final Thoughts

If you are a senior citizen looking to protect your loved ones from the rising costs of funerals and final arrangements, final expense life insurance can be a smart solution. Whether you qualify for a level policy with immediate benefits or a graded plan with partial benefits at first, there is coverage available for nearly every situation.