A small life insurance policy with one job — covering the funeral so it doesn't fall on your family. A licensed agent walks you through what it costs and how to get covered.
Burial insurance — also called final expense insurance — is a permanent whole life policy designed to cover funeral costs, outstanding bills, and end-of-life expenses. Coverage ranges from $2,000 to $50,000, never expires, and your rate is locked in for life.
There's no medical exam — most applications use a short health questionnaire instead, with no blood draws or doctor visits. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart history, and other common conditions are regularly approved. For serious conditions, guaranteed-issue plans accept everyone ages 50–80 with no health questions at all. The death benefit pays out as a tax-free lump sum your family can use for anything — funeral costs, outstanding bills, or everyday expenses while they get back on their feet. Legacy Insurance Group compares 15+ carriers to find the best rate for your age, health, and budget.
Get your rate in 3 minutes — no medical exam required.
This guide breaks down what burial insurance costs in Oregon, who qualifies, and how to avoid overpaying. Every rate here comes from a carrier's live pricing.
All it is is a small life insurance policy — anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000 — with one job: making sure your family has money for the funeral and the final bills when you pass away. You've probably seen it advertised — on TV, in ads online — under a few different names: burial insurance, final expense, funeral insurance. That makes people think they're different products. They're not. On the paperwork, it's all the same thing: a small whole life policy.
The coverage is small, so the insurance companies keep it simple. There's no physical exam and no blood work. You answer some health questions, usually right over the phone, and that's it. You don't have to be super healthy, either — these plans were built for people with health conditions, and most folks qualify for something.
Most of the people we help with these plans are between 50 and 85. But we also talk to younger folks who just want enough to cover their final expenses — and plenty of adult kids calling to set something up for mom or dad.
Why does this matter? Your family shouldn't have to start a GoFundMe or ask for help during the hardest week of their lives. A basic policy costs less than a streaming subscription — and it means the money is there when they need it.
The death benefit can be used for anything your family needs:
One more thing worth knowing: this money doesn't get taxed. The check goes to the person you name, and nobody — not the funeral home, not the insurance company — tells your family how to spend it.
So what do funerals actually cost? The National Funeral Directors Association puts the median funeral with viewing and burial at $8,300 — but that's before the burial vault most cemeteries require (closer to $10,000 with one) and before cemetery costs like the plot, opening and closing, and a headstone. By the time it's all paid, many families are looking at $10,000 to $15,000. Cremation runs the full range: a direct cremation can be around $2,200, while cremation with a full service and viewing is about $6,280. That's why most people choose burial insurance coverage between $10,000 and $25,000 — enough for the funeral itself plus any leftover bills.
You don't need a big policy for this. Think of it like the minimum coverage on your car — being covered beats not being covered. When the kids are grown and have their own families, you're not after a big policy anyway; you just want the funeral handled so it doesn't fall on them. That's exactly what this is built for. Some folks add a little extra to leave something behind, but covering the funeral is a complete plan on its own.
Burial insurance is most commonly purchased by people between the ages of 50 and 85, but coverage is available starting at 18 through some carriers. Here's a simple way to know if it's the right fit:
Is burial insurance worth it? For most people ages 50–85 who don’t have $10,000–$15,000 set aside specifically for final expenses — yes. The monthly cost is predictable and locked in for life, the coverage never expires, and your family receives the money directly, without going through probate or a court. If you already have substantial savings earmarked for this, or you’re young and healthy enough to qualify for a larger term policy, the math changes. But for the people this product is built for, it’s usually the most practical option available.
Being laid to rest back home. A lot of the families we work with want to be brought home — to México, El Salvador, or Guatemala — when the time comes. That can run $10,000–$20,000, and it usually has to come together in just a few days, which is one of the most common reasons they buy burial insurance. The policy pays a tax-free benefit your family can use to keep that promise, and some of our carriers accept an ITIN. Our quote calculator even has a “Laid to Rest Back Home” option that matches the coverage to what repatriation actually costs. (Full guide on repatriation coming soon.)
Burial insurance usually costs less than people expect. Your monthly rate depends on five things:
These are live rates from Mutual of Omaha — one of the 15+ carriers we compare — for non-tobacco applicants with no waiting period. Whatever age you lock in at, that's your rate for life.
| Age | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $24.31/mo | $30.68/mo |
| 55 | $27.71/mo | $35.95/mo |
| 60 | $32.87/mo | $43.76/mo |
| 65 | $41.01/mo | $56.48/mo |
| 70 | $53.24/mo | $74.61/mo |
| 75 | $72.41/mo | $99.97/mo |
Mutual of Omaha Living Promise, Level Benefit, Non-Tobacco, $10,000 coverage in Oregon. Calculated using the carrier's published rate formula. Tobacco rates and graded benefit rates are higher. Actual rates vary by health profile and coverage amount. Rates through Legacy Insurance Group.
Non-tobacco rate estimate. Actual rate depends on health profile and underwriting.
Want to see your exact rate? Use our free quote calculator to compare every carrier we work with side-by-side in under 2 minutes — or call 971-444-6449 and we'll do it with you on the phone.
It's the question we get asked most. A lot of people assume every burial insurance plan makes you wait two years before it pays out. That's not true. Most people qualify for coverage that starts from day one — full benefit, no waiting.
Here's where an independent agent matters. One company might look at your health and only offer you a plan with a waiting period. Instead of taking that, we compare you against other carriers — and usually find one that covers you from day one, often at a similar price. We do that shopping for you, so you're not stuck with the first answer one company gives.
The only time you'd have a waiting period is if you have serious health conditions. In that case you'd go with a guaranteed-issue plan — everyone's approved, but there's a 2-year wait for natural causes. And even then your family is protected: if something happens during those two years, they get back everything you paid plus interest, and accidental death is covered in full from day one.
| Simplified Issue | Guaranteed Issue | |
|---|---|---|
| Health questions? | Short questionnaire (10–15 questions) | None — everyone is approved |
| Medical exam? | Never required | Never required |
| Waiting period? | Level benefit: none Graded: 2 years |
Always 2 years for natural causes |
| Who qualifies? | Most people with controlled conditions | Everyone ages 50–80 |
| Monthly cost | Lowest | Higher (no health screening) |
So which health conditions still get you day-one coverage? More than most people expect.
A lot of folks were turned down for life insurance years ago and figured they'd never qualify for anything — so they stopped asking. That's worth clearing up. Burial insurance isn't the same coverage you may have been declined for; it's built for people with health conditions. We have a plan for almost every age, and some come with guaranteed acceptance — you can't be turned down.
Don't count yourself out before you call. Carriers we work with routinely approve people for day-one coverage with:
Every carrier has different underwriting guidelines. One company may decline what another approves at a great rate. That's exactly why shopping multiple carriers matters — and why we do that work for you.
Guaranteed issue is meant for people with serious health conditions. You’re still approved — with a 2-year waiting period for natural causes. Conditions that typically push you here:
If any of these apply, guaranteed issue is your path forward and we can still help you find coverage. Nobody gets turned away.
The same condition can mean a great rate with one carrier and a decline from another. That’s why a five-minute call finds your best option faster than applying blind. Call 971-444-6449 — we do this every day.
We shop the market so you don't have to. The carriers we work with for burial insurance:
Ages 45–85 • $2K–$50K
A+ AM Best
Ages 45–89 • $2.5K–$50K
No full SSN needed
Ages 0–85 • $2.5K–$50K
Free will prep service
Ages 18–80 • $3K–$40K
Extra diabetic friendly
Ages 50–80 • $5K–$25K
No health questions
Ages 50–80 • $5K–$25K
No health questions
Shopping multiple carriers means you're not stuck with whatever one company decides to charge. We find the best fit for your situation.
The application is simple and most people complete it in 20 to 30 minutes. We work with clients over the phone, online, or in person at our home office in Woodburn — whatever you're most comfortable with. No matter how you apply, the same simple process applies:
We always recommend speaking with an agent at least once. Burial insurance is a decision about your family's future, and having someone walk you through the options side by side makes it a lot easier to get right.
If you're new to burial insurance, here are the key terms you'll see in this article and when shopping for a policy. Hover or tap any highlighted term in the article above to see its definition.
How much does burial insurance cost in Oregon?
Mutual of Omaha Living Promise rates in Oregon for $10,000 of Level Benefit, non-tobacco coverage: age 50 — $24.31/mo female, $30.68/mo male. Age 65 — $41.01/mo female, $56.48/mo male. Age 70 — $53.24/mo female, $74.61/mo male. Age 75 — $72.41/mo female, $99.97/mo male. Rates are locked in for life and never increase.
Do I need a medical exam for burial insurance?
No. Burial insurance never requires a medical exam. There are no needles, no blood draws, no lab work, and no doctor appointments. Simplified issue uses a short health questionnaire (10 to 15 questions). Guaranteed issue has no health questions at all.
What health questions will they ask when I apply?
For simplified issue plans, the application typically includes 10 to 15 yes/no health questions. Common ones: Are you currently confined to a nursing home or hospice? Do you have HIV/AIDS? Are you currently on dialysis? Have you been diagnosed with active cancer? Do you use oxygen to help you breathe? Have you used tobacco in the past 12 months? Most conditions like controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are not automatic disqualifiers — what matters is how well controlled they are and which carrier you apply through. For guaranteed issue plans, there are no health questions at all. You answer nothing and everyone in the eligible age range is approved.
What's the difference between simplified issue and guaranteed issue?
Simplified issue means a short health questionnaire — no medical exam, no blood draw, no doctor visits. Guaranteed issue means no health questions at all — everyone ages 50–80 is approved. These are separate from the waiting period. Level benefit means your full coverage is active from day one. Graded benefit means natural-cause death in years 1–2 pays all premiums back plus 10% interest; after year 2 the full benefit pays out for any cause. Most simplified issue applicants qualify for level benefit. Guaranteed issue always comes with graded benefit.
How fast does burial insurance pay out?
Most claims are paid within a few days — often 24 to 72 hours — once your beneficiary submits the death certificate and a completed claim form — usually before the funeral bill is due. Burial insurance skips the probate and estate-court delays that can hold up larger life insurance policies. For a graded-benefit or guaranteed-issue policy still in its 2-year waiting period, a natural-cause death pays back all premiums paid plus interest rather than the full benefit; accidental death pays in full from day one.
Can I get burial insurance with diabetes or heart conditions?
Yes. Many carriers approve simplified issue burial insurance for people with controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, past heart attacks, past strokes, COPD, depression, and previous cancer in remission. Every carrier has different underwriting guidelines, so working with an independent agent who shops multiple carriers gives you the best chance of approval at a good rate.
What about the $9.95/mo TV ads?
Those plans charge $9.95 per unit, not per policy. One unit gives you a small amount of coverage that decreases as you age. At age 70, one unit covers about $750. To get $10,000 of coverage, you'd need 13 to 14 units — costing $129 to $139 per month. Every plan also has a mandatory 2-year waiting period for everyone, even healthy applicants. If you're healthy, you can get better coverage at a lower cost with no waiting period elsewhere.
How much burial insurance do I need?
Most people choose between $10,000 and $25,000 in coverage. Funerals cost more than most people expect once you add in all the expenses — service, burial or cremation, headstone, and final bills. A $15,000 to $25,000 policy covers most situations comfortably. We can help you figure out the right number for your specific situation.
Will my burial insurance premium go up as I get older?
No. That’s one of the main advantages of whole life insurance over term. The rate you qualify for when you first apply is locked in for the rest of your life — it doesn’t increase as you age, if your health declines, or for any other reason. A 55-year-old locks in a lower rate than a 65-year-old, and both keep that rate permanently. This is why applying sooner rather than later makes financial sense. The only time your monthly payment changes is if you voluntarily adjust your coverage amount.
Does burial insurance cover cremation?
Yes. The death benefit can be used for any final expense — cremation, traditional burial, a graveside service, or a celebration of life. There are no restrictions on how the money is spent. Your beneficiary receives a tax-free lump sum and decides from there.
Is burial insurance the same as what funeral homes sell?
No — and the difference is important. Funeral homes sell preneed contracts: you pay upfront and the money is locked to a specific funeral home for specific services. If you move, change your mind, or that funeral home closes, you may lose flexibility or funds entirely. Burial insurance is a life insurance policy. The death benefit goes directly to your beneficiary as a tax-free lump sum — they can use it at any funeral home, for cremation, for repatriation, or for any other expense. No money is locked to any provider. Your family receives a check and decides from there.
Can I buy burial insurance for my mother or father?
Yes. Many of our clients set up coverage for a parent. The parent must be present on the call and give verbal consent during the application, but the process is the same: a short health questionnaire, same-day approval in most cases, and immediate coverage. The policy belongs to the parent and you are typically named as the beneficiary. We can walk both of you through it together on one call.
Can I get burial insurance on a fixed income?
Yes. Most burial insurance plans are specifically designed for seniors on Social Security or fixed incomes. Premiums are predictable, never increase, and can start as low as $20 to $30 per month for smaller coverage amounts. We work with your budget to find a plan that fits without overextending your monthly expenses.
Can I get burial insurance with bad credit?
Yes. Burial insurance companies do not run credit checks. Your credit score, debt, bankruptcies, and financial history have zero impact on your eligibility or your rate. Approval is based only on your age, health questions, and the coverage amount you choose.
What happens to my burial insurance if I move to another state?
Nothing changes. Your burial insurance policy stays active at the same rate no matter where you move. Once the policy is issued, it is a binding contract between you and the carrier. You can move to any state in the U.S. and your coverage, your rate, and your beneficiary all remain exactly the same.
Can I cancel my burial insurance policy?
Yes. Every burial insurance policy comes with a free-look period (usually 30 days) where you can cancel for a full refund. After that, you can cancel at any time with no penalties or fees. You simply stop paying and the policy lapses. Some policies with cash value may also allow you to surrender the policy and receive the accumulated cash value back.
Can I increase my burial insurance coverage later?
Most burial insurance carriers do not allow you to increase the face amount on an existing policy. However, you can purchase a second policy from the same or a different carrier to add more coverage. Many of our clients carry two or three smaller policies from different carriers. Your rate on the new policy will be based on your current age and health at the time you apply.
Can I have more than one burial insurance policy?
Yes — and there’s no limit on how many you can hold. People stack policies for a few reasons: one carrier approved a smaller amount than they needed, they want coverage split across multiple A-rated companies, or they added a second policy years later when their budget allowed. Each carrier makes its own approval decision independently — your existing coverage doesn’t factor into a new application. We have clients with a Mutual of Omaha policy and a separate Baltimore Life policy specifically for this reason.
Burial insurance is the right fit for most people ages 50 to 85 who want permanent, no-medical-exam coverage to handle funeral costs and final bills. Your rate locks in for life and never increases. If you’re in decent health, you qualify for simplified issue with day-one coverage. If you have serious conditions, a guaranteed-issue plan still gets you covered with a 2-year graded benefit. The live rates in this article are what you’d actually pay — call or run a quote and we’ll show you where you land.
We'll compare carriers and find your best rate in Oregon.
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This article was last reviewed and fact-checked on June 3, 2026 by Gilbert Lopez, NPN 16945680. Rates cited were current as of the publication date and may vary by state, carrier, and individual underwriting.
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