Cigna Final Expense Insurance Review (2025 Update)

Planning for the future involves considering all aspects of life, including the inevitable end. Final expense insurance, sometimes called burial insurance or funeral insurance, is a specific type of whole life insurance designed to help cover the costs associated with your passing. These costs can include funeral services, burial or cremation expenses, outstanding medical bills, legal fees, or any other debts you might leave behind. Having a plan in place can provide immense peace of mind for you and prevent your loved ones from facing unexpected financial burdens during a difficult time.

Many insurance companies offer final expense policies, and Cigna is one well-known name in the industry. Understanding what a cigna final expense policy entails is a good starting point, but it’s crucial to remember that the insurance landscape is vast. What works perfectly for one person might not be the best fit for another due to differences in health, budget, and desired coverage levels.

This is where Insurance By Heroes steps in. Founded by a former first responder and military spouse, our agency is staffed by professionals who share a background in public service. We understand the importance of protecting families and providing reliable support. As an independent agency, we aren’t tied to any single insurance carrier like Cigna. Instead, we partner with dozens of top-rated insurance companies across the nation. This allows us to objectively shop the market on your behalf, comparing various policies, features, and premiums to find the coverage that truly aligns with your unique circumstances and financial goals. Throughout this review, we’ll explore Cigna’s offerings, but always keep in mind the bigger picture: finding the absolute best policy for *you*, which often involves looking beyond just one carrier.

What Exactly is Final Expense Insurance?

Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance policy typically designed for older adults, usually between the ages of 50 and 85, although specific age ranges can vary by insurer. Unlike term life insurance, which covers you for a specific period, whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire life as long as premiums are paid.

Key characteristics of final expense insurance include:

• Smaller Coverage Amounts: Policies usually offer death benefits ranging from $2,000 to $50,000. This amount is intended to cover specific end-of-life costs rather than provide large-scale income replacement.
• Simplified Underwriting: Many final expense policies do not require a medical exam. Instead, they often use simplified underwriting, which involves answering health questions on the application. Some policies are “guaranteed issue,” meaning acceptance is guaranteed within certain age brackets, regardless of health, but these typically come with higher premiums and graded death benefits (explained later).
• Fixed Premiums: Once your policy is issued, the premium amount typically remains the same for the life of the policy. It won’t increase due to age or changes in your health.
• Cash Value Accumulation: Like other whole life policies, final expense insurance usually builds cash value over time on a tax-deferred basis. You might be able to borrow against this cash value or surrender the policy for its cash value if needed, though doing so will reduce the death benefit.
• Purpose: The primary goal is to cover funeral and burial costs, outstanding medical bills, credit card debt, or other small debts, ensuring these expenses don’t fall on surviving family members.

Understanding these basics helps clarify how a cigna final expense policy, or any final expense policy, functions to provide financial protection for your loved ones after you’re gone.

Who Should Consider Final Expense Insurance?

Final expense insurance can be a valuable tool for a variety of individuals, particularly:

• Seniors on a Fixed Income: Those who may not have significant savings set aside for end-of-life costs can secure peace of mind knowing these expenses are covered.
• Individuals with Health Concerns: People who might not qualify for larger, traditionally underwritten life insurance policies due to health issues may find simplified issue or guaranteed issue final expense options accessible.
• Those Without Other Life Insurance: If you don’t have an existing life insurance policy or your term policy is expiring, final expense insurance offers a way to secure lifelong coverage specifically for final costs.
• People Wanting to Protect Their Loved Ones: The primary motivation for many is to prevent their spouse, children, or other relatives from inheriting debts or having to pay for funeral expenses out-of-pocket. The average funeral can cost $8,000-$12,000 or more, a significant sum for many families.
• Individuals Planning Their Estate: It can be part of a broader estate plan, ensuring specific funds are readily available for immediate expenses without needing to go through probate.

While Cigna offers policies that cater to this market, remember that your specific age, health status, and financial situation will influence which company and policy type offer the best value. Insurance By Heroes helps individuals in all these situations navigate their options by comparing plans from numerous carriers, ensuring you don’t overpay or settle for a policy that isn’t the ideal fit.

An Overview of Cigna

Cigna is a global health service company with a long history, offering a wide range of insurance products, including health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options like life insurance. They are a large, well-established corporation with significant brand recognition.

When considering any insurance provider, looking at their financial strength ratings is important. These ratings, provided by independent agencies like AM Best, Standard & Poor’s, and Moody’s, indicate an insurer’s ability to meet its ongoing policy and contractual obligations. Generally, Cigna’s insurance subsidiaries hold strong financial strength ratings, suggesting a solid ability to pay claims. However, financial strength is just one piece of the puzzle.

While Cigna is a reputable company, it’s essential to distinguish the parent corporation from the specific subsidiaries that underwrite life insurance policies. Often, life insurance products are offered through specific member companies (like Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company or Loyal American Life Insurance Company, historically associated with Cigna final expense products). It’s the financial strength and specific policy details of the underwriting company that matter most.

Crucially, even with strong ratings and brand recognition, Cigna’s final expense products might not be the most competitive or suitable option for every applicant. Pricing, underwriting guidelines, and policy features can vary significantly between insurers. That’s why comparing a cigna final expense quote against quotes from other highly-rated companies is a critical step – a step Insurance By Heroes specializes in.

Exploring Cigna Final Expense Insurance Plans

Cigna typically offers final expense whole life insurance designed to provide coverage for end-of-life costs. While specific product names and features can change and may vary by state, their offerings generally fall into common industry categories:

Types of Cigna Final Expense Policies

Cigna has historically offered policies that fit into these structures:

• Level Benefit Plan (Simplified Issue): This is often the most desirable type of final expense policy. Applicants must answer health questions, and eligibility depends on those answers. There is no medical exam required. If approved, you receive the full death benefit from the first day the policy is in force. Premiums are generally lower than guaranteed issue plans because the insurer takes on less risk due to the health screening.
• Graded Benefit Plan (Simplified Issue): This plan also involves health questions, but it might be available to individuals with more significant health issues who don’t qualify for the Level Benefit plan. It typically has a “graded” death benefit, meaning if death occurs due to natural causes (not accidental) within the first two years of the policy, the beneficiaries receive a limited payout, often equal to the premiums paid plus interest (e.g., 110% of premiums paid). After the two-year grading period, the full death benefit becomes payable.
• Guaranteed Issue Plan (Potential Offering): Some insurers offer guaranteed issue policies where acceptance is guaranteed for applicants within a specific age range (e.g., 50-80), regardless of health history. No health questions are asked. These plans always come with a graded death benefit period (usually two, sometimes three years) and have the highest premiums due to the high risk the insurer takes on. While Cigna is primarily known for simplified issue, the availability of a guaranteed issue product can vary.

It’s vital to understand which type of policy you are being quoted for, especially regarding the death benefit payout during the initial years. When evaluating a cigna final expense option, clarity on whether it’s level, graded, or guaranteed issue is paramount.

Coverage Amounts and Eligibility

Coverage amounts for Cigna final expense policies typically align with industry standards, often ranging from approximately $5,000 up to $25,000 or $35,000, though exact amounts can vary. These amounts are designed to cover expected final expenses.

Eligibility usually depends on:

• Age: Commonly available to individuals aged 50-85, but specific products might have narrower or slightly different ranges.
• State Availability: Insurance products are regulated at the state level, so Cigna’s final expense policies may not be available in all states, or policy features might differ from state to state.
• Health (for Simplified Issue): Your answers to health questions on the application determine eligibility for Level or Graded benefit plans and influence the premium rate. Questions typically cover major health conditions like heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, kidney failure, HIV/AIDS, and recent hospitalizations or nursing home stays.

Potential Riders and Features

Final expense policies sometimes offer optional riders for an additional premium, although they are often more basic than riders found on larger life insurance policies. Potential riders might include:

• Accidental Death Benefit Rider: Provides an additional payout if death occurs due to a qualifying accident.
• Child Rider: Offers a small amount of term life coverage for eligible children or grandchildren.

It’s important to inquire about available riders if specific additional coverages are desired. However, the core value remains the base death benefit designed for final expenses.

Remember, these details represent typical offerings. Policy specifics can change. That’s why working with Insurance By Heroes is so beneficial. We stay current on the details of policies from Cigna and many other carriers, ensuring the information you receive is accurate and relevant to your situation.

Why Cigna Final Expense Might Not Be Your Best Option

While Cigna is a strong company offering valuable products, it’s absolutely crucial to understand that they are not always the best choice for every individual seeking final expense insurance. Relying solely on one company’s quote can lead to paying higher premiums or getting a policy that isn’t ideally suited to your health profile.

Here’s why a cigna final expense policy might not be the optimal fit:

• Premium Competitiveness: Insurance pricing is highly individualized. Based on your specific age, gender, health status, state of residence, and the coverage amount you need, Cigna’s premiums might be higher than those offered by other top-rated insurers for the exact same coverage. Some companies might offer significantly better rates for certain age bands or health conditions.
• Underwriting Niches: Every insurance company assesses risk differently. Some insurers are more lenient with specific health conditions than others. For example, one company might offer a Level Benefit (immediate full coverage) plan to a diabetic who maintains good control, while another, potentially including Cigna depending on the specific circumstances, might only offer a more expensive Graded Benefit plan or decline coverage altogether. If you have specific health concerns, finding the carrier that views your condition most favorably is key to getting the best rate and coverage.
• Policy Features: While core features are similar, slight variations in policy language, rider availability, or payment options might make another carrier’s policy more appealing for your needs.
• Graded Period Length: If you only qualify for a graded benefit policy, the length of the graded period (usually two years) and the payout during that period (typically return of premiums plus interest) are standard, but it’s always worth comparing.
• State Availability: As mentioned, Cigna’s products might not be available or competitive in every state.

This isn’t a critique of Cigna specifically, but rather a fundamental truth of the insurance market: **no single company is the best for everyone.** Shopping the market is not just recommended; it’s essential for finding the best value.

This is the core philosophy behind Insurance By Heroes. We don’t work for Cigna; we work for *you*. Our independence allows us to take your unique profile and compare it against the offerings of dozens of carriers, including Cigna. We analyze the underwriting guidelines and premium rates from each company to identify which ones offer the most favorable terms for your specific situation. Whether it’s a cigna final expense policy or a plan from another excellent provider, our goal is to ensure you get the right coverage at the most competitive price possible.

The Insurance By Heroes Advantage: Service and Choice

Choosing the right final expense insurance involves more than just picking a brand name. It requires understanding your needs, exploring the available options, and finding a policy that offers genuine value and security. This is where the unique approach of Insurance By Heroes makes a significant difference.

Independent Agency = Your Advocate

Unlike captive agents who represent only one company (like Cigna), Insurance By Heroes is an independent insurance agency. This means we are not bound to push any specific product line. Our loyalty lies entirely with our clients. We have established relationships with numerous highly-rated insurance carriers across the country, giving us a broad view of the market.

When you come to us seeking final expense insurance, perhaps initially asking about a cigna final expense plan, we see that as a starting point. We’ll provide information on Cigna’s offerings if they are a potential fit, but our process involves a comprehensive comparison. We leverage our access to dozens of insurers to:

• Identify carriers whose underwriting is favorable for your health history.
• Compare premium rates for identical coverage amounts.
• Explain the differences between level, graded, and guaranteed issue policies from various companies.
• Present you with clear, side-by-side options, empowering you to make an informed decision.

This objective approach ensures you aren’t limited to the options of a single company and have the best chance of securing affordable, high-quality coverage.

Founded on Service, Driven by Trust

Insurance By Heroes was founded by a former first responder and military spouse. Our team includes professionals who share a background dedicated to public service and community protection. We understand the importance of reliability, integrity, and putting others’ needs first – values ingrained in the experience of first responders, military members, and their families.

We bring this service-oriented mindset to the insurance world. We know that navigating insurance can be confusing and stressful. Our mission is to simplify the process, provide clear and honest guidance, and build lasting relationships based on trust. We take the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions thoroughly, and ensure you feel confident in the coverage you choose. We aren’t just selling policies; we’re providing a service dedicated to protecting what matters most – your family’s financial security.

Tailored Solutions, Not One-Size-Fits-All

Because we work with so many carriers, we can tailor solutions precisely to your needs. Whether you are in excellent health and qualify for the lowest rates, or have significant health challenges requiring a graded or guaranteed issue policy, we know which companies specialize in different risk profiles. We guide you through the application process, helping you understand the health questions and ensuring everything is submitted accurately for the best possible outcome.

Our goal is to find the intersection of appropriate coverage, affordable premiums, and a financially strong insurance company. While a cigna final expense policy is one option we evaluate, it’s considered alongside many others to guarantee a truly personalized recommendation.

Understanding How Final Expense Premiums Are Calculated

The price you pay for final expense insurance (your premium) isn’t arbitrary. Insurers use several factors to calculate the risk associated with insuring you, which directly impacts your premium rate. Understanding these factors highlights why personalized quotes are essential:

• Age: This is one of the most significant factors. The older you are when you apply, the higher your premium will generally be, as life expectancy decreases with age. Locking in a rate when you are younger and healthier is usually advantageous.
• Gender: Statistically, women have a longer life expectancy than men. Consequently, women often pay slightly lower premiums than men of the same age and health status.
• Health Status: For simplified issue policies (Level and Graded), your answers to health questions are crucial. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer history, COPD, diabetes, etc., can impact your eligibility for certain plans and your premium rate. Insurers classify applicants into different risk categories based on health. Guaranteed issue policies don’t ask health questions, but this higher risk is reflected in their significantly higher premiums.
• Coverage Amount (Death Benefit): The larger the death benefit you choose, the higher your premium will be. It’s important to select an amount that covers your anticipated final expenses without being excessive, to keep premiums affordable.
• Policy Type: Guaranteed issue policies have the highest premiums. Graded benefit policies are typically less expensive than guaranteed issue but more costly than level benefit plans. Level benefit plans generally offer the lowest premiums because the applicant is considered to be in better health.
• Tobacco Use: Smokers or recent tobacco users will pay substantially higher premiums than non-smokers, often 1.5 to 2 times as much, due to the associated health risks.
• Insurance Carrier: As emphasized throughout, different companies charge different rates even for the same individual profile. Their internal calculations, target markets, and overhead costs influence their pricing structure.

Because all these factors interact, obtaining quotes from multiple insurers is the only way to know you’re getting a competitive rate. A quote for a cigna final expense policy provides one data point, but comparing it with quotes solicited by Insurance By Heroes from numerous other carriers provides the full picture needed for an optimal choice.

Comparing Cigna Final Expense with Other Carriers

When Insurance By Heroes compares final expense options for you, we look beyond just the premium. While cost is important, we also consider:

• Underwriting Leniency: Which company offers the best chance of approval for a Level Benefit plan given your health history? Some companies might approve a level plan where Cigna might only offer graded, or vice-versa.
• Rate Stability: We prioritize carriers with a strong history of stable rates and solid financial footing.
• Customer Service Reputation: How easy is it to work with the company? What is their track record for paying claims efficiently?
• Specific Policy Features: Are there minor differences in policy terms or available riders that might be beneficial for you?
• Company Financial Strength: We ensure all recommended carriers have strong financial ratings from agencies like AM Best, indicating their long-term ability to pay claims. Cigna generally scores well here, as do many other top final expense providers.

For instance, some carriers might specialize in offering competitive rates for individuals with well-managed diabetes or certain heart conditions. Others might have slightly better pricing in specific age brackets. Still others might offer slightly higher coverage amounts on their simplified issue plans.

The key takeaway is that the “best” final expense insurance company is relative to the applicant. A comprehensive comparison, like the one provided by Insurance By Heroes, is the most effective way to identify the carrier that offers the most advantageous combination of price, coverage, and underwriting for your specific profile. Relying solely on information about cigna final expense insurance limits your potential to find the best possible value.

The Final Expense Insurance Application Process

Applying for final expense insurance is typically more straightforward than applying for larger, medically underwritten life insurance policies. Here’s a general overview:

1. Quote Comparison: The first step is getting quotes based on your age, gender, desired coverage amount, health status, and state. This is where Insurance By Heroes begins, comparing options from Cigna and many other carriers.
2. Choosing a Policy: Once you review the options, you select the policy and carrier that best meets your needs and budget.
3. Application Submission: You’ll complete an application form. This includes basic personal information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number) and beneficiary designations.
   • Health Questions (Simplified Issue): For Level or Graded benefit plans, you will need to answer a series of health questions. Honesty is crucial; inaccurate information can lead to claim denial later. Questions cover major illnesses, treatments, hospital stays, and lifestyle factors (like tobacco use).
   • No Health Questions (Guaranteed Issue): If applying for a guaranteed issue policy, you typically skip the health questions, though basic information is still required.
4. Potential Phone Interview: The insurance company may conduct a brief phone interview to verify your identity and confirm your answers to the health questions.
5. Database Checks: Insurers typically check databases like the MIB (Medical Information Bureau) and prescription drug histories to verify the health information provided on the application.
6. Underwriting Decision: Based on your application, health information (if applicable), and database checks, the insurance company’s underwriting department will make a decision. This could be approval for Level Benefits, approval for Graded Benefits, a request for more information, or a denial (less common with final expense, especially if applying for guaranteed issue).
7. Policy Issuance: If approved, the insurance company issues the policy documents outlining the coverage, premiums, beneficiaries, and terms. Your coverage begins once the first premium payment is made and the policy is delivered, subject to any specific policy effective date rules and graded periods if applicable.

Insurance By Heroes assists you throughout this entire process. We help you understand the application questions, ensure your information is presented accurately, communicate with the insurance carrier on your behalf if needed, and explain the policy details once approved. Our goal is to make securing this vital protection as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Common Questions About Final Expense Insurance

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about final expense life insurance:

• Is a medical exam required? Usually, no. Most final expense policies use simplified underwriting (health questions) or are guaranteed issue (no health questions). This makes them accessible even for individuals with health concerns.
• Does the coverage ever expire? No, final expense insurance is typically a form of whole life insurance. As long as you pay your premiums, the coverage lasts for your entire life and will pay out upon your death.
• Can my premiums increase over time? Generally, no. Once your policy is issued, the premium rate is locked in and will not increase due to your age or changes in your health.
• Is the death benefit taxable? Life insurance death benefits paid to beneficiaries are generally received income-tax-free.
• Can I borrow against the policy? Yes, most whole life policies, including final expense, build cash value over time. You can typically borrow against this cash value. Loans accrue interest and reduce the death benefit if not repaid.
• How quickly does the policy pay out? Insurance companies aim to pay claims quickly, often within days or weeks of receiving the necessary documentation (usually a death certificate and claim form). This provides timely funds for funeral costs.
• Who receives the death benefit? The payout goes directly to the beneficiary(ies) you designate on your policy. They can use the funds for any purpose, though the intention is typically to cover final expenses.
• What if I have health problems? Final expense insurance is specifically designed for seniors, many of whom have pre-existing health conditions. Simplified issue plans accommodate many common conditions, while guaranteed issue plans accept applicants regardless of health (but have graded benefits and higher premiums). Comparing options through an agency like Insurance By Heroes is crucial if you have health concerns, as different companies view conditions differently. A cigna final expense policy might be an option, but another carrier could potentially offer a better rate or immediate coverage depending on the specific condition.

Why Trust Insurance By Heroes for Your Final Expense Needs?

Choosing final expense insurance is an important decision that provides lasting peace of mind and protects your loved ones from financial hardship. Navigating the options, understanding the nuances between policies like those from Cigna and other carriers, and ensuring you get the best value requires knowledgeable guidance.

Insurance By Heroes offers:

• Independence and Choice: We work with dozens of top carriers, not just one. We compare cigna final expense options alongside many others to find your best fit.
• Expertise and Experience: Our team understands the final expense market, including underwriting niches and pricing variations.
• A Commitment to Service: Founded by a first responder and military spouse, our agency operates with integrity and a dedication to serving our clients’ best interests, mirroring the values of public service.
• Personalized Guidance: We take the time to understand your specific needs, health situation, and budget to provide tailored recommendations.
• Simplified Process: We help you navigate the application and approval process, making it as easy as possible.

We believe everyone deserves access to affordable, reliable final expense coverage. Let us put our expertise and commitment to service to work for you.

Secure Your Peace of Mind Today

Planning for final expenses is a responsible and caring step to protect your family’s future. While understanding options like cigna final expense insurance is helpful, the key to finding the truly best policy lies in comparison shopping across multiple high-quality carriers.

Don’t leave your loved ones guessing or burdened with unexpected costs. Take control now by exploring your options with guidance you can trust.

Ready to compare final expense insurance plans from Cigna and dozens of other top-rated carriers? Let the dedicated team at Insurance By Heroes help you find the most affordable and suitable coverage for your unique needs. Our service comes at no extra cost to you.

Fill out the quote form on this page to get your free, no-obligation final expense insurance quotes today. It takes just a few moments, and it’s the first step towards securing invaluable peace of mind for yourself and your family. Let Insurance By Heroes serve you.