Foresters Burial Insurance Review (Updated for 2025)

Planning for end-of-life expenses is a responsible and caring step to protect your loved ones from financial burdens during a difficult time. Burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance, is a specific type of whole life insurance designed to cover costs like funerals, burials, cremations, medical bills, and other debts left behind. One company frequently discussed in this space is Foresters Financial.

But is Foresters burial insurance the right choice for you? While they offer reputable products and unique member benefits, the insurance landscape is vast. No single company is the perfect fit for everyone. Your age, health, coverage needs, and budget all play a crucial role in determining the best policy. That’s why understanding your options and comparing quotes from multiple carriers is essential.

This is precisely where Insurance By Heroes excels. As an independent insurance agency founded by a former first responder and military spouse, we bring a unique perspective rooted in service. Our team, many with backgrounds in public service, understands the importance of finding reliable, affordable protection. We partner with dozens of top-rated insurance carriers across the nation, allowing us to shop the market extensively on your behalf. We don’t work for just one company; we work for you, ensuring you get coverage tailored to your specific circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

This updated 2025 guide will delve into Foresters burial insurance, exploring their offerings, pros, cons, and unique features. Throughout this review, we’ll continually emphasize the importance of comparing Foresters against other options available through independent agencies like Insurance By Heroes to ensure you find the most suitable and cost-effective policy.

What Exactly is Burial Insurance?

Before diving into Foresters specifically, let’s clarify what burial or final expense insurance entails. It’s fundamentally a type of whole life insurance policy, but typically with smaller coverage amounts designed specifically to handle end-of-life costs.

• Purpose: To cover funeral expenses, burial or cremation costs, outstanding medical bills, legal fees, credit card debt, or any other small debts left behind. Its primary goal is to prevent loved ones from facing unexpected financial strain upon your passing.
• Coverage Amounts: Policies usually range from $5,000 to $50,000. This is lower than traditional life insurance meant for income replacement but generally sufficient for final expenses.
• Policy Type: It’s almost always whole life insurance. This means coverage lasts for your entire life (as long as premiums are paid), premiums typically remain level (they don’t increase with age), and the policy builds cash value over time, which you might be able to borrow against.
• Underwriting: Burial insurance often features simplified underwriting. This means no medical exam is usually required. Instead, you’ll answer health questions on the application. Some policies offer graded benefits (reduced payout in the first few years for non-accidental death) or are guaranteed issue (no health questions asked, but with higher premiums and mandatory graded benefits).
• Beneficiaries: The death benefit is paid directly to your named beneficiary, who can then use the funds as needed for final expenses or any other purpose. The payout is typically tax-free.

Understanding these basics helps frame the discussion around specific providers like Foresters Financial.

An Introduction to Foresters Financial

Foresters Financial isn’t a typical insurance company; it’s a fraternal benefit society. This structure has implications for its members and operations.

Founded in 1874, Foresters has a long history. As a fraternal organization, it operates on a non-profit basis, redirecting funds typically paid to shareholders towards member benefits and community initiatives. When you purchase a policy from Foresters, you become a member, gaining access to these fraternal benefits alongside your insurance coverage.

Key characteristics include:

• Fraternal Structure: Governed by members, with a focus on community well-being and member support.
• Member Benefits: These are a significant differentiator. Benefits can include competitive scholarships for members and their families, community grants, legal services, emergency assistance programs, and family-oriented events. These benefits are supplementary to the insurance policy itself.
• Financial Strength: Foresters Financial generally holds strong financial ratings from independent agencies like A.M. Best, indicating a solid ability to meet its financial obligations to policyholders. As of recent assessments, they typically hold an “A” (Excellent) rating, though ratings can change.
• Product Focus: While offering various financial products, they are well-known in the life insurance space, particularly for final expense and whole life policies.

While the fraternal benefits are appealing to many, it’s crucial to evaluate whether they justify the premium cost compared to other insurers who might offer lower rates without these extras. An independent agency like Insurance By Heroes can help you weigh these factors objectively by presenting quotes from Foresters alongside comparable policies from numerous other carriers.

Foresters Burial Insurance Products Explored

Foresters Financial typically offers final expense whole life insurance designed to meet burial and end-of-life cost needs. While specific product names and details can evolve, their core offering generally falls under a plan structure often referred to as something like “PlanRight Whole Life Insurance.”

Here’s a breakdown of common features found in Foresters burial insurance policies:

Coverage Options

Foresters usually provides a range of coverage amounts suitable for final expenses, typically starting around $5,000 and going up to approximately $35,000 or $40,000, though maximums can vary by age and state. This allows applicants to choose a death benefit that aligns with their anticipated final costs.

Issue Ages

These policies are generally available to seniors, often covering issue ages from 50 up to 85 years old. The wide age range makes it accessible for many individuals seeking coverage later in life.

Underwriting Categories

Foresters typically utilizes simplified underwriting for their burial insurance. This means no medical exam is required. Based on your answers to health questions on the application, you may qualify for one of the following benefit structures:

• Level Death Benefit: If you are in relatively good health, you may qualify for a level benefit plan. This means the full death benefit is payable from day one, regardless of whether death is due to accident or illness. Premiums for level benefit plans are generally the lowest.
• Graded Death Benefit: If you have certain pre-existing health conditions that don’t qualify you for the level benefit, you might be offered a graded benefit plan. With this type, if death occurs due to natural causes (illness) within the first two years of the policy, the beneficiary typically receives a return of the premiums paid plus interest (e.g., 10%). If death is accidental, the full death benefit is usually paid from day one. After the two-year waiting period, the full death benefit is paid for death from any cause. Premiums for graded plans are higher than level benefit plans.
• Modified Death Benefit (Less Common/May Vary): Sometimes, a plan similar to Graded might be called Modified, potentially with slightly different terms or applicable health conditions. Functionally, it also involves a waiting period for the full benefit on non-accidental death.

It’s important to note that Foresters may not offer a true “Guaranteed Issue” policy (no health questions asked) for final expense in all markets or at all times. Guaranteed issue policies typically have higher premiums and always come with a graded death benefit period.

Navigating these underwriting classes highlights the value of working with Insurance By Heroes. We understand the nuances of different carriers’ health questions and underwriting guidelines. If one company offers you a graded plan or denies coverage due to a specific health condition, another carrier might offer a level benefit plan at a competitive rate. We help you find that better fit.

Premium Structure

Like most whole life policies, Foresters burial insurance typically features level premiums. This means your premium payment is locked in at the rate based on your age and health at the time of application and will not increase as you get older or if your health declines, as long as you keep the policy active.

Cash Value Accumulation

As a whole life policy, Foresters burial insurance builds cash value over time on a tax-deferred basis. This cash value grows slowly, especially in the early years, but represents an asset within the policy. You may be able to borrow against this cash value or surrender the policy for its cash value (minus any surrender charges or outstanding loans), though doing so will reduce or eliminate the death benefit.

Optional Riders

Foresters may offer riders that can be added to the base policy for an additional premium, allowing for customization. A common rider is the Accidental Death Benefit Rider. This rider provides an additional death benefit if the insured dies as a direct result of an accident.

While riders add flexibility, they also increase the cost. Comparing the total premium with riders against policies from other carriers (which might include similar benefits in their base policy or offer different riders) is essential. Insurance By Heroes can help dissect these options across multiple insurers.

Unique Fraternal Member Benefits

This is a key differentiator for Foresters. Policyholders become members and gain access to a suite of benefits beyond the insurance itself. These can include:

• Competitive Scholarships: Available for eligible members, their children, and grandchildren for higher education.
• Emergency Assistance Programs: Financial grants may be available to members facing significant hardship due to disasters, job loss, or other emergencies.
• Legal Services: Access to discounted or complimentary basic legal document preparation (like wills or powers of attorney).
• Community Grants & Activities: Opportunities to participate in volunteer activities and access grants for community projects.
• Orphan Benefits: Financial support for children who lose both parents.
• Family Events: Access to local, family-friendly activities sponsored by Foresters.

These benefits can offer significant value, particularly for families with students or those actively involved in community service. However, their value is subjective. If these benefits aren’t a high priority for you, another carrier might offer a lower premium for the same core insurance coverage. This is a critical point of comparison that an independent agency helps clarify.

Pros and Cons of Foresters Burial Insurance

Evaluating any insurance product requires looking at both its strengths and potential drawbacks relative to your individual needs and the broader market.

Potential Advantages

• Fraternal Member Benefits: As detailed above, these unique perks can add significant value beyond the insurance policy itself, potentially saving money on education, legal services, or providing support during emergencies.
• Financial Stability: Foresters Financial generally maintains strong financial ratings, providing confidence in their ability to pay claims long-term.
• Simplified Underwriting: The lack of a medical exam makes the application process faster and more convenient, especially for seniors or those with health concerns.
• Level Premiums: Predictable costs, as premiums are designed to remain fixed for the life of the policy.
• Cash Value Growth: The policy builds equity over time, offering a savings component.
• Reputation and History: A long-standing organization with nearly 150 years of history.

Potential Disadvantages

• Cost Competitiveness: While rates can be competitive for some, Foresters may not always be the lowest-cost option, especially if you are in excellent health or if the fraternal benefits are not valuable to you. The cost of funding these benefits is inherently part of the premium structure.
• Underwriting Stringency: While simplified, their health questions might be stricter than some competitors for certain conditions, potentially leading to a graded benefit or denial where another carrier might offer a level benefit.
• Limited Product Shelf: As a fraternal society focused primarily on life insurance and annuities, they may not offer the breadth of products (like auto or home insurance bundles) available from larger, multi-line insurance companies.
• Fraternal Aspect Not for Everyone: Some individuals may simply want straightforward insurance without the community/membership aspects of a fraternal society.
• Graded Period Limitations: If you qualify only for a graded benefit plan, the lack of full coverage for natural death in the initial years is a significant drawback compared to a level benefit plan.

The “best” choice boils down to personal priorities and circumstances. If the fraternal benefits align perfectly with your needs and values, and their premium is competitive for your profile, Foresters could be an excellent option. However, if your primary goal is the lowest possible premium for a specific death benefit, or if you have health conditions that Foresters underwrites strictly, other carriers accessed through Insurance By Heroes might provide a better solution. The key is comparison.

Understanding the Cost of Foresters Burial Insurance

The premium you’ll pay for Foresters burial insurance, like any life insurance policy, depends on several factors:

• Age: The younger you are when you apply, the lower your premium will be. Rates increase significantly with age.
• Gender: Females generally have longer life expectancies, so they typically pay slightly lower premiums than males of the same age and health.
• Health Status: Your answers to the health questions determine whether you qualify for a level or graded benefit plan. Healthier individuals qualifying for level benefits pay less than those with conditions requiring a graded plan.
• Coverage Amount: The higher the death benefit you choose, the higher the premium.
• Tobacco Use: Smokers or recent tobacco users will pay significantly higher premiums than non-tobacco users.
• Riders: Adding optional riders, like an Accidental Death Benefit Rider, will increase the premium.

Because rates are so individualized, providing exact price quotes without personal information is impossible and misleading. However, to give a general idea, a healthy, non-smoking 65-year-old female seeking a $15,000 level death benefit might find monthly premiums ranging roughly from $50 to $80, while a 75-year-old male smoker seeking the same coverage could see rates well over $150 per month, potentially much higher if qualifying only for a graded plan.

These are purely illustrative examples. The crucial takeaway is that rates vary widely between individuals and also between insurance companies. Foresters might offer a great rate for a 70-year-old non-smoking male, but another company might have much better pricing for a 65-year-old female with well-managed diabetes. This variability underscores why obtaining personalized quotes from multiple carriers is non-negotiable for finding the best value.

Insurance By Heroes makes this process easy. By submitting your information once through our secure quote form, you allow us to quickly gather rates from Foresters and dozens of other highly-rated final expense insurance providers, presenting you with a clear comparison tailored to your specific profile.

Why Choose Insurance By Heroes for Your Burial Insurance Needs?

Navigating the world of burial insurance can feel overwhelming. With so many companies, policy types, and underwriting rules, how do you ensure you’re making the right choice? This is where working with a dedicated, independent agency like Insurance By Heroes provides significant advantages.

Our approach is built on a foundation of service and trust, inspired by our founder’s background as a former first responder and military spouse. We understand commitment, protection, and the importance of having someone reliable in your corner. Many on our team share similar backgrounds in public service, reinforcing our dedication to serving our clients’ best interests.

Here’s why partnering with Insurance By Heroes is different:

• True Independence, Unbiased Advice: We are not captive agents tied to one company like Foresters. We are an independent agency representing dozens of different insurance carriers. This means our loyalty is to you, our client. We provide objective advice focused on finding the policy that best fits your unique needs and budget, not pushing a single product.
• Access to the Wider Market: While Foresters offers solid products, they are just one piece of the puzzle. We bring the entire market to you, comparing Foresters burial insurance against policies from numerous other top-rated companies specializing in final expense insurance. This broad access ensures you see the most competitive options available for your situation.
• Underwriting Expertise: We know that different insurers have different “sweet spots” for various health conditions. If you have diabetes, COPD, heart issues, or other conditions, one company might decline you or offer only a high-cost graded plan, while another might offer affordable level coverage. Our experience helps us match your health profile with the carrier most likely to offer the best terms.
• Personalized Needs Assessment: We take the time to understand your specific goals. How much coverage do you really need? Are fraternal benefits important, or is premium cost the top priority? We help you clarify your objectives to find the right match.
• Save Time and Hassle: Instead of contacting multiple companies individually and filling out numerous forms, you provide your information once to us. We do the legwork, gathering quotes and presenting you with a clear, easy-to-understand comparison.
• Service-Oriented Approach: Our background instills a deep commitment to helping others. We strive to make the insurance process transparent, simple, and focused on securing the peace of mind you deserve.

Choosing Insurance By Heroes means you get expert guidance, extensive market access, and a team genuinely dedicated to finding the right protection for you and your family, comparing options like Foresters burial insurance within the context of the broader market.

The Application Process

Applying for Foresters burial insurance, or similar simplified issue policies from other carriers, is generally straightforward:

1. Quote Request: Start by getting personalized quotes. Working with Insurance By Heroes allows you to get quotes from Foresters and competitors simultaneously.
2. Consultation: We’ll discuss the quotes, explain the differences between level and graded benefits, review any riders, and help you select the best option based on your needs and budget.
3. Application: The application typically involves basic personal information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number) and a series of health questions. Honesty is crucial here; inaccurate answers can lead to claim denial later.
4. Health Questions Review: The insurance company reviews your answers. They may also check databases like the MIB (Medical Information Bureau) and prescription history records to verify your information.
5. Phone Interview (Sometimes): Some insurers may conduct a brief phone interview to confirm your health information.
6. Decision: Based on the review, the insurance company will approve your application (specifying level or graded benefit), request more information, or decline coverage. Approval often happens quickly, sometimes within days or even minutes for electronic applications.
7. Policy Issuance: Once approved and the first premium payment is made, the policy is issued and coverage begins (subject to any graded period).

Our team at Insurance By Heroes guides you through every step of this process, ensuring clarity and ease.

Conclusion: Is Foresters Burial Insurance Your Best Option?

Foresters Financial offers reputable final expense whole life insurance policies with the unique advantage of fraternal member benefits. Their plans provide level premiums, cash value growth, and simplified underwriting, making them a viable option for many seeking to cover end-of-life costs. The potential value of their scholarships, grants, and other member perks can be a significant draw for those who will utilize them.

However, the insurance market is diverse, and Foresters is just one provider among many excellent choices. Their premiums may not be the most competitive for everyone, particularly for those in excellent health or those who place little value on the fraternal benefits. Furthermore, their underwriting guidelines for specific health conditions might be less favorable than some competitors.

The only way to know for sure if Foresters burial insurance is the optimal choice for *you* is to compare it directly against policies from other top-rated carriers. This is where Insurance By Heroes provides indispensable value. Leveraging our independence and access to dozens of insurers, we analyze your specific needs, health profile, and budget to find the policy offering the best combination of coverage, cost, and features.

Don’t leave this important decision to chance or limit your options to a single company. Protect your loved ones and secure your peace of mind by making an informed choice.

Take the next step today. Let the experienced, service-driven team at Insurance By Heroes shop the market for you. Fill out the simple, secure quote form on this page right now to receive your free, no-obligation burial insurance quotes. We’ll compare Foresters Financial alongside numerous other leading carriers to find the protection that truly fits your life and budget.