Funeral Cover Over 50 to 90+ [2025 Guide]

Thinking about final expenses isn’t easy, but planning for them is one of the most considerate gifts you can give your loved ones. The rising cost of funerals and associated end-of-life expenses can place a significant financial burden on families during an already difficult time. Fortunately, funeral cover, also known as final expense insurance or burial insurance, offers a practical solution to provide peace of mind and protect your family’s finances. This comprehensive guide, updated for 2025, explores options for securing funeral cover for individuals ranging from under 50 up to age 90 and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for funeral cover over 50, funeral cover over 60, funeral cover for over 65, funeral cover for over 70, funeral cover for over 75, or even exploring options like funeral cover for over 80, funeral cover over 85, or funeral cover for over 90, understanding your choices is the first step. This article will break down what funeral cover is, why it’s important, the types of policies available, and how eligibility and cost factors change with age.

Navigating the insurance market can feel overwhelming, especially with the multitude of carriers and policy variations. That’s where Insurance By Heroes comes in. Founded by a former first responder and military spouse, our agency is built on a foundation of service and trust. Our team, many with backgrounds in public service themselves, understands the importance of looking out for others. As an independent agency, Insurance By Heroes isn’t tied to any single insurance company. We partner with dozens of top-rated carriers across the nation. This independence allows us to shop the market extensively on your behalf, comparing policies and rates to find coverage truly tailored to your unique needs, health profile, and budget – ensuring you get the right fit, not just any fit.

What Exactly is Funeral Cover?

Funeral cover is essentially a type of life insurance policy designed specifically to cover end-of-life expenses. These policies typically offer smaller death benefits compared to traditional life insurance (often ranging from $5,000 to $50,000), making them more affordable and focused on a specific need.

Here’s how it generally works:

• Purpose-Driven: The primary goal is to provide funds for funeral and burial costs, cremation services, memorial services, caskets, urns, headstones, and other related final expenses.
• Beyond Funeral Costs: While the name emphasizes funeral expenses, the death benefit paid to your beneficiary is typically unrestricted. This means they can use the funds for any pressing needs, such as outstanding medical bills, legal fees, credit card debts, or even day-to-day living expenses during the transition period.
• Policy Type: Most funeral cover policies are structured as simplified issue or guaranteed issue whole life insurance. This means:
  • Premiums are usually level and guaranteed not to increase for the life of the policy.
  • The coverage is designed to last your entire lifetime, as long as premiums are paid.
  • These policies often build cash value over time, which you might be able to borrow against in the future (though this reduces the death benefit if not repaid).
• Simplified Underwriting: Unlike traditional life insurance that might require extensive medical exams and detailed health histories, funeral cover policies often involve minimal health questions (simplified issue) or none at all (guaranteed issue). This makes them accessible even for seniors or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Why is Planning for Final Expenses So Important?

The decision to secure funeral cover often stems from a desire to protect loved ones from financial hardship and emotional stress during a time of grief. Here are key reasons why planning ahead is crucial:

• Rising Funeral Costs: According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial has consistently risen, often exceeding $8,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on location and choices. Cremation costs are generally lower but still represent a significant expense. These figures often don’t include cemetery costs (plot, vault, opening/closing fees) or headstones, which can add thousands more.
• Protecting Your Family: Without dedicated funds, your family might need to dip into their savings, sell assets, use credit cards, or even crowdfund to cover your final expenses. This adds immense financial stress to an already emotionally taxing situation. Funeral cover ensures funds are available quickly when needed most.
• Covering Other Debts: End-of-life often involves final medical bills, ambulance fees, or outstanding personal debts. A funeral cover policy can provide the necessary funds to settle these obligations, preventing creditors from pursuing your estate or family members.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have taken care of these arrangements provides invaluable peace of mind for both you and your family. It’s a final act of care, ensuring your send-off reflects your wishes without burdening those you leave behind.
• Leaving a Small Legacy: Any funds remaining after covering final expenses can be used by your beneficiaries as they see fit – perhaps as a small inheritance, a donation to a favorite charity, or help with immediate living costs.
• Preserving Other Assets: Having a dedicated policy prevents the need to liquidate other investments or savings meant for your spouse’s retirement or your children’s future.

At Insurance By Heroes, we regularly speak with families grappling with these concerns. Our experience, rooted in public service backgrounds, drives our commitment to helping you find practical, affordable solutions. Because we work with numerous carriers, we can explore various options to match your specific financial situation and goals.

Funeral Cover Options Across the Decades: From 50 to 90+

Eligibility, policy types, and costs for funeral cover naturally vary depending on your age and health. Let’s explore the landscape for different age groups, keeping in mind that the best way to understand your specific options is to get a personalized quote.

Funeral Cover Under 50

While this article focuses on seniors, it’s worth noting options for younger individuals. If you’re under 50 and in good health, traditional term life insurance or a larger whole life policy might offer more coverage for your premium dollar. However, final expense insurance (funeral cover) is still available and can be a good choice if you specifically want a smaller, permanent policy focused on end-of-life costs, or if health issues make traditional underwriting difficult. Premiums are generally lowest at younger ages.

Funeral Cover Over 50 / Funeral Cover Over 60 / Funeral Cover for Over 65

This is a common age range where individuals begin seriously considering final expense planning.

• Eligibility: Generally wide open. Most carriers offer policies well into these age ranges.
• Policy Options: You’ll likely find both simplified issue (with health questions) and guaranteed issue (no health questions) options available. If you’re relatively healthy, simplified issue will usually offer better rates and immediate full coverage.
• Cost Factor: Premiums are higher than for someone under 50 but still relatively affordable, especially if secured earlier in this bracket (e.g., at 55 vs. 68). Acting sooner locks in rates based on your current age.
• Keywords: Options for funeral cover over 50, funeral cover over 60, and funeral cover for over 65 are plentiful.
• The Insurance By Heroes Advantage: Even in these common age brackets, rates and underwriting nuances differ significantly between carriers. Some companies are more lenient with certain health conditions than others. As an independent agency, Insurance By Heroes compares offers from dozens of insurers to pinpoint the best value and policy structure for your situation, whether you’re 52, 63, or 67.

Funeral Cover for Over 70 / Funeral Cover for Over 75 / Funeral Cover for Parents Over 75

As individuals enter their 70s, the need for final expense planning often feels more immediate. Children may also start looking into funeral cover for parents over 75.

• Eligibility: Still very accessible, though premiums are noticeably higher than for those in their 50s or 60s.
• Policy Options: Simplified issue remains an option if you can answer health questions favorably. However, guaranteed issue becomes increasingly relevant for those with more significant health concerns. Understanding the difference is key.
• Guaranteed Issue Considerations: Policies with no health questions often come with a “graded death benefit.” This typically means if death occurs from natural causes within the first two or three years of the policy, the beneficiaries receive a return of the premiums paid, plus some interest (e.g., 10%). Accidental death is usually covered in full from day one. After the graded period, the full face amount is paid for death from any cause.
• Keywords: Securing funeral cover for over 70 or funeral cover for over 75 years is entirely feasible.
• The Insurance By Heroes Advantage: Finding the right fit becomes even more critical. Is a slightly cheaper simplified issue policy with a few health hurdles better than a guaranteed issue policy with a waiting period? Which carrier offers the best rates for a 73-year-old with specific health conditions? Insurance By Heroes navigates these complexities for you, leveraging our access to multiple carriers to find the optimal solution. We understand that not every policy from every company is suitable for every person, especially as health factors become more prominent.

Funeral Cover for Over 80 / Funeral Cover for Over 85 / Funeral Cover Up to 85 Years

Many believe insurance options disappear after age 80, but that’s not necessarily true. Finding affordable coverage becomes more challenging, but solutions exist.

• Eligibility: Options narrow significantly. Many carriers cap their maximum issue age at 75 or 80 for simplified issue, and often around 85 for guaranteed issue.
• Policy Options: Guaranteed issue whole life becomes the most common, and sometimes the only, option. Be prepared for graded death benefits (typically 2 years).
• Cost Factor: Premiums are substantially higher due to increased mortality risk associated with advanced age. Coverage amounts may also be more limited compared to younger ages.
• Keywords: Yes, you can still find funeral cover for over 80, funeral cover that covers over 80, and even funeral cover over 85 or funeral cover for over 85 years, including policies providing funeral cover up to 85 years.
• The Insurance By Heroes Advantage: This is where working with an independent agency like Insurance By Heroes is absolutely essential. We know which specific carriers specialize in the senior market and offer policies to individuals in their 80s. Many companies simply don’t play in this space. We can quickly identify the few reputable insurers still offering coverage and compare their specific terms (graded period length, maximum coverage amount, premium rates) to find the best available match. Attempting to find this on your own can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Funeral Cover for Over 90

Securing new life insurance coverage after age 90 is extremely difficult, but not entirely impossible in every single case, though options are exceptionally rare.

• Eligibility: Very limited. Only a handful of companies might consider issuing a policy, almost exclusively guaranteed issue.
• Policy Options: Expect guaranteed issue with a graded death benefit (likely 2 or 3 years). Coverage amounts will probably be small (e.g., $5,000 – $10,000 maximum).
• Cost Factor: Premiums will be very high relative to the coverage amount.
• Keywords: While incredibly challenging, exploring options for funeral cover for over 90 requires expert guidance.
• The Insurance By Heroes Advantage: If any viable options exist, an independent agency with broad market access like Insurance By Heroes is your best bet for finding them. We can exhaust the possibilities across our network of carriers, providing realistic advice based on the limited availability in this age bracket.

Understanding the Policy Types: Simplified vs. Guaranteed Issue

Knowing the difference between these two common types of funeral cover is vital for making an informed decision:

Simplified Issue Whole Life

• Underwriting: Requires answering a series of health-related questions (e.g., about major illnesses like cancer, heart disease, stroke, hospitalizations). It does *not* require a medical exam or bodily fluids (blood/urine). Insurers typically verify answers through prescription history databases (MIB – Medical Information Bureau).
• Approval: Not guaranteed. You can be declined if your health history includes significant recent conditions flagged by the insurer.
• Coverage Speed: If approved, the full death benefit is typically effective immediately (no waiting period for natural causes).
• Cost: Generally less expensive than guaranteed issue for the same coverage amount, assuming you qualify.
• Best For: Individuals who are in reasonably good health for their age and can honestly answer “no” to the major health questions asked on the application.

Guaranteed Issue (GI) Whole Life

• Underwriting: No health questions asked. No medical exam required.
• Approval: Guaranteed, provided you meet the age requirements (typically up to age 80 or 85, depending on the carrier) and reside in an eligible state.
• Coverage Speed: Almost always includes a graded death benefit. As mentioned earlier, this means if death from natural causes occurs within the first 2-3 years, the beneficiary receives only a return of premiums paid plus interest. Accidental death is usually covered fully from day one. After the graded period, the full face amount is payable for death from any cause.
• Cost: More expensive than simplified issue due to the higher risk the insurer takes by not screening for health conditions.
• Best For: Individuals with significant pre-existing health conditions who may not qualify for simplified issue policies. It provides a way to secure some coverage when other options are unavailable.

Why does this matter? Because the “best” policy type depends entirely on your individual health and circumstances. Someone qualifying for simplified issue could save significantly compared to a guaranteed issue policy. Conversely, someone with serious health problems might find GI is their only path to coverage. This is another reason why consulting with Insurance By Heroes is beneficial. We assess your situation and compare quotes for *both* types of policies you might qualify for across multiple carriers, ensuring you understand the trade-offs and get the most appropriate coverage.

Key Factors Influencing Your Funeral Cover Cost and Eligibility

Several factors determine whether you qualify for funeral cover and how much it will cost:

• Age: This is the most significant factor. The older you are when you apply, the higher the premium will be, reflecting a shorter life expectancy. This impacts everything from funeral cover over 50 to funeral cover for over 85 years.
• Health: Your current health status and medical history determine whether you qualify for the lower rates of simplified issue or if you need a guaranteed issue policy. Certain conditions might lead to a decline for simplified issue or placement in a higher-risk category.
• Coverage Amount (Face Amount): The size of the death benefit you choose directly impacts the premium. A $25,000 policy will cost more than a $10,000 policy. Most final expense policies range from $5,000 to $50,000.
• Gender: Statistically, women live longer than men. Therefore, women often pay slightly lower premiums than men of the same age and health status.
• Tobacco Use: Smokers or recent tobacco users will pay significantly higher premiums (often 30-100% more) than non-smokers due to the associated health risks.
• Policy Type: As discussed, guaranteed issue policies cost more than simplified issue policies.
• Insurance Carrier: This is crucial! Different insurance companies have different underwriting guidelines and pricing structures (their “rate tables”). One company might offer a much better rate than another for the exact same individual, especially if certain health conditions are present. Some carriers are simply more competitive for specific age bands (e.g., funeral cover for over 75) or health profiles. This variability underscores the value of shopping the market through an independent agency like Insurance By Heroes. We compare these carrier-specific differences for you.
• Payment Mode: Paying annually might be slightly cheaper overall than paying monthly due to administrative savings for the insurer, although most people opt for monthly payments for budgeting ease.

The Insurance By Heroes Advantage: Service, Trust, and Choice

Choosing the right funeral cover policy is an important decision. At Insurance By Heroes, we strive to make the process clear, simple, and focused on your best interests.

Our agency wasn’t founded by typical insurance agents. It was established by a former first responder and military spouse – individuals who have dedicated their lives to service and understand the profound importance of trust and reliability. This ethos permeates our entire team, many of whom also share backgrounds in public service. We approach insurance not just as a product, but as a vital tool for protecting families and providing peace of mind.

What truly sets Insurance By Heroes apart is our independence. We are not captive agents forced to sell policies from only one company. Instead, we maintain active partnerships with dozens of the nation’s leading insurance carriers. This means:

• We Work for YOU: Our loyalty is to our clients, not to any single insurance company.
• Unbiased Comparisons: We objectively compare rates, policy features, underwriting niches, and financial strength ratings from multiple carriers.
• Tailored Solutions: We take the time to understand your specific needs, budget constraints, health situation, and desired coverage amount. Then, we leverage our market access to find the policy that aligns best with *your* unique circumstances. Whether you need straightforward funeral cover over 60 or are navigating the complexities of finding funeral cover for over 80, we have the tools and expertise.
• Simplified Process: Instead of you needing to contact multiple companies and fill out numerous forms, we do the legwork. We gather the quotes and present you with the most suitable options in an easy-to-understand format.
• Expert Guidance: Our licensed agents specialize in life insurance and understand the nuances of final expense products, including state-specific regulations and carrier-specific guidelines, especially for senior applicants.

We believe everyone deserves access to fair, affordable insurance options, regardless of age or health history. Our commitment is to help you find that coverage with honesty and transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Cover

Here are answers to some common questions about final expense insurance:

Can I qualify for funeral cover if I have health problems?

Yes, most likely. If your health conditions prevent you from qualifying for a simplified issue policy (with health questions), you can typically still get a guaranteed issue policy (no health questions), provided you meet the age requirements (often up to 85). Remember, GI policies usually have a graded death benefit period.

Is there a waiting period before the policy pays out?

It depends on the policy type. Simplified issue policies usually provide full coverage from day one for death from any cause. Guaranteed issue policies almost always have a 2- or 3-year graded death benefit period for non-accidental death. Accidental death is typically covered in full immediately under both types.

Will my premiums increase over time?

For most funeral cover policies sold today (which are typically whole life insurance), the premiums are level. This means the rate you lock in when you purchase the policy is guaranteed never to increase, as long as you continue to pay the premiums.

Can I borrow against my funeral cover policy?

Since these are usually whole life policies, they build cash value over time on a tax-deferred basis. After a certain period, you may be able to borrow against this cash value. However, any outstanding loan balance (plus interest) will reduce the death benefit paid to your beneficiaries. It’s generally advisable to keep the policy intact for its intended purpose.

What if I already have term life insurance?

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (e.g., 10, 20, 30 years). If you outlive the term, the coverage expires. Funeral cover is typically whole life, meaning it lasts your entire lifetime. Many people use funeral cover to supplement term insurance or to ensure they have permanent coverage specifically for final expenses, even after their term policy ends.

How much funeral cover do I need?

This depends on your goals. Consider current average funeral costs in your area ($8,000 – $15,000+ including burial/cemetery fees), potential medical bills, outstanding debts you want cleared, and whether you wish to leave a small additional amount for your family. Common coverage amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000, but policies are available for lower and higher amounts. Getting a personalized quote will help you see the costs for different coverage levels.

Who should be my beneficiary?

You can name any adult individual(s), a trust, or your estate as the beneficiary. Most people name their spouse, adult child, or another trusted relative who will likely handle the arrangements. It’s wise to name a contingent (backup) beneficiary as well.

Take the Next Step: Secure Your Peace of Mind Today

Planning for final expenses is a responsible and caring act. It lifts a potential financial weight from your loved ones’ shoulders, allowing them to focus on honoring your memory rather than worrying about costs. Whether you’re exploring funeral cover over 50, seeking options for funeral cover for parents over 75, or need guidance on securing funeral cover for over 85 years, understanding your choices is key.

Remember, not all insurance policies or companies are created equal. The best fit for your neighbor might not be the best fit for you, due to differences in age, health, budget, and coverage needs. That’s why leveraging the expertise and market access of an independent agency is so valuable.

Don’t leave your loved ones guessing or burdened. Secure your peace of mind today. Get your free, no-obligation funeral cover quote from Insurance By Heroes. Simply fill out the quote form on this page. Let our dedicated team – professionals grounded in service – find the best options for you by comparing plans from dozens of top-rated insurance carriers. It takes just a minute to start the process and protect your family’s future.