ALS Final Expense Insurance: Real Options in 2026

The Reality of Life Insurance After an ALS Diagnosis

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ALS, finding life insurance probably feels impossible. And honestly, traditional life insurance and most simplified issue policies will not be available. An ALS diagnosis of any type or stage falls outside the underwriting guidelines of conventional carriers.

But that does not mean you are without options. Guaranteed issue final expense insurance exists for exactly this situation. It was designed so that people facing serious health conditions can still protect their families.

Why Traditional Coverage Is Not Available

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. Because of the nature of the disease, standard underwriting cannot offer coverage at any rating class. This is not a reflection of your worth or your story. It is simply how risk assessment works for these products.

If you have already been declined for coverage elsewhere, that experience is unfortunately common. Many of our clients come to us after hearing “no” from one or more companies. Being declined does not close every door. It just means you need a different type of product.

How Guaranteed Issue Final Expense Insurance Works

Guaranteed issue policies are built differently from traditional life insurance. Here is what makes them unique.

• There are no health questions on the application, or in some cases only one or two very basic ones.
• There is no medical exam required.
• Acceptance is guaranteed for applicants within the eligible age range, which is typically 45 to 85.
• The application process takes just minutes to complete.

The name says it all. If you meet the age requirement, you are approved. No underwriting review, no medical records request, no waiting for a decision.

What to Expect From Coverage and Cost

Guaranteed issue policies are final expense products, not large income replacement plans. Here is what that means in practical terms.

Coverage Amounts

Most guaranteed issue policies offer between $5,000 and $25,000 in coverage, with some carriers offering up to $50,000. This is designed to cover funeral and burial costs, outstanding medical bills, and small debts. Some families choose to apply for policies with more than one carrier to increase the total benefit.

The Graded Benefit Period

Nearly all guaranteed issue policies include a graded benefit period, usually lasting two to three years. During that window, if the insured passes away from natural causes, the policy pays back all premiums plus interest (typically around 10%) rather than the full death benefit. After the graded period ends, the full face amount is paid. One important detail is that accidental death is usually covered at the full benefit amount from day one.

Cost Reality

Guaranteed issue coverage costs more per dollar of benefit than traditional policies. That is the tradeoff for guaranteed acceptance. To put it in real numbers, a $15,000 policy might cost between $70 and $100 per month depending on your age. Premiums are locked in once you are approved and will not increase as your health changes.

Is it more expensive than standard coverage? Yes. But it is available, and that difference matters when the alternative is leaving your family with nothing.

Why an Independent Agency Makes a Difference

Even within guaranteed issue products, there are real differences between carriers. Graded benefit periods vary. Maximum face amounts differ. Monthly premiums can swing significantly for the same coverage. Some carriers are more generous with accidental death provisions or offer shorter graded windows.

This is where working with an independent agency pays off. At Insurance By Heroes, we compare guaranteed issue options from many different carriers to find the best fit for your situation. Our agency was founded by a former first responder and military spouse, and every member of our team comes from a background in public service. That service first mentality drives how we treat every client. We believe everyone deserves the same level of care and attention, regardless of their health history or background. We are not tied to one company, so our only goal is finding the policy that works best for you.

Making the Decision

If you are considering guaranteed issue coverage, acting sooner rather than later works in your favor. Age directly affects premium costs, and locking in a policy now means your rates stay the same going forward.

Think about what matters most for your family. Funeral and burial expenses average between $7,000 and $12,000 in most areas. Outstanding medical bills or small debts may also be a concern. Even a modest policy can prevent your loved ones from facing those costs during an already difficult time.

Some people hesitate because the premiums feel high. That is understandable. But compare the monthly cost to the financial burden your family would carry without any coverage at all. For many families, $70 to $100 a month is a manageable way to provide meaningful protection.

If you are ready to explore your options, requesting a quote is free and comes with no obligation. An independent agent can walk you through the numbers and help you decide what makes sense.

FAQ

Can I get life insurance with ALS?

Yes. While traditional and simplified issue life insurance are not available after an ALS diagnosis, guaranteed issue final expense policies require no health questions and guarantee acceptance within eligible age ranges (typically 45 to 85).

How much does guaranteed issue life insurance cost?

Costs depend on your age and the amount of coverage you choose. As a general reference, a $15,000 policy might run between $70 and $100 per month. Premiums are fixed once your policy is issued.

What is the graded benefit period?

The graded benefit period is typically the first two to three years of a guaranteed issue policy. If the insured passes away from natural causes during this window, the policy returns all premiums paid plus interest (usually around 10%). After the graded period, the full death benefit is paid. Accidental death is generally covered in full from day one.

How much coverage can I get with guaranteed issue?

Most guaranteed issue policies offer between $5,000 and $25,000, with some carriers going up to $50,000. You may be able to apply with more than one carrier to increase your total coverage amount. An independent agent can help you find the right combination for your needs.