Talking about death, especially your own, can be uncomfortable and downright anxiety-inducing.
But, if you’ve ever had to make funeral arrangements for a loved one, you know the significant cost involved and the numerous decisions that need to be made.
Preparing for your own final expenses may not be easy or pleasant, but it will make all that follows much less burdensome for those you leave behind. Final expense insurance can help.
What is it?
Also known as burial insurance, final expense insurance covers the costs of your funeral. The average cost of a funeral in 2024 is more than $8,300, according to USA Today.
The basics
Final expense life insurance is different from other kinds of life insurance. Its cost is calculated based on the kind of funeral you wish to have..
The older you are, the more final expense insurance will cost you. That’s because your statistical chances of death rise as you age, so there’s less time to pay on the policy.
For example, you’ll pay much less for your policy when you purchase at 45 than if you wait until you’re 75. However, it is rarely more than $20,000.
Do you need it?
The average cost of a funeral only includes services performed by the funeral home, such as embalming, the casket and vault, the hearse, and other transportation fees. It doesn’t include a cemetery plot, the fees for opening and closing the grave, or the headstone and its installation.
There are other factors to consider, too.
Will your family want to hold a catered reception after the services?
Are there any special memorial items that your family may want to have printed to distribute to those who come to pay their respects?
Unfortunately, there are always unexpected costs that add up quickly. Whether you need final expense insurance depends on your family’s ability to cover the costs of your funeral out-of-pocket.
The problem with prepaying
You may be wondering why you can’t just prepay for your funeral now, while you’re still alive and kicking. You certainly can – and it’s one way to ensure your funeral is exactly as you wish.
Find a funeral director with whom you feel comfortable, then choose how you want to be buried or cremated. You can even pick the cemetery plot with the most beautiful view.
However, consider these potential issues.
Things change. You can face an unforeseen move, the funeral home you chose so carefully could go out of business or you could just change your mind about the choices you made. Any of these problems can end up with you losing your money.
With final expense insurance, your family will receive a payout that allows them the flexibility they need to carry out your wishes.
A necessary conversation
It’s no fun to talk about preparing for your eventual passing, but your family will be grateful.
Have the hard conversation with your spouse and/or other family members about the need for burial insurance.
When everyone understands the high costs associated with death it makes the decision much easier.
Seek help
Planning for your final expenses isn’t the happiest of topics, but working with an independent insurance professional who knows the ins and outs of this type of insurance can make the process much less painful.
Here are some of the reasons you should talk to an expert at UROne Benefits.
- One-stop shopping. You can purchase final expense insurance right along with your auto/life/homeowners’ policies.
- It’s complicated. Coverages vary from provider to provider. Work with someone who’s familiar with and has relationships with each company.
- We have your back. An independent insurance agent won’t just help you find a policy and walk away. They’ll answer your questions and guide you through the process with compassion when the time comes to activate the policy.