Traditional life insurance often requires a full medical exam — blood tests, urine samples, and a physical — as part of the underwriting process. For many seniors, this is a barrier, either because of health conditions, age, or simply the inconvenience.
The good news is that most burial and final expense insurance plans available today do not require any medical exam. There are two main types: simplified issue plans, which ask a short set of health questions, and guaranteed issue plans, which ask no health questions at all.
Both types are available to seniors aged 50–85, and both can often be approved quickly — sometimes within minutes of application.
Plan Types Available
Level Benefit
Full death benefit coverage from day one. Best for applicants in reasonably good health. Requires a short health questionnaire — no medical exam.
Graded Benefit
For applicants with some health concerns who may not qualify for a level plan. Full death benefit becomes payable after a 2-year waiting period.
Guaranteed Issue
No health questions whatsoever. Available to almost anyone ages 50–80. Best option for those with serious health conditions who may not qualify elsewhere.
Simplified Issue Plans — Short Health Questions, No Exam
Simplified issue plans ask a small number of yes/no health questions — typically covering major conditions like recent hospitalisation, terminal illness, or specific serious diagnoses. There is no physical exam, no blood draw, and no waiting for lab results.
If you can answer "no" to the key health questions, you typically qualify for a level benefit plan — which provides full coverage from day one and carries the lowest monthly premium of any plan type.
Approval is often same-day or within 24 hours. Coverage begins immediately once the policy is issued.
Guaranteed Issue Plans — No Questions at All
Guaranteed issue plans ask zero health questions. As the name suggests, approval is guaranteed for anyone who meets the age requirements — typically 50 to 80 years old, depending on the carrier.
These plans are the right option for seniors with serious health conditions who may not qualify for simplified issue coverage. The trade-off is a higher premium and a 2-year waiting period — meaning if the insured passes away within the first two years, the full death benefit is not paid (instead, premiums paid plus interest are returned to the beneficiary).
After the 2-year waiting period, the full death benefit is payable for any cause of death.
Monthly Cost Ranges — $10,000 Policy
The table below shows typical monthly premium ranges by age and gender. Actual rates depend on your health history, coverage amount, and carrier.
| Age | Female / Month | Male / Month | Plan Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 50 | $18 – $28 | $22 – $35 | Level Benefit |
| Age 55 | $22 – $34 | $27 – $42 | Level Benefit |
| Age 60 | $28 – $44 | $35 – $55 | Level Benefit |
| Age 65 | $35 – $56 | $46 – $70 | Level / Graded |
| Age 70 | $44 – $70 | $55 – $90 | Level / Graded |
| Age 75 | $65 – $105 | $85 – $135 | Graded / Guaranteed |
| Age 80 | $90 – $140 | $120 – $185 | Graded / Guaranteed |
Estimates for a $10,000 policy. See the full cost breakdown →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get burial insurance without a medical exam?
What is the age limit for burial insurance?
What is the difference between burial insurance and final expense insurance?
Does my premium increase over time?
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What health conditions disqualify you from burial insurance?
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