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A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Final Expense Policy

By Gerard Ladalardo·Jul 4, 2026· 5 min read

Planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your family. A final expense policy — sometimes called burial or funeral insurance — covers end-of-life costs and protects loved ones from making rushed financial decisions at the worst possible time.

What to Look For

Look for guaranteed level premiums (they never go up), a death benefit that never decreases, no medical exam for most applicants, and coverage that pays out in days — not weeks. Avoid 'graded' policies that pay nothing in the first two years unless you have no other option.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

The national average for a traditional funeral is now over $12,000. We usually recommend coverage between $15,000 and $25,000 to cover the funeral plus medical bills, debts, and a small cushion for the family.

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