What is final expense insurance, and is it a practical alternative to traditional life insurance for seniors in their 70s and 80s?
Final expense insurance is whole life coverage with a small face value — typically ,000 to 5,000 — sized to cover funeral costs, not income replacement. Premiums are fixed for life and guaranteed acceptance requires no medical exam. The premium-to-benefit ratio is less favourable than term life purchased younger, but the product addresses one goal: not leaving funeral costs for family to absorb.
Globe Life Insurance
Direct-to-consumer life and final expense insurance with simplified underwriting, available by mail or online for seniors aged 50–85.
Key Features
- No medical exam
- Ages 50–85 eligible
- Coverage $5K–$100K
- First month $1
- Locked-in premiums
Best for
Seniors who want a simple, affordable policy to cover funeral costs without a medical exam.
Worth knowing
Coverage amounts are lower than term life; premiums can be higher per dollar of coverage than term policies.
What makes it worth considering?
Globe Life has insured American families since 1951. Their direct-mail and online model cuts out agents entirely, keeping premiums low. Seniors aged 50–85 can apply for final expense whole life coverage ($5,000–$100,000) with no medical exam.
Approval is based on health questions rather than a physical. The first month is $1, making it easy to start a policy and review the terms before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
You answer health questions instead of having a physical exam. Approval is faster but some conditions may be excluded.
Globe Life offers level premiums — they do not increase with age after the policy is issued.
How does it compare?
Other options in this category worth considering.
| Product | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Globe Life Insurance This pick | $10–$100 | Seniors who want a simple, affordable policy to cover funeral costs without a medical exam. |
| Ethos Life Insurance | $15–$150 | Seniors under 65 wanting fast coverage; seniors 66–85 needing guaranteed-issue coverage. |
Prices are approximate ranges — check each retailer for today's price.
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Browse Life & Final Expense InsuranceInformation last verified: 2025-01-01.