Understand Pennsylvania Final Expense Life Insurance Options
Posted in Insurance By State last updated on October 31, 2023
The thought of planning for the end of life can be daunting, but it is important to plan ahead. Pennsylvania final expense life insurance provides peace of mind that your loved ones won’t face financial burden in case something unexpected happens.
Knowing what you need to do and which company offers the best coverage are essential steps when looking into purchasing a policy.
In this blog post, we will cover everything from understanding what final expense life insurance is, funeral costs in Pennsylvania, burial and funeral laws specific to the state as well as sample rates based on gender.
Finally, we will provide instructions on how to buy a policy and list some top final expense companies offering Pennsylvanians the most competitive prices.
Table of Contents:
- What is Final Expense Life Insurance?
- Funeral Costs in Pennsylvania
- Burial and Funeral Laws in Pennsylvania
- Sample Rates for State Males and Females
- Steps to Buy a Final Expense Life Insurance Policy
- Best Final Expense Life Insurance Companies
- FAQs in Relation to Pennsylvania Final Expense Life Insurance
- Next Steps
What is Final Expense Life Insurance?
Final expense life insurance is a type of life insurance policy designed to cover the costs associated with end-of-life expenses such as funeral and burial costs.
Also referred to as burial insurance, it is typically purchased by seniors over the age of 50 who want to ensure that their loved ones are not burdened with these costs after they pass away.
The death benefit from final expense policies can range anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000 in coverage – depending on the insurer and plan chosen.
These plans are almost always whole life policies, meaning they will remain in effect for your entire lifetime as long as premiums are paid when due.
Policies are modest in size and are designed to cover the following expenses:
- Final medical bills.
- Cost of cremation, if applicable.
- Transportation fees.
- Price of a funeral.
- Flower arrangements.
- Obituary and memorial service publications.
Especially if you do not have money set aside, burial insurance for seniors (final expense) is a great way to help cover the costs of funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs. Now let’s take a look at how much funerals cost in Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaway: Final expense life insurance can provide peace of mind that end-of-life expenses are covered. That way, loved ones are not burdened with final bills during an emotionally difficult time.
Funeral Costs in Pennsylvania
Funeral costs in Pennsylvania can vary greatly depending on the services chosen. The average cost of a funeral in Pennsylvania is around $7,000-$10,000.
This includes the cost of:
- Casket
- Embalming or
- Cremation
- Visitation
- Burial
- Other services
Casket
Caskets are typically one of the most expensive items for funerals in Pennsylvania and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Embalming
If applicable, embalming fees also vary widely depending on the complexity of the process but usually range between $400-$600.
Visitation Fees
Visitation fees may be included with some packages or may be an additional fee that ranges from $100-$500 per day depending on location and services offered.
Other Expenses
Other common expenses include transportation fees ($200-300), obituary notices ($50-150) and death certificates ($20).
Note – A death certificate is required in order for your beneficiary to file a life insurance death claim.
In addition to these basic costs, there are many other potential expenses associated with funerals such as flowers, catering for receptions, music at the service, cemetery plot purchases or grave markers – which can add up quickly if not planned for ahead of time.
It is important to consider all possible expenses when budgeting for a funeral so that you do not end up paying more than necessary down the line.
The cost of funerals in Pennsylvania can vary greatly, so it’s important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding burials and funerals in order to ensure you are making informed decisions.
Next, we’ll look at how these laws affect final expense life insurance in Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaway: Funeral costs in Pennsylvania can range from $7,000-$10,000 and include casket, embalming, visitation fees and other services. It is important to consider all possible expenses when budgeting for a funeral such as flowers, catering and cemetery plot purchases.
Burial and Funeral Laws in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the Department of Health is responsible for regulating funeral and burial laws.
Permits
All burials must be performed with a permit issued by the department.
To obtain a permit, an application must be completed which includes information about the deceased person such as name, date of birth and place of death. The cost for a burial permit is approximately $20.
Cremation
Cremation permits are also required in Pennsylvania and can only be obtained from the county coroner or medical examiner where the death occurred.
Cremations must take place within 48 hours after receiving permission from either office unless otherwise specified by law or court order. The cost for cremation permits vary depending on the county but typically range between $50 to $100, per permit.
Burial
When it comes to burying remains in Pennsylvania there are certain regulations that need to be followed.
All bodies must be buried at least two feet below ground level and no more than four feet above ground level, unless approved by local health authorities due to soil conditions or other factors that may affect public health safety standards.
Casket Regulation
In addition, all caskets must have airtight seals so that any gases released during decomposition do not escape into surrounding areas and contaminate groundwater sources nearby.
According to state law requirements regarding water quality protection standards set forth by local governing bodies, no burials may contaminate water.
Timeline
Finally, remains cannot remain unburied longer than 30 days without special permission from either a judge or local health authority depending on individual circumstances related to each case presented before them.
This is in accordance with the current existing laws concerning funerary rights within Pennsylvania jurisdiction boundaries.
Burial and Funeral Laws in Pennsylvania provide important information to consider when planning for end of life expenses. Now let’s take a look at sample rates for males and females in the state.
Key Takeaway: The Department of Health in Pennsylvania regulates burial and cremation laws. Bodies must be buried two to four feet below ground level with airtight seals and remains cannot remain unburied longer than 30 days, without special permission.
Sample Rates for State Males and Females
The cost of a final expense policy varies depending on factors such as age, gender, health history and more. Generally speaking, males tend to pay slightly higher rates than females due to their shorter life expectancy.
In Pennsylvania specifically, sample rates for males aged 50-80 range from $20-$150 per month while sample rates for females aged 50-80 range from $15-$140 per month.
This means that a healthy 65 year old male in Pennsylvania could expect to pay around $55 per month for a final expense policy worth $10,000 in coverage.
In comparison, a healthy 60 year old female in the same state would likely pay about $50 per month for a final expense policy worth $15,000 in coverage.
It’s important to note that these are just estimates based on average market prices; actual premiums may vary depending on individual circumstances – such as health status or lifestyle choices like smoking or drinking alcohol.
Additionally, different companies offer different policies with varying levels of coverage at various price points so it pays off to shop around before committing to any one plan or provider.
It is also worth noting that pricing points vary based on special circumstances, such as:
Sample rates for state males and females can vary greatly, so it’s important to compare policies before making a decision. Now let’s take a look at the steps you need to take in order to purchase a final expense life insurance policy.
Key Takeaway: Final expense life insurance in Pennsylvania can vary greatly in cost depending on age, gender, health history and coverage amount. Shop around for the best policy and be aware of local laws that may affect funeral costs.
Steps to Buy a Final Expense Life Insurance Policy
The process of buying a final expense life insurance policy is relatively simple and can usually be done online or over the phone in just a few minutes.
Before you do anything else, enlist the help of an independent agent who specializes in burial insurance for elderly individuals. That way, you have someone sitting on the same side of the able as you, so-to-speak.
Step One: Application
To get started, you’ll need to fill out an application form with your personal information such as name, address and date of birth. You may also be asked to provide some medical information.
Step Two: Coverage Amount
Once you’ve completed the application form, you’ll need to select how much coverage you want for your policy. This amount should reflect what it would cost to cover any outstanding debts or funeral expenses that might arise after your death.
Common final expense policy sizes include:
Premiums will vary depending on the type of plan and coverage amount selected so make sure to compare rates before making a decision.
Step Three: Signatures
After selecting coverage amount and paying premiums, there are typically additional documents that must be signed before the policy is finalized.
It is important to ensure all forms are filled out correctly and read through carefully before signing.
This includes reviewing any exclusions or limitations associated with the policy itself, as well as checking if there are any special conditions related to pre-existing medical conditions or other factors that could affect eligibility for certain benefits under the plan.
Step Four: Policy Delivery
Once everything has been reviewed and approved by both parties involved (you and the insurer), your final expense life insurance policy will become active upon payment of premiums; meaning it is now ready for use when something happens down the road.
Be sure to store your burial policy in a safe place. Let your beneficiary know where to find it so that it is easily accessed when it comes time to file a life insurance death claim.
Taking the time to understand the steps to buying a final expense life insurance policy can help you make an informed decision when selecting a provider. Now let’s take a look at some of the best companies offering this type of coverage.
Best Final Expense Life Insurance Companies
When it comes to final expense life insurance, there are a variety of companies that offer coverage. It is important to do your research and compare different policies before making a decision.
The best final expense life insurance companies will provide you with the most comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.
Again, work with an expert agent to access the top-rated carriers.
SBLI
Another great option is SBLI, who has been providing quality products since 1907. They offer flexible plans that allow customers to customize their coverage. You may buy up to $35,000 in coverage and each burial policy includes free enrollment into the Sequoia Funeral Concierge Plan.
American Amicable
One of the top rated companies for final expense life insurance is American Amicable. They offer competitive rates and have been in business since 1910. Their policies are designed to help cover funeral costs, medical bills, or other expenses. Up to $50,000 in burial insurance is available.
Prosperity
Prosperity Life offers a unique burial insurance option, called PrimeTerm to 100, that only asks three health questions. You can purchase up to a $30,000 burial policy with competitive premium rates.
CICA
CICA Life Superior Choice offers coverage to applicants between the ages of 0 – 85 years old. Up to $30,000 in coverage is available and you will not be asked about tobacco use, your height or weight.
Guarantee Trust Life
Guarantee Trust Life should also be considered. Their Heritage Plan offers a burial policy of up to $25,000 in coverage. Only five health questions are asked during the application process.
Corebridge Financial
For seniors who have significant health complications, Corebridge (formerly AIG) offers a guaranteed issue whole life product. With this plan, up to $25,000 of burial insurance can be purchased with no health questions asked.
Just remember, only purchase a guaranteed issue life insurance plan if you cannot qualify for traditional burial insurance.
Key Takeaway: Final expense life insurance can be found through companies such as American Amicable, SBLI, Guarantee Trust Life and Corebridge Financial.
All offer competitive rates and flexible plans. Customers should work with an expert agent to compare policies before making a decision.
FAQs in Relation to Pennsylvania Final Expense Life Insurance
Is final expense life insurance worth it?
Final expense life insurance or burial insurance can be worth it. It provides financial protection to seniors to help cover final expenses, such as funeral costs and medical bills.
It also helps to provide peace of mind knowing that loved ones won’t have to worry about covering these costs in the event of death. In addition, most policies include a modest cash value that can be accessed during minor financial emergencies.
Ultimately, whether or not final expense life insurance is worth it depends on individual circumstances and needs.
Does PA pay for funeral expenses?
No, Pennsylvania does not pay for funeral expenses. However, there are insurance products available that can help cover the price of a funeral or burial.
Final expense or burial insurance for seniors are designed to provide financial protection for families in the event of death.
These policies may be purchased by individuals or couples over the age of 50 and can provide coverage for end-of-life expenses such as funerals, burials, cremations, medical bills and other related costs.
What is the difference between burial insurance and final expense insurance?
Burial insurance and final expense insurance are the same thing.
Their names are used interchangeably and this form of life insurance includes a few key traits:
- Permanent coverage.
- Modest face amounts.
- Easy to qualify for.
- No medical exam.
- Modest cash value.
How does final expense life insurance work?
Final expense life insurance is a type of policy designed to cover the costs associated with end-of-life expenses.
It typically pays out a lump sum to your beneficiaries upon your death, allowing them to pay for funeral and cremation costs, medical bills, outstanding debts, and other final expenses.
The premiums are typically lower than those of traditional life insurance policies because the coverage amount is usually smaller and the policy does not require a medical exam.
Next Steps
Final expense life insurance is an important product for seniors over the age of 50 in Pennsylvania. It provides financial protection to cover funeral costs and other end-of-life expenses.
Understanding burial and funeral laws in Pennsylvania, as well as sample rates for males and females can help you make an informed decision when shopping for a policy.
Following the steps outlined above will ensure that you find the best Pennsylvania final expense life insurance company that meets your needs – at a price you can afford.
Seniors in Pennsylvania need a reliable and affordable life insurance option to provide peace of mind for their loved ones.
With iSeniorBenefits, you can get the best final expense, Medicare, health and cancer plans that meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Get started now by exploring our range of options to find the perfect plan for you or your family today.