The post Funeral Insurance Quote appeared first on Funeralwise.

If you’ve recently joined the Funeralwise for Agents Program or are considering joining, you may have a few questions about the program. We’ve gathered the questions we hear most often, along with the answers. If you have a question that isn’t covered below, just let us know by emailing agency@funeralwise.com.

The post Funeralwise For Agents FAQ appeared first on Funeralwise.

The Final Expense Planning Specialist Association (FEPSA) sponsors live discounted training to obtain the Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) designation.

Please read this page in its entirety before submitting your application for the self-study course. To download a copy of the application, click the link at the bottom of the page.

The CPC Program is accredited by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) and by the licensing boards of most states and provinces. The mission of the CPC program is to promote expertise and professionalism in advance funeral planning by recognizing those individuals who have met certain predetermined qualifications and demonstrated their knowledge of prearrangement standards through the CPC examination.

This designation will increase your credibility and help you edge out your competition with a designation that is shared by hundreds of Funeral Directors and the professional preneed sales elite.

The CPC designation:

• Promotes advance funeral planning to the public.
• Enhances your credibility and professionalism.
• Ensures recognition of your arrangement expertise.
• Adds value to your relationships with families.

Cost:

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) offers a special Funeralwise reduced rate of $395 to complete the CPC.

How to Apply:

• Applicant completes the Self-Study Application.
• Make your payment at the time of application. You must pay for the course in full when you apply.
• Once your payment is received, you will be sent the Certified Preplanning Consultant Standards Manual by mail.
• Complete and submit all chapter tests to education@nfda.org.
  • Schedule your final certification exam with a proctor near you.
  • All exams will be mailed back to NFDA and graded.
  • Course MUST be completed within six months of enrollment.
• The applicant will be notified of your exam results within 14 business days of NFDA’s receipt of final materials.

For more information on the NFDA CPC Program, visit the NFDA site: https://nfda.org/education/certified-preplanning-consultant. Please note that in order to take advantage of the discount, you must use the Funeralwise Application (link below).

Questions:

If you have questions about the CPC application, materials, or exam, please get in touch with Sara Moss at smoss@nfda.org.

>>Download the CPC Self-Study Course Application

The post NFDA CPC for Funeralwise appeared first on Funeralwise.

March 2023

Artificial Intelligence and the Funeral Industry

If you follow the news, then you’ve likely seen lots of stories lately about artificial intelligence. From bots that write essays and create images to videos where you can’t tell real from imagined, AI is everywhere these days. AI has the potential to transform many industries, including the funeral industry.

This month’s newsletter highlights the questions we are asking about the potential impact of AI on how we plan for funerals, how we memorialize our loved ones, and how some funeral homes are incorporating AI into their day-to-day operations. While it’s too early to say whether artificial intelligence will impact the funeral business for the good or the bad, it’s safe to say it will most certainly change it. We’ll keep watching as AI matures and keep you posted on how it shapes the industry.

An AI Chatbot Thinks We Should Plan Our Funeral In Advance
At Funeralwise, we often think about what the future of funerals will look like. So it’s not surprising that lately, we’ve been pondering how artificial intelligence will impact the way we plan for our own passing and honor those who go before we do.

How will the current popularity of chatbots impact the way we buy funeral services? How will they be used to tell the stories of our loved ones? Will AI help us plan our own funerals?
We recently posed a funeral-related question to ChatGPT-4, one of the most advanced chatbots available to the public. We asked, “What are the reasons I should create a funeral plan before I die?” and it gave us ten reasons to plan ahead. We encourage you to take a look. If you have thoughts on the subject, please tell us what you think in the comments area for the article.

>>Read Artificially Intelligent Funeral Planning in our Forums

Do Robots Deserve Funerals?
Giving a robot a funeral seems like a ridiculous proposition, but have you ever seen those famous Boston Dynamic Robots dance? As robots become more sophisticated and lifelike, interesting questions about what to do when they reach the end of their lifespan arise.

In our Digital Dying blog, Justin Noble recently examined the issue of giving hardworking robots a funeral. For his take on the topic, click on the link below.

>>Read “Do Robots Deserve Funerals” in our Digital Dying Blog

Are Robot Morticians Just Around the Corner?
As far as we know, there is no such thing as a robot mortician. In fact, the concept raises all sorts of concerns.

But is the idea really all that far-fetched? Our blog, Digital Dying, explored the question all the way back in 2018.

We don’t think the industry is ready for such a leap quite yet, but we suggest you read the article and see what you think.

>>Read More About Robot Morticians

Our website is chock full of resources to help make planning a funeral or memorializing a loved one easier. Below is a short list of some of the most popular. You may not need them now, but bookmarking them will ensure you have them when needed.

• How to Plan a Funeral
• Find Out How Much a Funeral Costs
• Wise Solutions for Planning Ahead
• Learning About Cremation
• Creating a Celebration of Life
• How to Shop for Funeral Insurance

DON’T HAVE A FUNERAL PLAN YET?
Why not take a few minutes to get started today? TRY THE PLANNER

ALREADY HAVE A FUNERAL PLAN?
Take a few minutes to make sure it’s up-to-date. GO TO YOUR PLAN

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straightforward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post Funeral Planning Advice from a Chatbot appeared first on Funeralwise.

September 2022

PREPAID CREMATION PLANS
Prepaid cremation plans allow you to pay for cremation before you need it. In addition to the actual cremation, you can pay in advance for other elements, such as a memorial service or celebration of life. Prepaid plans are available for the full range of cremation services–from simple direct cremation (no service, remains returned to family) to a full traditional funeral with visitation before cremation.
In most cases, you will contract directly with a funeral home or cremation provider for the services you want. Depending on your chosen service provider, you can arrange to pay for services in one lump sum or a series of installments. One of the most popular methods for paying for a cremation in advance is to take out an insurance policy that will be used at your death to cover the costs of the services you purchase.

More about Prepaid Cremation Plans

If you think a prepaid cremation plan might be right for you, our Preplanning Specialists can help you decide. They can also help you find the right financial tool to fund your plan. To start, click the button below and complete the brief information request. A Specialist will get back to you with more info. Email us at support@funeralwise.com if you already have a plan with us and would like to learn more.

LET’S GET STARTED

FROM OUR MAILBAG: SECOND RITE OF INTERMENT
We get a wide variety of questions in the Forums section of our website. One question we’ve been getting a lot recently is, “Why does the cemetery want to charge me for burying two urns in the same space?”
The fact is, when you buy a burial space, you don’t purchase the land. What you buy is the right to bury the remains of one body in the space. That is called a “Right of Interment.” So when you want to bury two sets of remains, whether two urns or an urn and a casket, you must pay for the Second Right of Interment to cover the additional remains.

>>Read What is the Second Right of Interment in our Forums.

TALKING ABOUT YOUR FUNERAL
Our last issue highlighted the importance of discussing your funeral plans with your loved ones. It’s an important issue, so we want to ensure you didn’t miss our article. After all, your plan doesn’t do much good if no one knows about it.
Having the talk is not always easy, though. Our article features helpful tips on how to get started and things to consider.

>>Learn More About Having the Talk

SCATTERING ASHES
People are often surprised to hear that there’s more to scattering ashes than just tossing them to the wind.

Once you decide where to scatter, you should ensure it’s legal to scatter in your chosen spot. Choose an appropriate container. Consider wind conditions–everyone stand upwind!

>>More About Scattering

INSURANCE RESOURCES
While many people know us for our planning expertise, Funeralwise also specializes in funeral, burial, and cremation insurance.

Whether you are looking for basic information or are ready to buy, we can help you make the right decision for you and your family.

Our insurance pages are rich with information to help answer your questions and sort through your choices.

>>Learn More About Funeral Insurance

GIVING GIFT BASKETS
Sending a gift basket to express your sympathy is a thoughtful and practical way to let someone who is grieving know you are thinking about them. In some cultures, giving food items is preferred over flowers and other gifts.
You can purchase a gift basket directly through our store by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. The link takes you to Design It Yourself Gift Baskets, for which we are an affiliate.

>>VISIT DIY Gift Baskets

DON’T HAVE A FUNERAL PLAN YET?
Why not take a few minutes to get started today? TRY THE PLANNER

ALREADY HAVE A FUNERAL PLAN?
Take a few minutes to make sure it’s up-to-date. GO TO YOUR PLAN

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straightforward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post Prepaid Cremation Plans appeared first on Funeralwise.

May 2022

DO YOUR LOVED ONES KNOW WHAT YOU WANT?
Creating a funeral plan can be rewarding since it lets you slow down and reflect on what’s important to you regarding end-of-life arrangements. Once your plan is in place, you have the peace of mind of knowing that your family won’t have the burden of trying to guess what you would want when the time comes.
One vital part of funeral planning that is sometimes forgotten (or avoided) is making sure your loved ones know what you want. The trouble is, it’s not always easy to start the conversation.
Our article “Talking About Your Funeral Plan” has tips for getting started and how to ensure the process goes smoothly. While the article focuses on sharing your information with others, most tips also apply when you want to discuss the subject with others to discuss their plans and how they want their arrangements taken care of.
We always recommend that your funeral plans be recorded online or in hard copy. If you are thinking about what you want for your funeral but haven’t yet written it down, we suggest you take advantage of our Wise Planning System.

>>Read Talking About Your Funeral Plan

WANT ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT?
Do you travel for pleasure? How about for business?
Regardless of why you hit the road, it makes sense to consider purchasing an affordable Travel Protection Plan.
Travel plans cover the cost of getting you home should the unthinkable happen. While it’s hard to imagine needing such a plan, it can make good financial sense. Take a few minutes to learn why purchasing a travel plan is smart, no matter how much you travel.

>>Learn More about Travel Protection

MAKING FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS EASIER
Making funeral arrangements when someone dies unexpectedly or without a plan can be complicated. There is lots to do and not much time to do it.
You can make arranging a funeral easier by knowing what to do and who to call.
For detailed information on making funeral arrangements, visit the Arrangement Pages on our website. You can also download a copy of our Guide to Making Funeral Arrangements or our Funeral Planning Checklist.

WISE PROTECTION PLAN
The Wise Protection Plan, available only through Funeralwise, is designed to help you create your own meaningful funeral with the help of an expert Preplanning Specialist who helps ensure that you have sufficient funds available to pay for it. The Plan is the most comprehensive tool in our family of Wise Planning Solutions. It can help you give yourself and your loved ones the peace of mind that comes with knowing sufficient funds will be available for your funeral. We encourage you to look at the Plan and see if it’s right for you. We are always available to answer any questions you may have.

>>Learn More

LET US ENRICH YOUR GROUP OR ORGANIZATION
Are you a group, organization, or faith-based community that would benefit from offering its members access to our unique set of planning tools? If so, we’d like to hear from you.
Funeralwise offers a unique program designed to enhance the benefits you currently receive as a result of your membership in a group or organization.
When your community teams with Funeralwise, it doesn’t just get access to our funeral planning tools; it gets dedicated support, personalized attention, and much more.

>>Learn More

DON’T HAVE A FUNERAL PLAN YET?
Why not take a few minutes to get started today? TRY THE PLANNER

ALREADY HAVE A FUNERAL PLAN?
Take a few minutes to make sure it’s up-to-date. GO TO YOUR PLAN

Funeralwise.com is the place to go on the web for everything you need to know about funerals. Whether you are planning a funeral or attending one, we will provide you with straightforward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you on your way.

The post Sharing Your End-of-Life Plans appeared first on Funeralwise.

For most of history, we have cared for our dead at home. The deceased were memorialized in the family parlor and buried in the family graveyard. Embalming has been practiced as far back as ancient times, but it has not always been accepted in the US.

The process from death to burial happened quickly enough that preservation was not an issue. During the Civil War, people became more familiar with embalming as surgeons widely used embalming to preserve the bodies of soldiers so they could be transported home for burial.

• A Home Funeral (or Family-Directed Funeral) takes place outside of a funeral home. This usually means in a residence or surroundings special to the deceased. The loved ones of the deceased take care of bathing, dressing, and tending to the body. Typically, embalming is not used. Instead, dry ice or synthetic ice is used to keep the body cool.
• A Home Burial is a burial that takes place on your own private property. Often, the family and friends build their own simple wooden casket or use a fiberboard.

When President Abraham Lincoln’s body was carried across the country by train, newspapers reported on the techniques used for preservation. Americans began to see the value of embalming. Body preservation began to be embraced, but the home was still the center of activity in terms of caring for the dead. The embalmer would come to the home to tend to the body, and the funeral would still take place in the family parlor.

It wasn’t until the 1900s that conditions were right for the funeral industry as we know it today to be born. People began to turn to death specialists to handle the details of caring for the body. Funeral parlors began to pop up in towns across the country. It was also during this time that we saw the growth of community graveyards as an alternative to the traditional family cemetery.

Today, the funeral industry is estimated to be worth nearly $21 billion. It is unquestionably an important and integral part of our society. It cares for our dead, comforts grieving families, and helps to sustain our legacy. Nevertheless, a small but growing movement is embracing the practice of holding the funeral at home rather than at a funeral home or place of worship.

Why Home Burial?

Among the key factors driving the home funeral and burial movement’s growth are the desire to find “green” alternatives to traditional funerals and the need to reduce costs. The cost of the average funeral inching toward $10,000. Home funerals offer a promising option since the cost can be significantly less.

Before opting for a home burial, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations and zoning laws, which vary widely. Some regions have specific requirements for home burials, including plot size, depth, and documentation.

But home funerals are about far more than just saving money. They offer a way to honor the lives of loved ones by making the process much more personal and dignified. They also allow the family to connect with their dead by giving them a hands-on role in making sure their final requests are honored.

Home burial also provides the ability to tailor the entire process to reflect the individuality and personality of the departed. Families can choose meaningful locations, design personalized markers, and establish their own rituals to celebrate the life of their loved one. This personal touch fosters a more intimate connection between the family and the deceased, providing solace during the grieving process.

Even the funeral industry has started to take notice, with some funeral directors beginning to offer support to people who want to hold home funerals. The Green Burial Council is a group dedicated to advancing environmental standards for the funeral industry. The group is working to approve more funeral homes that accommodate families looking for home funeral options.

There is also a growing network of professionals who can assist individuals with carrying out a home funeral. While they do much more than just advise on home burial, death doulas or death midwives can help you understand what to expect when planning a home funeral.

Whether or not a home funeral is right for you or your loved one is a question only you can answer. You will need to consider factors such as how the deceased would prefer to have his or her body handled your religious or cultural beliefs, and how you and your family feel about handling the body. The important thing to know is that you do have the option of holding the funeral at home.

If you do decide that you would prefer a home funeral, it is critical that you document your decision in your funeral plan so that the individuals who are handling your arrangements are aware of your wishes.

LEARN MORE ON FUNERAL PLANNING

The post Home Funerals and Burials appeared first on Funeralwise.

The purpose of this space is to provide you with one location for helpful content, links, and resources. Keep this page handy for when you have a question, want to add to your toolbox, or simply learn something new.

Of course, we’re always available if there’s something you need that you don’t find here. Just email us at agency@funeralwise.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Funeral Insurance FAQ
Funeral Cost FAQ
Funeralwise For Agents FAQ

GUIDES AND CHECKLISTS

Guide to Using the Advisor Dashboard*
Voyage Description Guide*
Rules of the Road*

* File downloads on click. If you do not see it, check your Downloads Folder.

PRESENTATIONS/BROCHURES

Funeral Home Presentation*
Church Brochure for Agents**

* File downloads on click. If you do not see it, check your Downloads Folder.
**This brochure is included as an example. Email us to request a customized version.

TRAINING RESOURCES

Request Access to the Funeralwise Training Academy
NFDA CPC Training Program Info

HELPFUL LINKS

Funeralwise Dashboard Login
FEPSA.org Site
Funeralwise Memorial Store
The Funeralwise Forums Page
Final Expense Advisor Directory

CONSUMER VIDEOS

Idea Series 1: Why Plan
The Wise Planning System
Funeral Planning Robots
The Wise Way to Shop for Funeral Insurance
Plan Your Funeral in 5 Minutes

OTHER RESOURCES

Your Funeralwise for Agents Dashboard has a variety of videos that provide valuable help on various elements of the Funeralwise Wise Planning System. To access these videos, log in to your Advisor Dashboard and click on “the “Help Center” on the left-hand Sidebar.

>>Click here to log in to your Dashboard.

• Funeralwise / FEPSA Training Curriculum Guide
• Video: The Wise Planning System Quick Plan
• Video: The Wise Plan Complete
• Video: Advisor Dashboard Video Tour
• Video: How to Create a Funeral Plan
• Video: Wise Planning System “My Families” Tutorial
• Video: Wise Planning System Insurance Quote Tool Tutorial
• Video: How to Work on a Mobile Device

The post Knowledge Bank for Agents appeared first on Funeralwise.

It’s not surprising that consumers have a lot of questions when it comes to funeral costs. To help you answer these questions, we’ve prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions.

If you’d like more information on funeral costs or a page where your clients can get more information on costs, visit our Funeral Costs pages.

How much does an average funeral cost?

The most recent price survey by the National Funeral Directors Association showed that the median cost of a traditional funeral and burial is over $9,000. A traditional funeral includes a viewing. These costs do not include cemetery costs. A typical burial plot will be between $1,000 to $3,000, and the cemetery interment could cost $1,000 to $2,000. A simple grave marker and installation could easily cost another $1,000. In addition, an honorarium is typically paid to the officiating clergy. Other extra costs include the cost of a newspaper obituary, death certificates, and perhaps flowers. Considering all these costs, a traditional funeral with a burial can easily cost as much as $15,000. Of course, the exact price will depend on the funeral home and cemetery you choose, what you include in your service, and the price of the merchandise you select. Learn more on our funeral cost page.

What is the way to get the cheapest funeral cost?

One of the ways you can reduce the funeral cost is to limit items such as visitation. For example, you may be able to pay less if you have a brief visitation on the day of the funeral rather than holding it the day before. You can also reduce the cost by selecting a less expensive casket and burial vault. We estimate that for a no-frills traditional funeral with the casket present, you may get your cost down to around $6,000 to $7,000. A memorial service or graveside service can be arranged for $5,000 to $6,000. You can reduce your costs further by choosing cremation over burial. Keep in mind that these costs exclude cemetery costs. The absolute cheapest funeral is a direct burial or direct cremation, which includes no ceremonies. You can request our Guide to an Affordable Funeral for tips on reducing funeral costs.

How much does an average cremation cost?

The most recent price survey by the National Funeral Directors Association showed that the median cost of a traditional funeral and cremation is approximately $7,000. A traditional funeral includes a viewing. Many people do not realize you can have a traditional funeral and visitation followed by a cremation. Cremation caskets and rental caskets are available for traditional funerals before cremation. More commonly, people choose to have a memorial service after the cremation, which can cost between $4,000 to $6,000. There are many options for where to hold a memorial service that can reduce costs. A direct cremation (no funeral service) can cost as little as $1,000. The body is delivered to the crematory with a direct cremation, and the remains are returned to the family. Visit our cremation pages to learn more.

How much does a casket cost?

Caskets come in a wide range of materials and designs. A good quality casket would be somewhere between $3,000 to $4,000. If you are buying through a funeral home, you may be able to purchase a basic casket for about $1,500. If you shop online, you may be able to find one for even less. At the high end, you can easily spend $10,000 or more. For more information on casket prices and quality, visit our Caskets page.

How much does a burial plot cost?

A typical burial plot will probably cost between $1,000 to $3,000. The actual cost depends on where you live, how many cemeteries are in your area, and what part of the cemetery you choose. For example, a prime space at the top of a hill overlooking a valley may be more expensive than a flat space in a memorial garden. Interment in a mausoleum crypt can easily cost $2,000 to $3,000 more than a burial plot.

Is cremation cheaper than burial?

Cremation can be much more economical than in-ground burial. A traditional funeral with burial costs upwards of $10,000, and cremation with a memorial service can cost thousands less. However, deciding whether to be cremated is very personal and depends on your faith, traditions, and other factors. For more information, visit our Cremation pages to help you decide what is right for you.

How can I pay for a funeral if I don’t have any money?

Finding the money to pay for a funeral can be difficult if the deceased and their family have not planned ahead. There are places you can get help. Some states and local municipalities have programs to help defray costs, and many financial tools can be used. Visit our Paying for a Funeral page for more information.

The post FAQ: About Funeral Costs appeared first on Funeralwise.

The following Frequently Asked Questions were designed to reply to the funeral insurance questions we get from consumers most often.

We’re sure you also hear similar questions when you are working with clients. In fact, you may even be wondering what the answers are to some of these.

If you’d like more information on the funeral insurance we offer the general public, we encourage you to visit our Funeral Insurance page.

What is funeral insurance?

Funeral, burial, and final expense insurance are all names for small life insurance policies ($3,000-$40,000). These policies cover the cost of final expenses, such as funeral products and services. For more details on these specialized policies, check out our Guide to Buying Funeral Insurance.

How is preneed insurance different from funeral insurance?

PreNeed insurance is similar to funeral insurance but is tied to a preneed contract with a funeral service provider. A preneed contract is a statement of goods and services contract you sign with a funeral service provider when purchasing preneed funeral insurance. It itemizes the specific funeral services and products you selected for your funeral. For more information, visit our page on preneed contracts.

Do I need funeral insurance?

The most crucial benefit of funeral insurance is financial security for your family. According to the 2021 General Price List Survey by the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a traditional funeral was $9,420. This number doesn’t even include cemetery costs. A traditional funeral can easily cost $10,000 or more. Covering funeral costs is a heavy financial burden for most people, especially if it comes unexpectedly and at a stressful time. Having a funeral insurance policy protects your family against this financial hardship. It also avoids the added stress of paying for final expenses while dealing with their grief. To learn more, visit our How to Shop for Funeral Insurance page.

How much funeral insurance do I need?

The value of your policy will depend on the type of funeral service and burial you anticipate having. Most funeral insurance policies range from $3,000-$40,000. A small, simple service or cremation will cost less than a more elaborate service so you won’t need as large a policy. Preplanning is the best way to estimate how much money you need to have available for funeral costs. Our Wise Planning System can help you determine the cost of the type of funeral service you have in mind.

How much does funeral insurance cost?

The cost of funeral insurance depends on factors such as age, health, how much coverage you request, and the type of policy you choose. A guaranteed issue policy will not take health into consideration so the cost may be somewhat higher than for a medically underwritten policy. If you select an underwritten policy, the price depends on your unique situation. For example, the premiums for someone who is age 55 and does not smoke will likely be lower than for a 70-year-old smoker. Requesting a quote is the best way to determine precisely how much your premiums will be.

Do the proceeds from my funeral insurance have to be used for funeral expenses?

It depends on the type of policy you have. Once the holder of a final expense insurance policy dies, the beneficiaries can use the funds however they desire. The funds are usually used as intended, but you should choose your beneficiary carefully. Ensure that the people you want to care for your final farewell know what you want. If you have a preneed insurance contract, the proceeds will go directly to the funeral home where you have made your arrangements.

How can I save money on funeral insurance?

It’s important to remember that funeral insurance is highly regulated, and discounts are not offered on policy rates. If you find something that looks too good to be true, you probably need to look at it more closely. It probably isn’t what you want or need. You can use strategies to lower your premiums, such as scaling back your service or locking in today’s prices through a preneed contract. We highly recommend creating a funeral plan to help you consider what products and services you need. Visit our page on funeral costs to learn more about how much money you need to set aside.

Where can I buy funeral insurance?

You can purchase a funeral insurance policy through an insurance agent or a funeral service provider such as a funeral home. Some insurance companies sell the policies directly as well. Many people prefer to use an agent since it gives them a more personalized way to get customer service. There are many online sources for funeral insurance. We have a network of licensed Preplanning Specialists who would be happy to help you with your funeral planning and provide a free, no-obligation quote.

Do I need to talk to an insurance agent?

You can get a quote online, but it is always best to talk with an agent to ask questions, get clarifications, and ensure you understand precisely what you are buying. One good strategy is to request a quote online and then talk with an agent. This way, you can be confident you are getting the best policy at the best price. An independent agent (also called a broker) is typically self-employed and represents a variety of companies. An exclusive agent represents only one company and may be an employee of the company they represent. Our network of Preplanning Specialists are licensed insurance agents who can help you with your funeral planning and provide a free, no-obligation quote.

What kind of funeral insurance do I need?

The type of insurance that is right for you will depend on your circumstances. The goal is to have a policy that will provide enough money to fund your funeral and burial. Most people find that a relatively small whole-life policy will suit their needs. It is always a good idea to consult your financial advisor to get a definitive answer on what the outlook for your end-of-life situation will be. To learn more about the types of funeral insurance available, check out our Guide to Buying Funeral Insurance.

What is the difference between “Whole Life” and “Term” insurance?

“Whole Life” generally refers to “Ordinary Whole Life,” an insurance policy that will stay in force for the length of your life as long as you pay the premiums. Most whole-life funeral insurance policies are “ordinary” whole life. A “Term” life insurance policy runs for a selected time period, typically 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. Being aware of your policy type is essential since the beneficiary payment will only occur if the insured dies within the specified period. Be sure to read the fine print if you are considering a final expense or burial insurance policy to ensure it is a whole-life policy. Because if it is a term policy and you die after the expiration period, there will be no funds to cover funeral expenses.

Do I need funeral insurance if I have life insurance?

Many people choose to purchase funeral insurance as a supplement to life insurance. Funeral insurance will protect your estate from being depleted by your final expenses. One key advantage of funeral insurance is that it pays out more quickly than regular life insurance. Even if you have a sizable estate or significant life insurance, your loved ones may not have the cash to cover your funeral expenses. Remember, most funeral service companies require that you pay at the time of service.

Does health insurance or Medicare cover funeral costs?

No. Health insurance and Medicare are specifically for health coverage; they do not pay for funeral expenses. If you are looking for insurance coverage, you need some type of life insurance policy, such as funeral insurance, that pays out upon your death.

How do I choose a funeral insurance company?

What insurance company to buy from is essential since the wrong choice can leave you empty-handed. The short answer is that you should only buy from a top-rated company. One good source for insurance company ratings is A.M. Best. This highly regarded company offers independent analysis regarding company stability and the ability to meet financial obligations. If you choose an insurance company with an A.M. Best top rating (AA through A), you can feel reasonably confident that you are making a good choice.

How do I apply for funeral insurance?

How you apply depends on the company from which you are buying. For some, you can apply by phone or fill out a form. For others, you can apply online. Generally, you will request a no-obligation quote and wait for a reply. A good approach is to request a quote online and then talk with an agent. This way, you can be confident you are getting the best policy at the best price. Our network of Preplanning Specialists are licensed insurance agents who can help you with your funeral planning and provide a free, no-obligation quote.

Will my premium change?

If you purchase a policy with “level premiums,” your premiums will not change over the policy’s life. Price is based on the policy value, your age, and health at the time of purchase. The “premium” is the price you pay for your life insurance policy. You make the payments monthly, quarterly, or annually. Prices vary between insurers and types of policies, so be sure to shop around or speak with a licensed agent.

Can my funeral insurance be canceled?

Usually, your policy cannot be canceled unless you stop paying your premiums. The policy will automatically terminate if you don’t pay for any reason. If you choose to cancel, certain whole-life policies have a cash value. Be sure to know what you are buying.

How long do funeral insurance policies last?

If you have a whole-life funeral insurance policy and pay your premiums on time, your policy will last until you pass away. The beneficiary will receive a cash payout of the policy’s value at your death. If you have a term funeral insurance policy and pass away before the term’s expiration, your beneficiary will receive a cash payout upon your death. If the term passes before your death, then, unfortunately, there will be no payout. In most cases, the insurance company can only cancel your policy if you stop paying your premiums.

Who should I choose as my beneficiary?

Your beneficiary is the person or persons you designate as the recipient of a life insurance claim proceeds. In the case of final expense insurance, the person you designate as the beneficiary can decide not to use the funds to pay for the funeral, so be sure to select a person you trust to carry out your wishes. You should also ensure that whoever you choose is fully aware of your wishes. Our Wise Planning System is an excellent way to share your wishes with your beneficiaries and family members.

What is a Graded Death Benefit?

“Graded” refers to the reduced death benefit payable if the policyholder’s death occurs within the policy’s early years. Graded Death Benefit provisions are typically found in guaranteed issue policies. For example, a policy may only pay out the premiums paid to date if death occurs within the first year or two. The death benefit will be an increasing percentage of the face amount until the policy matures to usually the third year.

What are “Stepped Premiums?”

Stepped premiums are insurance premiums that are recalculated (generally once a year) to determine if the level of risk warrants a higher (or lower) premium. Age is generally the determining factor. On the other hand, level premiums are insurance premiums that do not change from month to month as you get older but are locked in at a specific rate. We recommend purchasing a level premium policy to cover your funeral and final expenses.

What is a “Funeral Service Provider?”

The term “Funeral Service Provider” generally refers to a funeral home. It may also refer to a funeral director, a cremation service, or other professionals who provide services to the funeral industry. For help selecting a funeral service provider, visit our Find Services directories.

What is the difference between a guaranteed issue policy and an underwritten policy?

With guaranteed issue policies, almost everyone is accepted regardless of age or medical history. You sometimes hear these policies called “Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance.” These policies are generally more expensive than underwritten policies because there are no health questions. Guaranteed-issue policies typically have graded death benefit provisions that reduce the death benefit within the first few years of the policy. With an underwritten policy, the insurance company evaluates your medical history to determine if it will accept the policy. Medical underwriting may also be used to determine the price of the policy.

How do I find the best funeral insurance policy for me?

We think a step-by-step approach is the best way to find a funeral insurance policy to meet your needs. To learn more about the types of funeral insurance available, check out our Guide to Buying Funeral Insurance.

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