The Pros and Cons of Funeral Insurance for Seniors

The cost of dying can be, well, costly. Many adults, especially seniors, are exploring the option of funeral insurance, also known as burial insurance. These individuals are planning ahead, trying to alleviate any financial burden from their families. As with any insurance, there are many pros and, of course, cons to purchasing funeral insurance in Canada.

How much does a funeral cost?

Funeral costs can vary from fairly inexpensive for the most basic services to ultra-expensive for higher-end services. Current data indicates that funeral expenses in Canada can cost upwards of $15,000 or more. Below is a list of average funeral expenses:

1. Laboratory, thanatopraxy, products: $300 – $400
2. Chapel and musical services: $150 -$300
3. Coffin: $1,700 – $2,100
4. Funeral salon, 2 days: $400 – $500
5. Pall bearers: $150 – $300
6. Funeral van (from the salon to the laboratory): $150 – $300
7. Professional and administrative services: $300 – 600
8. Hearse: $150 – $300
9. Limousine: $150 – $250
10. Vehicle to transport flowers: $100 – $200
11. Transport of the deceased: $0.75 per kilometer

What is funeral insurance?

Also referred to as burial or final expense insurance, funeral insurance can help pay for the cost of funeral expenses when a loved one passes away. Funeral insurance in Canada is often covered under standard life insurance policies. It’s important to review your policy to make sure that in the event of your death, funeral expenses will be covered.

What are the types funeral insurance options available?

The type of funeral insurance you buy will depend on your health condition and any existing pre-conditions at the time of the policy.

1. Standard Life Insurance Policy

   This type of funeral insurance in Canada requires both a medical exam and answering a detailed health questionnaire. This is a good choice if you do not have any serious pre-existing health conditions and are in good overall health.

2. Simplified Issue Life Insurance

   This type does not require a medical exam to obtain funeral insurance in Canada, but there is still a medical questionnaire to complete.

3. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

   This does not require a medical exam nor a medical questionnaire to qualify for funeral insurance in Canada. Anyone can qualify, but this life insurance generally comes with higher fees and smaller coverage. There is typically a two-year probationary period, whereas if you die within two years of buying this policy, your claim will not be paid.

4. Burial insurance

   While a full life insurance policy allows your beneficiaries to continue their standard of living after your passing, seniors’ burial insurance is designed solely to cover final expenses.

Pros and cons of funeral insurance for seniors

When contemplating funeral insurance for seniors, it’s important to understand both the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision that will work best for you and your family.

Pros:

• You will be covered from day one.
• When the insured passes away, the insurance company will pay out a lump sum amount that can be used to cover funeral expenses. The amount can vary and will depend on the type of insurance policy that was purchased by the deceased.
• Your family will receive monthly payouts to help pay for bills and other expenses.
• For people that aren’t confident they can save enough to cover funeral expenses, funeral insurance for seniors can be a good option.

Cons:

• Over time, insurance premiums can increase and, for many seniors on a fixed income, this can be financially stressful.
• If, for whatever reason, you must cancel your policy, it is unlikely you will receive a refund for the premiums already paid. This could amount to thousands of dollars.
• Since most insurers only cover accidental death for the first couple years of a policy, you may not be covered if you should pass away for another reason during this time.
• If you live a long and healthy life, that’s good. But not so good on the pocket book since you will have paid premiums that could far exceed the cost of a funeral.
• Some insurance companies have a waiting period and beneficiaries may have to wait until they receive a payout.

How much does funeral insurance for seniors cost?

Like any insurance policy, the cost will depend on the type of coverage you choose. The following numbers are based on Gerber’s life burial plan and are approximations. Numbers vary across different providers.

Females

This example assumes $5,000 - $10,000 of funeral insurance coverage

• 65 years old = $30 - $60/month in premiums.
• 75 years old = $70 - $140/month in premiums.

Males

This example assumes $5,000 - $10,000 of funeral insurance coverage

• 65 years old = $37 - $74/month in premiums.
• 75 years old = $55 -$110/month in premiums.

Contact nomedicallifeinsurance.ca and speak to an experienced broker who can help you explore all your coverage and discount options. Request a free funeral insurance for seniors quote today! Seniors may be eligible for discounts.