2025 Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage Review – Dumpster Fire or NOT?

You’ve probably seen Lincoln Heritage ads promising to be the “number one final expense company in America.” They talk about quick approvals, simple coverage, and even toss in a Funeral Consumer Guardian Society membership to make it sound like a complete package.

Here’s the problem. Lincoln Heritage charges some of the highest premiums in the industry. Also, many people don’t even qualify for first-day coverage, which means you could pay top dollar and still be stuck with a two-year waiting period.

A 2-year waiting period…that’s possibly the worst deal in the world!

I’m Randy, the Final Expense Guy. In this article, I’ll break down what the Funeral Advantage program actually is, what it really costs, who qualifies for it, what the fine print looks like, and why better options are almost always available.

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WHAT IS LINCOLN HERITAGE FUNERAL ADVANTAGE?

Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company has been selling final expense insurance since 1963. Their main product is called Funeral Advantage. If you’ve ever turned on daytime TV or sorted through your mail, you’ve likely seen ads from them.

Funeral Advantage is a whole life insurance policy. Coverage amounts are typically small, ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. Premiums never go up. Coverage never goes down. The policy lasts for your entire life as long as you continue to pay.

But here’s the problem: you can get the same thing from other companies for a lot less money.

Lincoln Heritage also includes membership in the Funeral Consumers Guardian Society. They pitch this as a free perk to check or negotiate pricing.

But you don’t need to pay extra for something you can get for free.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy helps you get the benefits of whole life coverage while cutting out the inflated costs that come with Lincoln Heritage.

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HOW DOES THE FUNERAL ADVANTAGE PROGRAM WORK?

Funeral Advantage has two parts.

The first is the insurance policy. It’s whole life, which means:

• Premiums stay the same for life
• Coverage lasts forever
• Benefits are guaranteed as long as payments are made

The second part is the Funeral Consumers Guardian Society.

Lincoln Heritage sells this as a major benefit, but in practice, it’s a marketing hook. That’s because families can already shop and compare funeral prices without joining a club.

Coverage is small, usually capped at around $35,000. If you pass basic health questions, you might qualify for first-day coverage. If not, you will be placed in their Guaranteed Acceptance Plan.

That version has a two-year waiting period for natural death. Two-year waiting period policies are the worst in the industry. Seniors deserve better, and 97 percent of people qualify for first-day coverage if they work with the right agent.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy gets seniors into 1st-day coverage with better companies and shows families how to handle funeral costs without wasting money on add-ons.

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ADVERTISING CLAIMS VS. REALITY

Lincoln Heritage calls Funeral Advantage “the leading final expense program in America.” That line is designed to make seniors feel safe and secure. The reality behind the slogan is very different.

If you don’t qualify for 1st-day coverage, they’ll push you into their guaranteed acceptance or graded plans.

These come with a two-year waiting period. Families often find out too late that claims aren’t paid in full until after those first two years.

They also promote the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS) as if it were free. It’s not.

Families pay for it through higher premiums. Independent reviews show that Funeral Advantage policies often cost 30-40% more than other A-rated insurers that offer the same benefits.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy shows you side-by-side comparisons so you can see how much more coverage you could have bought with the same budget if you avoided Lincoln Heritage’s inflated pricing.

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ADVANTAGES OF LINCOLN HERITAGE FUNERAL ADVANTAGE

Lincoln Heritage offers features that can seemingly appeal to seniors who prefer simplicity.

Funeral Advantage is a whole life policy, meaning your premium will never go up and your death benefit will never drop, as long as you pay. That predictability is something families value, so there are no surprise price increases down the road.

They also advertise very low entry rates. Their website claims rates starting at just $15 a month.

Realistically, those rates apply only to people in younger age brackets or to minimal coverage amounts.

They include membership in the Funeral Consumers Guardian Society as part of the package. Lincoln Heritage sells it as a benefit that helps families plan and compare funeral costs. Many people prefer the idea of not having to do all of that on their own.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy helps you keep the good parts…level premiums, whole life coverage, and planning support…while shopping among dozens of companies so you don’t overpay just for marketing.

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DISADVANTAGES OF LINCOLN HERITAGE FUNERAL ADVANTAGE

Lincoln Heritage is massively expensive. Independent reviews show that Funeral Advantage policies are often 30-40% more costly than equivalent policies from other A-rated carriers.

That extra cost instantly eats away at your coverage amount.

The guaranteed acceptance version is a major red flag. It comes with a full two-year waiting period for deaths from natural causes.

They heavily market the FCGS benefit, but that “benefit” is actually permanently built into their higher premiums.

You’re paying, whether you use it or not.

Also, complaints about call center tactics and over-aggressive recruitment of leads are common. Buying from a call center is almost always a bad idea.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy works with real independent agents, not call centers. He shows you which carriers deliver the same coverage at lower cost, in a way that’s honest and built to serve you, not push quotas.

What Are Lincoln Heritage’s Application Questions?

1. Has the proposed insured been diagnosed by a physician with a terminal illness or AIDS or HIV? (Yes – No)
2. Is the proposed insured currently hospitalized, bedridden, or incarcerated in a care facility? (Yes – No)

You will be denied coverage if you answer “yes” to either of these two questions.

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MODIFIED PLAN

In the previous two years, did you receive a diagnosis or treatment for the following medical conditions?

• Heart Disease ( congestive heart failure, heart attack, or heart surgery) (Yes – No)
• Circulatory System Diseases (stroke, TIA, coronary artery disease, aneurysm) (Yes – No)
• Cancer (leukemia, other types of cancer except for basal cell carcinoma) (Yes – No)
• Lung Disease ( emphysema or COPD except for asthma) (Yes – No)
• Kidney – Liver Diseases – Organ Transplants (Yes – No)
• Dementia – Alzheimer’s Disease – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – Organic Brain Syndrome? (Yes – No)
• Diabetic Complications Such As Blindness – Amputation – Kidney Disorder – Diabetic Coma? (Yes – No)
• Recent Diagnostic Test Which Relates To Any Of The Health Conditions Listed With No Results Yet? (Yes – No)
• Alcohol or Drug Abuse? (Yes – No)
  

If you answer “yes” to any of these health questions, you will only qualify for their modified plan, which comes with a two-year waiting period.

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COST OF FUNERAL ADVANTAGE

Here’s where Lincoln Heritage often stings you. According to their own marketing and third-party rate listings:

Age	Lincoln Heritage Estimate (Female, $10,000)	Competitor Estimate (same coverage)
50	$25–$40	~$25–$30
65	$41–$64	~$45–$50
80	$93–$152	~$80–$120

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy shows you those numbers side by side. You don’t have to settle. For the same money, you can often get more coverage with first-day benefits from a better company.

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HOW CAN I GET LINCOLN HERITAGE LIFE INSURANCE PRICING?

Lincoln Heritage rates are based on your age, gender, health, coverage amount, and the state you live in at the time of application.

FEMALE AGE	$5,000	$10,000	$15,000	$20,000	$25,000
50	$18.51	$33.96	$49.41	$64.86	$80.30
55	$20.81	$38.56	$56.30	$74.05	$91.80
60	$23.96	$44.86	$65.76	$86.67	$107.57
65	$30.26	$57.46	$84.66	$111.86	$139.06
70	$39.21	$75.36	$111.51	$147.66	$183.81
75	$52.11	$101.16	$150.21	$199.26	$248.31
80	$74.06	$145.06	$216.06	$287.06	$358.06

MALE AGE	$5,000	$10,000	$15,000	$20,000	$25,000
50	$22.11	$41.16	$60.21	$79.25	$98.30
55	$25.71	$48.36	$71.00	$93.65	$116.30
60	$31.16	$59.26	$87.36	$115.46	$143.57
65	$35.56	$68.06	$100.56	$133.06	$165.56
70	$44.76	$86.46	$128.16	$169.86	$211.57
75	$63.31	$123.56	$183.80	$244.05	$304.30
80	$93.16	$183.26	$273.36	$363.46	$453.56

*Pricing is for illustration purposes only and is subject to change without notice.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy shows you those numbers side by side. You don’t have to settle. For the same money, you can often get more coverage with first-day benefits from better companies.

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WAITING PERIODS AND LIMITATIONS

Lincoln Heritage markets Funeral Advantage as coverage you can’t be turned down for. We do not recommend this plan. It has horribly high pricing, and you can get better coverage through other companies.

Medical conditions that would put you into a 2-year wait with Lincoln Heritage:

• Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
• ALS
• Blindness from diabetes
• Blood clots
• Cirrhosis
• COPD
• Chronic bronchitis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Hepatitis A, B, or C
• Kidney disease
• Heart attack
• Circulatory surgery
• Stroke
• Mini-strokes (TIA attack)
• Sarcoidosis
• Tuberculosis

What that really means is you get stuck with a two-year waiting period. If you die from natural causes during those two years, your family doesn’t get the death benefit. They only get the premiums you paid, plus a small amount of interest.

The modified benefit plan does not have first-day protection:

• Applicants below the age of 50 are required to have a 3-year waiting period.
• 50 years old and older will have a 2-year waiting period.
• If you survive the waiting period, your beneficiary will be eligible to receive the full death benefit.

If you’re below 50, here’s the policy schedule if you pass away during the first three years:

• Return of all premiums + 10% interest – 1st Year
• Return of all premiums+ 20% interest – 2nd Year
• Return of all premiums + 30% interest – 3rd Year

If you’re 50 or older, here’s the policy schedule if you die during the first two years of the policy:

• Return of all premiums + 10% interest – 1st Year
• Return of all premiums + 20% interest – 2nd Year

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy helps seniors qualify for first-day coverage 97% of the time, avoiding the two-year trap and providing immediate protection for their families.

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THE ROLE OF THE FUNERAL CONSUMERS GUARDIAN SOCIETY

One of Lincoln Heritage’s biggest advertised selling points is their Funeral Consumers Guardian Society, or FCGS.

The pitch is that when you die, your family will have a representative who negotiates with funeral homes to lower costs.

However, families already have the right to request funeral home price lists. It’s called the FTC Funeral Rule, and it requires every funeral home to provide an itemized General Price List upon request.

You don’t need to pay extra in premiums to exercise a right that’s already yours.

Another issue is that FCGS is not an independent watchdog. It’s tied directly to Lincoln Heritage’s marketing. That means the advice your family gets may not always be about saving you money, and it’s possibly more about why you paid more for the policy in the first place.

FCGS says that the beneficiary can call and inform them of the policyholder’s passing. They will then call three to five funeral homes to find any price discounts that may be available.

They then pass the funeral plan (you can check our free sample funeral program template) to the funeral home to carry out the deceased’s wishes. FCGS family heritage claims they can save the family $600 on cremation and $1,800 on funeral services.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy teaches families how to use the Funeral Rule and compare prices themselves, without being locked into higher premiums disguised as “benefits.”

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COMMON COMPLAINTS ABOUT LINCOLN HERITAGE

Lincoln Heritage appears to have racked up hundreds of complaints on the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners databases.

The NAIC Complaint Index regularly shows Lincoln Heritage scoring above the industry average. That means they get more complaints than companies of similar size.

Here are the complaints most often reported by families:

• Confusion about waiting periods: Seniors thought they had immediate coverage, only to learn about the two-year wait at claim time.
• High premiums: Families discover they could have bought the same coverage for 30-40% less with another company.
• Aggressive sales tactics: Seniors report being bombarded with calls once they respond to an ad. Many felt pressured into buying.
• Customer service issues: Policyholders say it’s easy to buy, but difficult to cancel. Some reported long delays when requesting refunds or trying to make changes.

These complaints aren’t rare, and they appear to come up again and again on consumer review sites, watchdog reports, and complaint boards.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy has no call center, no pressure tactics, and no confusing fine print. Families get honest guidance, fair pricing, and policies that work the way they expect them to.

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IS EVERYONE ELIGIBLE FOR LINCOLN HERITAGE FUNERAL ADVANTAGE?

Funeral Advantage insurance does not approve everybody who applies.

These are some of the conditions that will make you ineligible:

• Incarceration
• Terminal illness
• You are HIV positive or have AIDS
• You are bedridden
• You are in a care facility
• You are receiving hospice care

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DOES LINCOLN HERITAGE REALLY PAY YOUR CLAIM IN 24 HOURS?

Not really…so you should read their fine print.

You can see on their website, “Cash benefits are paid within 24 hours, once a claim is approved.” 

It DOES NOT say that your claim will be paid within 24 hours of a death!

Your beneficiary must submit the proper documentation to the claims department before the claim is approved.

Your beneficiary needs to submit an original copy of the death certificate, submit the proper documentation to the claims department, and then wait for a claim approval, which can take one to two weeks to process.

Think about it…if you cannot get a death certificate immediately (this will take 1-2 weeks), how will it be possible to release a 24-hour claim payment?

Be very cautious when an agent tells you your beneficiary will receive a check within 24 hours of your death!

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CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CLAIMS EXPERIENCE

One of the most important parts of a life insurance policy is how the company treats you when it’s time to file a claim. Lincoln Heritage promises fast claims, but customer reviews often tell a different story.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) shows hundreds of complaints in the past three years. Many families say it took weeks, sometimes months, to get a payout. Others report being on hold for hours or being bounced between representatives without answers.

Some seniors complain about billing errors. Policies were canceled for missed payments when the family says premiums were already sent in. Others had trouble canceling, with premiums continuing to draft even after requests to stop.

The NAIC Complaint Index supports these complaints.

Lincoln Heritage consistently scores higher than the average, which means it receives more complaints compared to other companies of its size. That is a warning sign for any consumer.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy stays accountable. If there’s ever a problem with a policy, he helps you and your family fix it directly, without leaving you stranded in a call center maze.

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LINCOLN HERITAGE VS OTHER FINAL EXPENSE COMPANIES

When you line up Lincoln Heritage against other A-rated carriers, the differences are hard to ignore.

The biggest one is price. Lincoln Heritage often charges 30-40% more for the same coverage.

For example, a 65-year-old woman can expect to pay around $68 a month for $10,000 of coverage with Lincoln Heritage. Other top carriers charge closer to $47-$50 for the same benefit.

Coverage flexibility is another area where Lincoln Heritage falls short.

Most competitors offer higher coverage amounts, typically ranging from $40,000 to $50,000. Lincoln Heritage usually caps out at $20,000-$30,000. That’s not enough for some families who want extra protection for debts, medical bills, or to leave money behind as a legacy.

Waiting periods also matter. Many top insurers approve first-day coverage even for people with common health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or controlled heart issues.

Lincoln Heritage often pushes seniors into their guaranteed acceptance two-year wait plan if they have significant health problems.

Company	$10,000 Coverage (Female, Age 65)	Waiting Period	Max Coverage
Lincoln Heritage	$68	2 years if health questions fail	$20,000
Mutual of Omaha	$48	First-day coverage available	$40,000
Aetna	$47	First-day coverage available	$35,000
Prosperity	$49	First-day coverage available	$30,000

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy shops across dozens of carriers to find first-day coverage at lower prices and with higher coverage limits. You get more protection for your dollar instead of being stuck with Lincoln Heritage’s limited program.

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WHO IS A GOOD FIT FOR FUNERAL ADVANTAGE?

The simplicity of having insurance bundled with funeral “planning services” may feel convenient to some families. Please be aware that this decision will likely result in significant future expenses with this company vs a lower-priced company with 1st-day coverage.e.

Still, the higher cost and the waiting periods make Funeral Advantage a weak fit for most buyers. Unless you absolutely cannot qualify for first-day coverage with any other insurer, there are better options with other companies.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy helps even those with health issues qualify for affordable first-day coverage 97 percent of the time. That means you don’t need to settle for a more expensive plan with a waiting period.

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WHO SHOULD AVOID LINCOLN HERITAGE?

Almost 100% of all seniors should steer clear of Funeral Advantage.

If you can qualify for first-day coverage elsewhere (and 97 percent of people can), there’s no reason to pay 30-40$ more for less coverage.

If you’re on a fixed income, those higher premiums eat into your budget. Why pay $68 a month for $10,000 when you could get $15,000 or more for the same price from another carrier? That’s money wasted every single month.

Seniors who don’t like aggressive sales tactics should also avoid Lincoln Heritage. Once you respond to their ads, you can expect constant calls from agents. Families report feeling pressured into buying without time to compare.

And if you want higher coverage amounts, Lincoln Heritage isn’t the answer. With policies capped at $20,000-$35,000, you’ll hit the ceiling fast. Other companies go to $40,000 or more.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy makes sure you avoid overpriced policies, waiting periods, and pushy call centers. He finds plans that protect your family from day one, at a price that fits your budget.

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HOW TO FIND A BETTER FINAL EXPENSE POLICY

The key to getting the best final expense coverage is working with an independent agent who shops the entire marketplace. That’s something Lincoln Heritage won’t do, because they only sell their own policies.

Here’s what you should look for when shopping:

• First-day coverage (avoid two-year waiting period plans)
• Level premiums (your cost never goes up)
• Fixed death benefit (your payout never goes down)
• Strong financial ratings (A-rated companies or better)
• Coverage amounts that fit your needs (up to $40,000+ with the right carrier)

By comparing multiple insurers, you can often save 20–40 percent and get more coverage.

For example, while Lincoln Heritage charges about $68 a month for a 65-year-old woman’s $10,000 policy, other carriers charge closer to $47–$50. That’s a savings of over $200 a year, and more coverage for your family.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy shops dozens of A-rated insurers so you don’t have to. He gives you the same plan Lincoln Heritage sells — without the inflated price tag.

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HOW TO FIND A BETTER FINAL EXPENSE POLICY

Funeral Advantage is heavily marketed, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best fit. In fact, it usually isn’t.

Start by deciding how much coverage you really need. Then compare rates across multiple carriers. Don’t just take the first quote you see on TV or in the mail. Remember: if an ad claims “guaranteed acceptance,” a two-year waiting period is often hidden in the fine print.

Work with a broker who’s been in the industry for years and isn’t tied to one company. Ninety percent of new agents leave the business within their first year. You’ll want someone who will still be around when your family needs to file a claim.

Bonus: The Final Expense Guy has been helping families for decades. Licensed in all 50 states, he finds first-day coverage almost every time, avoids two-year waiting periods, and makes sure you never overpay for funeral insurance.

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CONCLUSION

Lincoln Heritage spends millions every year convincing seniors that their Funeral Advantage plan is the best option. The truth is it usually means higher premiums, limited coverage, and policies that don’t consistently deliver the value families expect.

Heavy marketing doesn’t make a product better.

That’s why so many families work with the Final Expense Guy instead. I’m not tied to one company. I shop dozens of A-rated carriers across the country to find affordable first-day coverage, stable rates, and policies that never disappear when you need them most.

If you’ve been considering Lincoln Heritage or already have their policy, a quick review could get you better coverage for less money.

Don’t leave your family stuck with a plan that favors the company over you. Fill out the form on this page or call 888-862-9456 today to compare real options that actually protect your family.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: LINCOLN HERITAGE

What is the funeral advantage of Lincoln Heritage? The Funeral Advantage program is Lincoln Heritage’s burial insurance bundled with a membership to the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society. The idea is that the insurance covers funeral costs while the society helps families compare prices with funeral homes. It is marketed as a package deal, but at its core, it is still just a small whole life policy.

What is Lincoln Heritage’s funeral advantage? Lincoln Heritage promotes Funeral Advantage as a “unique” plan for seniors. In reality, it is a regular burial insurance policy with an add-on service to help with funeral planning. The “advantage” is more about marketing than offering anything special you cannot find elsewhere.

Is it worth buying burial insurance? Burial insurance can absolutely be worth it if it saves your family from debt. A permanent whole life plan locks in coverage for final expenses and never expires. The key is finding first-day coverage at a fair price instead of overpaying for hype.

What’s the best burial insurance for seniors? The best burial insurance comes from strong carriers that give day-one coverage, level premiums, and competitive rates. Lincoln Heritage is typically not the most affordable option. Independent brokers like the Final Expense Guy can find better policies for the same coverage.

Is Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage legit? Yes, it is a legitimate product. Lincoln Heritage has been in business for decades and does pay claims. The issue is that the premiums are often higher than what you would pay with other companies.

Is becoming a Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance agent good? Many new agents struggle because they are locked into selling only Lincoln Heritage. The company relies on recruiting and purchased leads, which makes it tough to succeed long-term. Independent agents who work with multiple carriers usually earn more and stay in the business longer.

Is Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage a reputable company? Lincoln Heritage is reputable in the sense that it pays claims and is rated as financially stable. Consumer reviews, however, often point out high costs and aggressive sales. Reputation depends on whether you value size and history or affordability and honesty.

Is the Funeral Advantage program for seniors legit? Yes, it is real, but it is designed to pull seniors in with promises of funeral planning help. The insurance itself works like any other burial policy, but it is not unique. Seniors should compare prices before signing up.

What is the $25,000 burial benefit? This is not a government benefit. It is the life insurance policy amount that many companies advertise. To get $25,000 in coverage, you have to buy the policy and pay premiums.

Is the $25,000 burial benefit for seniors? No, there is no automatic $25,000 burial benefit for seniors. Ads that suggest they are affiliated with a government program are misleading. It is just a standard life insurance policy.

Does Lincoln Heritage pay out? Yes, Lincoln Heritage pays claims when the policy is active and requirements are met. Families do receive the benefits, but many discover they could have paid less with another company.

How long does it take for Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance to pay? Most claims are paid within 30 days once paperwork is complete. Delays can occur if documents are missing, but families typically receive the money within a month or two.

Can I cash out my Lincoln Heritage life insurance policy? The cash value builds over time and depends on how long premiums have been paid. In the first few years, it is very small. After many years, it may be a few thousand dollars, but it will not equal the full $10,000..

What is the cash value of a $10,000 life insurance policy with Lincoln Heritage? The cash value builds over time and depends on the length of time premiums have been paid. In the first few years, it is very small. After many years, it may be a few thousand dollars, but it will not equal the full $10,000.

How long do you have to have life insurance before it pays out? For most policies, accidental death is covered from day one. Natural death is covered right away if it is first-day coverage, but guaranteed issue plans have a two-year waiting period. Lincoln Heritage coverage depends on which type of plan you qualify for.

How long does it usually take to receive a life insurance payout? Most companies pay within 30 to 60 days once a valid claim is filed. Families should expect the same from Lincoln Heritage. Prompt paperwork usually means faster payment.

How good is Lincoln Heritage life insurance? Lincoln Heritage is financially stable and pays claims, but it is not typically the best value. Many companies offer lower premiums for the same benefits. Seniors should compare policies before buying.

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