Emphysema Burial Insurance

Having Emphysema doesn’t automatically disqualify you from burial insurance, but applying the wrong way can cost your family thousands. These emphysema-approved policies I help people with pay out quickly to cover burial or cremation costs, or provide a tax-free legacy for your loved ones.

Emphysema Key Insights

• Aflac and CICA Life for Immediate Protection: These carriers are top-tier choices for Emphysema in 2026. Aflac is the preferred carrier if you manage your condition with inhalers, as they often provide first-day coverage. CICA Life is a “secret weapon” because it is one of the few carriers that does not charge higher rates for smokers and can be more lenient with limited oxygen use.
• The “Oxygen Distinction”: Constant, 24/7 oxygen use usually results in a graded or 2-year waiting period. However, if you only use oxygen for Sleep Apnea or have a very stable, limited-use profile, specific carriers can still offer you day-one coverage.
• Pending Tests or Procedures Cause Postponement: If you are currently scheduled for a pulmonary function test (PFT), a lung biopsy, or any breathing-related surgery, carriers will pause your application. You must complete these and have a final diagnosis to get the lowest rates for a level, immediate-benefit plan.
• The 24-Month Lookback Rule: Underwriters focus heavily on your stability over the last two years. If you have been free of hospitalizations or emergency room visits for Emphysema during this 24-month window, you are much more likely to qualify for the lowest “Preferred” rates.
• Permanent Rate Lock: Once your policy is active, your premiums are locked in for life. Even if your Emphysema progresses or your medical needs increase later on, the insurance company can never raise your price or cancel your coverage.

More carriers may expand immediate-coverage options for seniors with controlled Emphysema. As of today, most seniors will have no trouble qualifying for and affording an instant-approval policy.

Emphysema Medical Definition & Health Risks

Underwriters classify the risk level of Emphysema by looking at your recent medical history and the severity of your breathing difficulties. Emphysema is a long-term lung disease where the air sacs in your lungs are damaged, making it hard for your body to get enough oxygen. It is a progressive disease, meaning it stays with you for life and can get worse over time.

If not managed well, emphysema can lead to heart strain or respiratory failure, which is why insurance companies check your stability so closely.

Life Insurance Companies Ask These Emphysema Questions

Different life insurance companies ask different questions to decide which applicants with emphysema they may approve.

• Aetna Decline– Within the past year, have you used or been advised to use oxygen equipment to assist with breathing, excluding CPAP for sleep apnea, or been advised to have kidney dialysis?
• Aetna Standard Level – Have you ever been diagnosed with, received, or been advised to receive treatment or medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or any other chronic respiratory condition?
• Aflac Decline – Within the past year, have you used or been advised to use oxygen equipment to assist with breathing, excluding CPAP for sleep apnea, or been advised to have kidney dialysis?
• Aflac Standard Level – Have you ever been diagnosed with, received, or been advised to receive treatment or medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or any other chronic respiratory condition?
• CICA Life Level – In the past 10 years, have you opted to not seek treatment, have not taken medication, or have not followed the prescribed treatment plan following a medical diagnosis by a member of the medical profession for any one or more of the following: uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stroke or TIA, paralysis, congestive heart failure, heart disease, cardiomyopathy, lung disease including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or emphysema, liver cirrhosis or failure, kidney (renal) failure or insufficiency, or chronic kidney disease including dialysis?
• Family Benefit Life Decline – Are you currently, or within the past 6 months have you been, hospitalized, bedridden, using oxygen to assist breathing, confined to a wheelchair, in a nursing home or hospice, receiving home health care, or on dialysis?
• Family Benefit Life Level – Have you ever been diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, chronic kidney disease or failure, systemic lupus, hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis of the liver, liver disease, liver failure, or lung impairments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or fibrosis?
• Guarantee Trust Life Graded – Do you require daily oxygen use (excluding when used with CPAP, after exercise, and for seasonal allergies), have an implanted defibrillator, received or been advised by a medical professional to receive an organ transplant or received dialysis within the LAST 24 MONTHS?
• Liberty Bankers Life Decline – Within the last year, have you been confined to a hospital for more than 5 days total, been advised by a member of the medical profession to have surgery or hospitalization which you are still awaiting, used oxygen due to a medical condition, been unable to care for yourself or been bedridden at home or in a nursing home, hospice, long-term care, or assisted living facility?
• Liberty Bankers Life Preferred – Have you, the Proposed Insured, by a member of the medical profession, ever been diagnosed with, or received, or been advised to receive treatment or medication for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease or peripheral artery disease?
• Mutual of Omaha Decline – Is the Proposed Insured currently requiring any of the following other than fractures, bone or joint surgery, including replacement: wheelchair, electric scooter, oxygen equipment to assist breathing (excluding use for sleep apnea) or defibrillator?
• Mutual of Omaha Level – Has the Proposed Insured ever been diagnosed by a licensed medical professional with, received treatment by a licensed medical professional for, or been advised to seek treatment by a licensed medical professional for Chronic Lung Disease, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Bronchitis, emphysema, or Sarcoidosis?
• Trinity Life Decline – Are you currently, or within the past 6 months have you been hospitalized, bedridden, using oxygen to assist breathing, confined to a wheelchair, in a nursing home or hospice, receiving home health care, or on dialysis?
• Trinity Life Level – Have you ever been diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, chronic kidney disease or failure, systemic lupus, hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis of the liver, liver disease, liver failure, or lung impairments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or fibrosis?

Emphysema Underwriting Basics

• Testing & Test Results: Underwriters look for your “FEV1” scores from breathing tests. They want to know if you are in a mild stage or a severe stage. “Controlled” means you use your daily inhalers and have stayed out of the hospital, while “uncontrolled” often involves recent ER visits or rescue treatments.

Medication stability over time reduces the insurance company’s perceived mortality risk, often allowing you to qualify for better coverage.

• Why it Matters: Your test results and how you use your medicine tell the insurer if your condition is steady. This determines whether you get a “level” plan with first-day coverage or pay a higher price for a “graded” plan.

Emphysema Prescription Medication Classes:

• Maintenance Inhalers: Advair, Symbicort, and Spiriva are used daily to keep the airways open and reduce swelling.
• Rescue Inhalers: Albuterol or ProAir are used for sudden times when it is hard to catch your breath.
• Steroid Pills: Prednisone or similar medications are used during flare-ups to reduce lung inflammation.

Emphysema with Comorbidities

Having multiple health issues at once changes your total insurance risk because it shows how conditions like lung disease can strain your heart and other organs. If you have Emphysema along with congestive heart failure or kidney disease, the insurance company sees a much higher risk due to the way these conditions often worsen one another. This is because your heart has to work much harder to pump blood when your lungs are not working well.

Having more than one condition might mean we have to pivot to a backup company to make sure you still get the best possible protection. Controlled Emphysema often allows people to qualify for immediate level burial insurance coverage even with secondary health issues.

Other Common Health Issues With Emphysema

Emphysema destroys lung air sacs and permanently reduces oxygen exchange, limiting breathing efficiency, straining the heart and muscles, and potentially affecting underwriting decisions and policy selection when these complications are present.

• Chronic shortness of breath – Loss of functional air sacs reduces oxygen intake and limits daily activity.
• Exercise intolerance – Minimal exertion triggers breathlessness and rapid fatigue.
• Chronic fatigue – Increased effort to breathe drains energy even at rest.
• Low oxygen levels – Impaired gas exchange affects concentration, coordination, and organ function.
• Weight loss and muscle wasting – High energy demand from breathing leads to frailty and weakness.
• Frequent respiratory infections – Damaged lung tissue increases pneumonia and bronchitis risk.
• Heart strain – Long-term hypoxia raises pulmonary pressure and stresses the right side of the heart.
• Barrel chest and chest wall changes – Lung overinflation alters posture and breathing mechanics.
• Anxiety and panic symptoms – Air hunger and breathlessness increase fear, stress, and sleep disruption.
• Reduced life expectancy – Progressive lung destruction leads to increasing disability and mortality risk.

Understanding Emphysema Policy Types

Carriers offer different plan categories based on an applicant’s Emphysema and long & short-term health stability.

• Level: Level burial insurance offers 1st-day coverage and pays the full death benefit from day one. CICA Life and Aflac are the top choices in this category for immediate protection.
• Graded: Graded burial insurance limits benefits during the 12 to 24 months for health or medical-related causes of death. Guarantee Trust Life is often the choice if you have had recent hospital stays or other major health problems.
• Guaranteed Issue: Guaranteed issue burial insurance requires no health questions but includes a 2-year waiting period before it pays out for causes of death related to health or medical conditions. Gerber Life is only for those in very poor health who are on 24/7 oxygen and have many other medical issues.

Sample Emphysema Rate Snapshot for $10,000 Coverage

Age and gender directly influence the cost of burial insurance premiums by helping companies estimate how many years of payments you will make. Rates change as you get older, and women usually pay less than men because they statistically live longer.

Here are some preferred rates, but your rates can vary based on which A-rated carrier is best for your situation.

Rates may vary based on age, gender, health, and state. Click the form on this page for the lowest rates from the best carriers.

Emphysema Underwriting & Medication History

Insurers look at your prescription history to confirm that your health is stable and your medical conditions are under control. Managing your Emphysema with daily inhalers is a positive sign because it shows the carrier that your condition is under control. They look for compliance with your doctor’s orders to ensure you are a low risk. Staying consistent with your treatment makes it much easier to qualify for first-day coverage without a waiting period.

Maintenance meds keep your breathing steady, while rescue meds are for sudden flare-ups. Your prescription history is how the insurance carriers verify medical stability.

If you have an upcoming surgery or are waiting for a new lung test result, the company will likely pause your application. Recent hospitalizations for crises trigger postponement rather than permanent decline.

Real Life Emphysema Success Stories

Real-world examples illustrate how seniors with Emphysema secure day-one protection with anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 for burial, cremation, or final expenses.

Robert’s Story:

Robert was a 69-year-old former smoker who had been living with Emphysema for over five years. He was worried that his lung health would make his monthly payments too high for his fixed budget. I helped him apply with CICA Life because they do not charge extra for being a smoker, and they were fine with his stable breathing history. He was approved for a $12,000 policy with first-day coverage in less than an hour. He felt a huge sense of relief knowing his burial costs were fully funded without a waiting period.

Mary’s Story:

Mary used a small amount of oxygen at night to help her sleep due to her Emphysema. Most agencies told her she would have to wait two years for her insurance to be active because of the oxygen. I looked at her medical records and placed her with Aflac Life Insurance under their standard program, which accepted her nightly oxygen use. She got approved for a $10,000 plan with immediate protection for her family. Mary was happy to avoid the expensive guaranteed issue plans that would have made her wait.

Emphysema Financial Ratings & Stability

Insurers use financial ratings to prove they have the money to pay out death benefits to your loved ones. Ratings from A.M. Best act like a “report card” to show if a company is strong enough to pay your claim when the time comes. We also look at the BBB to make sure they treat their customers well and process paperwork quickly. Choosing a company with a high rating means your family will likely get their check within 24 to 48 hours of filing the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions: Emphysema Burial Insurance

Can you get burial insurance if you have emphysema?

Insurance companies approve permanent burial insurance for applicants with emphysema every day because most carriers treat chronic lung conditions as manageable risks. I have talked to enough people to say you probably think your lungs make you a “decline” in the eyes of an underwriter. If you manage your breathing without an oxygen tank, you can often get first-day coverage at a standard price. This allows your family to receive a check to cover your funeral costs without having to pass a hat around at the church.

Does oxygen use disqualify you from immediate burial insurance?

Supplemental oxygen use prevents most applicants from getting immediate benefits because standard carriers view oxygen dependency as a sign of severe respiratory failure. If you carry an oxygen tank, the insurance company sees a massive risk to their bottom line. While most companies will force you into a “Modified” plan with a two-year waiting period, specialized carriers still offer better deals if you know where to look. You should never settle for a bad deal just because you use oxygen. Your family counts on you to find the plan that gives them the most money.

How does emphysema affect the cost of a burial insurance policy?

Your specific symptoms and treatment history determine your monthly premium, as insurance companies adjust your rate based on the risk they assume. Mild emphysema usually earns you a “Standard” rate, which is slightly higher than what a marathon runner pays but still very affordable. But remember, these are whole life policies. Once you get the policy, the insurance company can never raise your price or cancel your coverage as your health changes.

What should you not say when applying for burial insurance with emphysema?

You must never hide your medical history or inhaler use, as insurance companies perform a quick background check of your prescriptions to verify your answers. The company uses automated reports that show every medication you have touched for the last 10 years. If you deny having emphysema while your records show a Spiriva or Advair prescription, the company will reject your application for lying. Honesty is the only way to make sure the company actually pays the claim when your family needs the money. Frame every honest answer as a way to protect your family’s financial future.

Does using a nebulizer affect burial insurance rates for emphysema?

Insurance carriers often view nebulizer use for emphysema as a sign of more advanced respiratory distress, which can result in a higher premium or a partial waiting period. Many “Day One” carriers get nervous when they see a nebulizer on your record because it suggests your breathing issues are chronic and severe. While some specialized companies still offer immediate coverage to nebulizer users, others may move you to a “Standard” or “Graded” tier. This usually results in a slightly higher cost than for someone who uses only a daily puff inhaler. I help you find the carrier that accepts your nebulizer without charging you an arm and a leg.

What happens if I am hospitalized for emphysema after buying a burial insurance policy?

A new hospitalization for emphysema will have no effect on your coverage once your policy is active and past the initial contestability period. Your rates are locked in for life, and the company cannot raise your premium just because your health takes a turn for the worse. This is why I always tell folks to “lock in” a policy as soon as possible. If you secure a policy today and end up in the hospital next month, your family is still guaranteed the full death benefit. Don’t wait until you are sicker and the rates are higher.

Can I get immediate coverage burial insurance if I use oxygen for COPD?

Supplemental oxygen use may trigger a mandatory two-year waiting period for most carriers, as oxygen is typically associated with late-stage respiratory conditions such as COPD. If you use oxygen, you may need a “Guaranteed Issue” policy. These plans do not ask about oxygen use and guarantee your approval, but the full death benefit for natural causes is usually not payable until the policy has been active for 24 months. If you pass away from health issues during that time, the company refunds your premiums plus interest. This ensures your family at least gets back what you put in while you wait for the full coverage to kick in.

How do burial insurance companies verify if I have emphysema?

Insurance underwriters perform an automated digital review of your pharmacy records and Medical Information Bureau history to verify your diagnosis in seconds. Insurers do not rely on your word alone. If you take medications like Spiriva, Advair, or Symbicort, the insurance system will immediately flag your application for emphysema. If you do not disclose the condition but the records show the drugs, the company will deny your application for “material misrepresentation.” This quick background check on your prescriptions is the reason you must be 100% honest from the start.

Does quitting smoking lower my emphysema burial insurance costs?

Quitting smoking is the most effective way to lower your premiums, but you must be nicotine-free for at least 12 to 24 months to qualify for “Non-Smoker” rates. If you still smoke, you are going to pay more. Most carriers want you to stay off cigarettes for 12 months before they give you the lower rate. If you have recently quit, you should apply now at the smoker rate, then request a rate reduction once you reach the 12-month milestone. This makes sure your family is protected today while you work toward a better deal for tomorrow.