Buried in Lies: The Truth About Burial Insurance in the United States (e-book)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction: A Lie Wrapped in Sympathy
Chapter 1: What is Burial Insurance – And What Isn’t It?
Chapter 2: The Myth of “State-Regulated Programs”
Chapter 3: First-Day Coverage vs. Two-Year Traps
Chapter 4: The Truth About No Medical Exam Policies
Chapter 5: Why $9.95 per unit or $1 a Day is a Marketing Mirage
Chapter 6: Social Security & Burial Insurance: The Exploitation
Chapter 7: Who Really Benefits – You or the Insurance Company?
Chapter 8: The Fine Print They Hope You Don’t Read
Chapter 9: How TV and Facebook Mislead Millions
Chapter 10: The Truth About Final Expense Agents
Chapter 11: Already Covered? You Could Be Paying Too Much
Chapter 12: What Happens When You Die?
Chapter 13: A Buyer’s Guide to Protecting Your Family – Without Getting Scammed
Chapter 14: Real Stories, Real Regret – and Redemption
Chapter 15: Final Words – Buried in Lies, Freed by Truth
Bonus Chapter: Prepaid Funeral Plans – A Safe Bet or a Death Trap?
Introduction: A Lie Wrapped in Sympathy
Burial insurance was supposed to offer peace of mind – but for many, it’s become a landmine. Each year, thousands of families find themselves blindsided by the realities hidden behind slick marketing, emotional television ads, and call centers pitching sub-par policies.
This book was written to uncover the truth, expose the industry’s worst offenders, and empower you – the consumer – to make smart, informed decisions.
Whether you’re shopping for a policy, helping a loved one, or just want clarity about your options, what you learn here could save your family thousands.
Chapter 1: What is Burial Insurance – And What Isn’t It?
Burial insurance, often called Final Expense Insurance, Cremation Insurance, or Funeral Insurance, is a small whole life insurance policy marketed primarily to people ages 40-85 years old.
The idea is simple: when you die, the policy pays out enough to cover your funeral, burial, or cremation costs. Most policies offer between $5,000 and $25,000 in coverage. But here’s what they don’t tell you up front – you may be paying a premium price for minimal coverage, often with strings attached.
Unlike Term Life insurance, which is often purchased in larger amounts and expires after a set number of years, burial insurance is permanent – but it’s also a bit more expensive per dollar of coverage.
And burial insurance also builds cash value over time. It’s not an investment. It’s not a wealth transfer vehicle. It’s just a small benefit meant to cover final expenses – if it’s structured correctly.
Too often, consumers are misled into thinking these are “state regulated”, “state approved”, “government-backed,” which simply isn’t true.
Burial insurance is a private commercial product with a wide range of approval processes, terms, and limitations. Understanding what it is – and what it isn’t – is step one.
Chapter 2: The Myth of “State-Regulated Programs”
One of the most common deceptive marketing tactics is the claim that there’s a “State-Regulated Burial Insurance Program” available in your area. They’re made to look like the government endorses these policies.
Some even use red, white, and blue imagery or imply there’s a benefit connected to Social Security. But make no mistake – this is private insurance sold by private companies.
The truth? Insurance is indeed regulated at the state level – but that just means companies must follow state guidelines on licensing, policy terms, and financial reserves.
It doesn’t mean the government is offering or endorsing these programs. These ads twist regulatory language to appear more official than they are.
NEVER work with companies that advertise with this “State Regulated” or similar language intended to deceive you.
When you see claims like “New benefit for residents receiving Social Security,” or “State-regulated program just released,” or “state approved,” it’s not new, it’s not state-sponsored, and it’s definitely not exclusive. It’s often a bait-and-switch to get your information so a call center can try to sell you something overpriced or worse than you should qualify for.
Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), 2023 Report on Consumer Complaints: https://content.naic.org
Chapter 3: First-Day Coverage vs. Two-Year Traps
Not all burial insurance starts right away. Many undesirable policies include a two-year waiting period, during which natural death isn’t covered – only accidental death is. This is a critical detail often buried in the fine print.
First-day coverage, also called level benefit coverage, pays the full death benefit from day one. These plans are available to people in average or good health and are always going to be a better value than a 2-year wait.
On the other hand, two-year wait plans (called graded or guaranteed issue policies) delay full benefits until after the first two years (or 3 years with some even worse policies). If death occurs sooner from illness, the beneficiary may only receive a refund of premiums plus interest – not the full payout.
Unfortunately, these policies are often sold to people who 100% qualify for better coverage at lower rates. Some agents push them because they’re easier to issue – even if a better and more affordable option are available.
What to do:
- Ask your agent directly: “Does this policy have a two-year waiting period?”
- If you already have a waiting period policy, ask whether your health now qualifies you for first-day coverage.
- Work with an independent agent at fexguy.com who can compare multiple carriers and find you the best deal.
If you’re healthy enough to qualify for immediate coverage – take it. And if you’re not sure? It’s time to find out by calling 888-862-9456.
Chapter 4: The Truth About No Medical Exam Policies
You’ve probably heard the line: “No medical exam required!” It’s one of the most common advertising hooks in burial insurance ads, and for good reason – nobody wants to get poked, prodded, or tested just to get life insurance.
But here’s the thing: No medical exam doesn’t mean no underwriting.
Insurance companies have gotten smarter and now rely on background data rather than traditional medical exams to determine your eligibility. That means they’re checking your prescription history, reviewing your past hospital visits, and pulling your MIB (Medical Information Bureau) file.
It’s all happening behind the scenes – and most applicants don’t realize it.
This kind of underwriting is called simplified issue. It avoids lab work but still screens applicants based on their health. So while you might not have to visit a clinic, you’re still being evaluated.
If you have COPD, insulin-dependent diabetes, diabetic complications, recent heart conditions, or cancer history, or other life shortening conditions, fexguy.com will always shop around to see what 1st-day coverage may be available.
There are also guaranteed issue policies. These truly ask no health questions, don’t check your background, and approve everyone who qualifies – but at a cost. As discussed in the last chapter, they carry a MANDATORY two-year waiting period for non-accidental death and cost significantly more per thousand dollars of coverage.
So what should you do?
- If you’re in decent health, always apply for a simplified issue level benefit policy through fexguy.com. You’ll pay less and get better protection.
- Don’t assume you’re uninsurable just because you take medications. Many conditions are accepted if controlled at fexguy.com.
- Be honest. Lying or withholding health details can cause the policy to be voided later – leaving your family with nothing.
Source: Medical Information Bureau (MIB) Overview, 2023: https://www.mib.com
In short, the phrase “no exam required” may sound great, but it’s not a free pass. Always dig deeper and ask your agent: “Is this a simplified issue 1st-day coverage plan or guaranteed issue policy?” If they can’t tell you – that’s a red flag.
Chapter 5: Why $9.95 per unit or $1 a Day is a Marketing Mirage
“Coverage for just $1 a day!” If you’ve seen TV commercials for burial insurance, you’ve probably heard this tagline. It’s catchy, it’s memorable – and it’s terribly misleading.
The truth is that $1 a day (about $30 a month) typically buys very limited coverage – and only if you’re in excellent health, female, and on the younger side of the burial insurance target market (think 50s to early 60s).
For everyone else, the actual cost can be double or even triple. Men often pay more than women, smokers pay more than non-smokers, and those with health issues may pay the most for the least.
Let’s break down a real-world example:
- A 60-year-old female non-smoker might get $6,000–$8,000 of level benefit coverage for $30/month.
- A 65-year-old male smoker might only get $2,000–$3,000 for that same $30.
- Add any chronic illness, and that $1/day promise often disappears altogether.
These “$1 a day” ads use what’s called a “Teaser Rate” – the lowest possible premium, shown prominently, while the real rates (for the majority of applicants) are revealed only after a phone call or application.
So what should you watch out for?
- If you see “$9.95 per unit,” “starting at $1 a day” or any other outlandish claims always ask: For whom? What age and health status does that apply to?
- Get quotes from someone like fexguy.com at 888-862-9456, who is an independent broker – not just the one with the flashiest ad.
- Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples – same death benefit, same type of plan, same health class.
Remember, it’s not only about what it costs per day – it’s about what your family actually receives when they need it most.
Chapter 6: Social Security & Burial Insurance: The Exploitation
Many burial insurance ads specifically target seniors receiving Social Security or disability income. They imply – or outright state – that there’s a special benefit tied to those government programs. But the truth is simple: there is no such thing as a government-backed burial insurance plan tied to Social Security. These are private policies sold using misleading language.
Phrases like “new benefit for those on Social Security” or “created for people receiving SSI or SSDI” are designed to create urgency and legitimacy. But the only real connection is that many seniors on fixed incomes are easy marketing targets – they want affordable coverage, and they’re afraid of leaving a burden behind.
This fear is often exploited. Agents may claim a policy is “pre-approved” or “exclusive” because of your Social Security status, when in reality, it’s the same policy offered to anyone who can pay the premium.
Here’s the danger: people end up buying overpriced, underperforming policies because they’re made to believe it’s their only option. They might get a $7,000 policy with a 2-year waiting period for $60/month – when they could’ve qualified for $10,000 of first-day coverage for the same price.
Source: AARP Fraud Watch Network, 2023 Report: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/
What to do if you’re on Social Security:
- Don’t assume your benefits give you access to better or cheaper insurance.
- Ask for clear quotes from multiple companies.
- Verify that your policy is level benefit, not graded or guaranteed issue, unless necessary.
- Work with someone who explains your options – not someone reading a script.
Just because you’re receiving Social Security doesn’t mean you should accept second-rate coverage. You deserve the same transparency and value as anyone else.
Chapter 7: Who Really Benefits – You or the Insurance Company?
On the surface, burial insurance looks like a simple product designed to help families. But peel back the layers, and you’ll see why it’s one of the most profitable segments in the life insurance industry.
Here’s the blunt truth: these policies are structured to benefit the insurance company first – not you – unless you keep your policy long-term.
Let’s start with the commissions. Final expense agents can earn 50%–120% of the first year’s premium as a commission. That means if you pay $50/month, your agent may earn $600 or more upfront.
While great agents work hard to earn their pay ethically, the wrong ones are motivated to sell the highest-premium policy possible – even if it’s a poor policy for you as they sell quantity over quality.
Next are the policy expenses. Final expense policies carry higher per-dollar costs because they’re smaller in size, sold to higher-risk populations, and often include hidden fees: policy setup charges, administrative fees, and ongoing monthly deductions that eat into the benefit.
Insurers also bet on lapses. Many seniors with limited income start a policy, make a few payments, then cancel or miss a payment. When the policy lapses, the insurer keeps 100% of your past premium payments – and your family gets nothing.
Source: Moody’s Investor Service, 2023 Insurance Sector Outlook: https://moodys.com
So what’s the takeaway?
- Visit fexguy.com for an agent who offers multiple carriers and focuses on what you need, not what pays them the most.
- Make sure the policy you choose has a clear fee structure – ask what percentage of your premium actually goes toward the death benefit.
- Don’t over-insure, and know your needs. Many families get by with $10,000 to $15,000 in coverage for a modest funeral.
Remember, the product is real – but the incentives behind it may not always align with your best interests.
Chapter 8: The Fine Print They Hope You Don’t Read
Burial insurance policies often look straightforward, but the devil is in the details – and those details are buried in the fine print. Failing to understand key clauses can leave your family confused, frustrated, and under-protected.
One of the most common is the contestability period – usually the first two years of the policy. If you pass away during this window, the insurance company CAN investigate the claim.
If they discover that you provided incorrect or incomplete information on your application – even unintentionally – they can deny the payout.
Then there’s the suicide clause, which is standard in most life insurance policies. If the insured dies by suicide within the first two years, the insurer may not pay the death benefit – they may only return premiums paid.
Other fine-print issues include:
- Lapse provisions: Miss a payment by even a few days? Your policy could terminate.
- Non-guaranteed benefits: Some policies include features that aren’t guaranteed – such as dividends, cash value growth, or optional riders.
- Increasing premiums: Some plans advertised on TV offer initial low rates that rise over time (usually not whole life, but these are still marketed to the same audience).
Source: Sample policy disclosures from Gerber Life Insurance 2023 brochure
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Call fexguy.com for a sample policy or brochure before you buy.
- Review the “Policy Highlights” and “Limitations and Exclusions” sections thoroughly.
- Confirm whether your policy is level premium whole life – meaning the premiums never increase, and coverage never decreases.
- Avoid “Graded” or “Limited Benefit Period”, as these policies come with a 2 to 3 year waiting period.
Fine print isn’t designed to be easy – it’s designed to be overlooked. Read carefully, or work with someone who will read it with you.
Chapter 9: How TV and Facebook Mislead Millions
It’s not just commercials anymore – it’s everywhere. Seniors are being flooded with ads on television, Facebook, and social media with misleading or blatantly false claims.
These ads are carefully crafted to create fear, urgency, confusion, and to get your money! But what they don’t create is clarity.
Common examples include:
- “Guaranteed acceptance with 1st-day coverage” – Flat-out false. No company can guarantee 1st-day coverage without first knowing your age, gender, and health history.
- “Instant approval – no questions asked!” – Wrong again. Real coverage decisions always require basic health and demographic information.
- “$9.95 per unit” – This is an overpriced gimmick. It comes with a mandatory 2-year waiting period—and the “unit” covers far less than you think.
- “Accepts all health conditions” – If true, it’s a guaranteed acceptance plan—which always means a 2-year waiting period before full benefits kick in.
- “State Regulated” or “State Approved” – Yes, states regulate insurance companies—but they do not endorse, sponsor, or approve specific plans.
- “$1 a day” or other teaser rates – These eye-catching rates are bait. Actual pricing depends on your age, health, and other factors – and almost nobody qualifies for the rate shown.
- “Designed for people on Social Security” – A marketing ploy. These plans are not based on your income or benefits – they’re based on your age and health.
- “Covers you for life” – Often a trick. Many of these are term policies that expire or skyrocket in cost- leaving you uncovered when you need it most.
- “Enrollment ends this Friday!” – Pure scare tactic. Burial insurance is available year-round. There’s no deadline.
These promotions often disguise the fact that they’re just sales funnels intended to get your personal information for private insurance companies or agents.
They may use patriotic imagery, official-looking fonts, and urgent language to make themselves appear government-approved. In reality, they’re anything but. So, avoid these companies at all costs.
Source: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Sentinel Report, 2023: https://www.ftc.gov
How to protect yourself:
- Be skeptical of ads using patriotic or government-style branding.
- Ask: “What company is actually offering this policy?”
- Never give out personal or financial information based on a Facebook ad.
If it looks too official, too emotional, or too easy – it’s probably misleading. Always ask questions. Always verify. And always read the fine print.
Chapter 10: The Truth About Final Expense Agents
Not all insurance agents are created equal.
Some are ethical, experienced professionals who educate clients, shop for the best value, and provide real long-term service (like at fexguy.com).
Others are poorly trained, work from scripts, and care more about closing a sale than protecting a family.
Understanding how final expense agents operate can make or break your experience.
Let’s start with the structure of the industry. Many agents are independent brokers, meaning they can shop multiple companies to find the best rate for your health and age. This describes fexguy.com, and it’s ideal for you as a consumer.
Others are captive agents, which means they can only sell ONE company’s policies – even if another company offers you better coverage for less money.
Then there are call center agents and lead vendors. Some are licensed, some aren’t. Many use scripts and are under extreme pressure to sell quickly. They may not explain the fine print, the waiting period, or the real cost of your policy over time. These are often the people behind those “state benefit” postcards and online lead forms.
Red flags to watch for:
- They refuse to give you written details before you apply.
- They rush the conversation or pressure you into making a decision during the first call.
- They ask for your Social Security number before verifying who they are.
- They don’t clearly explain whether your policy has a two-year waiting period.
A good agent will take the time to understand your needs, verify your prescriptions and health history, and explain your options, not just one product. They’ll answer your questions without dodging, and they’ll tell you the truth – even if it means you don’t buy anything today.
What to do:
- Always ask if your agent is independent or captive.
- Ask what carriers they work with.
- Request a comparison of at least two to three companies.
A great final expense agent isn’t just a salesperson – they’re your advocate. Choose one who acts like it.
Chapter 11: Already Covered? You Could Be Paying Too Much
If you already have a burial insurance policy, that’s great – you’ve taken a vital step to protect your loved ones. But here’s something most people don’t realize: just because you have a policy doesn’t mean it’s the best one you could have. In fact, there’s a high chance you’re either overpaying or under-covered – or both.
Let’s start with pricing. Final expense insurance is sold by dozens of carriers, and their prices for the exact same coverage can vary by 40% to 100%. That’s not an exaggeration.
Some companies charge $72/month for $10,000 in coverage, while others offer the same coverage for $40 or less – all depending on age, gender, and health. If you haven’t compared prices in the last few years, there’s a good chance you could be paying more than necessary.
Many seniors are shocked to learn that they could keep their monthly payment the same but get thousands more in coverage just by switching companies. Others are able to reduce their monthly cost significantly – sometimes by $20 to $50/month – while keeping the same death benefit.
Even more important is the type of policy you have. If your current policy has a two-year waiting period – often the case with guaranteed issue plans – you should absolutely consider re-shopping. If you’ve had that policy for more than two years, you’re now likely eligible for a first-day coverage plan, especially if your health has improved or stabilized.
Here’s the catch: insurance companies don’t automatically upgrade you or adjust your rates when you qualify for something better. You have to take the initiative.
Steps to Take if You Already Have a Policy:
- Review your policy paperwork – What’s your monthly premium? What’s your benefit? Does it include a waiting period?
- Ask yourself if your health has changed. If you were in poor health when you applied but are now stable, you may qualify for better coverage.
- Speak to an independent agent – Not a captive one. Ask for quotes from at least 3–5 top-rated carriers.
- Don’t cancel your current policy until your new one is approved and active. This ensures you’re never uninsured.
Also keep in mind that some policies include non-guaranteed features that sound great at first – like “bonus riders,” “accidental add-ons,” or “premium return clauses” – but come at a high cost. When re-shopping, strip it down to what really matters: guaranteed, level, first-day coverage from a strong insurer.
The Bottom Line: If you already have a policy, don’t assume it’s the best you can do. Rates vary wildly. Coverage options evolve. And your health status may make you eligible for something far better – or cheaper – than what you have now.
Re-shopping doesn’t just save you money. It ensures that when the time comes, your family gets the most value possible from the decision you made to protect them.
Chapter 12: What Happens When You Die?
This is the part most people don’t want to talk about – but it’s the entire reason you buy burial insurance. What actually happens when you pass away? And how does your family get the money?
The moment you die, your loved ones will need to notify the funeral home and the insurance company. This is where having the policy details in a safe, accessible place matters.
If no one knows where your policy is – or which company it’s with – the benefit may go unclaimed for months or even years.
Your beneficiary (usually a spouse or child) will be asked to provide:
- A copy of the death certificate.
- A claim form.
- A copy of the policy or application.
- Proof of identity.
The insurer will then review the claim. If it’s within the contestability period (usually the first two years), they may investigate to ensure there was no fraud or misrepresentation on the application. This can delay the payment.
If the policy is valid and uncontested, the check usually arrives within 7 to 30 days. But delays are common if paperwork is incomplete or the insurer has trouble contacting the beneficiary.
Source: National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), 2023 General Price List Survey: https://nfda.org
Tips to protect your family:
- Tell your loved ones where to find your policy paperwork.
- Write down your agent’s name and number.
- Store a copy of your policy in a fireproof safe or secure digital vault.
- Include funeral preferences or instructions if you have them.
Don’t assume everything will go smoothly. A little planning now will save your family major stress later.
Chapter 13: A Buyer’s Guide to Protecting Your Family – Without Getting Scammed
Buying burial insurance doesn’t have to be stressful – but it does have to be done right. With the rise in misleading ads and aggressive call centers, consumers need a checklist to separate fact from fiction.
This chapter is your go-to guide for buying smart, staying protected, and avoiding the common traps that cost families money every single day.
Here’s your Final Expense Protection Checklist:
- Know exactly what you need.
- Add up potential funeral costs (burial average: $8,000–$12,000 | cremation average $3,000-)
- Consider extra funds for medical bills, unpaid debts, or family travel expenses
- Choose the right type of coverage.
- Ask: Is this level benefit (pays out immediately) or graded/modified (2-year waiting period)?
- Confirm it’s whole life, not term life, unless you’re using a trust or alternative strategy.
- Ask about underwriting.
- What health questions will be asked?
- Will they check my prescription history or medical records?
- Is this simplified issue or guaranteed issue?
- Ask the agent direct questions.
- Are you independent or captive?
- How many companies do you represent?
- Can you show me the 3 best options side-by-side?
- Get a quote in writing.
- Request a copy of the policy summary or a sample contract.
- Never provide banking info until you’ve reviewed everything.
- Avoid emotional manipulation.
- Pressure tactics = red flag.
- “Today only,” “limited time,” or “state benefit” language is often a gimmick.
- Verify the agent’s license.
- Look them up on your state’s Department of Insurance website.
- Keep everything organized.
- Store your policy, agent contact info, and funeral instructions in one secure place.
- Communicate your plan.
- Tell your family where everything is.
- Discuss your wishes so they’re not guessing during a stressful time.
- Review your policy every year.
- Health changes? Life changes? You may qualify for better rates or more coverage.
Smart planning protects your family from confusion and debt – and ensures your final wishes are honored.
Don’t just buy insurance. Buy peace of mind, with eyes wide open.
Chapter 14: Real Stories, Real Regret – and Redemption
This chapter shares real experiences from people across the country who purchased burial insurance – some who got it right, and others who paid the price for believing the hype.
Their stories aren’t just cautionary tales; they’re lessons that may help you or someone you love avoid the same fate.
Case #1: The Two-Year Trap
Linda, a 67-year-old widow from Ohio, purchased a guaranteed issue policy after seeing an ad on TV. She thought her $15,000 policy would protect her daughter if she passed. But no one explained the 2-year waiting period.
Linda passed away from a stroke 14 months later. Her daughter received a refund of premiums – just $700 – instead of the $15,000 she was expecting.
Lesson: Always ask if your plan has a 2-year waiting period.
Case #2: Misleading Agent
James, 73, bought a policy over the phone after receiving a mailer claiming he could get “coverage regardless of health.” The agent promised it was “full coverage, no matter what.”
But when James’s son tried to file a claim after his father’s cancer death, he learned the plan only paid out for accidental deaths in year one. Total payout: $0.
Lesson: Never accept verbal promises. Get the policy details in writing.
Case #3: Redeemed in Time
Maria, 62, was about to sign with a company charging her $82/month for $10,000 in coverage. Her grandson urged her to speak to a local independent agent.
That agent found her level benefit coverage with a top-rated carrier for $52/month. Same benefit, same day-one coverage – $30 cheaper per month.
Lesson: Shop around. There’s often a better deal waiting for you.
These stories are real. So are the consequences. But the good news? You can avoid regret by being informed, asking questions, and taking the time to compare before you commit.
Chapter 15: Final Words – Buried in Lies, Freed by Truth
By now, you’ve seen behind the curtain. The burial insurance industry isn’t all bad – but it is filled with half-truths, misleading marketing, and emotional sales tactics that hurt more than help.
The goal of this book was simple: to bring clarity, not confusion – protection, not pressure.
Burial insurance can be a powerful tool. But it must be understood, tailored, and chosen wisely. Never let fear or urgency be the reason you buy a policy. Let facts, transparency, and a clear head lead the way.
Here’s what to remember:
- Not all policies are created equal.
- Not all agents have your best interest in mind.
- Not all “benefits” advertised are real.
But the right plan is out there – and you now have the knowledge to find it. (visit fexguy.com for help)
If this book helped you avoid a scam or make a better decision, share it. With a friend. A parent. A neighbor. Because too many people are being buried in lies – and they deserve the truth.
Wishing You Peace, Love, & Prosperity
Randy VanderVaate
Final Expense Guy
fexguy.com
888-862-9456
Bonus Chapter: Prepaid Funeral Plans – A Safe Bet or a Death Trap?
Prepaid funeral plans can sound appealing: lock in today’s prices, spare your family from financial stress, and make your final arrangements in advance.
But like everything in the funeral and insurance industries, the devil is in the details.
The Promise
When done correctly, prepaid plans can relieve your loved ones from having to make emotional and financial decisions during a crisis. You choose your funeral services, pay in advance (either in full or through installments), and the funeral home guarantees those services when the time comes.
The Pitfalls
Not all prepaid funeral plans are created equal. Some aren’t backed by insurance or a state-regulated trust, which means:
- If the funeral home closes or changes ownership, your money could disappear.
- If you move, your plan might not transfer to another provider.
- The plan may not cover everything – leaving your family with surprise costs.
- Refund policies can be restrictive or nonexistent.
Worse, some plans only cover specific items (like a casket or cremation), not the entire service. Prices may be “locked in,” but only for the items listed – not taxes, fees, or third-party services (which increase in price over time).
Before you commit to a prepaid plan, compare with burial insurance, which can offer 1st-day coverage and lower payments.
What to Ask Before You Prepay:
- Is the money held in a trust or used to buy an insurance policy?
- What happens if I move or change my mind?
- Is the plan transferable to other funeral homes?
- Are all costs guaranteed, or just some?
- What is the refund policy?
