Final Expense Insurance for Connecticut Seniors

How Much Final Expense Coverage Do You Need?

Price out the funeral you want. The National Funeral Directors Association publishes median costs each year, and a traditional funeral with viewing and burial generally runs into the high thousands before a cemetery plot, which is often priced separately. Cremation is typically less. Add outstanding medical bills and a small cushion, then subtract savings earmarked for the purpose.

Is Final Expense Insurance Better Than a Prepaid Funeral Plan?

A prepaid funeral contract pays a specific funeral home for specific services. Final expense insurance pays cash to a person you choose, who can use it at any funeral home or for any bill. The insurance is more flexible, while the prepaid plan can lock in prices. Some families use both.

Who Qualifies for Final Expense Insurance?

Most applicants between 50 and 85 qualify for a simplified issue policy if they haven't had major recent events such as cancer treatment, a heart attack or a terminal diagnosis. If you can't answer the questions cleanly, guaranteed issue coverage is available with a waiting period. Age-specific guides: over 70 and over 80.

What Happens If There's No Life Insurance?

Families without a policy usually pay from savings, the estate, a crowdfunding appeal or a funeral home payment plan. Social Security's one-time $255 death payment goes only to an eligible spouse or child and won't cover much. Veterans may qualify for VA burial benefits; see life insurance for veterans.

How Do You Plan Funeral and Burial Costs in Connecticut?

Get a written price list from the Connecticut funeral home you'd use. Funeral homes must give you one under the FTC Funeral Rule, and it's the best way to size coverage. Cemetery plots, opening and closing fees and headstones are usually priced separately by the cemetery.

Connecticut residents who may need Medicaid can set aside money in an irrevocable funeral contract up to a state limit without it counting as an asset. Eligible veterans can be buried at no cost in the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. The Department of Social Services may also help with funeral costs for some residents who received state assistance.