What happens when you call about final expense
A final expense call is a conversation, and you stay in control the whole way. You talk with a licensed agent who asks questions, compares plans from several insurers and explains the options. Nothing is decided until you say so, and the quote is free with no obligation.
The coverage itself is a smaller whole life policy meant for funeral costs and final bills. Premiums are usually level, and coverage does not expire as long as premiums are paid. The call is about finding the version of that policy that fits your age, health and budget.
The questions the agent will ask
First come the basics: your date of birth, whether you use tobacco or nicotine, and roughly how much coverage you want. Then the agent goes through the health questions insurers use. Many insurers ask, for example, about diagnosis dates, recent hospital stays, medications, oxygen use and whether you need help with daily activities.
There is no medical exam, though insurers often check prescription history and medical records after you apply, so answer the health questions as accurately as you can. If you are calling for a parent or spouse, that person needs to agree to the policy and usually answers the questions and signs.
Talk to a licensed agent: (949) 807-3995
How the quotes are laid out
Once your answers are in, the agent compares quotes from several insurers. For each one you will hear the plan type, the premium and whether there is a waiting period:
The agent can also price a second face amount so you can see the difference. Face amounts often run from a few thousand dollars up to about $50,000.
- A level benefit plan usually pays in full from the first day if you qualify
- A graded plan holds back part of the benefit for a natural-cause death in roughly the first two or three years
- A guaranteed issue plan asks nothing about health but is limited for natural-cause death in the first two years
Applying, or taking time to decide
If one plan fits, you can apply by phone on the same call. The agent reads the insurer's application questions, records your answers and explains how the first premium is paid. The insurer then reviews the application and makes the decision, so no one can promise approval ahead of time.
If you want to think it over, that is fine, and many people like to talk with family first. For a sense of funeral costs while you decide, the National Funeral Directors Association's 2023 General Price List Study put the national median at $8,300 for a funeral with viewing and burial and $6,280 with viewing and cremation, not counting cemetery or marker costs.
Calling hours across South Dakota
Eterna's licensed agents help South Dakota residents compare plans from several insurers. Plans, prices and availability vary by state, insurer, age and health. Agents take calls Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Central time in the east of the state and 7am to 7pm Mountain time in the west.
If you want to check an agent's license or ask a question about an insurer, the South Dakota Division of Insurance is at https://dlr.sd.gov/insurance/.
