Coverage that stands on its own
Veterans often search for life insurance that will take care of funeral costs. The plans on this page are private final expense policies issued by insurance companies. They are not connected to any government agency or to the armed forces, and Eterna is an independent insurance agency, not part of either.
That means the plans work the same way for veterans as for anyone else. You apply, answer the health questions, and the insurer decides which plan you may qualify for. Insurers usually base that decision on your age, health and tobacco use.
How final expense whole life works
Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy meant for funeral costs and final bills. Face amounts usually run from a few thousand dollars up to about $50,000. The premium is usually level, coverage does not expire as long as premiums are paid, and the benefit goes to your beneficiary, who decides how to use it.
Many plans are available from age 50 to 85, and some start at 40 or 45. If you are a younger veteran, buying earlier usually means a smaller level premium, since premiums are based on your age when the policy starts.
Talk to a licensed agent: (949) 807-3995
What insurers ask about your health
Many insurers ask about diagnosis dates, recent hospital stays, medications, oxygen use, tobacco use and whether you need help with daily activities, usually looking at the last 2 to 5 years. Your answers decide the plan type. If you qualify for a level benefit plan, the full benefit is usually paid from the first day.
- Level benefit: for health answers that fit the insurer's standard
- Graded benefit: reduced benefit for natural death in the first two or three years
- No health questions: limited benefit for natural death in the first two years
Choosing an amount for your plans
Start with the funeral you want. The National Funeral Directors Association's 2023 General Price List Study put the national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial at $8,300 and with viewing and cremation at $6,280, not counting cemetery or marker costs. Then think about final bills and what you want your spouse or family to have.
It also helps to count what is already set aside, such as savings or other coverage you hold, so you buy only the amount that fills the gap. Write your wishes down and tell your beneficiary where the policy papers are.
What happens on the call
When you call, you speak with a licensed agent who asks your age, state, tobacco use and the health questions. They compare final expense plans from several insurers and show which ones you may qualify for at the amount you want. You can apply by phone. The quote is free, there is no obligation, and calls are taken Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm Eastern time.
