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Curtis DrakeLicensed Independent Life Insurance Broker

NPN: 1141954  |  TX License: 738897  |  40+ years experience  |  35+ A/A+ rated carriers  |  Multi-state licensed

Content reviewed: March 2026  — Questions? Call 830-201-3153

Best Final Expense Insurance Companies 2026

I've placed final expense policies with all five carriers below. This comparison is based on real underwriting experience — not paid rankings.

How We Ranked These Carriers

Curtis Drake has placed final expense policies with all five carriers listed below. Rankings reflect AM Best financial strength rating, underwriting flexibility, rate competitiveness, and real-world claim experience as of March 2026. No carrier paid for placement on this list.

Quick Comparison: Top 5 Carriers

Sample rates for a 65-year-old female non-smoker, $10,000 coverage. Data as of March 2026.

CarrierMutual of OmahaTransamericaForesters FinancialAetna / CVS HealthRoyal Neighbors of America
A+AAAA
$30—$65$25—$60$28—$70$27—$65$22—$55
$25,000$50,000$35,000$25,000$30,000
45—8545—8550—8540—8950—80
NoneNone or 2yrNone (most)NoneNone
Best OverallAges 45—55Health IssuesDiabeticsWomen

Rates are illustrative. Your actual premium depends on age, sex, health class, state, and coverage amount. Get your personalized quote ?

Carrier-by-Carrier Breakdown

#1 Editor's Pick

Mutual of Omaha

Best Overall — strongest combination of rates, financial strength, and no waiting period

AM Best Rating

A+

Monthly Range

$30—$65

Max Coverage

$2,000—$25,000

Waiting Period

None (level benefit)

Pros

  • A+ AM Best rating — among the strongest in the industry
  • Whole Life Express: immediate coverage, no waiting period for most applicants
  • Issues ages 45—85
  • Fixed premiums that never increase

Cons

  • Health questions required — not guaranteed issue
  • Slightly higher rates than some competitors for ages 75+
#2

Transamerica

Best for Ages 45—55 — competitive immediate coverage rates for younger seniors

AM Best Rating

A

Monthly Range

$25—$60

Max Coverage

$1,000—$50,000

Waiting Period

None (Immediate Solution) / 2 years (Easy Solution)

Pros

  • Two product tiers: Immediate Solution (no waiting) and Easy Solution (guaranteed issue)
  • Issues ages 45—85
  • Higher coverage amounts available (up to $50,000)
  • A rated by AM Best

Cons

  • Easy Solution has a 2-year graded benefit
  • Rates increase more steeply at older ages
#3

Foresters Financial

Best for Moderate Health Issues — more lenient underwriting than most carriers

AM Best Rating

A

Monthly Range

$28—$70

Max Coverage

$2,000—$35,000

Waiting Period

None for most health classes

Pros

  • PlanRight Whole Life accepts moderate health conditions others decline
  • No waiting period available even with some health issues
  • Fraternal benefits: scholarships, grants for policyholders
  • Issues ages 50—85

Cons

  • Lower maximum coverage ($35,000)
  • Fraternal structure means membership required
#4

Aetna / CVS Health

Best for Diabetics — one of the most lenient underwriting standards for Type 2 diabetes

AM Best Rating

A

Monthly Range

$27—$65

Max Coverage

$2,000—$25,000

Waiting Period

None (most applicants)

Pros

  • Accepts Type 2 diabetes (controlled) with no waiting period
  • Issues ages 40—89 — one of the widest age ranges
  • Guaranteed premiums and death benefit
  • A rated by AM Best

Cons

  • Lower maximum coverage ($25,000)
  • Not available in all states
#5

Royal Neighbors of America

Best for Women — lower rates for female applicants due to favorable gender pricing

AM Best Rating

A

Monthly Range

$22—$55

Max Coverage

$5,000—$30,000

Waiting Period

None (simplified issue)

Pros

  • Consistently lower rates for women than most competitors
  • Simplified issue — no medical exam
  • Issues ages 50—80
  • A rated AM Best

Cons

  • Fraternal carrier — membership required
  • Not available in all states
  • Lower name recognition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best final expense insurance company?

Mutual of Omaha is widely considered the best overall final expense insurance company due to its A+ AM Best rating, no waiting period for most applicants, and competitive rates. However, the best company for you depends on your age, health, and coverage needs. For example, Aetna is often the best choice for diabetics, and Royal Neighbors offers the lowest rates for women.

How much does final expense insurance cost per month?

Final expense insurance typically costs between $25 and $100 per month depending on your age, sex, health, and coverage amount. A healthy 65-year-old woman might pay around $30/month for $10,000 of coverage with Mutual of Omaha, while a 75-year-old man in good health might pay $65—$80/month for the same coverage.

Is there final expense insurance with no waiting period?

Yes. Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica (Immediate Solution), Foresters Financial, Aetna, and Royal Neighbors of America all offer final expense policies with no waiting period for applicants who qualify based on health questions. Guaranteed issue policies (no health questions) typically have a 2-year graded benefit period.

Can I get final expense insurance if I have diabetes?

Yes. Several carriers accept Type 2 diabetes with no waiting period, including Aetna and Foresters Financial. Controlled Type 2 diabetes (managed with oral medication or diet) typically qualifies for immediate coverage with the right carrier. Type 1 diabetes may require a guaranteed issue policy depending on the carrier.

Not Sure Which Carrier Is Right for You?

Call Curtis directly. In 10 minutes he can tell you which carrier will give you the best rate based on your age, health, and coverage goals — at no cost to you.