Guaranteed Issue Burial Insurance

Guaranteed issue burial insurance is a type of final expense whole life policy that accepts all applicants within the eligible age range (typically 45—85) regardless of health history. There are no health questions, no medical exam, and no possibility of being declined. In exchange, the policy imposes a 2—3 year graded benefit period and charges higher premiums than health-rated policies.

If the insured passes away from natural causes during the first 2 years, most guaranteed issue policies return all premiums paid plus interest (typically 10%). If death occurs due to an accident, many policies pay the full death benefit immediately regardless of the waiting period.

Guaranteed issue is ideal for seniors who have been declined for other life insurance, those currently in cancer treatment, dialysis patients, individuals with congestive heart failure, HIV/AIDS, or oxygen dependency — conditions that disqualify most standard policies. If you're in poor health and have no coverage, guaranteed issue may be your only option.

Guaranteed issue policies typically offer $2,000 to $25,000 in coverage. This is intentionally modest — it covers funeral costs, basic burial expenses, and small outstanding debts. Higher coverage amounts are not generally available on a guaranteed issue basis.

Yes. Once issued, your premium is fixed for life — it cannot increase regardless of changes in your health or age. The policy also builds a small cash value over time that you can access or borrow against.