Top-Rated and Affordable Burial Insurance in Pennsylvania: 2025 Guide
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
✅
Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
Finding affordable and reliable burial insurance in Pennsylvania for seniors looking to plan ahead and ease the financial burden on their loved ones. With funeral costs in Pennsylvania averaging between $2,460 for direct cremation and $8,816 for full service burial, securing the right coverage ensures peace of mind.
Pennsylvania Funeral Costs
| Service Type | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Full Service Burial | $5,810 | $18,950 | $8,816 |
| Full Service Cremation | $3,600 | $15,570 | $6,536 |
| Affordable Burial | $2,850 | $10,180 | $5,287 |
| Direct Cremation | $500 | $6,360 | $2,460 |
Data source: Funeralocity
This guide highlights the top-rated burial insurance options available in Pennsylvania for 2025, providing valuable insights into coverage plans, costs, and the benefits tailored for seniors.
What Is Burial Insurance in Pennsylvania
Burial Insurance in Pennsylvania is a type of life insurance that pays for your final expenses, such as your funeral, cremation, and other end-of-life costs.
It’s an affordable way to ensure your loved ones are not financially burdened when you die.
There are two main types of burial insurance:
1) Whole life insurance
Whole life insurance policies are more expensive but last your entire life and build cash value over time. We also will cover those from ages in your 50s to age 90.
2) Term life insurance.
Term life insurance policies are less expensive but only last for a set period, usually 10-20 years.
Burial insurance is available from many different insurers from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, and the coverage and costs can vary depending on the insurer and the policy.
Some policies may only cover the cost of your funeral, while others may also cover other final expenses, such as outstanding debts or medical bills.
If you’re a Pennsylvania resident, you may wonder if burial insurance is right for you.
Here’s what you need to know about burial insurance in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department does not currently regulate burial insurance. However, the department does have resources available to help consumers understand and purchase burial insurance.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department recommends that consumers shop for the best policy for their needs and budget.
It’s also important to read the policy carefully to understand what it covers and doesn’t cover.
When shopping for burial insurance, compare the costs and coverage of different policies. Burial insurance policies can vary significantly in cost and coverage, so it’s important to find the right policy.
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How Does Pennsylvania Burial Insurance Policy Work
An insurance policy for burial is a small, whole-life policy without requiring a medical exam to qualify. This type of insurance is suitable for seniors of any age, regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.
There are some policies with no health questions and guarantee approval. They typically have minimal underwriting, in which your eligibility depends on your answers to a few health questions.
Most insurance companies offer coverage amounts between $2,000 and $40,000.
There is no difference between a burial insurance policy, a funeral insurance policy, or a final expense insurance policy.
Compared to a whole life insurance policy, final expense life insurance does not increase monthly premiums or decrease coverage, as it is a whole life insurance policy.
As well as building cash value, this policy never expires.
Ultimately, your loved ones will benefit from your policy death benefit payment. This provides them with the funds they need to fulfill your final wishes.
Additionally, you can choose to have the money paid to the funeral home. Remember, the money can be spent in any way you choose.
How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania
The cost of burial insurance varies depending on the insurer, the policy, and your age, gender, health, and lifestyle. However, policies typically start at around $30 per month.
Pennsylvania Burial Insurance Costs
Below are the costs of burial insurance for the most common coverage amounts. Overall, we offer coverage from $1,500 to $50,000.
Burial Insurance Costs For Females
Female Burial Insurance Rates
| Age of Applicant | $5,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $12.86 | $23.06 | $33.08 |
| 55 | $14.97 | $26.94 | $38.90 |
| 60 | $18.04 | $32.87 | $47.70 |
| 65 | $22.11 | $41.01 | $59.91 |
| 70 | $28.07 | $53.12 | $78.18 |
| 75 | $37.81 | $72.41 | $107.01 |
| 80 | $50.82 | $98.43 | $146.05 |
| 85 | $69.55 | $135.90 | $202.25 |
| 90 | $149.69 | $296.41 | NA |
Burial Insurance Costs For Males
Male Burial Insurance Rates
| Age of Applicant | $5,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $15.37 | $27.73 | $40.08 |
| 55 | $18.72 | $34.43 | $50.13 |
| 60 | $22.72 | $42.42 | $62.13 |
| 65 | $28.41 | $53.82 | $79.22 |
| 70 | $36.47 | $69.93 | $103.38 |
| 75 | $50.22 | $97.43 | $144.64 |
| 80 | $71.44 | $139.73 | $207.99 |
| 85 | $97.97 | $192.74 | $287.51 |
| 90 | $176.59 | $350.21 | NA |
*Ballpark Quote
Below is what determines rate class which will determine price.
Insurer: The insurer you choose will affect the cost of your policy. It’s important to compare the costs and coverage of different insurers before you purchase a policy.
Policy: The type of policy you choose will also affect the cost of your coverage. Whole-life policies are more expensive than term-life policies but last your entire life and build cash value over time.
Age, Gender: Your age and gender will also affect the cost of your policy. Younger people tend to pay less for life insurance than older people. And in general, men tend to pay more for life insurance than women.
Health: Your health is another factor that will affect the cost of your policy. You may pay more for life insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Lifestyle: Your lifestyle choices, such as whether you smoke or have a risky job, can also affect the cost of your policy.
What Are The Benefits of Pennsylvania Burial Insurance
Life insurance with these plans is a good option for people who want to avoid paying high premiums and not leaving their loved ones with a financial burden.
An insurance policy covering final expenses can provide the following benefits:
Affordable monthly premiums:
Policies are priced competitively, and there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges.
The process is simple, easy, and hassle-free – you can get started with a single premium payment anytime during the year.
Coverage from $2,000 up to $ 40,000:
You can choose from the following coverage amounts: $2,000 up to $10,000 for funeral expenses, $5,000 up to $20,000 for burial expenses, and $10,000 up to $40,000 for both funeral and burial expenses.
Optional coverage options are available if you wish to cover more than one person with your policy.
Guaranteed Acceptance for ages 45 to 85:
The guaranteed acceptance period means that your insurer will pay all funeral expenses regardless of how much they cost – even if they exceed the amount you’ve paid into the policy so far!
Before accepting this policy, you don’t need any medical exam or health questions.
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No medical examination is required:
The policy is not subject to any medical examination, meaning there is no requirement for any pre-existing conditions or health questions.
This means you can buy affordable burial insurance in Pennsylvania without worrying about any previous health issues or illnesses.
No health questions asked:
You will not be asked any questions regarding your health when purchasing the policy, which means you can rest easy knowing that your loved ones will be properly cared for.
Pre-existing health issues:
The policy offers coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, which means that if someone you know has a history of heart problems or cancer, they will be covered under this policy and receive the same benefits as everyone else who purchases it. As long as they are outside the time frame of the questions on the application.
Premiums remain the same guaranteed:
The premiums on this policy are guaranteed to remain the same throughout each year of coverage, meaning that if you purchase it today, it will still cover your family members’ burials in 20 years time at today’s rates!
Cash value is built over time:
Burial insurance builds up cash value over time so that when needed, funds will be available to pay for funeral expenses and other important costs associated with losing a loved one unexpectedly or due to an accident or illness.
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Pennsylvania Guaranteed Life Insurance
No health questions are asked for guaranteed life insurance for seniors. Burial policies can even be purchased by people with preexisting medical conditions.
Nevertheless, if the insured person survives the waiting period for death benefits, the policy may only refund previous payments or pay a portion of the face value to beneficiaries.
A simplified issue policy asks fewer health questions, is cheaper, has an immediate death benefit, and may offer more benefit selections. Some of these policies are even available to people over 80 who are relatively healthy.
Pennsylvania Free Look Period:
In Pennsylvania, you have a maximum of 10 days to look over your policy and make changes to it. Get in touch with your insurance agent if you do not understand anything.
As part of the “free look period,” you will have the opportunity to explore your policy before making a decision.
If you’re not happy with it for any reason, you can cancel it and receive a full refund of your premium. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re not locked into a policy that isn’t right for you or your family.
Pennsylvania’s top causes of death
In Pennsylvania, cancer and accidents are the top causes of death before heart disease, despite the fact that heart disease is also the leading cause of death.
Here are the top 10 causes of death in Pennsylvania, as compiled by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Chronic lower respiratory disease
- Accidents
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Septicemia
- Flu/pneumonia
Affordable Burial Insurance in Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for an affordable way to cover your family’s final expenses, affordable burial insurance in Pennsylvania is a great option.
With its competitive prices and guaranteed acceptance, it’s a policy that everyone can afford.
And with its many benefits, it’s a policy that will give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are taken care of.
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Pennsylvania’s Top Cities: A Look at Burial Insurance For Seniors
Embracing the rich history and diverse culture of Pennsylvania’s top cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, seniors should not overlook the crucial role of thoughtful financial planning.
An integral part of this planning is understanding and investing in burial insurance. As we transition into our golden years in these storied Pennsylvania cities, being proactive about such matters is vital.
So, let’s dive into the details of burial insurance available for seniors in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Whether you’re enjoying the dynamic city life of Philadelphia or the thriving community spirit of Pittsburgh, our aim is to clarify the myriad aspects of burial insurance.
We strive to arm you with the necessary information to make sound decisions for your future.
Securing the right insurance isn’t just about finances; it’s about fostering peace of mind, knowing that every stage of your journey has been thoughtfully planned for.
Let’s look at burial insurance in your surrounding area:
Traditional Full Service Burial
| Rank | State | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Reading – Funeral Prices | $6,655 | $12,715 | $9,898 |
| 16 | York – Funeral Prices | $7,925 | $13,775 | $9,895 |
| 38 | Lancaster – Funeral Prices | $8,045 | $10,700 | $9,410 |
| 42 | Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle – Funeral Prices | $8,065 | $18,950 | $9,396 |
| 43 | New York-Newark – Funeral Prices | $4,900 | $20,625 | $9,360 |
| 50 | Philadelphia – Funeral Prices | $5,720 | $12,255 | $9,181 |
Data source: Funeralocity
Full Service Cremation
| Rank | State | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | York – Funeral Prices | $5,405 | $11,760 | $7,750 |
| 17 | Reading – Funeral Prices | $4,235 | $10,380 | $7,529 |
| 30 | Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle – Funeral Prices | $5,635 | $15,570 | $7,205 |
| 39 | Lancaster – Funeral Prices | $5,620 | $8,195 | $7,016 |
| 57 | Williamsport – Funeral Prices | $5,380 | $8,770 | $6,778 |
| 58 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton – Funeral Prices | $5,030 | $8,080 | $6,770 |
Data source: Funeralocity
Affordable Burial
| Rank | State | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Reading – Funeral Prices | $4,495 | $7,795 | $6,409 |
| 19 | York – Funeral Prices | $3,890 | $8,115 | $5,909 |
| 28 | Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle – Funeral Prices | $3,790 | $10,000 | $5,801 |
| 35 | Lancaster – Funeral Prices | $4,888 | $6,925 | $5,697 |
| 38 | Williamsport – Funeral Prices | $4,645 | $6,595 | $5,679 |
Data source: Funeralocity
Direct Cremation
| Rank | State | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Reading – Funeral Prices | $1,450 | $5,265 | $3,608 |
| 8 | York – Funeral Prices | $1,290 | $5,965 | $3,224 |
| 14 | Williamsport – Funeral Prices | $2,380 | $4,420 | $3,088 |
| 18 | State College – Funeral Prices | $2,690 | $3,555 | $2,974 |
| 26 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton – Funeral Prices | $1,295 | $4,535 | $2,855 |
Data source: Funeralocity
Pennsylvania Burial Expectations
Each state can plan a person’s funeral and cremation differently, like the difference between California and New York.
Some counties may have burial restrictions, affecting where a person is buried.
Death Certificates
You need a death certificate if someone dies. In addition to stating the place of death, the death certificate includes the person’s occupation, age, and race.
It is easiest to obtain the original death certificate from the funeral home. Coroners and other medical professionals must sign off on the death certificate.
Embalming and Preservation
The body of a dead person in Pennsylvania must be preserved after 24 hours of death.
There is no legal requirement to embalm a deceased person unless a public viewing occurs more than 24 hours after death.
The body can be viewed privately with close family at any time, but it must be refrigerated after 24 hours.
Funeral Basics
Doctors or hospice care providers will confirm the death. If the deceased had a terminal illness, call the doctor or hospice provider. In the event of sudden death, dial 911.
Call the funeral director within 24 hours of the death to arrange transport. Decide how the deceased’s remains will be handled. In most cases, it’s burial or cremation.
In the state of Pennsylvania and Virginia, there is no requirement to bury a person in a coffin. Each burial ground may have specific rules.
If you choose to bury your body/casket in a cemetery, your funeral director can discuss viewing options. You don’t need to purchase a vault from the funeral home. A cemetery may require a vault.
Cremation
The cremation procedure does not require embalming. However, you will need a cremation container. You can also cremate following a death within 24 hours under state law.
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Pennsylvania Statistics on Burial Insurance
- The average lifespan of a PA is 78.5 years
- In Pennsylvania, funerals and burials typically cost more than $8,093
- PA cremation packages range from less than $695 to more than $2,495
Families are often required to incur additional expenses to hold a service even though cremations cost a lot less than traditional burials.
Final expense burial policies may provide your family with enough money to pay for a dignified funeral and probate expenses, meals, and other funeral expenses.
What Does Burial Insurance Cover in Pennsylvania
Burial insurance policies in Pennsylvania typically cover the costs of your funeral, including the casket, funeral home services, and other related expenses.
It also includes;
- Burial
- Casket
- Funeral Home Services
- Transportation
- Other final expenses, such as outstanding debts or medical bills
Traditional Full Service Burial
| Service Type | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Full Service Burial | $5,810 | $18,950 | $8,816 |
| Basic Services | $369 | $5,000 | $2,320 |
| Transfer to Funeral Home | $25 | $850 | $334 |
| Embalming | $200 | $3,500 | $829 |
| Dressing & Casketing | $45 | $1,650 | $302 |
| Viewing & Visitation | $39 | $2,495 | $487 |
| Funeral Service | $100 | $2,885 | $540 |
| Hearse | $100 | $900 | $342 |
| Utility Vehicle | – | $700 | $162 |
| Median-priced Casket* | $3,500 | – | – |
Data source: Funeralocity
Full Service Cremation
| Service Component | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Service Cremation | $3,600 | $15,570 | $6,536 |
| Basic Services | $369 | $5,000 | $2,320 |
| Transfer to Funeral Home | $25 | $850 | $334 |
| Embalming | $200 | $3,500 | $829 |
| Dressing & Casketing | $45 | $1,650 | $302 |
| Viewing & Visitation | $39 | $2,495 | $487 |
| Funeral Service | $100 | $2,885 | $540 |
| Transfer to Crematory | – | $600 | $126 |
| Crematory Fee | $175 | $1,960 | $398 |
| Cremation Casket* | $1,200 | – | – |
Data source: Funeralocity
Affordable Burial
| Service Component | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable Burial | $2,850 | $10,180 | $5,287 |
| Basic Services | $350 | $7,680 | $2,787 |
| Basic Casket* | $2,500 | – | – |
Data source: Funeralocity
Direct Cremation
| Service Component | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $500 | $6,360 | $2,460 |
| Basic Services | $500 | $6,360 | $2,392 |
| Transfer to Crematory | – | $285 | $2 |
| Crematory Fee | – | $1,250 | $66 |
Data source: Funeralocity
Burial insurance policy coverage can vary depending on the insurer and the policy, so it’s important to read the policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Other States around Pennsylvania you may be interested in:
Why InsuranceForBurial.com Is Best For You
There are so many companies offering burial insurance that it is easy for you to find one. The problem is that most companies exist only to make life easier for themselves and their agents.
The three biggest reasons why InsuranceForBurial.com is best equipped to serve your burial insurance needs in Pennsylvania are as follows:
We are different. Our company and processes are structured in a way to serve your interests.
- As an independent agency, we represent a wide range of insurance companies. No insurance company can meet the needs of every individual, which is why it’s critical to have options. If you require a final expense company, we can match you with one that best meets your needs.
- Our sole focus has been final expense life insurance for more than a decade. We don’t sell anything else. We specialize in final expense insurance.
- We aim to ensure that what we recommend is the best option based on what you need.
FAQ
Burial insurance in Pennsylvania is a type of life insurance policy designed to cover end-of-life expenses, including funeral, burial, or cremation costs. These policies are particularly popular among seniors who want to relieve their families of financial stress during a difficult time.
The cost of burial insurance in Pennsylvania varies based on factors such as:
Age: Older applicants generally pay higher premiums.
Health: Policies for healthy individuals are typically less expensive.
Coverage Amount: Premiums increase with higher benefit amounts.
On average, burial insurance policies in Pennsylvania cost between $25 and $100 per month, depending on the coverage selected.
Most burial insurance policies in Pennsylvania are available to individuals aged 50 to 85. Some insurers may require basic health information, but guaranteed issue policies are available for those with health challenges and have no medical exam requirement.
Yes, burial insurance in Pennsylvania is designed to be affordable, especially for seniors on a fixed income. Options like smaller coverage amounts and fixed premiums make it easier to budget for these policies.
Yes, some policies offer immediate day-one coverage, where the full death benefit is paid as soon as the policy is active. Guaranteed issue policies, however, may include a waiting period of 1 to 2 years.
Burial Insurance: Provides a cash benefit to your family, giving them flexibility to pay for funeral expenses or other needs.
Prepaid Funeral Plans: Lock in current prices for specific funeral services but offer less flexibility for other expenses.
Both options can be helpful, but burial insurance typically provides more financial freedom for your beneficiaries.
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Conclusion
Obtaining affordable burial insurance is a vital move for Pennsylvania residents. This form of life insurance is specifically designed to support your loved ones, covering funeral and other end-of-life expenses.
When you’re a Pennsylvanian considering such a policy, numerous elements come into play, including its cost, the extent of coverage, and the reputation of the insurer.
At InsuranceForBurial.com, we’re committed to assisting you in navigating these complex waters. We facilitate the process of comparing policies, helping you find the one that best fits your needs.
Also, for a broader perspective, we invite you to explore our comprehensive guide on burial insurance options across the USA.
Together, we can craft a plan that not only meets your financial objectives but also offers the peace of mind that comes with thoughtful future planning.
Connect with us today to begin this important conversation.
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