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Final Expense Insurance for Florida & Georgia Residents
When someone passes away, the bills don't stop. Funeral costs, burial expenses, and other end-of-life costs can add up quickly — often $10,000 or more. Final Expense Insurance is a type of Whole Life Insurance policy designed to help cover those costs so your family isn't left managing debt during an already difficult time.
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Justin Tomlin
Licensed Insurance Agent
About Me
As an independent licensed insurance agent serving Florida and Georgia, I work with individuals to find coverage that fits their health situation, budget, and goals. My name is Justin Tomlin, and because I work with multiple carriers rather than representing a single company, my focus is on finding the right policy for your specific circumstances — not on selling any particular product.
Final Expense Insurance is typically purchased by individuals who want to ensure their end-of-life costs are covered without placing a financial burden on their family. It may be worth considering if you:
Want to cover funeral, burial, or cremation expenses
Have outstanding medical bills or debts you don't want to leave behind
Don't have existing life insurance or your current coverage has lapsed
Want a smaller, permanent policy specifically for end-of-life costs rather than income replacement
Have health conditions that make traditional life insurance difficult or expensive to obtain
Who This Coverage is For
How Final Expense Insurance Works
Final Expense Insurance is a permanent Whole Life Insurance policy with a smaller death benefit — typically between $5,000 and $50,000 — designed specifically to cover end-of-life costs rather than replace lost income.
You pay a fixed monthly premium. When you pass away, the death benefit is paid directly to your named beneficiary. That money can be used for funeral and burial costs, cremation, outstanding medical bills, or any other expenses your family faces.
Premiums are generally fixed for the life of the policy and coverage does not expire as long as premiums are paid.
Benefit Options — Full Benefit vs. Graded Benefit
Not all Final Expense policies work the same way. Understanding the difference between full benefit and graded benefit policies is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
FULL BENEFIT POLICIES
Full benefit policies pay 100% of the death benefit from the first day coverage is active — regardless of when you pass away. These policies typically require answers to health questions during the application process and may involve simplified underwriting. Premiums are generally lower than guaranteed issue policies because the insurer has some health information.
GRADED BENEFIT POLICIES
Graded benefit policies phase in the full death benefit over the first two to three years of coverage. A typical graded structure looks like this:
Year 1: Your beneficiary receives 25–30% of the death benefit
Year 2: Your beneficiary receives 50% of the death benefit
Year 3 and beyond: Your beneficiary receives 100% of the death benefit
If you pass away during the graded period, your beneficiary receives the reduced benefit — not the full face amount. Some policies return premiums paid plus interest if death occurs in the first year or two rather than paying a percentage of the benefit.
Graded benefit policies typically offer faster approval and are available to individuals who may not qualify for simplified underwriting due to health history. Premiums are generally higher than simplified underwriting policies.
Understanding which type of policy you are purchasing — and why — is essential before enrolling.
Underwriting Options
Simplified Underwriting
Simplified underwriting policies require answers to a health questionnaire during the application process. No medical exam, blood tests, or doctor’s visit is required. Approval typically takes a few days to a week. Premiums are lower than guaranteed issue because the insurer has health information to evaluate. Some health conditions may result in higher premiums, a graded benefit structure, or a decline.
Simplified Underwriting
Guaranteed issue policies ask no health questions during the application process. Approval is typically faster. Premiums are higher than simplified underwriting polices because the insurer accepts all applicants regardless of health history. Most guaranteed issue policies have a graded benefit structure for the first two to three years.
Important: The term “guaranteed issue” means different things to different carriers. Some use it to mean truly no underwriting; others may conduct limited underwriting or have specific exclusions. Always confirm What “guaranteed issue” means for the specific policy being offered before enrolling.
Age Eligibility
Final Expense policies are generally available to individuals between ages 45 and 85, thought eligibility ranges vary by carrier and underwriting type. Some carriers offer broader or narrower age ranges depending on their specific products. Ask about the age range that applies to any policy you are considering.
What the Benefit Can be Used For
The death benefit is paid directly to your named beneficiary as a lump sum. There are no restrictions on how the money is used. Common uses include:
Funeral home and burial or cremation services
Cemetery plot, headstone, or memorial costs
Outstanding medical bills
Credit card debt or personal loans
Household expenses during the transition period
Final Expense Insurance is designed to cover end-of-life costs — not to replace lost income or provide long-term financial support to dependents. If income replacement or a larger legacy benefit is a goal, a Term Life or Whole Life policy may be more appropriate.Final Expense policies are generally available to individuals between ages 45 and 85, thought eligibility ranges vary by carrier and underwriting type. Some carriers offer broader or narrower age ranges depending on their specific products. Ask about the age range that applies to any policy you are considering.
How the Process Works
Step 1 — Needs & Health Review
We start with a conversation about your coverage goals, budget, and health history. Understanding your health situation upfront helps identify which underwriting options are likely available to you — and avoid surprises during the application process.
Step 2 — Policy Comparison
I’ll walk you through available options from multiple carriers, comparing benefit amounts, benefit structures (full vs graded), underwriting requirements, premiums, and any waiting periods or exclusions. The goal is to make sure you understand exactly what you’re buying before you commit.
Step 3 — Enrollment & Ongoing Support
When you’re ready to enroll, I can assist you with the process from start to finish. Once your coverage is active, I remain your dedicated point of contact for any questions that come up during the life of the policy.
Final Expense Insurance is a Whole Life Insurance Policy. Benefit amounts, premiums, waiting periods, underwriting requirements, and age eligibility vary by carrier and individual health status. Policies with graded benefits pay a reduced death benefit if the insured passes away during the graded period — typically the first two to three years of coverage. Guaranteed issue policies may have graded benefit structures and higher premiums than simplified underwriting policies. This page is provided for informational purposes by Justin Tomlin, Licensed Insurance Agent (FL W960118 | GA 3760385), CHL Insurance Solutions, LLC (FL L131407 | GA 241106). Not an offer of insurance. Coverage is subject to carrier approval and applicable state regulations.
From the Education Hub
What to learn more about Life Insurance before we talk? This resource is provided for informational purposes only.
Want to find the right coverage for your situation?
Consultations are free, no-obligation, and available by phone, email, or in-person at my Gainesville, FL office. Conveniently located near The Oaks Mall.
Book an Appointment (online schedule)
Call Justin at (352) 448-7012
Email Justin at Justin@FloridaAgent.org