North Carolina Funeral Insurance: 12 Insightful Questions

In the Tar Heel State, there is a lot of beautiful things to see. From the Nantahala National Forest, across the Blue Ridge Parkway, and over to Greensboro, Raleigh, and down to Wilmington. From east to west there is so much to do and experience.

One item that most North Carolinians do not always think about is the expenses that come at the end of one’s life.

This is a big burden for family members to bear financially.

Fortunately, this is where funeral insurance can help cover these costs.

12 Insightful Questions About North Carolina Funeral Insurance

1. Funeral Insurance: What is it?

Funeral insurance is a type of whole life coverage.

The coverage amount, also known as a death benefit, will never decrease and the coverage is locked in.

This is crucial for so many family members and loved ones who will be counting on the death benefit in the full amount you intend for them to receive.

Key Features of a Whole Life Plan:

• No medical exam
• Premiums never increase
• Coverage amount never decreases
• Many carriers have additional benefits that are listed in the policy agreement
• This policy builds a cash value that will allow you to borrow against the policy in time if needed

Whole Life will always be there for your beneficiary when needed and you will always know where you stand with the policy.

This unique plan offers many wonderful benefits.

2. What can payouts be used for?

There are no requirements or regulations on what funeral insurance can cover or be used for, however, there is a standard list of expenses that we typically see the money go towards.

• Cremation
• Memorial/Celebration of Life
• Credit Cards
• Charity Donations
• Remaining Balance on a Mortgage
• Remaining Car Loan Balances
• Leaving an Inheritance
• Medical Bills
• Legal Expenses
• Post-Mortem Expenses
• Other End-of-Life Expenses

3. How can I qualify?

The first step to qualify for coverage is understanding that there are 4 types of plans.

• Level: Healiest Clients
• Graded: Average Health
• Modified: Past Health Concerns
• Guaranteed Issue: High-risk Health Conditions

Depending on how your health is will dictate what you are able to qualify for. Calling an independent agent who can price check multiple companies will be your best option to see what plan is right for you.

4. What is the oldest age I can obtain coverage?

Typically the oldest that carriers will initially provide coverage to seniors is 85 years old. However, there are a select group of carriers that will provide initial coverage up until the age of 90.

5. What is the best plan?

This will greatly vary depending on your health. The plan everyone should try and qualify for is Level. This means you would receive first-day coverage and secure the lowest premiums. This is not always possible for individuals who have had a recent procedure or a major health issue.

Speaking with an independent agent is your best option to find the best coverage for you.

6. Waiting periods: What are they?

A waiting period is when the carrier places a restriction on the payout timeline.

Example: If you were to pass away during the waiting period your beneficiary would receive a predetermined portion of the coverage amount. Once the waiting period passes the beneficiary would be entitled to 100 percent of the policy amount.

Typically waiting periods are two years.

7. Day-one coverage: How to qualify?

This requires you to be in good physical and mental health. If you are able to answer “no” to a wide variety of medical questions you will be able to secure immediate coverage.

8. What is the difference between the three names used to describe this product?

The three different names are just marketing terminology. They all mean the same thing.

If someone tells you each name means something different do not take their advice, they are either misinformed or are misleading you.

9. Is it worth the cost?

In life, no one knows when their health will start to decline this is why the product is meant to be a simple monthly payment. Providing financial peace of mind for you and your family is what you can expect with this purchase.

Peace of mind is always worth it!

10. Does Social Security pay for my Final Expenses?

No, Social Security will pay for a maximum of $255 death benefit to your beneficiary.

This is not enough to even be cremated let alone celebrate your life or help pay for outstanding bills.

11. I want to purchase a policy for my parent: Can I?

Yes, you can, however, that parent needs to be involved in the process. Meaning you can purchase the policy but they will need to sign their name and be healthy enough to understand what they are doing and willing to take part in the process.

12. What is the best way to get a quote?

The fastest and easiest way to secure a quote is to use our online quote machine on this page. For a more specialized quote, you can call Willamette Life to discuss your medical history and what plan you may qualify for.

Funeral costs can range over a wide variety of price points depending on many factors.

North Carolina Final Expense Statistics

The average traditional burial service in North Carolina is $7,858

The average traditional cremation service in NC is $6,423

Not included in the price estimates:

• Cost of Headstone, Monument, or Marker
• Cemetery Property, Plot of Land, Columbarium, etc.

Lifespan

The average age of death in the state of North Carolina is 75.6 for males and 80.4 for females.

National Average:

• Males 76.1
• Females 81.1

Cause of Death

Listed below are the top 10 leading causes of death in the state.

1. Cancer
2. Heart Disease
3. Accidents
4. Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
5. Stroke
6. Alzheimer’s Disease
7. Diabetes
8. Flu/Pneumonia
9. Kidney Disease
10. Suicide

Final Thoughts

a. North Carolina Funeral Insurance is affordable and necessary to leave your loved ones in a position to celebrate your life and not be burdened with the associated costs.

b. Finding the right plan takes research and knowledge. Make sure to work with an independent agent that has access to many different carriers. This will assure you the lowest price and best plan.

Call Willamette Life at 844-576-0019