If you’re over 70 and living in Florida, you’ve probably already thought about the legacy you want to leave behind. Maybe it’s financial security for your loved ones. Maybe it’s peace of mind, knowing your affairs are in order. For many seniors, one question that still lingers is: “Will my family be able to cover my final expenses when the time comes?”
It’s a fair concern. In Florida, like elsewhere, funeral and cremation costs have steadily risen. A traditional funeral can run $9,000 or more. Even cremation, which is often considered the more affordable route, typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000—especially when you include services, travel, and other arrangements.
This is where final expense insurance becomes a powerful tool.
Unlike traditional life insurance, which is often harder to qualify for after age 70, final expense insurance is built for seniors. It’s designed to be simple, accessible, and practical. With smaller coverage amounts—usually between $5,000 and $25,000—it’s tailored to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and small debts that can burden loved ones after you’re gone.
And in Florida, where the senior population is among the largest in the nation, many residents are discovering how helpful this type of insurance can be—not just financially, but emotionally.
Why Seniors Over 70 Still Need Final Expense Insurance
You might be thinking, “I’m in my 70s—why get life insurance now?”
Well, final expense insurance isn’t about building wealth or leaving a large inheritance. It’s about protection and preparation. As we age, traditional life insurance becomes expensive—or unavailable entirely. But final expense policies fill a unique gap: they help cover the costs that come right after death, when families are most vulnerable.
Here are a few reasons why seniors in Florida over 70 are choosing final expense insurance:
1. Rising Funeral and Cremation Costs
Florida is no exception to the national trend. Between inflation and the growing cost of services, funerals today are more expensive than ever. Having a dedicated policy in place can make sure your family isn’t stuck with a sudden $10,000 bill.
2. Health Changes and Unpredictability
Even if you’re in good health today, that can change quickly in your 70s. Final expense insurance doesn’t require a medical exam in most cases, especially if you opt for a guaranteed issue policy. That means you can get coverage now—before anything changes.
3. Simplified Approval
Most final expense plans available to Florida seniors over 70 offer streamlined applications. Many just ask a few health questions (if any) and skip the medical exams entirely. It’s insurance that respects your time and energy.
How Final Expense Insurance Works in Florida
Final expense insurance, also known as burial insurance, is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover end-of-life costs. It’s available across the country, but Florida seniors face some specific factors that make it especially useful—and at times, even more important.
Coverage That Fits Your Needs
Most final expense policies in Florida range from $5,000 to $25,000 in coverage. The idea isn’t to create wealth for heirs—it’s to cover things like:
- Funeral or cremation arrangements
- Casket or urn
- Burial plot or cremation service fees
- Outstanding medical bills or hospice costs
- Small debts or legal paperwork
- Transportation for family members
This kind of policy allows you to customize coverage for what your family will actually face—not some generic formula.
And in Florida, where cremation is more common than burial due to cost and culture, many seniors choose coverage around the $7,000–$10,000 mark, which typically covers cremation plus a memorial service and related expenses.
Florida’s Aging Population and the Need for Simplicity
Florida is home to one of the largest senior populations in the country. In places like Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and The Villages, seniors make up over 25% of the population. Because of that, many insurance carriers actively market final expense policies in Florida and tailor products to seniors over 70.
This competition benefits you: more choices, more flexible plans, and a better chance of finding one that meets your needs.
Additionally, many final expense carriers in Florida offer:
- No medical exam policies
- Instant or same-day approvals
- Fixed premiums that never increase
- Lifetime coverage that doesn’t expire
It’s all designed to take the pressure off—so you can make a confident choice without jumping through hoops.
Who Qualifies in Florida?
If you’re over 70 and live in Florida, you can still qualify for final expense insurance—even if you’ve been turned down for other types of insurance.
There are generally two types of policies available:
1. Simplified Issue Final Expense Insurance
- You answer a few health questions, but no medical exam is required.
- Offers immediate coverage (no waiting period).
- Lower monthly premiums than guaranteed issue.
2. Guaranteed Issue Final Expense Insurance
- No health questions at all. You’re approved automatically.
- Includes a 2-year waiting period before full benefits apply (natural causes only).
- Best for seniors with serious health issues or past declines.
At age 70–75, simplified issue is often available if your health is reasonably stable. After 76, many Florida seniors opt for guaranteed issue plans—especially if they have conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer in their history.
How Much Does Final Expense Insurance Cost in Florida?
One of the biggest questions we hear from seniors in Florida is: “How much will this actually cost me each month?” The answer depends on a few key factors, but overall, final expense insurance is designed to be affordable—even for people on a fixed income.
In most cases, policies for Florida seniors over 70 fall in the range of $40 to $150 per month, depending on age, health, gender, and the amount of coverage you choose.
Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay:
| Age | Coverage | Non-Smoker | Smoker |
| 70 | $10,000 | $45–$65/month | $65–$85/month |
| 75 | $10,000 | $60–$80/month | $85–$110/month |
| 80 | $10,000 | $85–$110/month | $110–$150/month |
Note: These are estimates and can vary depending on your location within Florida, the carrier, and any health conditions you may have.
What Affects Your Rate?
Several things impact the cost of your final expense policy in Florida:
1. Age
Premiums go up as you get older. That’s why many seniors choose to lock in a policy as early as possible once they turn 70.
2. Health
If you choose a simplified issue policy and can answer health questions favorably, you’ll usually pay a lower rate than someone who needs a guaranteed issue plan.
3. Gender
Women tend to pay slightly lower premiums than men because they statistically live longer. It’s not a huge difference, but it adds up over time.
4. Tobacco Use
If you smoke or have used tobacco recently, your rate will be higher. Some insurers ask about tobacco use in the past 12 months, others in the past 5 years.
5. Coverage Amount
Naturally, the more coverage you buy, the more you’ll pay. However, many Florida seniors find that a $10,000 to $15,000 policy provides just the right amount of protection without becoming a financial burden.
Getting the Right Policy for Your Situation
You don’t need to spend hours comparing policies or trying to decode insurance jargon. At Liberty Financial Group, we specialize in helping Florida seniors find policies that fit their specific needs.
We compare rates from multiple top-rated carriers and explain your options clearly—so you know exactly what you’re getting and why.
The goal isn’t just to get coverage. It’s to get the right coverage—at the right price, from the right company.
And once it’s in place, that policy stays with you for life. Your premiums never increase. Your coverage never decreases. And when the time comes, your loved ones receive the payout quickly, with no confusion or delay.
Florida-Specific Considerations: Cremation Trends, Laws, and Planning Pitfalls
Living in Florida comes with its own set of factors when it comes to end-of-life planning. From rising cremation rates to unique legal guidelines around funeral arrangements, it’s important to consider the local landscape when choosing a final expense insurance policy.
Cremation Is on the Rise in Florida
Florida leads the nation in cremation rates, with more than 70% of deaths resulting in cremation rather than traditional burial. Why? There are several reasons:
- Cost: Cremation in Florida typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000, while a full burial service can exceed $10,000–$12,000.
- Simplicity: Many seniors prefer low-key memorials over large funerals.
- Mobility: With many retirees living far from where they grew up, cremation allows family to transport remains or scatter ashes in meaningful places.
If you plan on being cremated, your final expense policy can be adjusted accordingly. A $7,000–$10,000 policy is often more than enough to cover cremation services, a basic urn, transportation, and even a modest celebration of life.
Florida Laws That Affect Final Expense Planning
Here are a few Florida-specific details that matter when setting up a policy:
1. No Waiting Period for Funeral Arrangements
In Florida, there is no mandatory waiting period between death and cremation or burial, but there is a 48-hour holding period before a cremation can occur. This means funeral homes will likely require payment—or assurance of funds—before they proceed. Having a final expense policy in place makes this much easier for your family.
2. Pre-Need vs. Final Expense
Some Florida funeral homes offer pre-need contracts, which are prepaid plans arranged directly with the provider. While this works for some, these plans are locked into one provider, making them less flexible. A final expense policy, on the other hand, provides your family with cash they can use however needed, with no restrictions on the funeral home or crematory.
3. Medicaid and Asset Protection
If you’re a Florida senior who receives or may eventually need Medicaid, final expense insurance can be a smart way to set aside funds without affecting your eligibility. A properly structured burial insurance policy (up to $2,500 in value, per Florida Medicaid rules) can be excluded as a non-countable asset.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Here are some of the most common errors we see Florida seniors make when shopping for final expense coverage—and how to avoid them:
- Waiting too long: Rates go up with age, and eligibility narrows. Waiting until you’re 80+ can mean fewer options and higher prices.
- Not telling your family: Make sure your beneficiary knows the policy exists and where to find it.
- Buying too much coverage: A $50,000 policy sounds nice, but it’s overkill for final expenses and will cost far more than you need.
- Choosing the wrong type of plan: Always understand whether your policy is level benefit (full coverage from day one) or graded (partial or delayed payout). At Liberty Financial Group, we’ll walk you through the differences.
How to Apply and Choose the Right Provider in Florida
Getting started with final expense insurance in Florida is easier than you might think. Unlike traditional life insurance, which can involve weeks of back-and-forth, final expense policies are designed to be fast and stress-free—especially for seniors.
1. Know What You Need
Start by deciding on a realistic coverage amount. If you prefer cremation, $7,000 to $10,000 may be enough. If you want a full burial with a service and headstone, consider $12,000 to $15,000. Make a list of what matters most to you, and estimate what it might cost.
2. Choose Between Simplified and Guaranteed Issue
- Simplified Issue: If you’re generally in good health, a simplified issue policy will offer better rates and full coverage from day one.
- Guaranteed Issue: If you’ve had past health issues or just want to avoid the medical questions altogether, guaranteed issue policies are a safer choice. Just be aware of the two-year waiting period.
3. Work With a Local Florida-Based Advisor
While you can find plenty of policies online, working with someone who understands Florida’s laws, funeral costs, and Medicaid rules gives you an edge. At Liberty Financial Group, we specialize in helping seniors across the state find the right policy—whether you live in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or a quiet retirement town on the coast.
We don’t push one-size-fits-all plans. We listen first, then recommend options that actually fit your situation. And we stay with you long after the paperwork is signed—offering help to your loved ones if they ever need to file a claim or access the policy.
Why Liberty Financial Group Is Trusted by Florida Seniors
We’ve helped thousands of seniors across the state protect their families from the financial strain of final expenses. Here’s why they choose us:
- We work with multiple top-rated insurance carriers, not just one company.
- We specialize in Florida residents over 70, so we understand what coverage makes sense at this stage of life.
- We’re honest and straightforward. If a policy isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you—and help you explore other options.
- We offer personal support, not call center scripts. You get a real advisor who cares about your family and your future.
It’s Never Too Late to Plan Ahead
At the end of the day, final expense insurance is a simple way to leave peace instead of pressure. Your family won’t have to guess at your wishes or scramble to find the money. Instead, they’ll have what they need—because you made a thoughtful, loving choice now.
If you’re a senior over 70 living in Florida, it’s not too late. You still have options. And at Liberty Financial Group, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Reach out today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options in plain language and help you get the coverage that gives your family—and yourself—real peace of mind.
