Guaranteed life insurance, no medical exam.

Guaranteed life insurance — also called guaranteed issue, final expense, or burial insurance — is a permanent whole life policy with no medical exam and no health questions. A traditional policy requires underwriting, and you can be declined or charged more based on your health. A guaranteed issue policy can't turn you down as long as you're within the eligible age range, which makes it a dependable choice for covering final expenses when other coverage is hard to get.

Yes. Guaranteed issue coverage requires no medical exam and no health questions — acceptance is guaranteed within the eligible ages. Because the insurer takes on more risk without underwriting, premiums per dollar of coverage are higher than a fully underwritten policy, and benefit amounts are kept modest. For many people who've been declined elsewhere, that trade-off is well worth the certainty.

Most guaranteed issue policies include a graded benefit period, usually the first two years. If the insured passes from natural causes during that window, the policy returns the premiums paid plus interest rather than the full death benefit. After the graded period ends, the full death benefit is payable. Coverage for accidental death is typically paid in full from day one. Your agent can confirm the exact terms for the carrier you choose.

Guaranteed issue policies are designed for final expenses, so coverage amounts are modest — commonly enough to cover a funeral, burial, outstanding medical bills, and other end-of-life costs. Funerals alone often run $7,000 to $10,000. The benefit is paid tax-free to your beneficiaries, who can use it however they need, whether that's the funeral, remaining bills, or simply easing the financial pressure of a hard time.

It's a strong fit for people who've had trouble qualifying for traditional coverage — those with chronic conditions or a history of denials, people in high-risk occupations such as loggers, miners, or others in hazardous work, and anyone who would rather skip a medical exam altogether. It's also popular with seniors who want a simple, guaranteed way to leave something behind for their family.

Guaranteed issue coverage is typically available to applicants roughly between ages 50 and 80, though the exact range varies by carrier — some offer final expense coverage up to age 85. A licensed agent can quickly tell you which carriers you're eligible for based on your age.

Yes. Guaranteed issue policies are permanent whole life coverage, so they last your lifetime as long as premiums are paid — they don't expire like term insurance. Premiums are fixed and level, and the policy builds tax-deferred cash value over time. Many policies mature at age 100, at which point the full face value can be paid out. Learn more on our whole life and permanent life insurance pages, or ask your agent.