Can You Obtain Burial Insurance for a Disabled Person?

Yes, you can obtain burial insurance for a disabled person—and in many cases, it’s a smart and compassionate decision to help protect their loved ones from unexpected end-of-life costs. Whether the disability is physical, intellectual, or the result of a chronic illness, burial insurance offers a simple, affordable way to cover funeral and burial expenses without burdening family members financially.

In this guide, we’ll explain how burial insurance works for disabled individuals, the types of policies available, and how to apply—even in situations involving serious health concerns.


1. What Is Burial Insurance?

Burial insurance, also known as final expense insurance, is a small whole life insurance policy designed to pay for funeral and burial-related costs. These typically include:

  • Funeral home services
  • Burial or cremation
  • Casket or urn
  • Cemetery plot or headstone
  • Obituary and memorial costs
  • Unpaid medical or legal bills

Coverage amounts usually range from $5,000 to $25,000, making it more affordable than traditional life insurance policies.


2. Can a Disabled Person Qualify for Burial Insurance?

Yes — Most Disabled Individuals Are Eligible

Even with serious health conditions, most people with disabilities can still qualify for some form of burial insurance. Many providers offer two main options:
Simplified Issue Burial Insurance
  • Requires basic health questions (no medical exam)
  • Approval is based on health history
  • Ideal for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities
Guaranteed Issue Burial Insurance
  • No health questions asked
  • Guaranteed approval for anyone age 50–85 (sometimes wider range)
  • Designed for people with serious or complex medical conditions or disabilities
  • Usually includes a 2-year waiting period before full benefits are paid

Even individuals with disabilities who’ve been declined traditional life insurance can still qualify for guaranteed issue policies.


3. Who Can Apply for the Policy?

The Disabled Person Themselves
If the person with the disability is legally capable of entering into a contract and understands the policy, they can apply and sign for coverage on their own.
A Legal Guardian or Power of Attorney (POA)

If the person cannot legally consent due to intellectual or developmental disabilities, a legal guardian or POA may be required to apply on their behalf.

In both cases:

  • The person being insured must be aware of and consent to the policy (if legally able)
  • You must have an insurable interest, meaning you're financially responsible for them or their end-of-life costs

4. Reasons to Get Burial Insurance for a Disabled Person

To Cover End-of-Life Costs
Funerals can cost $8,000 to $12,000 or more. Burial insurance ensures these costs are covered without placing a financial burden on family or caregivers.
To Supplement Government Benefits
Most government benefits (like SSI or Medicaid) don’t cover funeral costs. Burial insurance provides a private financial solution for final expenses.
To Avoid Medicaid Spend-Down Issues

Some burial insurance policies can be structured as Medicaid-exempt if placed in an irrevocable funeral trust (IFT). This helps families preserve benefits while covering final expenses legally.

Always consult with an elder law attorney or Medicaid planner before making changes that could affect benefits.


5. What If the Disabled Person Has Serious Health Issues?

Even with conditions like:

  • Down syndrome
  • Autism
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Paralysis
  • Mental health disorders
  • Terminal illness

They may still qualify—especially for guaranteed issue burial insurance, which asks no health questions and ensures approval regardless of medical history.


6. What to Expect When Applying

For Simplified Issue Plans:
  • Answer basic questions (e.g., has the applicant had a heart attack, cancer, or been in a nursing home?)
  • No medical exam
  • Coverage often starts immediately or after a short waiting period
For Guaranteed Issue Plans:
  • No medical questions
  • No exam
  • 2-year graded benefit: If the insured passes away from natural causes within two years, the insurer typically refunds premiums paid plus interest

7. Choosing the Right Burial Policy for a Disabled Person

Policy Type Best For Features
Simplified Issue Mild to moderate disabilities Basic health questions, lower premiums, immediate coverage possible
Guaranteed Issue Severe or chronic disabilities No health questions, higher premiums, 2-year waiting period

8. Cost Example

Age Health Condition Coverage Monthly Premium (Est.)
60 Mild disability (e.g., arthritis) $10,000 ~$30–$50
65 Moderate condition (e.g., diabetes, mobility issues) $10,000 ~$45–$70
70 Severe disability (e.g., Alzheimer’s, wheelchair-bound) $10,000 (Guaranteed Issue) ~$60–$90

9. How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Consent and Legal Eligibility
Make sure the person being insured is legally capable of consenting—or that you have the appropriate legal authority to apply on their behalf.
Step 2: Gather Information

You’ll need the insured's:

  • Full name and date of birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Contact and health details (if applicable)
Step 3: Compare Policies
Use trusted platforms like AffordableBurialInsurance.com to compare simplified and guaranteed issue plans from top-rated insurers.
Step 4: Apply and Review
Submit the application, pay the first premium, and keep the policy documents safe. Be sure to inform the beneficiary of the policy’s details.

10. Final Thoughts

Yes—you can absolutely obtain burial insurance for a disabled person. Whether they have a physical, mental, or developmental condition, there are insurance solutions designed to meet their needs and protect their family’s finances.

Burial insurance is not only affordable—it’s a gift of peace and dignity. It ensures final expenses are handled with care, compassion, and financial security, no matter the health challenges faced along the way.


Need Help Finding the Right Policy?

At AffordableBurialInsurance.com, we specialize in helping families secure burial insurance for loved ones with disabilities. Whether you need simplified or guaranteed issue plans, our experts will guide you every step of the way.

Get your free quote today and protect your loved one’s future with confidence and care.