Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company specializes in final expense insurance, also known as burial insurance or funeral insurance. The company offers a simplified application process with no medical exam required, making it a convenient option for those with health concerns. However, Lincoln Heritage has received criticism for its high prices, especially for individuals with medical conditions, and its agents' aggressive sales tactics. While it provides valuable end-of-life planning services, there may be more affordable alternatives available in the market.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Medical exam required? | No |
Application process | Streamlined, simple, one-page application |
Claims paid within | 24 hours of approval |
Assistance with | Funeral planning and cost comparison of services |
Policy limit | $20,000 |
Type of policy | Final expense policies |
Policy increase | Premiums won't go up |
Additional coverage | Accidental death rider |
Availability | Not available in New York and Washington |
Application outcome | Approved, offered a modified plan, or denied coverage |
Customer complaints | High volume |
What You'll Learn
- Lincoln Heritage's Funeral Advantage program does not require a medical exam
- The company offers a streamlined application process
- Lincoln Heritage is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau
- The company's policies are only available in 49 states
- The company's policies are relatively low, with a limit of $20,000
Lincoln Heritage's Funeral Advantage program does not require a medical exam
Lincoln Heritage's Funeral Advantage program is a final expense insurance policy that does not require a medical exam. Instead, applicants need only answer a few simple health questions on a one-page application. Most people qualify for the program, even if they have had past health issues.
The Funeral Advantage program is available in every state except New York and Washington, and its premiums will not increase over time. The company limits benefits to $20,000, so its policies are only suitable for consumers seeking a small, limited policy. However, policyholders can add up to $100,000 in accidental death coverage.
In addition to financial benefits, the Funeral Advantage program also provides assistance with funeral planning and cost comparison. When the insured on a Lincoln Heritage policy passes away, the benefits include help from a representative of the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society. This representative provides resources for various funeral services, including cremation and green burials, funeral costs, and information to help families save money during the funeral planning process.
While Lincoln Heritage does not require a medical exam, it is not a guaranteed issue policy, meaning applications can be denied. To qualify for coverage, applicants must answer "no" to two key questions:
- Has the proposed insured been diagnosed, by a physician, with a terminal illness or HIV/AIDS?
- Is the proposed insured currently incarcerated, hospitalized, in a care facility, or receiving hospice care?
If applicants answer "no" to these questions, they will qualify for immediate coverage or Lincoln Heritage's modified plan. The modified plan is available to individuals with a history of serious health conditions and is more expensive, with a two- or three-year waiting period before full benefits are paid out.
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The company offers a streamlined application process
Lincoln Heritage's application process is straightforward and simple. The company offers only one type of insurance policy: a final expense insurance policy called Funeral Advantage. This is available in every US state except New York and Washington.
The application process is simplified, with a one-page form to fill out, and no medical exam is required. The company says most people qualify, even if they have medical issues. However, it is not a guaranteed issue policy, so your application can be turned down.
To apply, you need to fill out a form on the website and complete a health questionnaire. There are three possible outcomes:
- You will be approved for coverage if you are relatively healthy.
- You will be offered a "modified plan" if you have a history of serious health conditions. This plan is more expensive and has a waiting period.
- You will be denied coverage if you have certain pre-existing conditions.
The health questionnaire includes questions about your medical history, including hospital stays, illnesses, surgeries, and medications. It also covers your family history of conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as lifestyle choices that impact your wellness, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet and exercise habits.
Lincoln Heritage also does a prescription drug background check as part of the application process.
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Lincoln Heritage is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau
The application process for Lincoln Heritage's Funeral Advantage is straightforward and can be completed over the phone or online. There is no medical exam required, only a simple health questionnaire. The company claims that most people qualify, even those with medical issues. However, it is important to note that Lincoln Heritage is not a guaranteed issue policy, so your application can still be turned down.
The Funeral Advantage program includes family support services through the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS). This organization provides resources and assistance to family members after the insured's death, including help with funeral planning and cost comparisons for various funeral services.
While Lincoln Heritage has received positive reviews for its customer service, particularly during the claims process, there have been some complaints about aggressive sales tactics by their agents. Additionally, their prices are considered high compared to other companies, especially for individuals with health conditions who are offered a modified plan.
Overall, Lincoln Heritage's Funeral Advantage program can be a good option for those who are healthy and able to qualify for immediate coverage, but it may be expensive for those with pre-existing conditions. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance policy before purchasing.
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The company's policies are only available in 49 states
Lincoln Heritage's Funeral Advantage policy is available in 49 states across the US. The two states that do not offer this policy are New York and Washington. New York has specific regulations in place that make it difficult for insurance companies to offer coverage, so some burial insurance companies avoid the state altogether.
Funeral Advantage is Lincoln Heritage's only insurance policy and is a final expense insurance policy. Final expense policies have fairly low death benefits and are designed to cover the policyholder's burial services and related costs, so it's generally a much smaller policy.
Funeral Advantage offers benefits of up to $20,000 without requiring a medical exam. The premiums won't increase, and the company says most people qualify, even if they have medical issues. However, the company limits benefits to $20,000, so its policies are only an option for consumers who want a small, limited policy.
The application process for Funeral Advantage is streamlined and doesn't require a medical exam. It has a simplified, one-page application that is easy for most people to qualify for. However, it is not a guaranteed issue policy, which means your application can be turned down.
The policy includes two components: a final expense life insurance cash benefit and family support services. The cash benefit covers final expenses, including the burial, and can be paid to the beneficiary or assigned to a funeral home. Family support services are provided by the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society, which gives family members access to a representative to help with the details that arise after a loved one passes away.
Funeral Advantage is available to anyone aged 85 or younger, and the premiums are level for the length of the policy. As with most whole life insurance policies, the death benefit remains the same throughout.
There are three possible outcomes when applying for Funeral Advantage:
- You'll be approved for coverage if you're relatively healthy.
- You'll be offered a "modified plan" if you have a history of serious health conditions like heart disease or cancer. This plan is more expensive and has a waiting period.
- You'll be denied coverage if you have certain pre-existing conditions.
Lincoln Heritage also offers a rider for accidental death, which can provide additional benefits if the policyholder dies in an accident.
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The company's policies are relatively low, with a limit of $20,000
Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance offers a final expense insurance policy called Funeral Advantage. This policy is available in every state in the US except New York and Washington. It has a simplified application process that most people can qualify for, and its premiums remain fixed. However, the company limits benefits to $20,000, making its policies suitable only for consumers seeking small, limited coverage.
Funeral Advantage is a permanent policy designed to help cover the policyholder's funeral, burial, and end-of-life costs. It is a type of whole life insurance, which remains in effect for the policyholder's lifetime as long as they pay the premiums. Final expense insurance is a specific type of whole life insurance meant to cover burial services and related costs, so it is generally a much smaller policy.
The application process for Funeral Advantage is straightforward and does not require a medical exam. Applicants need only fill out a one-page form on the website and complete a health questionnaire. There are three possible outcomes:
- Approval for coverage: If the applicant is relatively healthy, they will be approved.
- Offer of a modified plan: If the applicant has a history of serious health conditions, such as heart disease or cancer, they may be offered a modified plan. This plan is more expensive and has a waiting period before full benefits are available. For those under 50, the waiting period is three years, while for those 50 and older, it is two years. If the policyholder dies during the waiting period, the beneficiary will receive a payout equal to the premiums paid plus 10-30% interest.
- Denial of coverage: Certain pre-existing conditions may result in denial of coverage.
In addition to the Funeral Advantage policy, Lincoln Heritage offers a rider for accidental death, which provides additional benefits if the policyholder dies in an accident. This rider can provide up to $100,000 in additional coverage.
While Lincoln Heritage's policies may be suitable for those seeking small, limited coverage, those needing more than $20,000 of coverage will need to look elsewhere.
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Frequently asked questions
No medical exam is required for Lincoln Heritage's Funeral Advantage program. You simply need to answer a few health questions.
It is a final expense insurance policy that covers funeral costs and other end-of-life expenses. It is available in every state except New York and Washington.
The benefit amount is up to $20,000. There is also an option to add up to $100,000 in accidental death coverage.
To qualify, you must be 85 years old or younger and answer "no" to two knockout questions on their application related to terminal illness and incarceration. You may also qualify for a modified plan if you have certain health conditions.