If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about how to make sure your loved ones aren’t left with a big bill after you’re gone. Funeral costs, medical bills, final household bills, cemetery plots, cremation costs, and memorials add up fast, and most families don’t want those expenses to fall on their children or grandchildren. This guide, “Final Expense Insurance Cost in Tampa Bay, Florida | 2026 Burial Insurance Price Guide” is focused on final expense insurance costs in the Tampa Bay area, including Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando, Polk, and Citrus, and other surrounding counties.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.
If I miss anything or you have questions, email me at support@myphss.com, and I’ll help you get a clear answer.
Last updated in January 2026 for funeral and insurance cost trends in Florida by MyPhss.com
Table of Contents
What is Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance is a whole life insurance policy designed specifically to help cover end-of-life costs. These often include:
Funeral or memorial services
Burial or cremation
Cemetery or urn expenses
Outstanding medical bills
Other final expenses your family might face
Unlike traditional life insurance, final expense insurance focuses on smaller coverage amounts, usually between $5,000 and $25,000.
Most final expense policies:
Do not require a medical exam
Are available to people between the ages 50 and 85
Provide lifetime coverage as long as premiums are paid
Pay benefits directly to your chosen beneficiary
For many Floridians, this type of insurance offers a simple and predictable way to handle funeral costs without leaving loved ones financially stressed.
What Does Final Expense Insurance Cover?
Final Expense insurance pays a death benefit to your beneficiaries (usually your family) after your passing. While many people think of funeral costs first, the payout can be used for:
Funeral service and burial or cremation
Cemetery plots and headstones
Medical bills after death
Outstanding balances on credit cards or other debt
Travel for family members
Any other last bills your loved ones may face
The payout is generally tax-free, and your family can decide how to spend it.
What Determines the Cost of Final Expense Insurance?
Before we talk numbers, it helps to understand what affects your monthly premium, and that’s why I wrote this 2026 Burial Insurance Price Guide:
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Your Age: The older you are when you buy the policy, the higher your premium. Premiums can double from your 50s to your 80s.
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Your Gender: Women often pay slightly less than men because, on average, they live longer.
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The Amount of Coverage You Choose: A $5,000 policy costs less than a $15,000 policy, with the average plan being $12.500.
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Your Health & Lifestyle: Some final expense plans ask a few health questions (simplified issue), and guaranteed-issue plans ask none. Guaranteed-issue usually costs more.
In all cases, premiums are generally fixed for life once your policy is issued. That means your monthly payment won’t go up as you get older, as long as you keep paying on time.
Why Burial Insurance Costs in Florida Can Be Different
Florida is unique.
Large retiree population
Many seniors relocating from other states
High demand for senior-focused insurance products
Because of this, national websites often give misleading price estimates that don’t reflect Florida-specific underwriting and demographics.
Working with someone familiar with the Tampa Bay market helps ensure expectations match reality.
Funeral and Cremation Costs in Tampa Bay (Reality Check)
One of the biggest reasons seniors in the Tampa Bay area look into final expense insurance is that funeral and cremation costs are often higher than people expect, especially when families are having to make decisions quickly.
Across Pasco County, Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and surrounding areas, funeral home pricing can vary, but most local families see similar cost patterns.
Direct Cremation Costs in Tampa Bay
A direct cremation—meaning no viewing, no service, and no embalming is usually the lowest-cost option.
Based on publicly available price lists from Tampa Bay cremation providers, direct cremation costs typically range from about $1000 to $1,500, depending on the provider and what is included.
Examples from local providers show that basic direct cremation often includes:
- Transportation of the deceased
- Necessary permits and paperwork
- The cremation process itself
- A basic alternative container
Providers such as Cremations of Greater Tampa Bay, Going Home Cremations, and similar local operators publish starting prices in this general range, with costs increasing if families add services or products such as upgraded urns or memorial options.
Cremation With Services
Many families choose cremation but still want a memorial service or gathering, either at a funeral home, church, or other venue.
When cremation is combined with:
- A memorial or funeral service
- Use of a chapel or visitation space
- Staff services and printed materials
The total cost in the Tampa Bay area often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the level of service selected. Local pricing breakdowns from Tampa Bay funeral and cremation providers consistently show this pattern.
Traditional Burial Costs in Tampa Bay
A traditional burial is typically the most expensive option, largely because it involves multiple separate charges.
Based on pricing information published by Tampa Bay funeral homes, such as Aikens Funeral Home and similar providers, funeral services alone for burial often start in the several-thousand-dollar range before cemetery costs are added.
In addition to funeral home fees, families must usually pay cemetery charges separately, which may include:
- Burial plot
- Opening and closing of the grave
- Vault or liner
- Headstone or marker
When everything is combined, a traditional burial in the Tampa Bay area can easily exceed $10,000, and often more, depending on choices made for services, caskets, and cemetery arrangements.
Why Tampa Bay Funeral Costs Add Up Quickly
What surprises many families is not just one large bill, but the number of individual charges involved. Funeral homes and cemeteries typically itemize services, and costs can increase quickly.
Florida’s large retiree population and steady demand for funeral services also contribute to rising prices year after year.
When you see real local costs, whether it’s under $1,000 for a simple direct cremation or five figures for a traditional burial, the importance of planning becomes clearer.
Final expense insurance is not about predicting exact funeral costs. It’s about ensuring money is available when it’s needed, so loved ones aren’t forced to make financial decisions during an already difficult time.
This is why choosing a realistic coverage amount, based on local costs rather than national averages, is such an essential part of planning.
Smoker vs. Non-Smoker in Florida
Smoking status has a noticeable impact on burial insurance costs. Non-smokers qualify for the lowest rates, while Smokers typically pay more, even if they feel healthy. Vaping and nicotine replacement products are still being treated as tobacco use. These days, a lot of people use THC or medical marijuana, which, even with a doctor’s note, will be considered a smoker for insurance purposes.
This pricing difference is set by insurance carriers and applies throughout Florida.
Example for Final Expense Insurance Cost Breakdown by Age & Gender
Below are sample monthly premium estimates for a typical $10,000 final expense insurance plan. I’ve included both men and women at common ages of 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 who are considering buying final expense insurance. The rates I’m showing you here are based only on gender and age. It does NOT take into account any health-related questions or tobacco use, which can change these rates.
If you want a quote that accounts for all the requirements, so you know exactly how much your plan will cost, you can schedule a time with me directly at the end of this article. That’s my personal work calendar so you can pick a day and time that works best for you.
Age 55 & $10,000 IN COVERAGE
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Male: $35.76 per month
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Female: $27.60 per month
At age 55, you’re still relatively young for final expense coverage, so premiums are usually still affordable. Getting coverage now locks in a low rate before age-related increases.
Age 60 & 10,000 IN COVERAGE
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Male: $43.49 per month
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Female: $32.71 per month
Once you hit age 60, premiums typically increase slightly compared to age 55, but many people still find them reasonable if they plan.
Age 65 & 10,000 IN COVERAGE
Male: $53.97 per month
Female: $40.77 per month
Age 65 is a standard time when retirees consider final expense insurance because Social Security and Medicare become top of mind. Premiums reflect the slightly higher risk insurers take on with age.
Age 70 & $10,000 IN COVERAGE
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Male: $69.78 per month
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Female: $52.88 per month
By age 70, you’ll notice another jump in monthly cost. Still, many older adults prefer locking in coverage now to avoid unplanned expenses later.
Age 75 & $10,000 IN COVERAGE
Male: About $97.30 per month
Female: About $70.94 per month
At age 75, premiums are higher because the insurance company is closer to the point where death benefits will be paid out. But for many, this cost is still manageable compared to paying thousands in funeral and burial bills out of pocket.
Age 80 & $10,000 IN COVERAGE
Male: About $136.34 per month
Female: $101.26 per month
At age 80, premiums are higher because the insurance company is closer to the point where death benefits will be paid out. For most people, this is the time when insurance options start becoming limited.
What Are the Requirements to Buy Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance is intentionally designed to be easy to qualify for, especially for older adults. Compared to traditional life insurance, the requirements are minimal, which is why many seniors choose this type of coverage.
1. Age Requirements
Most final expense insurance policies are available to people between:
Ages 50 to 85 (some carriers go to 89)
This age range applies to Florida-based final expense carriers and is standard across the industry. If you’re outside this range, options become more limited, but age alone rarely disqualifies someone within these limits.
2. Residency Requirements
To buy final expense insurance, you must:
Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Live in the state where the policy is issued
For local policies, this means being a Florida resident, including areas such as:
Tampa
St. Petersburg
Clearwater
New Port Richey
Brandon
Wesley Chapel
Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties
3. Health Requirements (This Is Where Most Questions Are)
Requirements:
Answer a few yes/no health questions
No medical exam
No blood work
You typically must not:
Have been diagnosed with terminal illness
Be in hospice care
Have certain recent major conditions (such as a heart attack or stroke within the past 12–24 months, depending on carrier)
Many common conditions are usually acceptable, including:
High blood pressure
Diabetes (even insulin-dependent)
COPD
Heart disease (stable)
Past cancer (in many cases)
3. Health Requirements (This Is Where Most Questions Are)
Requirements:
Answer a few yes/no health questions
No medical exam
No blood work
You typically must not:
Have been diagnosed with terminal illness
Be in hospice care
Have certain recent major conditions (such as a heart attack or stroke within the past 12–24 months, depending on carrier)
Many common conditions are usually acceptable, including:
High blood pressure
Diabetes (even insulin-dependent)
COPD
Heart disease (stable)
Past cancer (in many cases)
4. Coverage Amount Requirements
Final expense insurance is meant for smaller coverage amounts, typically:
$5,000 to $25,000
Most people in the Tampa Bay area choose:
$10,000 to $15,000 for funeral and cremation expenses
The exact amount you qualify for depends on:
Your age
Health history
Carrier rules
5. Identity & Application Requirements
To apply, you’ll need:
Legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number (used for identity verification, not credit checks)
Florida address
Beneficiary information
There is:
No credit check
No income requirement
No employment requirement
This makes final expense insurance accessible to retirees, disabled individuals, and those on fixed incomes.
6. Payment Requirements
You must be able to:
Pay the monthly premium (bank draft or Social Security direct options with some carriers)
Keep the policy active by paying on time
Once issued, premiums are level for life with most policies.
Who Usually Qualifies Easily?
Final expense insurance is especially well-suited for:
Seniors aged 55+
People with pre-existing health conditions
Retirees on Social Security
Florida residents looking for simple burial coverage
Families wanting to avoid GoFundMe or emergency funeral expenses
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
Here’s the plain truth: prices go up as you get older. Buying earlier in your 50s or early 60s usually means significantly lower premiums for the same coverage. Waiting until your 70s or 80s means paying more each month for the same $10,000 benefit.
That doesn’t mean older adults shouldn’t get coverage; it just means the earlier you start, the more affordable it tends to be, as described in this 2026 Burial Insurance Price Guide
Final Thoughts
Final Expense insurance isn’t about leaving money behind, it’s about planning ahead so your family isn’t stuck with a financial burden during a difficult time. It’s not the same as traditional life insurance, which replaces income or pays off a mortgage, but it is one of the most straightforward ways to ensure your funeral and final expenses are covered.
Once you review your options (and plug in exact local quotes), you’ll be in a much stronger position to decide what’s best for you and your family.
Families throughout Tampa Bay, including Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Hillsborough County, often ask how much final expense insurance really costs in Florida. Funeral and cremation expenses in areas like Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Wesley Chapel can vary widely, which is why many local seniors choose burial insurance to lock in peace of mind.
Whether you live in Brandon, Largo, Palm Harbor, or Spring Hill, final expense insurance helps protect your family from unexpected end-of-life costs without relying on savings or credit cards.
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We proudly serve the Tampa Bay area and offer assistance statewide by phone.
At MyPHSS, we are independent insurance brokers, which means we’re not tied to just one company. Instead, we represent all the major insurance carriers available in Florida, so you can compare options and choose the plan that’s right for you—not the one a company is trying to push.
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Because every person’s needs are different, we focus on what’s best for you, not what’s best for the insurance companies. Whether you’re looking for a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medigap policy, a final expense plan, or dental coverage, we’ll help you compare side by side and choose with confidence.
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At MyPHSS, we proudly serve seniors throughout the Tampa Bay area, including:
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If you’re local, we can meet in person at your home for a no-pressure consultation. However, you don’t have to live nearby to get our help—we also assist individuals anywhere in Florida over the phone or by email.
Whether you’re in Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, or a small town in between, our licensed agents can walk you through your Medicare and final expense options from the comfort of your home.
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No matter where you live in Florida, MyPHSS is here to help protect your golden years.
Before COVID-19, we operated several local offices in the Tampa Bay area. Like many small businesses, we closed our doors during the pandemic and transitioned to working remotely for the safety of our staff and clients.
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Today, your local MyPHSS agent can assist you over the phone, via email, or in person—right in the comfort of your own home, just like your plumber or electrician. It’s convenient, personal, and always pressure-free.
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We proudly serve seniors across the Tampa Bay area, including Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, and Polk counties.
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Most polices come with a 15 or 30-day free look period from the insurance provider. If you don’t like something we can cancel it for you. We are here to help you find what works for you.
At MyPHSS (Protecting Your Golden Years), we help Florida seniors feel confident and prepared for retirement by offering personalized insurance solutions and guidance—at no cost to you.
Our licensed local agents specialize in helping individuals age 60 and older navigate the often confusing world of Medicare and retirement planning. We offer in-home appointments in the Tampa Bay area or phone consultations for clients anywhere in Florida.
We can help you with:
Medicare Advantage Plans
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Final Expense Life Insurance
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As independent brokers, we represent all the major insurance companies in Florida, which means we work for you, not the insurance companies. You’ll get honest advice, clear explanations, and options that make sense for your health, lifestyle, and budget.
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We proudly serve the Tampa Bay area—including Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, and Polk counties—and offer remote help across the entire state of Florida.
For the Tampa Bay area, please contact your local agent at 813-539-0071
When you schedule an in-person appointment with MyPHSS, one of our licensed local agents will visit you at your home—at a time that’s convenient for you. Appointments usually last about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your questions and needs.
During your visit, we’ll take the time to explain your options and help you understand which Medicare or Final Expense insurance plans may be right for you. We typically focus on one product at a time to avoid overwhelming you—but if you’re curious about other plans, we’re always happy to discuss them.
There’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation. We do not handle any payments, and we are not affiliated with any specific insurance company. Everything is reviewed on a secure tablet, and if you decide to enroll, any necessary paperwork or plan materials will be mailed directly to you from the issuing company.
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A phone appointment with MyPHSS is a convenient way to get expert help with your Medicare or Final Expense insurance options—without leaving your home.
One of our licensed local agents will call you at a scheduled time and walk you through everything step by step. We’ll take the time to understand your needs, explain your plan options clearly, and answer any questions you may have.
Phone appointments usually take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your situation. Just like our in-person visits, there’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation—we’re here to provide helpful information, not sell you something you don’t need.
If you choose to enroll in a plan, everything can be completed securely over the phone, and any materials you need will be mailed directly to you.
To schedule your free phone consultation, call 813-539-0071 or email support@myphss.com.
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