Every time I talk to someone who wants to buy a funeral plan, also known as a Final Expense plan or Burial Insurance, they always go straight to ” How Much does it cost? In this article, “Funeral Insurance Cost In The Tampa Bay Area,” that’s exaclty what we are going to talk about in detail. Yes, I will give you numbers….
I intend to answer most of your questions in this article, but if I miss something, please email me at support@myphss.com, and I will answer your question.
What is a Funeral Insurance Plan
A funeral insurance plan, or you might know it better as a Final Expense plan, and you see them all over TV as Burial plans. It all means the same thing: it’s a small Whole Life Insurance policy that’s usually between $5,000 and $25,000 in coverage.
It is meant to be used to pay for your funeral and other expenses so that your family or whoever pays your bills will not have to go into debt or have to beg others for donations.
These small Whole Life policies are straightforward; you have to answer a few medical history questions, and if you can say “no” to most of the questions, you can get approved the same day with some companies. As long as you give the insurance company its payment every month, when you pass, they will give a check to whoever you choose.
There are 3 types of plans...
The first thing you should know about funeral insurance is this: everyone can qualify for a plan. But your age and health will determine which type of coverage you’re approved for. Let’s break it down in plain language, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. First-Day Coverage
If you can answer “no” to all—or even most—of the health questions on the application, you may qualify for first-day coverage. This is the best kind of plan because your policy pays the full death benefit from day one. That means if you’re approved on Monday and pass away the following week, your family receives the entire payout.
👉 Example: Let’s say you’re 68 years old and living in New Port Richey. You’re managing your blood pressure with medication but otherwise in good health. If you can answer “no” to the main medical questions, you could qualify for first-day coverage that pays your full benefit immediately.
2. Graded Coverage (Middle Option)
Now, let’s say you can’t answer “no” to every health question. Don’t worry—that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Many insurance companies are lenient with certain conditions like controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol. In these cases, you may qualify for a graded benefit plan.
Here’s how graded coverage works:
If you pass away within the first 12 months, your family receives 50% of the benefit.
Between months 12 and 24, they receive 75%.
After 24 months, the full benefit is in place.
Example: A 72-year-old from Brooksville with diabetes and a heart condition might still be approved for coverage that protects your family instead of leaving them with nothing.
3. Guaranteed Issue
Finally, there’s the type of plan you often see on TV—guaranteed issue coverage. With this option, there are no medical questions at all. You just fill out your basic information, sign up, and make your monthly payments.
But here’s the catch: during the first 24 months, if you pass away, the insurance company only refunds the premiums you’ve paid in. No death benefit, no extra coverage. After 24 months, the plan converts into a regular whole life insurance policy, and your family would then be fully protected.
Example: Let’s say an 77-year-old in Clearwater has multiple health conditions and can’t qualify for first-day or graded coverage. A guaranteed issue plan is still available, but it’s considered a last resort since there’s no real coverage for the first two years. It’s better than nothing because, as soon as 24 months pass, you’ll have full coverage, so it’s essential to start the clock now.
Why This Matters for Families in Tampa Bay
Funeral costs in our area, whether you’re in Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Polk Counties, can range from $7,000 to $12,000 or more. Without a plan in place, those expenses often fall directly on your loved ones.
The good news is that you can still find a plan that fits your health situation and budget. Whether it’s first-day coverage, graded benefits, or guaranteed issue, having something in place is always better than leaving your family unprotected.
So, how much do they cost?
I’m going to give you a few examples right here. These numbers are 100% real; they represent men and women who can answer “NO” to all the medical questions on this insurance company application and who have NOT used any nicotine products or medical marijuana in the last 12 months.
I help people every day find coverage who are smokers or have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and so many other things. If you have something going on or you and your doctor are on a first-name basis, I can still help you. Of course, you’re going to pay a little more because you are a bigger risk to the insurance company. But paying a little more is a better option than leaving someone you love with debt.
Here are the current costs as of Sep 21, 2025, when I’m writing this article. These are the numbers from an insurance company that I use almost every day. Different insurance companies have different costs, and these numbers again represent someone who can say NO to all the medical questions on this insurance company’s application and has NOT used nicotine products for medical marijuana in the past 12 months.
I am using a $10,000 policy as an example because this is the most common amount, and considering women and men aged 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75. Here we go…
- Women, 55 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $27.60 per month
- Male, 55 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $35.75 per month
- Women, 60 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $32.71 per month
- Male, 60 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $43.49 per month
- Women, 65 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $40.77 per month
- Male, 60 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $53.97 per month
- Women, 70 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $52.88 per month
- Male, 70 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $69.78 per month
- Women, 75 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $70.94 per month
- Male, 75 years old, $10,000 in coverage = $97.30 per month
📍 Here is my calander
We’re not a call center or some out-of-state company. We live and work right here in Tampa Bay. You can schedule an in-person appointment with me directly. Below is my personal calendar. Pick a date and a time that works best for you, and I will sit down with you at your kitchen table and answer any questions you might have.
Contact Us Today
Whether you’re new to Medicare or considering switching your plan or you are looking for a fair and competitive quote for an Final Expense / Burial plan, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
📞 Call us at (813) 328-4664
📧 Email us at support@myphss.com
🌐 Visit us online at MyPHSS.com
Let’s protect your golden years with peace of mind and the right Final Expense or Medicare plan.
We serve clients in:
Pasco County: New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes
Hernando County: Spring Hill, Brooksville
Pinellas County: Clearwater, Largo, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs
Hillsborough County: Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Lutz
Polk County: Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow
Citrus County: Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa
Whether you want to meet in person, talk on the phone, or do everything online, we make it simple. There’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation — just honest help.