Final Expense & Burial Coverage for Veterans
Many families believe the VA “takes care of the funeral.” The truth is the VA covers only a fraction — and the rest arrives as a bill during the hardest week of your family’s life. A small, simple policy can take that worry off the table for good.
What the VA actually pays
For a non-service-connected death, the VA burial allowance is about $1,002, plus roughly $1,002 toward a plot if the veteran isn’t buried in a national cemetery. For a service-connected death, the VA may reimburse up to $2,000. Those are reimbursements — and they don’t come close to today’s costs.
What a funeral really costs
| Type of service | Typical cost | VA covers | Family pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral with burial (median) | ~$8,300 | ~$1,002–$2,000 | ~$6,300–$7,300 |
| Funeral with cremation (median) | ~$6,280 | ~$1,002–$2,000 | ~$4,300–$5,300 |
| Plot, vault, headstone (add-ons) | +$1,000–$5,000 | ~$1,002 plot only | The rest |
Costs vary by region and the choices a family makes. The point isn’t the exact figure — it’s the size of the gap.
How final expense insurance closes the gap
Final expense (also called burial insurance) is a small whole-life policy — often $10,000 to $25,000 — designed to be simple and dependable:
Easy to qualify
Most policies use a few health questions, not a medical exam. Options exist even for veterans with health conditions.
Premiums that never rise
Whole-life final expense locks your rate. It won’t increase as you age, and the coverage doesn’t shrink.
Pays quickly, tax-free
The benefit goes straight to the person you name — usually within days — and can be used for anything: funeral, debts, or bills.
You spent your life making sure others were taken care of. A burial policy makes sure the last thing your family remembers isn’t a bill. Many veterans lock in coverage for a modest monthly amount — we’ll show you exactly what it costs at your age.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from veterans, seniors, and families we’ve helped navigate Medicare.
Take the burden off your family
In a few minutes we’ll show you a simple, affordable plan that covers what the VA doesn’t. No exam to start the conversation, no pressure, no cost to ask.
Cole Insure, LLC is a licensed independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. government, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense, or the federal Medicare program. This is an advertisement for insurance. VA burial allowance amounts and average funeral costs cited are current as of 2026 and are subject to change; VA benefit eligibility depends on individual circumstances — confirm at va.gov. Policy availability, pricing, and benefits vary by age, health, and carrier.