What a funeral costs in Alaska
NFDA doesn't publish funeral prices by state. Nationally, the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 for a funeral with viewing and cremation. Cemetery costs such as a plot, vault, and headstone are extra, and prices vary widely between funeral homes.
In Alaska, about 74.6% of deaths resulted in cremation as of 2024. Source: Alaska Department of Health, Health Analytics and Vital Records: 2024 Alaska Vital Statistics Annual Report, Table 65 (Deaths by Disposition; 4,121 cremations of 5,525 resident deaths)
Federal law (the FTC Funeral Rule) requires funeral homes to give you an itemized price list, so you can compare. Estimate your own total with our funeral cost calculator.
Consumer protections in Alaska
If a life insurer licensed in Alaska becomes insolvent, the Alaska Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association covers up to $300,000 in death benefits and $100,000 in cash value per insured life. Source: Alaska Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association — FAQ
You have 10 days after receiving a new individual life insurance policy to review it and return it for a refund. Source: Alaska Statutes § 21.45.020 — Standard provisions required; return and refund
Questions or complaints about an insurer or agent go to the Alaska Division of Insurance (907-269-7900). Funeral homes are licensed by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing — Mortuary Science Program.
Help paying for a funeral
The Alaska Division of Public Assistance's General Relief Assistance program can help pay essential funeral costs as a last resort for Alaska residents with no other resources; households must have no more than $500 in resources and meet low monthly income limits. Source: Alaska Department of Health — General Relief Assistance
Veterans may qualify for VA burial allowances and a free burial in a national or state veterans cemetery — see benefits for Alaska veterans. A small final expense policy is one way families make sure the rest is covered; learn how final expense insurance works and how guaranteed issue waiting periods work.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to my life insurance in Alaska if the insurance company fails?
The Alaska Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects Alaska policyholders if a licensed insurer becomes insolvent, up to $300,000 in life insurance death benefits and $100,000 in cash value per insured life under state law. Coverage above those limits isn't protected.
See final expense optionsHow long do I have to cancel a new life insurance policy in Alaska?
Alaska gives you a free-look period of 10 days to review a new individual life insurance policy and return it for a refund. Check your policy for the exact terms.
See final expense optionsHow common is cremation in Alaska?
About 74.6% of deaths in Alaska resulted in cremation as of 2024, according to Alaska Department of Health, Health Analytics and Vital Records: 2024 Alaska Vital Statistics Annual Report, Table 65 (Deaths by Disposition; 4,121 cremations of 5,525 resident deaths).
See final expense optionsWho regulates life insurance in Alaska?
The Alaska Division of Insurance licenses insurers and agents and handles consumer complaints; its consumer line is 907-269-7900. Funeral homes are licensed by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing — Mortuary Science Program.
See final expense optionsSources
- Alaska Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association — FAQ
- Alaska Statutes § 21.45.020 — Standard provisions required; return and refund
- Alaska Department of Health, Health Analytics and Vital Records: 2024 Alaska Vital Statistics Annual Report, Table 65 (Deaths by Disposition; 4,121 cremations of 5,525 resident deaths)
- National Funeral Directors Association — statistics
- Alaska Department of Health — General Relief Assistance
- Alaska Division of Insurance