What a funeral costs in Iowa
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 Iowa, about 56.6% of deaths resulted in cremation as of 2020. Source: NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report, state table (final 2020 data)
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 Iowa
If a life insurer licensed in Iowa becomes insolvent, the Iowa Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association covers up to $300,000 in death benefits and $100,000 in cash value per insured life. Source: Iowa Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association — Frequently Asked Questions
You have 10 days after receiving a new individual life insurance policy to review it and return it for a refund (Counted from receipt of the policy; replacement policies follow the free-look rules in 191—Chapter 16.). Source: Iowa Administrative Code 191—15.9(507B)
Questions or complaints about an insurer or agent go to the Iowa Insurance Division (515-654-6600). Funeral homes are licensed by the Iowa Board of Mortuary Science.
Help paying for a funeral
Veterans may qualify for VA burial allowances and a free burial in a national or state veterans cemetery — see benefits for Iowa 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 Iowa if the insurance company fails?
The Iowa Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects Iowa 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 Iowa?
Iowa gives you a free-look period of 10 days to review a new individual life insurance policy and return it for a refund. Counted from receipt of the policy; replacement policies follow the free-look rules in 191—Chapter 16.. Check your policy for the exact terms.
See final expense optionsHow common is cremation in Iowa?
About 56.6% of deaths in Iowa resulted in cremation as of 2020, according to NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report, state table (final 2020 data).
See final expense optionsWho regulates life insurance in Iowa?
The Iowa Insurance Division licenses insurers and agents and handles consumer complaints; its consumer line is 515-654-6600. Funeral homes are licensed by the Iowa Board of Mortuary Science.
See final expense options