What a funeral costs in Louisiana
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 Louisiana, about 39.8% of deaths resulted in cremation as of 2020. Source: NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report (2020 final data, state table)
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 Louisiana
If a life insurer licensed in Louisiana becomes insolvent, the Louisiana Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association covers up to $300,000 in death benefits and $100,000 in cash value per insured life. Source: Louisiana 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: La. R.S. 22:931(A)(10) (Louisiana State Legislature)
Questions or complaints about an insurer or agent go to the Louisiana Department of Insurance (800-259-5300). Funeral homes are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.
Help paying for a funeral
The parish coroner arranges the funeral of a person who dies without means, preferably through a Louisiana-licensed funeral home, and the parish or municipality where the person lived pays the actual cost. Source: La. R.S. 13:5715 (Louisiana State Legislature)
Veterans may qualify for VA burial allowances and a free burial in a national or state veterans cemetery — see benefits for Louisiana 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 Louisiana if the insurance company fails?
The Louisiana Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
About 39.8% of deaths in Louisiana resulted in cremation as of 2020, according to NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report (2020 final data, state table).
See final expense optionsWho regulates life insurance in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Department of Insurance licenses insurers and agents and handles consumer complaints; its consumer line is 800-259-5300. Funeral homes are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.
See final expense optionsSources
- Louisiana Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association FAQ
- La. R.S. 22:931(A)(10) (Louisiana State Legislature)
- NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report (2020 final data, state table)
- National Funeral Directors Association — statistics
- La. R.S. 13:5715 (Louisiana State Legislature)
- Louisiana Department of Insurance