Final expense insurance in Missouri

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 Missouri, about 58.1% of deaths resulted in cremation as of 2023. Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: Missouri Vital Statistics 2023, Table 29 (Resident Deaths by Selected Characteristics; 38,649 cremations of 66,470 resident deaths), archived copy

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.

If a life insurer licensed in Missouri becomes insolvent, the Missouri Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association covers up to $300,000 in death benefits and $100,000 in cash value per insured life. Source: RSMo 376.717

Questions or complaints about an insurer or agent go to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (800-726-7390). Funeral homes are licensed by the Missouri State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Veterans may qualify for VA burial allowances and a free burial in a national or state veterans cemetery — see benefits for Missouri 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.