How Burial Insurance Works
Burial insurance is like a small life insurance plan. To apply, you first choose a company and plan that you like. You then purchase that policy by applying, signing a contract, and paying a monthly premium. You’ll pay this monthly premium for the rest of your life. At the end of your life, the insurance company pays your loved ones the “death benefit,” the amount that your policy was worth.
The death benefits of a burial insurance policy usually are smaller than regular life insurance policies, ranging between $2,000 to $50,000. This money can be used for anything, but people typically use it for funeral expenses, medical bills, mortgages, etc.
Delay in Receiving the Death Benefit
Your loved ones may get the death benefit anywhere between one week to two months after your passing. The exact time depends on the company and how the policyholder passes.
To be paid a death benefit, the beneficiary must file a claim after the policyholder dies. Then, the insurance company will review the claim. Certain delays occur when the beneficiaries don’t give accurate documentation. Most companies require the following:
- Claim form
- Copy of the policy
- Proof of the beneficiary’s identity
- Death certificate of the policyholder
- Obituary or newspaper article announcing the policyholder’s death
In some states, the insurance company must check the policyholder on file against the Social Security Administration’s records, adding time to the processing period.
The manner of death of the policyholder can also add delays. If the policyholder passes via homicide, the insurance company delays the claim until the beneficiary gets cleared of suspicion during the investigation.
Waiting Period
It’s essential to keep in mind that some types of burial insurance plans have a waiting period. A waiting period is 24 month-period after you purchase the policy in which your family won’t receive the death benefit if you die. If you don’t pass away within that 24-month window, your family will receive the full death benefit. This is very important to consider—depending on your health.
Avoid Delays. Contact Us Today.
Overall, there’s a possibility that your loved ones won’t get the claim as promptly as they may expect. Your loved ones should be prepared to pay for a funeral and expect to be reimbursed once they receive the request. Many factors may add to a delay in processing the claim. To avoid delays, contact Senior Life Services today!
