Aetna Burial Insurance Review (2026): Pros, Cons & Rates

Is Aetna burial insurance worth it? Aetna offers final expense whole life through Accendo Insurance Company, part of the Aetna/CVS Health family. It stands out for high issue ages, high coverage limits, and lenient underwriting — but the policy is sold under the unfamiliar “Accendo” name. Here is our honest, independent review.

Aetna at a glance

Aetna is a household name in health insurance, and its life insurance arm offers a competitive simplified-issue final expense policy through Accendo. There is no medical exam — just a few health questions — and decisions are often same-day. What makes Aetna notable is its combination of high issue ages (to 89), high coverage limits (to $50,000), and a reputation for accepting a wide range of health conditions.

Aetna pros

• ✓Backed by Aetna / CVS Health — strong financial footing
• ✓One of the highest issue ages available (up to 89)
• ✓High maximum coverage ($50,000)
• ✓Day-one full coverage for healthier applicants
• ✓Lenient with several common health conditions
• ✓No medical exam

Aetna cons

• ✕Issued under the “Accendo” name, which confuses some buyers
• ✕Not available in every state
• ✕More serious conditions fall to a graded plan with a waiting period
• ✕Not always the lowest price for every health profile

Aetna plans and coverage

Aetna/Accendo offers a level (immediate) plan with day-one full coverage for those who qualify, and a graded plan for applicants with more significant health history. Coverage runs from $2,000 up to $50,000, and the wide issue-age range makes it one of the few carriers comfortable writing applicants into their late 80s.

Who is Aetna best for?

Aetna is an excellent pick if you are older (into your 80s), want a higher coverage amount, or have a health condition that some carriers decline. The trusted parent brand is a bonus for buyers who value name recognition.

Is Aetna your cheapest option?

Sometimes — but not always. Aetna is very competitive for older applicants and certain health profiles, but for a healthy applicant in their 50s or 60s, a specialist like American Amicable may come in lower. The only way to know is to compare Aetna against the rest, which is exactly what we do.

How we shop Aetna for you

We are an independent agency, not Aetna. That means we are not trying to sell you one company’s policy — we compare Aetna against 25+ other A-rated carriers and recommend whichever one gives you the best combination of price and easy approval. Because every insurer underwrites age and health differently, the only way to know whether Aetna is your best deal is to compare. It is free, takes a few minutes, and there is no obligation.

Aetna burial insurance: frequently asked questions

How much does Aetna cost?

Your Aetna premium depends on your age, gender, tobacco use, and which plan you qualify for. Final expense rates do not vary dramatically between A-rated carriers, but small differences add up over the life of a policy. Here is roughly what a non-smoker can expect to pay each month for a $10,000 whole life policy:

If you qualify only for a graded or guaranteed-issue plan, expect to pay somewhat more than the figures above — the trade-off for easier acceptance. Tobacco use also raises the rate. The single best way to know your true Aetna cost is to get a real quote and compare it against other carriers.

How Aetna compares to other carriers

No single company is the cheapest or the best for everyone — and that includes Aetna. Each insurer underwrites age and health differently, so the carrier that gives you the lowest rate depends entirely on your personal profile. A 60-year-old non-smoker, a 78-year-old with diabetes, and a 70-year-old smoker could each find a different “best” carrier.

That is the core reason to compare rather than commit to one brand. We line up Aetna against 25+ other A-rated carriers for your exact situation and show you, side by side, which one wins on price and approval. Aetna may well be your best option — but you will only know once it has been measured against the field.

How to apply for Aetna (and get the best rate)

• ✓Have your details ready — date of birth, medications, and any major diagnoses or hospitalizations.
• ✓Choose your coverage amount — most people pick $10,000–$15,000 to cover a funeral plus a cushion.
• ✓Answer the health questions honestly — accuracy routes you to the right plan and protects your beneficiary’s claim.
• ✓Compare Aetna against other carriers before you sign — it is the only way to confirm you are getting the lowest rate.
• ✓Apply sooner rather than later — rates rise with age and your premium locks in for life the day you are approved.

How much coverage do you need?

Whichever carrier you choose, size your policy to your real final expenses. With the average funeral running $8,000–$12,000 once cemetery costs are included, most people land in the $10,000–$15,000 range:

• ✓$5,000–$8,000 — a direct cremation and small memorial.
• ✓$10,000–$12,000 — an average funeral with burial.
• ✓$15,000 — funeral plus a cemetery plot and headstone.
• ✓$20,000–$25,000 — funeral plus leftover medical bills or debts.

Phillip's Take

Aetna's Accendo final expense plans are one of my go-to recommendations. The underwriting is sensible, the rates stay competitive, and day-one coverage is available for many common health histories. I place clients with them regularly, and if you qualify, they belong on your shortlist.

Aetna: the bottom line

Aetna is a legitimate, financially sound choice for final expense coverage — but “legitimate” and “best for you” are not the same thing. The right policy is the one that approves you at the lowest price for your specific age and health, and that varies from person to person.

Before you buy Aetna (or any single carrier), take a few minutes to compare. It is free, there is no obligation, and it is the only way to be sure you are not leaving money on the table. We are happy to run that comparison for you and show you exactly where Aetna lands.