---
title: Final Expense Insurance in California: Rates by Age
url: https://coverfolk.com/states/california/final-expense
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Final expense insurance in California

Burial insurance for California seniors. Sample rates by age, California rules that protect you, and what funerals cost.

Updated October 8, 2026[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

About 6,526,000 people in California are 65 or older. A $10,000 final expense policy is a common pick. In a published national sample, that costs $33 to $134 a month between ages 60 and 80.

## Sample $10,000 rates by age

| Age | Women | Men |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50 | $24 | $31 |
| 55 | $28 | $36 |
| 60 | $33 | $43 |
| 65 | $41 | $54 |
| 70 | $53 | $70 |
| 75 | $71 | $97 |
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
| 85 | $136 | $193 |

National sample from Choice Mutual, Rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Not a California quote.

## California rules

Free look
:   10 days

Grace period
:   60 days

Guaranty protection
:   80% of death benefit, up to $300,000

Help line
:   1-800-927-4357California Department of Insurance

## What a funeral costs

Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023. With cremation it was $6,280. Cemetery costs are extra. [Add up your own](/funeral-cost-calculator).

## California cities with the most seniors

[Thousand Oaks 23% 65+](/states/california/thousand-oaks)[Ventura 21% 65+](/states/california/ventura)[Daly City 21% 65+](/states/california/daly-city)[Huntington Beach 21% 65+](/states/california/huntington-beach)[Glendale 20% 65+](/states/california/glendale)[Oceanside 20% 65+](/states/california/oceanside)[Carlsbad 20% 65+](/states/california/carlsbad)[Vallejo 20% 65+](/states/california/vallejo)

## Common questions

How much is final expense insurance in California?

It depends on your age, health and tobacco use. A published national sample puts a $10,000 policy at $41 a month for a 65 year old woman and $54 for a 65 year old man. Prices in California may differ.

Is burial insurance the same as final expense in California?

Yes. Burial insurance, final expense and senior life are names for the same kind of small whole life policy.

Source: [FTC Funeral Rule](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ftc-funeral-rule) · [NFDA price study](https://content.nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral)

Can I return a final expense policy in California?

Yes. California gives you at least 10 days to look it over and return it for a refund.

Source: [California free look law](https://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/13-14/bill/asm/ab_2301-2350/ab_2347_bill_20140708_enrolled.htm)

What if I am turned down for health reasons?

Guaranteed issue plans ask no health questions. They usually have a waiting period of about 2 years before the full benefit pays for a death from illness.

## Sources

1. [Choice Mutual, $10,000 Life Insurance Rates](https://choicemutual.com/life-insurance-cost/10000/)
2. [2023 NFDA General Price List Study Shows Inflation Increasing Faster than the Cost of a Funeral (NFDA)](https://content.nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral)
3. [Census ACS 2024 1 year estimates, table based summary file](https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/summary_file/2024/table-based-SF/)
4. [Census QuickFacts California (ACS 2020-2024)](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/CA/PST045224)
5. [NOLHGA: How You're Protected (coverage as of June 1, 2025)](https://nolhga.com/policyholders/how-youre-protected/)
6. [NOLHGA: Contact My Guaranty Association](https://nolhga.com/policyholders/contact-my-guaranty-association/)
7. [NAIC Model Law Chart LI-30, Life Insurance Disclosure (Fall 2023)](https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/model-law-chart-li-30-life-insurance-disclosure-provisions.pdf)