About 176,000 people in South Dakota 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 South Dakota quote.
South Dakota rules
- Free look
- 10 days
- Grace period
- 30 days
- Guaranty protection
- $300,000
- Help line
- 605-773-3563South Dakota Division 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.
Common questions
How much is final expense insurance in South Dakota?
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 South Dakota may differ.
Is burial insurance the same as final expense in South Dakota?
Yes. Burial insurance, final expense and senior life are names for the same kind of small whole life policy.
Source: FTC Funeral Rule · NFDA price study
Can I return a final expense policy in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota gives you at least 10 days to look it over and return it for a refund.
Source: South Dakota free look law
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
- Choice Mutual, $10,000 Life Insurance Rates
- 2023 NFDA General Price List Study Shows Inflation Increasing Faster than the Cost of a Funeral (NFDA)
- Census ACS 2024 1 year estimates, table based summary file
- Census data.census.gov ACS 2020-2024 profile tables, South Dakota
- NOLHGA: How You're Protected (coverage as of June 1, 2025)
- NOLHGA: Contact My Guaranty Association
- SDCL chapter 58-15 life insurance (58-15-8.1, 58-15-13)
