Key Points
- Open Care is not an insurance company, it’s a licensed broker
- Advertised rates ($7.49/month) are misleading
- Guaranteed issue plans come with a 2-year waiting period
- Funeral costs in 2026 continue rising faster than inflation.
- No medical exam doesn’t mean “no health questions”, health status directly impacts premiums and waiting periods.
When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, your family faces an immediate financial crisis. The average funeral with burial costs $8300 in which traditional cemetery services, you are looking at nearly $10,000. Most families do not have that cash on hand. That is where final expense insurance comes in and Open Care is one of the biggest names you see advertised. But here is worth the TV commercial won’t tell you. Open Care is not actually an insurance company, and the advertised rates are rarely what you would like to pay.
What Is Open Care, Exactly?
Open Care seniors is not an insurance provider, it is a licensed independent insurance brokerage. While Open Care as a middleman, the policy source through their service services are typically underwritten by well-known insurance companies like Mutual of Omaha, SBLI and Forster. Think of them as intermediaries that will help to match you with the final expense policy from an actual insurance company.
This matters because when you apply through Open Care, you are ultimately getting coverage from one of these established insurance companies, not from open car itself. The underwriting policy terms and flame processes happen with the actual insurance company not the broker.
How Much Does Open Care Final Expense Insurance Actually Cost?
This is where the confusion starts. It claims that your life insurance starts at $7.49 per month, but that “refers to $2000 in coverage for a 50 years old female in health who is non-smoker. In reality, most people who are applying for meaningful coverage will pay much more.
The final expense coverage typically costs from $50-$100 monthly for a $10,000 whole life policy. For a 60 year old decent health, you expect to pay $30-$50 per month for that same $10,000 coverage. The older you are the more complex your health profile, the higher premiums will be.
Here is the key factor, your age, your health status, gender, smoking status and desire coverage amounting to your actual rate. Open Care base rates are just starting points not the promise.
Open Care Pricing Comparison Table (2026)
| Coverage Amount | Age 50 (Healthy) | Age 65 (Healthy) | Age 75+ (Guaranteed Issue) |
| $5,000 | $12–$18/mo | $20–$30/mo | $40–$60/mo |
| $10,000 | $25–$35/mo | $40–$60/mo | $80–$120/mo |
| $15,000 | $38–$55/mo | $60–$90/mo | $120–$180/mo |
| $25,000 | $60–$90/mo | $95–$150/mo | $180–$280/mo |
Estimates for non-smoking applicants vary by state and carrier. Guaranteed issue rates are 20% to 30% higher but requires no underwriting.
Understanding Open Care’s Three Policy Types
Open Care offers different final expense products and each works differently. Knowing that distinction will help you to pick the right one for your situation.
1. Simplified Issue Whole Life (Most Popular)
Your answer basically has questions, but no medical exam is required. If approved, the cover starts immediately. Premiums are fixed and never increase. Also these policies typically provide coverage amounts changing from $2000-$50,000. This is best for people and decent health who want approval and affordable rates.
2. Guaranteed Issue Whole Life (Gi/Giwl)
In this type no health question asked, guaranteed approval regardless of health status. However there is always a two year wait . For natural death. If you pass away from natural causes during this period then your beneficiary will receive a premium refund plus interest, not the full death benefit. This is best for people with health conditions who cannot qualify for simplified issue plans.
3. Term Life (Less Common For Final Expense)
The coverage option ranges from $25,000-$500,000 for ages 18 to 75 and coverage expires after 10, 20 or 30 years depending on the age of eligibility. Term life is temporary protection and useful for young adults with dependents but this is not best for the seniors who are planning final expenses since you all outlive the coverage.
Secure Your Family's Future with Confidence
Don’t leave your loved ones' financial security to chance. Use our expert tools and free resources to find the perfect coverage today.
The Waiting Period Trap: What You Need To Know
This is where many people get blindsided. If you choose a guarantee tissue policy because of health concerns, you are signing up for a mandatory waiting period. Here is what that means practically
Year 1-2, if you die from natural causes, your family will get back only the premiums you paid plus interest, not the full $10,000.
After year 2, your family will receive their full death benefit for any cause of death.
This wedding period is by many financial advisors such as applying while you are still relatively healthy. The reason to apply for this coverage while in decent time is that rates are over and also locked in for life. If you wait until your 70s or 80s then the cost will be much higher
How Open Care Final Expense Insurance Compares To The National Funeral Cost Reality
You cannot make an informed decision about coverage without knowing what you are actually protecting against. Let’s look at real 2026 funeral costs.
The median funeral with burial is projected to cost $8,200–$8,500 in 2026, up 4 to 6% from 2025. But that is just the baseline. Once you add cemetery plot fees, headstone, cost and flowers, you will easily add $12,000-$16,000.
Beyond the funeral itself, the final expenses include outstanding medical bills, credit card debts, and immediate living cost while they state settlers. A $10,000 policy covers the funeral, a $15,000-$20,000 policy gives you family breathing room to handle other bills.
Funeral Costs Vs. Final Expense Insurance Coverage (2026)
| Expense Category | Typical Cost Range | Recommended Coverage |
| Funeral Home Services | $2,000–$3,500 | Covered by $5,000+ policy |
| Casket/Urn | $800–$2,500 | Included above |
| Cemetery Plot | $800–$2,500 | Need $10,000+ coverage |
| Headstone/Monument | $1,000–$3,000 | Need $15,000+ coverage |
| Outstanding Medical Bills | $1,500–$5,000 | Need $20,000+ coverage |
| Miscellaneous (flowers, obituary, reception) | $500–$2,000 | Covered by base policy |
| Total Family Burden | $8,300–$16,000+ | $20,000–$25,000 recommended |
Is Open Care Worth It? Pros And Real Limitations
The genuine advantages include
- Quick approval process
- No medical exams
- Fixed premiums for life
- Accessible for seniors with health issues
- Easy underwriting
The real drawbacks are misleading advertising, higher cost than direct carriers, Open Care is a broker not an insurance company, a waiting period on GI plans, limited flexibility and also aggressive marketing.
Moving Forward: A Soft Recommendation
Final expense insurance is not glamorous, but it is one of the kindest gifts you can give your family. Funeral costs $8300-$10,000 and without a plan, your loved ones inherit when they should be grieving.
No matter if you choose Open Care, a direct carrier or another broker comes down to your health situation, your age, and budget. What matters the most is acting now while you are enjoying it at reasonable rates.
If you would like help comparing the plans and finding the right coverage amount, Insure Omni specialises in matching the families with final expense insurance that actually fits their needs, not just their budget. We will explain the waiting periods, help you understand the real prices and answer your questions that your broker might skip.
Secure Your Family's Future with Confidence
Don’t leave your loved ones' financial security to chance. Use our expert tools and free resources to find the perfect coverage today.
