Last Updated: February 3rd, 2026
Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage is a final expense life insurance policy offering up to $35,000 in coverage with no medical exam required. The company holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best and operates in 49 states (excluding New York and Washington). While premiums run higher than competitors’, the policy includes free funeral planning assistance through the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society.
If you’ve seen Lincoln Heritage advertised on TV or received a mailer about their Funeral Advantage program, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the cost. This review breaks down everything you need to know about Lincoln Heritage’s final expense insurance, including current rates, coverage options, and how it compares to other companies.
Lincoln Heritage is one of the most recognized names in burial insurance. But name recognition doesn’t always mean best value. Let’s look at what you’re actually getting and whether it makes sense for your situation.
What is Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage?
Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage is a whole life insurance policy designed to cover funeral costs and burial expenses. Unlike traditional life insurance, it focuses specifically on end-of-life expenses with smaller coverage amounts and simplified approval.
The policy combines final expense insurance with membership in the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society (FCGS). When you pass away, an FCGS representative contacts your beneficiary to help with funeral arrangements, price comparisons, and planning. This service is included at no extra charge.
Coverage amounts depend on your age at application. If you’re 80 or younger, you can qualify for up to $35,000 in coverage. Applicants between 81 and 85 are limited to $15,000 maximum coverage.
The policy builds cash value over time, which you can borrow against if needed. Premiums stay level for life and never increase. Benefits are paid to your beneficiary, typically within 24 hours of claim approval.
Lincoln Heritage Company Overview
Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The company is family-owned and operates under parent company Londen Insurance Group.
Financial Strength Ratings
Lincoln Heritage has strong financial ratings from independent agencies:
| Rating Agency | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best | A (Excellent) | Strong financial stability |
| BBB | A+ | Accredited since 1981 |
Market Position
Lincoln Heritage is among the largest final expense insurers in North America with over 1 million policies in force. They generate most of their business through television advertising and direct mail campaigns.
State Availability
Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage is available in 49 states and Washington D.C. The policy is not available in New York or Washington state.
Funeral Advantage Plan Types
Lincoln Heritage offers three types of final expense coverage under the Funeral Advantage program:
1. Final Expense Whole Life
This is the standard plan for applicants in good health. You pay premiums for life, and coverage never expires. The policy includes cash value accumulation and all standard whole life benefits. Most healthy applicants qualify for this plan.
2. 20-Pay Whole Life
With this option, you pay premiums for 20 years and then own the policy for life with no further payments. This works well for applicants between 40 and 60 who want to finish paying before retirement. After 20 years, your coverage continues but your payments stop.
3. Modified Whole Life (Graded Benefit)
This plan is for applicants with serious health conditions like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes complications. It has a two to three year waiting period before full benefits are available. If you pass away during the waiting period, your beneficiary receives a refund of premiums paid plus interest, not the full death benefit.
The modified plan costs significantly more than the standard plan. Lincoln Heritage is known for accepting applicants that other companies decline, but you’ll pay higher premiums for that flexibility.
Lincoln Heritage Pros and Cons
Pros
The Funeral Advantage program has several genuine benefits. No medical exam is required for any plan. The application process is quick and straightforward. Benefits are typically paid within 24 hours of claim approval. You can add up to $100,000 in accidental death coverage through riders. The Funeral Consumer Guardian Society membership helps your family compare funeral prices and handle arrangements. Lincoln Heritage has a strong A rating and over 60 years of experience.
Cons
There are notable drawbacks to consider. Premiums run 20% to 40% higher than comparable coverage from competitors like Mutual of Omaha or Americo. The company is not available in New York or Washington. Lincoln Heritage has received more complaints than expected for a company its size, according to NAIC data. Agents can be aggressive during in-home consultations. The modified plan waiting period of two to three years is longer than some competitors. The FCGS membership, while helpful, is essentially built into your higher premium.
Lincoln Heritage Riders and Add-Ons
Lincoln Heritage offers several optional riders to enhance your coverage:
Accidental Death Benefit: Provides an additional $10,000 to $20,000 if death results from an accident. You can purchase up to five units for maximum coverage of $100,000. This rider has limitations for high-risk occupations, dangerous hobbies, and deaths involving drugs or alcohol.
Additional discount plans: Lincoln Heritage bundles vision, pharmacy, and dental discount programs with policies. These aren’t insurance but can provide modest savings on healthcare costs.
Identity theft protection: Basic monitoring and recovery assistance is available as an add-on.
The accidental death rider is the most valuable option for most policyholders. The discount plans provide limited benefit compared to standalone options.
Lincoln Heritage Sample Rates
Rates vary based on age, gender, health status, and coverage amount. The following table shows approximate monthly rates for $10,000 of coverage for non-tobacco users in standard health:
| Age | Female Monthly Rate | Male Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $34 – $40 | $41 – $48 |
| 55 | $39 – $46 | $48 – $55 |
| 60 | $45 – $52 | $59 – $67 |
| 65 | $57 – $64 | $68 – $75 |
| 70 | $75 – $82 | $86 – $93 |
| 75 | $101 – $108 | $124 – $131 |
| 80 | $145 – $152 | $183 – $190 |
Rates are estimates based on standard health classification. Applicants with health conditions will pay higher rates or may be placed on the modified plan.
Lincoln Heritage vs. Competitors
How does Lincoln Heritage stack up against other final expense insurance companies? Here’s a direct rate comparison for $10,000 of coverage for a male non-smoker in average health:
| Age | Lincoln Heritage | Mutual of Omaha | Americo | Liberty Bankers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $41.10 | $29.16 | $32.06 | $30.51 |
| 60 | $59.20 | $42.76 | $43.68 | $45.80 |
| 70 | $86.40 | $73.70 | $72.93 | $73.31 |
| 80 | $183.20 | $132.65 | $145.65 | $146.80 |
The difference is significant. A 70-year-old choosing Lincoln Heritage over Mutual of Omaha would pay approximately $152 more per year. Over 15 years, that’s nearly $2,300 extra for the same $10,000 in coverage.
The FCGS membership is the main differentiator. If you value having professional help with funeral planning, the extra cost may be worthwhile. If you’re comfortable handling arrangements yourself or using free resources, you can likely find better rates elsewhere.
Eligibility Requirements
Lincoln Heritage uses simplified underwriting, which means no medical exam is required. You’ll answer health questions on a one-page application. Based on your answers, you’ll fall into one of three categories:
Immediate Coverage: Healthy applicants with no significant medical history qualify for full coverage from day one.
Modified Plan: Applicants with serious health conditions like cancer, heart disease, stroke, or organ disease in the past two years are placed on the graded benefit plan. Full benefits begin after the waiting period.
Declined: Some conditions result in automatic denial.
Lincoln Heritage doesn’t use height and weight charts, which benefits applicants who are overweight. This is an advantage over some competitors that decline coverage based on BMI.
Who Cannot Qualify for Funeral Advantage
Certain conditions make you ineligible for any Lincoln Heritage coverage:
- Currently incarcerated
- Diagnosed with a terminal illness
- Receiving hospice care
- HIV or AIDS positive
- Confined to bed or unable to perform daily activities without assistance
If you fall into any of these categories, you’ll need to look at guaranteed issue policies from other carriers. These policies accept everyone regardless of health but have higher premiums and longer waiting periods.
Application and Claims Process
How to Apply
You can start the application process online at LincolnHeritage.com or by calling 800-438-7180. After submitting basic information, a Lincoln Heritage agent will contact you to complete the application. Many agents offer in-home visits to explain coverage options.
The application requires your personal information, health history answers, and beneficiary designation. There’s no blood test, urine sample, or doctor’s exam required.
Filing a Claim
When the policyholder passes away, beneficiaries can file claims through multiple channels:
- Phone: 855-706-2396
- Website: www.lhlic.com
- Fax: 602-808-8845
- Mail: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company, PO Box 29045, Phoenix, AZ 85038
Lincoln Heritage advertises 24-hour claim payment after approval. However, claims can’t be approved until the company receives required documentation including the death certificate. Since death certificates typically take one to two weeks to process, the actual time from death to payment is usually longer than 24 hours.
Most funeral homes will accept an assignment of the policy, meaning they’ll wait for the insurance payment rather than requiring upfront payment from the family.
Customer Service
Lincoln Heritage customer service is available Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 5 PM Mountain Time, and Saturday 6 AM to 2 PM Mountain Time. Call 800-438-7180 for policy questions or email service@lhlic.com.
Who Should Buy Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage?
Lincoln Heritage May Be a Good Fit If:
You value having professional help with funeral planning and price negotiations. You’ve been declined by other companies due to health conditions. You want a well-established company with a strong financial rating. You prefer working with an agent rather than buying online. You’re looking at life insurance over 50 and want coverage without a medical exam.
Consider Other Options If:
You’re primarily focused on getting the lowest premium. You’re in good health and would qualify for standard rates elsewhere. You live in New York or Washington state. You’re comfortable handling funeral arrangements without professional assistance. You want to compare quotes online without talking to an agent.
For most healthy applicants, comparing quotes from multiple final expense insurers will likely reveal lower-cost options than Lincoln Heritage. The company’s strength is accepting applicants with health issues that other carriers decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage plan?
Funeral Advantage is a final expense whole life insurance policy that provides up to $35,000 in death benefits (up to $15,000 for ages 81-85). It includes membership in the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society, which helps your family plan and pay for your funeral. No medical exam is required to apply.
How much does Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage cost?
Monthly premiums start around $30 to $40 for a 50-year-old and increase with age. A 70-year-old can expect to pay $75 to $95 per month for $10,000 in coverage. Rates are higher than many competitors but include funeral planning services.
Is Lincoln Heritage legitimate?
Yes. Lincoln Heritage has been in business since 1963, holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, and has an A+ rating with the BBB. The company has over 1 million policies in force and is among the largest final expense insurers in North America.
What states is Lincoln Heritage available in?
Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage is available in 49 states and Washington D.C. The policy is not offered in New York or Washington state.
Does Lincoln Heritage require a medical exam?
No. Lincoln Heritage uses simplified underwriting with health questions only. There are no blood tests, urine samples, or doctor exams required for any coverage level.
What is the modified plan?
The modified plan is for applicants with serious health conditions. It has a two to three year waiting period before full benefits are paid. If you die during the waiting period, your beneficiary receives a refund of premiums plus interest rather than the full death benefit.
How fast does Lincoln Heritage pay claims?
Lincoln Heritage processes approved claims within 24 hours. However, claims cannot be approved until documentation is received, including the death certificate. Since death certificates typically take one to two weeks to obtain, the actual time from death to payment is usually longer.
Is Lincoln Heritage worth the higher cost?
It depends on your priorities. If you value the funeral planning assistance and have health issues that make qualifying elsewhere difficult, Lincoln Heritage provides real value. If you’re healthy and price-focused, you can likely find comparable coverage for 20% to 40% less from companies like Mutual of Omaha or Americo.
Can I cancel my Lincoln Heritage policy?
Yes. Lincoln Heritage offers a 10-day free look period where you can cancel for a full refund. After that period, you can cancel anytime, but you’ll only receive the policy’s cash surrender value, which is minimal in the early years.
How do I contact Lincoln Heritage?
Call customer service at 800-438-7180 (Monday-Friday 6 AM-5 PM MT, Saturday 6 AM-2 PM MT). For claims, call 855-706-2396 or email claims@lhlic.com. General inquiries can be sent to service@lhlic.com.
Key Takeaways
- Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage offers final expense coverage up to $35,000 with no medical exam required.
- The company holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best and is among the largest final expense insurers in North America.
- Premiums are 20% to 40% higher than competitors like Mutual of Omaha and Americo.
- All policies include free membership in the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society for funeral planning assistance.
- Three plan types are available: standard whole life, 20-pay whole life, and modified (graded benefit) for those with health conditions.
- Coverage is available in 49 states but not New York or Washington.
- Best suited for applicants who value funeral planning help or have been declined elsewhere due to health issues.
Ready to compare your options? Get a free final expense insurance quote and see how Lincoln Heritage rates compare to other top-rated carriers for your specific situation.
