Royal Neighbors of America offers Ensured Legacy Final Expense insurance for adults ages 50-85. Coverage ranges from $3,000 to $40,000 depending on the plan type. Three options are available: Simplified Issue for healthy applicants, Graded Death Benefit for those with health conditions, and Guaranteed Issue with no health questions. No medical exam is required for any plan.
Royal Neighbors of America has been providing life insurance since 1895. Founded by nine women during an era when women couldn’t vote or own property, this fraternal benefit society has grown into a trusted name in final expense insurance.
If you’re a senior looking for affordable burial insurance, Royal Neighbors’ Ensured Legacy Final Expense product deserves a close look. This review covers their three coverage options, pricing structure, available riders, and who this insurance works best for.
About Royal Neighbors of America
Royal Neighbors operates as a non-profit fraternal benefit society headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois. When you purchase a policy, you automatically become a member and gain access to community benefits beyond your insurance coverage.
The company holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best for financial strength and was named a Forbes Best Insurance Company for 2025. With over $1.26 billion in assets under management and 130 years in business, Royal Neighbors has a strong track record of paying claims.
As a fraternal organization, Royal Neighbors returns a portion of its earnings to member communities rather than shareholders. This structure appeals to seniors who want their premiums to support something beyond just insurance.
Ensured Legacy Final Expense: Three Coverage Options
Royal Neighbors designed their Ensured Legacy product with three tiers so applicants can find coverage regardless of their health status. Each tier has different age limits, coverage amounts, and death benefit structures.
| Coverage Type | Issue Ages | Face Amounts | Death Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified Issue (SIWL) | 50-85 | $5,000-$40,000 | Full amount from day one |
| Graded Death Benefit (GDB) | 50-85 | $5,000-$20,000 | 30% year 1, 70% year 2, 100% year 3+ |
| Guaranteed Issue (GI) | 50-80 | $3,000-$10,000 | 110% of premiums years 1-2, 100% year 3+ |
Simplified Issue Whole Life is the best option if you’re in relatively good health. You’ll answer some health questions, but there’s no medical exam. Approved applicants get full coverage immediately and can qualify for up to $40,000 in benefits.
Graded Death Benefit works for applicants with certain health conditions that don’t qualify for simplified issue. The death benefit starts at 30% of the face amount in year one, increases to 70% in year two, then pays the full amount starting in year three. If death occurs from an accident during the first two years, the full benefit is paid.
Guaranteed Issue accepts everyone ages 50-80 with no health questions at all. Coverage is limited to $3,000-$10,000. During the first two years, beneficiaries receive 110% of premiums paid if death is from natural causes. Accidental death pays the full benefit immediately.
Key Features of Ensured Legacy
All three coverage options share these features:
No medical exam required. Applications can be completed electronically, by phone, or on paper. Your eligibility is determined at the point of sale. This makes Royal Neighbors a solid choice if you’re exploring no medical exam life insurance options.
Level premiums guaranteed for life. Your rate locks in when you buy the policy and never increases, even if your health changes.
Flexible payment options. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually through electronic funds transfer. You can schedule payments to align with your Social Security deposit date.
30-day free look period. If you change your mind, you can cancel within 30 days for a full refund.
Cash value accumulation. Your policy builds cash value over time that you can borrow against if needed.
Available Riders
Royal Neighbors offers four riders to customize your coverage:
Accelerated Death Benefit Rider lets you access up to 75% of your death benefit (maximum $100,000) if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness or require permanent nursing home confinement. There’s no extra premium for this rider, but it’s not available on Guaranteed Issue policies.
Accidental Death Benefit Rider pays an additional death benefit if you die from an accident. Available for ages 50-70 and requires an additional premium. The rider expires when you turn 80.
Charitable Giving Rider donates 1% of your face amount (up to $1,000) to a charity of your choice when you pass. No additional premium is charged.
Grandchild Rider provides $5,000 of life insurance coverage for all your grandchildren for just $60 per year. Grandchildren can convert this coverage to their own permanent policy as they grow older.
Pros and Cons of Royal Neighbors Final Expense
Pros
Royal Neighbors guarantees approval for applicants ages 50-80 through their Guaranteed Issue option. This matters if you’ve been turned down elsewhere due to health problems.
The company has been in business for 130 years with strong financial ratings. Your policy is backed by a stable organization that was also named to the Forbes Best Insurance Companies list for 2025.
Premiums can be timed to match your Social Security payments, making budgeting easier on a fixed income.
The Charitable Giving Rider lets you leave a small legacy to a cause you care about at no extra cost.
As a fraternal society member, you gain access to community programs and scholarships beyond your insurance benefits.
Cons
Royal Neighbors isn’t available in seven states: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York.
Coverage amounts are lower than some competitors. The maximum is $40,000 for Simplified Issue and just $10,000 for Guaranteed Issue.
Guaranteed Issue policies have a two-year waiting period for full benefits on natural death, which is standard for the industry but worth noting.
The $50 annual certificate fee adds to your overall cost.
Graded and Guaranteed Issue plans pay reduced benefits during the first two years, so these aren’t ideal if you need immediate full coverage.
Who Is Royal Neighbors Final Expense Best For?
Royal Neighbors Ensured Legacy works well for seniors who want to cover funeral costs, final medical bills, or leave a small inheritance to family members. The product is particularly suited for:
Seniors ages 50-85 who want guaranteed level premiums and no medical exam. Those with health conditions who may not qualify for traditional life insurance but can get Graded or Guaranteed Issue coverage. Women who appreciate supporting a company founded by and for women. People who value fraternal membership benefits and community involvement.
If you need more than $40,000 in coverage or live in one of the seven excluded states, you’ll need to look at other carriers.
State Availability
Royal Neighbors of America is licensed in 43 states and the District of Columbia.
Not available in: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York.
If you live in one of these states, we can help you find comparable final expense coverage from other A-rated carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Royal Neighbors of America final expense insurance?
Royal Neighbors Ensured Legacy is a whole life insurance product designed to cover end-of-life costs like funeral expenses, medical bills, and small debts. Coverage ranges from $3,000 to $40,000 depending on which plan you qualify for.
Does Royal Neighbors require a medical exam?
No. All three Ensured Legacy plans can be approved without a medical exam. Simplified Issue and Graded plans require health questions, while Guaranteed Issue has no health questions at all.
How much does Royal Neighbors final expense insurance cost?
Premiums depend on your age, gender, tobacco use, coverage amount, and which plan you qualify for. Rates are guaranteed to stay level for life once your policy is issued.
What is the waiting period for Royal Neighbors final expense?
Simplified Issue policies pay the full death benefit immediately. Graded Death Benefit policies pay 30% in year one, 70% in year two, and 100% from year three onward. Guaranteed Issue pays 110% of premiums during years one and two, then 100% of the face amount starting year three. All plans pay full benefits immediately for accidental death.
Is Royal Neighbors of America a legitimate company?
Yes. Royal Neighbors has been in business since 1895 and holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. The company has over $1.26 billion in assets and operates as a non-profit fraternal benefit society.
Can I get Royal Neighbors insurance if I have health problems?
Yes. The Graded Death Benefit plan covers people with certain health conditions, and the Guaranteed Issue plan accepts everyone ages 50-80 with no health questions asked.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Neighbors Ensured Legacy offers three final expense options: Simplified Issue ($5,000-$40,000), Graded Death Benefit ($5,000-$20,000), and Guaranteed Issue ($3,000-$10,000)
- No medical exam is required for any plan
- Issue ages range from 50-85 depending on the coverage type
- The company holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best with 130 years in business
- Four optional riders are available including Accelerated Death Benefit and Grandchild coverage
- Not available in AL, AK, HI, LA, MA, NH, or NY
Get Your Final Expense Quote
Ready to see how Royal Neighbors compares to other final expense options? Use the quote tool on this page to get personalized rates from A-rated carriers, or call us at 800-712-8519 to speak with a licensed agent who can help you find the right coverage for your budget.
