When an agent or funeral director mentions Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance, it’s natural to feel a bit unsure. Many families haven’t heard of the company before and wonder how it compares to familiar names like MetLife or Prudential. That curiosity can grow when you learn that Lincoln Heritage focuses solely on final expense coverage, which may feel unfamiliar in an industry dominated by broader life insurance providers.
What many people don’t realize is that Lincoln Heritage has quietly built a strong reputation over nearly 60 years, helping families secure accessible burial insurance even if health challenges or budget constraints make traditional policies difficult. By specializing in final expense coverage, the company offers unique benefits like membership in the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society and fast claims processing—services that larger insurers often don’t provide.
Our in-depth review highlights why Lincoln Heritage continues to be a trusted choice for families while also exploring important considerations. With its personalized service and immediate coverage options for qualified applicants, Lincoln Heritage provides practical solutions for many families—though higher premiums and stricter underwriting mean it’s important to compare carefully to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs.
Bottom Line
Lincoln Heritage specializes in final expense coverage with excellent customer service and unique benefits, but their higher premiums and strict underwriting may make other insurers more cost-effective for many families.
What Is Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company?
Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company operates as a registered trademark of the Phoenix-based Londen Insurance Group, Inc., representing one of the most specialized final expense insurers in the American market. With nearly 60 years of industry experience, Lincoln Heritage has established itself as the leading carrier for agent-produced final expense policies.
The company’s focused approach differs dramatically from comprehensive insurers by concentrating exclusively on burial insurance for seniors and final expense coverage. This specialization allows Lincoln Heritage to develop expertise in serving families who need accessible coverage for end-of-life expenses, often when traditional life insurance options are no longer available or affordable.
Lincoln Heritage Company Profile
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | Nearly 60 years of operation |
| Parent Company | Londen Insurance Group, Inc. (Phoenix, AZ) |
| Specialization | Final expense and burial insurance |
| Market Position | Leading carrier for agent-produced final expense policies |
| Age Range | Ages 40-85 accepted for coverage |
| Geographic Availability | All states except New York (some products exclude additional states) |
Key insight: Lincoln Heritage’s specialization in final expense coverage allows the company to offer unique benefits and services that comprehensive insurers often don’t provide, though this focus also limits product options and may result in higher costs.
“Lincoln Heritage’s nearly six decades of specialization in final expense coverage has created deep expertise in serving seniors who need burial insurance, though this narrow focus limits their ability to compete on price with more diversified insurers.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
How Financially Strong Is Lincoln Heritage?
Financial strength ratings provide crucial insight into Lincoln Heritage’s ability to pay claims and maintain operations over the potentially decades-long life of final expense policies. The company maintains solid, though not exceptional, financial ratings that indicate adequate security for policyholders.
Lincoln Heritage’s A- rating from A.M. Best places the company in the “Excellent” category, indicating strong financial performance and claims-paying ability. While this rating provides reasonable security, it falls below the A+ ratings achieved by some competitors in the final expense market.
Lincoln Heritage Financial Strength Indicators
| Rating Agency/Metric | Rating/Score | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| A.M. Best Financial Strength | A- (Excellent) | Strong claims-paying ability |
| Better Business Bureau | A+ Rating | Excellent customer service response |
| NAIC Complaint Index (2019) | 0.75 | Below-average complaints (1.00 = average) |
The company’s exceptionally low NAIC complaint index of 0.75 indicates Lincoln Heritage receives significantly fewer customer complaints relative to its market share compared to competitors. This metric suggests strong customer service and claims handling practices that exceed industry standards.
Most importantly: Lincoln Heritage’s combination of A- financial rating and excellent complaint handling record provides reasonable security for final expense coverage, though families should compare these metrics against other best final expense insurance companies for 2025 to ensure optimal financial protection.
Key Takeaways
- A- rating from A.M. Best indicates strong but not exceptional financial strength
- A+ BBB rating demonstrates excellent responsiveness to customer complaints
- NAIC complaint index of 0.75 shows below-average complaint volume
- Financial metrics suggest adequate security for final expense coverage needs
- Some competitors offer stronger financial ratings for comparison
What Is the Funeral Advantage Policy?
Lincoln Heritage’s flagship Funeral Advantage policy represents the company’s primary final expense offering, designed specifically for individuals seeking burial insurance coverage with immediate benefits and comprehensive support services. This whole life insurance policy provides fixed premiums, guaranteed death benefits, and cash value accumulation throughout the insured’s lifetime.
The Funeral Advantage policy differs from traditional life insurance by focusing specifically on final expense needs, with coverage amounts and features tailored for burial costs, outstanding medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses that families commonly face.
Funeral Advantage Policy Features
Coverage Specifications
- Issue Ages: 40-85 years old
- Maximum Coverage: $20,000 (ages 40-80), $15,000 (ages 81-85)
- Policy Type: Whole life with guaranteed premiums and death benefit
- Cash Value: Accumulates tax-deferred with loan availability
Eligibility Requirements
- Health Screening: Simplified issue with health questionnaire
- No Medical Exam: Physical examination not required
- Prescription Review: Medication history analysis conducted
- Telephone Interview: May be required for higher coverage amounts
Geographic Availability
- Available States: All states except New York
- Modified Plan: Additional restrictions in Alaska and Montana
- Agent Distribution: Sold through independent agent network
Key insight: The Funeral Advantage policy’s strength lies in its immediate coverage availability for qualified applicants, eliminating the waiting periods that many final expense policies require while providing the stability of whole life insurance with guaranteed premiums.
For individuals who cannot qualify for Funeral Advantage due to health conditions, Lincoln Heritage offers a Modified Plan with higher premiums and mandatory waiting periods, ensuring coverage availability for a broader range of applicants seeking burial insurance for seniors.
How Does Lincoln Heritage’s Application Process Work?
Lincoln Heritage’s application process utilizes simplified issue underwriting designed to make final expense coverage accessible while maintaining appropriate risk assessment. This streamlined approach eliminates medical examinations while still evaluating applicant health through questionnaires and prescription history reviews.
The company’s underwriting philosophy focuses on providing coverage to seniors and older adults who may struggle with traditional life insurance applications, though their standards remain more stringent than some competitors in the final expense market.
Lincoln Heritage Application Process
Simplified Issue Requirements
- Health Questionnaire: Complete medical history and current health questions
- Prescription History Report: Comprehensive medication review conducted
- No Medical Exam: Physical examination not required for most applicants
- BMI Consideration: Body mass index not factored into underwriting decisions
Potential Additional Requirements
- Telephone Interview: May be required for higher coverage amounts
- Medical Records: Occasionally requested for specific health conditions
- Additional Screening: Varies based on individual circumstances
Automatic Disqualifications
- Terminal Illness: Diagnosed terminal conditions exclude coverage
- Current Hospitalization: Hospitalized applicants not eligible
- Hospice Care: Individuals receiving hospice care excluded
- Long-term Care Facility: Nursing home residents not eligible
- Incarceration: Currently incarcerated individuals excluded
Lincoln Heritage’s underwriting approach differs from many final expense insurers by not offering guaranteed acceptance policies. While this limitation restricts access for some applicants, it allows the company to maintain lower premiums for qualified individuals compared to guaranteed issue alternatives.
Most importantly: Lincoln Heritage’s underwriting standards may exclude some individuals who could obtain coverage through other life insurance companies that specialize in pre-existing medical conditions, making comprehensive comparison shopping essential for optimal coverage options.
Bottom Line
Lincoln Heritage’s simplified issue process provides accessible coverage for many seniors, but their stricter underwriting standards compared to guaranteed issue policies may exclude some applicants who need final expense coverage most.
What Are Lincoln Heritage’s Waiting Periods?
Waiting periods represent a critical feature of many final expense policies, including Lincoln Heritage’s Modified Plan coverage. Understanding how these waiting periods work helps families make informed decisions about immediate coverage needs versus long-term premium savings.
Lincoln Heritage’s waiting period structure varies based on the applicant’s age and health profile, with the company offering more generous interest payments during waiting periods compared to many competitors in the final expense market.
Lincoln Heritage Waiting Period Structure
Waiting Period Duration
- Under Age 50: Three-year waiting period for full death benefit
- Age 50 and Above: Two-year waiting period for full death benefit
- Funeral Advantage: No waiting period for qualified applicants
- Modified Plan: Waiting period applies to all Modified Plan policies
Death Benefit During Waiting Period
- Year 1: Premium refund plus 10% interest
- Year 2: Premium refund plus 20% interest
- Year 3: Premium refund plus 30% interest (if applicable)
- After Waiting Period: Full death benefit available
Competitive Advantage
- Higher Interest Rates: 20-30% interest exceeds industry standards
- Progressive Benefits: Increasing returns each year of waiting period
- Premium Protection: Complete premium refund guaranteed
Key insight: Lincoln Heritage’s waiting period structure provides more generous benefits than most final expense insurers, with 20% and 30% interest rates in years two and three significantly exceeding the standard 10% industry rate.
The waiting period trade-off allows Lincoln Heritage to offer coverage to applicants with more serious health conditions while maintaining lower premiums than would be possible with immediate coverage. For families who need immediate protection, Lincoln Heritage’s Funeral Advantage policy eliminates waiting periods for qualified applicants.
“Waiting periods aren’t inherently negative – they allow insurers to provide coverage to higher-risk applicants at more affordable premiums while still offering meaningful protection through premium return plus interest.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Who Qualifies for Immediate Coverage?
Lincoln Heritage’s immediate coverage option eliminates waiting periods for qualified applicants, providing full death benefit protection from the policy’s effective date. This feature makes the Funeral Advantage policy particularly attractive for families who need immediate final expense protection without delays.
The company’s 20 Pay Option adds additional value for immediate coverage policyholders by allowing premiums to be paid over just 20 years while maintaining lifetime coverage, making it particularly suitable for younger applicants who expect longevity beyond the premium payment period.
Lincoln Heritage Immediate Coverage Eligibility
Qualification Requirements for Funeral Advantage
- Health Standards: Must meet Funeral Advantage underwriting criteria
- Age Range: Available for ages 40-85
- Medical History: No disqualifying conditions or medications
- Prescription Review: Must pass medication history screening
20 Pay Option Benefits
- Premium Period: Pay premiums for only 20 years
- Paid-Up Policy: Lifetime coverage continues after 20 years
- Higher Initial Premiums: Increased payments during active period
- Long-term Savings: Ideal for applicants expecting longevity
Conditions That Exclude Immediate Coverage
- High-Risk Medications: Blood thinners and certain prescriptions
- Cardiovascular Issues: Recent heart problems, stroke, circulatory conditions
- Cancer History: Most cancer diagnoses (exceptions may apply)
- Organ Disease: Kidney, liver disease including cirrhosis
- Respiratory Conditions: Emphysema, COPD, chronic bronchitis
- Neurological Disorders: MS, Alzheimer’s, ALS, severe diabetes
Lincoln Heritage’s immediate coverage qualification standards are more restrictive than some final expense insurers, but this selectivity allows the company to offer competitive rates for healthy applicants while maintaining financial stability.
For individuals who cannot qualify for immediate coverage, Lincoln Heritage’s Modified Plan provides an alternative path to coverage, though with higher premiums and mandatory waiting periods. Families should compare these options against other providers to ensure optimal coverage and pricing.
Key Takeaways
- Funeral Advantage provides immediate full death benefit for qualified applicants
- 20 Pay Option allows lifetime coverage with just 20 years of premium payments
- Qualification requirements exclude many common health conditions
- Modified Plan offers alternative coverage with waiting periods for declined applicants
- Immediate coverage comes with higher premiums than policies with waiting periods
What Unique Benefits Does Lincoln Heritage Offer?
Lincoln Heritage differentiates itself from competitors through several unique benefits designed to provide comprehensive support for final expense planning and claims processing. These features represent the company’s primary value proposition beyond basic life insurance coverage.
The most distinctive benefit is the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society membership included with all policies, providing services that extend beyond traditional insurance coverage to help families navigate funeral planning and costs during difficult times.
Lincoln Heritage Unique Benefits Package
Funeral Consumer Guardian Society Membership
- Wish Documentation: Help recording memorial service preferences
- Disposition Planning: Assistance with remains disposition decisions
- Family Support: Guidance for surviving family members
- Funeral Home Assistance: Help with pricing and arrangement coordination
- Exclusive Service: Primary differentiator from competitors
Rapid Claims Processing Goal
- 24-Hour Processing: Claims paid within 24 hours of approval
- Not Contractual: Company goal, not guaranteed obligation
- Approval Dependent: Timeline begins after claim validation
- Family Relief: Reduced financial stress during difficult times
Whole Life Insurance Benefits
- Cash Value Accumulation: Tax-deferred growth over policy lifetime
- Policy Loans: Access to cash value during insured’s lifetime
- Fixed Premiums: Guaranteed level payments that never increase
- Permanent Coverage: Lifetime protection as long as premiums are paid
Lincoln Heritage’s 24-hour claims processing goal represents an ambitious service standard that can provide significant relief to families during bereavement. However, it’s important to understand this represents a company objective rather than a contractual guarantee, and the timeline begins after claim approval rather than submission.
The Funeral Consumer Guardian Society membership sets Lincoln Heritage apart from most final expense insurers by providing practical support services that extend beyond simple death benefit payments. These services can be particularly valuable for families unfamiliar with funeral planning processes and costs.
“Lincoln Heritage’s unique benefits package addresses the comprehensive support families need during final expense planning, though these services come at a premium cost that may not be justified for all budgets.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Riders Can You Add to Policies?
Lincoln Heritage offers several optional riders that can enhance final expense coverage for specific family needs, though these additions come at additional premium costs. Understanding these rider options helps families customize their coverage while managing overall policy expenses.
Lincoln Heritage Available Riders
Child Rider Coverage
- Covered Family Members: Children, step-children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren
- Coverage Amounts: $5,000 to $25,000 per child
- Premium Cost: $2 per $5,000 of coverage
- Coverage Period: Until child reaches age 25
- Conversion Option: Convert to permanent coverage without medical underwriting
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Rider
- Base Coverage: Additional benefits for accidental death
- Coverage Units: Available in $5,000 increments (maximum 5 units)
- Enhanced Benefits: Double benefits for automobile accidents
- Maximum Benefits: Quadruple benefits for common carrier accidents, war, or terrorism
- Dismemberment Coverage: Partial benefits for qualifying injuries
The Child Rider provides affordable term life coverage for multiple family members at a reasonable cost of $2 per $5,000 of coverage. The conversion option at age 25 offers valuable future insurability guarantees that can benefit children who later develop health conditions.
Lincoln Heritage’s AD&D rider offers enhanced benefits beyond standard accidental death coverage, with escalating benefits based on accident type. However, families should carefully evaluate whether accidental death coverage provides meaningful value compared to increasing base life insurance coverage amounts.
Key Takeaways
- Child Rider offers affordable coverage for multiple family members
- Conversion options provide future insurability guarantees
- AD&D rider includes enhanced benefits for specific accident types
- Additional riders increase overall policy costs
- Consider whether rider benefits justify additional premiums versus increasing base coverage
What Are Lincoln Heritage’s Key Advantages?
Lincoln Heritage’s competitive advantages stem from their specialized focus on final expense coverage and commitment to comprehensive customer service that extends beyond basic insurance coverage. These strengths serve families who prioritize support services and rapid claims processing over lowest possible premiums.
Lincoln Heritage’s Primary Advantages
Exceptional Customer Service
- A+ BBB Rating: Excellent responsiveness to customer complaints
- Low Complaint Index: NAIC score of 0.75 versus 1.00 industry average
- 24-Hour Claims Goal: Rapid benefit processing objective
- Personal Attention: Specialized focus enables individual service
Unique Support Services
- Funeral Consumer Guardian Society: Comprehensive funeral planning assistance
- Wish Documentation: Memorial service preference recording
- Family Support: Guidance during difficult times
- Funeral Home Assistance: Help with pricing and arrangements
Flexible Coverage Options
- Immediate Coverage: No waiting periods for qualified Funeral Advantage applicants
- 20 Pay Option: Lifetime coverage with limited premium payment period
- Modified Plan Alternative: Coverage available for declined applicants
- Cash Value Benefits: Whole life accumulation with loan availability
Financial Stability and Experience
- A- Rating: Strong financial strength from A.M. Best
- 60-Year History: Extensive experience in final expense market
- Market Leadership: Leading carrier for agent-produced final expense policies
- Specialized Expertise: Deep focus on senior burial insurance needs
“Lincoln Heritage’s strength lies in providing comprehensive support services that extend far beyond basic insurance coverage, making them valuable for families who prioritize service quality over premium savings.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
These advantages make Lincoln Heritage particularly appealing for families who value comprehensive support services, rapid claims processing, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a specialized final expense provider with extensive industry experience.
What Are the Important Limitations?
While Lincoln Heritage offers significant advantages in customer service and specialized support, several important limitations require careful consideration before choosing this company for final expense coverage. These constraints stem from both cost considerations and restrictive underwriting practices.
Most importantly: Lincoln Heritage’s higher premium rates and strict underwriting standards may make other insurers more suitable for budget-conscious families or those with health conditions that exclude them from Funeral Advantage coverage.
Critical Limitations to Consider
Higher Premium Costs
- Above-Market Pricing: Generally higher rates than competitors
- Service Premium: Additional cost for comprehensive support services
- Limited Budget Options: Fewer low-cost alternatives for price-sensitive families
- Opportunity Cost: Potential savings available through other insurers
Restrictive Underwriting Standards
- Strict Health Requirements: Many common conditions exclude immediate coverage
- No Guaranteed Issue: Some applicants may be completely declined
- Limited Alternatives: Modified Plan has higher costs and waiting periods
- Competitive Disadvantage: Other insurers may accept declined applicants
Geographic and Product Limitations
- New York Exclusion: Funeral Advantage not available in NY
- Additional State Restrictions: Modified Plan excludes Alaska and Montana
- Limited Product Line: Only final expense coverage available
- Coverage Amount Limits: Maximum $20,000 (or $15,000 for ages 81-85)
Value Proposition Questions
- Service Value: Whether unique benefits justify premium costs
- Claims Processing: 24-hour goal is not contractually guaranteed
- Alternative Options: Other insurers may provide better overall value
- Comprehensive Comparison: Limited shopping reduces optimal choice opportunities
Bottom Line
Lincoln Heritage’s limitations center on higher costs and restrictive underwriting that may exclude many applicants, requiring families to weigh unique service benefits against significant financial and accessibility constraints.
For many families seeking final expense coverage, these limitations suggest comparing Lincoln Heritage against multiple competitors rather than limiting choices to specialized final expense providers. Comprehensive market analysis often reveals better value and accessibility through other insurance options.
How to Determine If Lincoln Heritage Is Right for You?
Determining whether Lincoln Heritage represents the optimal choice for your final expense needs requires carefully evaluating the company’s unique service benefits against higher costs and restrictive underwriting standards. The decision should prioritize your family’s specific needs, budget constraints, and health circumstances rather than convenience alone.
Based on our analysis of the final expense insurance market, Lincoln Heritage tends to be most suitable for families who prioritize comprehensive support services and can qualify for immediate Funeral Advantage coverage, while budget-conscious families or those with health conditions may find better options elsewhere.
Lincoln Heritage May Be Suitable If You:
- Value comprehensive support services and funeral planning assistance
- Can qualify for immediate Funeral Advantage coverage without waiting periods
- Prioritize customer service quality over lowest possible premiums
- Want specialized final expense expertise from experienced providers
- Appreciate the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society benefits for family support
- Need rapid claims processing during difficult times
- Have budget flexibility for higher premium costs
Consider Other Options If You:
- Prioritize lowest possible premiums for final expense coverage
- Have health conditions that exclude Funeral Advantage eligibility
- Live in New York, Alaska, or Montana where coverage is limited
- Need guaranteed issue coverage without health questions
- Want coverage amounts above $20,000 for comprehensive protection
- Prefer comprehensive life insurance over specialized final expense policies
- Have been declined by Lincoln Heritage but need coverage options
“Lincoln Heritage provides excellent service and unique benefits that justify higher costs for some families, but comprehensive comparison shopping often reveals better value and accessibility through other insurance providers.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Our approach at Insurance Brokers USA involves evaluating your unique circumstances against policies from dozens of top-rated insurers, including specialized final expense providers when appropriate. We help families identify optimal solutions that balance service needs with cost considerations rather than limiting choices to single-company offerings.
Key Takeaways
- Lincoln Heritage excels at customer service and comprehensive final expense support
- Higher premiums and restrictive underwriting limit accessibility for many families
- Unique benefits may justify additional costs for service-oriented customers
- Health conditions may exclude immediate coverage or result in waiting periods
- Comprehensive market comparison often reveals better value alternatives
- Consider Lincoln Heritage as one option among multiple final expense providers
Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance
Is Lincoln Heritage a reputable life insurance company?
Yes, Lincoln Heritage is a reputable company with nearly 60 years of operation, an A- rating from A.M. Best, A+ BBB rating, and low NAIC complaint index of 0.75. The company specializes in final expense coverage and maintains strong customer service standards.
What is the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society membership?
The Funeral Consumer Guardian Society membership is included with all Lincoln Heritage policies and provides funeral planning assistance, wish documentation services, family support guidance, and help with funeral home pricing and arrangements. This is Lincoln Heritage’s primary differentiator from competitors.
Does Lincoln Heritage require medical exams for coverage?
No, Lincoln Heritage uses simplified issue underwriting that eliminates medical exams in favor of health questionnaires and prescription history reviews. However, telephone interviews may be required for higher coverage amounts, and the company maintains stricter health standards than guaranteed issue insurers.
How long are Lincoln Heritage’s waiting periods?
Waiting periods are 2-3 years for Modified Plan policies (3 years for ages under 50, 2 years for ages 50+), but Funeral Advantage policies offer immediate coverage for qualified applicants. During waiting periods, beneficiaries receive premium refunds plus 10-30% interest depending on policy year.
Are Lincoln Heritage’s rates competitive?
Lincoln Heritage’s rates are generally higher than many competitors in the final expense market. The premium costs reflect their comprehensive service offerings and unique benefits, but budget-conscious families may find more affordable options through other insurers.
What is Lincoln Heritage’s maximum coverage amount?
Maximum coverage is $20,000 for ages 40-80 and $15,000 for ages 81-85. This limit reflects the company’s focus on final expense coverage rather than comprehensive life insurance, which may require consideration of additional coverage through other insurers for larger protection needs.
Should I choose Lincoln Heritage or compare multiple companies?
Always compare multiple insurance companies before making a decision. While Lincoln Heritage provides excellent service and unique benefits, other insurers may offer better rates, more flexible underwriting, or superior value. Working with an independent agent provides access to multiple top-rated companies for comprehensive comparison.
About the Insurance Brokers USA Team
The Insurance Brokers USA Team consists of licensed insurance professionals with extensive experience helping clients with complex health conditions find appropriate coverage. Our agents have worked with hundreds of families seeking final expense insurance, specializing in comprehensive market analysis to identify optimal solutions that balance service quality with affordability and accessibility.
