We specialize in helping people cover their funeral costs and other final expenses. Cash benefits are paid within 24 hours, once a claim is approved. Whole life benefits available up to $20,000. No health examination necessary to apply, just a few health questions on the application.

As an independent consumer advocate organization, the FCGS' mission is to help families save money on funeral costs.

There are a number of possible disadvantages of purchasing a pre-paid funeral or cremation plan, including:

• Business Stability of the Funeral Home. Pre-paid funeral or cremation plans are only as dependable as the funeral home offering them.
• Not Portable.
• Inflexible Contract.
• State Laws Differ.

If you prepay for your services, you're locking in today's price for tomorrow's rates. However, some funeral homes don't factor inflation, so before you sign anything, make sure to ask if the payment you're making is for a fixed price. Otherwise, your family may be hit with unexpected charges after you pass.

Lincoln Heritage has a complaint index of 1.02 on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which is slightly higher than the national average of 1.00. However, the company has a very positive customer rating on the Better Business Bureau, where it holds a customer rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars.

Funeral Advantage is the leading final expense program in the nation because it's underwritten by Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company®. For over 55 years we've been protecting families just like yours from the high cost of funerals and cremations by providing a life insurance cash benefit.

We don't recommend prepaying unless you must do so to qualify for Medicaid. But if you are committed to prepaying, be sure: Your money is secure, such as in a federally-insured bank. Funeral insurance plans are not as tightly regulated, so take extra caution.

If there is money left over after paying the funeral bill, the excess would be returned to the family.

There are a number of possible disadvantages of purchasing a pre-paid funeral or cremation plan, including:

• Business Stability of the Funeral Home. Pre-paid funeral or cremation plans are only as dependable as the funeral home offering them.
• Not Portable.
• Inflexible Contract.
• State Laws Differ.

within 24 hours Lincoln Heritage sends the money to your beneficiary as quickly as possible. Most claims are paid within 24 hours of claim approval.

The waiting period for applicants aged 0-49 is three years, but it is only two years for seniors 50-85. If you die during the waiting period (except from an accident), Lincoln Heritage will only refund 110% of premiums.

Lincoln Heritage earned 2.5 out of 5 stars for overall performance. NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.