SBLI Burial Insurance Review 2026: Living Legacy Plan Rates, Coverage & Pros/Cons

SBLI (Savings Bank Life Insurance) has been providing affordable life insurance to American families since 1907. While SBLI is best known for competitively priced term life insurance, their Living Legacy Final Expense Plan is a strong burial insurance option for seniors in 2026. This review covers SBLI’s burial insurance rates by age, the unique Sequoia Funeral Concierge benefit, how SBLI compares to other final expense carriers, and whether the Living Legacy plan is right for you.

Is SBLI a Good Burial Insurance Company in 2026?

Yes — SBLI is a solid choice for burial insurance, particularly for seniors who want affordable rates and the added value of a funeral concierge service. SBLI holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, has been in business for over 118 years, and offers competitive final expense rates for ages 50–85. Their Living Legacy plan includes the Sequoia Funeral Concierge — a service that helps your family plan and coordinate the funeral at the time of need, saving them stress and potentially thousands of dollars.

SBLI Company Overview

• Founded: 1907 — over 118 years in business
• Headquarters: Woburn, Massachusetts
• AM Best Rating: A (Excellent) — strong financial strength
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Types: Term life, final expense whole life, universal life
• Issue Ages: 50–85 for Living Legacy final expense
• Coverage Amounts: $5,000–$35,000 for final expense
• Underwriting: Simplified issue — no medical exam required

SBLI Living Legacy Final Expense Plan Details

The Living Legacy Plan is SBLI’s whole life final expense product. It’s designed to cover funeral costs, burial expenses, and other end-of-life expenses. Here’s what the plan includes:

Feature	Living Legacy Plan Details
Policy Type	Whole life insurance (permanent coverage)
Coverage Amount	$5,000–$35,000
Issue Ages	50–85
Waiting Period	None for qualified applicants (immediate full coverage)
Medical Exam	Not required — simplified underwriting with health questions
Premiums	Fixed for life — never increase
Death Benefit	Level — never decreases
Cash Value	Builds over time; can be borrowed against
Funeral Concierge	Sequoia Funeral Concierge included at no extra cost

SBLI Burial Insurance Rates by Age and Gender (2026)

Below are estimated monthly premiums for a $10,000 Living Legacy policy with SBLI. Rates are based on standard underwriting (non-tobacco):

Age	Female Non-Tobacco	Male Non-Tobacco	Female Tobacco	Male Tobacco
50	$25–$32	$32–$39	$35–$44	$44–$54
55	$29–$37	$37–$47	$41–$51	$51–$64
60	$35–$45	$45–$57	$49–$61	$61–$77
65	$42–$54	$54–$69	$59–$74	$74–$94
70	$51–$67	$67–$84	$71–$91	$91–$114
75	$64–$84	$84–$107	$89–$114	$114–$144
80	$81–$107	$107–$137	$111–$144	$144–$184
85	$101–$134	$134–$171	$139–$179	$179–$229

Note: These are estimated ranges. SBLI’s rates are generally among the most competitive in the industry — often 5–10% lower than Mutual of Omaha and Lincoln Heritage for comparable coverage. Actual premiums depend on health history and state of residence.

Sequoia Funeral Concierge — A Unique SBLI Benefit

One feature that sets SBLI apart from most final expense carriers is the Sequoia Funeral Concierge service, included at no extra cost with every Living Legacy policy. Here’s what it does:

• Funeral planning assistance: When the time comes, a Sequoia concierge helps your family plan and coordinate the funeral — comparing prices across local funeral homes, negotiating costs, and handling logistics.
• Price comparison: The concierge contacts multiple funeral homes in your area to get itemized price quotes, helping your family avoid overpaying.
• 24/7 availability: The service is available around the clock — your family can call anytime.
• Average savings: Families using the Sequoia concierge save an average of $1,800–$2,500 on funeral costs compared to going directly to a funeral home.
• No extra cost: The concierge service is included with the policy — there’s no additional fee.

This is a genuinely valuable benefit. Most families don’t comparison-shop funeral homes during a time of grief — the concierge does it for them, potentially saving thousands of dollars beyond the insurance payout itself.

SBLI Burial Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros

1. A (Excellent) AM Best rating: Strong financial strength — among the highest-rated final expense carriers.
2. 118+ year track record: Founded in 1907, one of the oldest and most stable life insurers in America.
3. Sequoia Funeral Concierge: Unique benefit that saves families $1,800–$2,500 on average — included at no extra cost.
4. Competitive rates: SBLI’s premiums are consistently 5–10% lower than Mutual of Omaha and Lincoln Heritage.
5. No medical exam: Simplified underwriting with health questions only — fast approval.
6. Immediate coverage: No waiting period for qualified applicants — full coverage from day one.
7. Fixed premiums for life: Rates never increase and coverage never decreases.

Cons

1. Limited to final expense: SBLI’s Living Legacy plan is only for burial/final expense — not suitable for income replacement or mortgage protection.
2. $35,000 coverage maximum: Lower than Mutual of Omaha’s $40,000 max.
3. Not available in all states: SBLI is licensed in most but not all states — check availability.
4. Health questions can be strict: Certain conditions (recent heart attack, stroke, cancer treatment) may result in a graded benefit rather than immediate coverage.
5. No online application: Must work with an agent to apply — no direct-to-consumer online purchase option.

How SBLI Compares to Other Burial Insurance Carriers

• vs. Mutual of Omaha: SBLI’s rates are 5–10% lower, and the Sequoia Funeral Concierge is a unique benefit Mutual of Omaha doesn’t offer. Mutual of Omaha has a higher coverage maximum ($40,000 vs $35,000).
• vs. American Amicable: SBLI has a higher AM Best rating (A vs A-). American Amicable offers coverage to age 85 with immediate benefit, similar to SBLI. SBLI’s funeral concierge is the differentiator.
• vs. Royal Neighbors: Royal Neighbors offers member benefits (scholarships, disaster relief) while SBLI offers the funeral concierge. SBLI has a higher AM Best rating (A vs B++).
• vs. Lincoln Heritage: SBLI’s rates are typically 15–20% lower than Lincoln Heritage, and the funeral concierge is a clear advantage over Lincoln Heritage’s FCGS funeral planning service (which is less comprehensive).
• vs. Aetna Senior Products: Aetna’s rates are competitive for ages 50–65, but SBLI’s funeral concierge and higher AM Best rating give it an edge for buyers who value those features.

Who Should Consider SBLI Burial Insurance?

SBLI’s Living Legacy plan is an especially good fit for:

• Budget-conscious seniors: SBLI’s rates are among the lowest in the industry
• Those who want funeral planning help: The Sequoia Funeral Concierge is a genuinely useful benefit that saves families money and stress
• Applicants who value financial strength: SBLI’s A (Excellent) AM Best rating is top-tier for final expense carriers
• Seniors age 50–80: The sweet spot for competitive rates and immediate coverage eligibility
• Those who want a carrier with a long track record: 118+ years of stability

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SBLI require a medical exam for burial insurance?

No. SBLI’s Living Legacy plan uses simplified underwriting — you answer health questions on the application but there is no physical exam, blood test, or urine sample required. Most applications are approved within 24–48 hours.

What is the Sequoia Funeral Concierge and how does it work?

The Sequoia Funeral Concierge is a free service included with every SBLI Living Legacy policy. When the policyholder passes away, the beneficiary calls Sequoia, and a concierge contacts multiple local funeral homes to compare prices, negotiate costs, and coordinate arrangements. Families save an average of $1,800–$2,500 on funeral expenses through this service.

What is the maximum coverage amount with SBLI burial insurance?

The Living Legacy plan offers $5,000 to $35,000 in coverage. If you need more than $35,000, SBLI also offers term life insurance with higher coverage amounts, though those require full underwriting.

Can I get SBLI burial insurance if I have health conditions?

Yes — SBLI accepts many applicants with common health conditions. Controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol typically do not disqualify you from immediate coverage. More serious conditions (recent heart attack, stroke, active cancer) may result in a graded benefit with a 2-year waiting period.

How fast are SBLI claims paid?

SBLI processes most final expense claims within 5–7 business days after receiving a valid death certificate and claim form. Beneficiaries can typically expect payment within two weeks. The Sequoia Funeral Concierge can also help expedite the process.

Is SBLI burial insurance available in all 50 states?

SBLI is licensed in most U.S. states but not all. Availability varies by state regulations. Contact a licensed agent to confirm availability in your state and get a personalized quote.

How does SBLI’s funeral concierge compare to Lincoln Heritage’s FCGS?

SBLI’s Sequoia Funeral Concierge actively comparison-shops multiple funeral homes and negotiates prices on your family’s behalf. Lincoln Heritage’s FCGS (Funeral Consumer Guardian Society) primarily provides a single preferred funeral home referral. Sequoia’s multi-provider comparison approach typically results in greater savings — $1,800–$2,500 on average vs. FCGS’s more limited negotiation scope.

Related Resources

• AM Best Insurance Ratings — verify SBLI’s A (Excellent) financial strength rating
• NAIC Consumer Resources — regulatory information and policyholder rights
• IRS Publication 525 — tax treatment of life insurance proceeds

Explore More Burial Insurance Options

• Final Expense Insurance: Complete 2026 Guide
• Best Burial Insurance Companies of 2026
• Burial Insurance Guide: Coverage, Costs & Best Companies
• No Medical Exam Life Insurance: Complete 2026 Guide
• Life Insurance for Seniors: 2026 Complete Guide

Get a free SBLI burial insurance quote today — compare rates from multiple top-rated final expense carriers and see how SBLI’s low rates and Sequoia Funeral Concierge can protect your family. Click below to start your personalized quote in under 2 minutes.