When a loved one passes away, families face many costs. A headstone is one big cost that many people wonder about. Does insurance help pay for a headstone? This article will look at what you need to know about insurance and headstones.
Types of Insurance That Might Cover Headstones
Not all insurance covers headstones. Here are some that might help:
Life Insurance
Life insurance gives money to your family when you die. This money can be used for any costs, such as a headstone. The Jones family from Ohio got $10,000 from their dad’s life insurance. They used part of it to buy a nice stone marker for his grave.
Burial Insurance
Burial insurance (aka final expense ins.) is made just for funeral costs. This type can cover headstones. Mrs. Garcia bought a burial policy that gave her children $7,500 when she died. This paid for her headstone with $2,000 left over.
Homeowner’s Insurance
In some cases, homeowner’s insurance might cover a headstone, but only if it gets damaged or stolen. The Miller family’s headstone was knocked over in a storm. Their homeowner’s policy helped pay for the repairs.
What Insurance Does Not Cover
Most health ins. plans don’t cover any funeral costs, including headstones. Car ins. and renters ins. also don’t cover these costs.
Avg. Costs of Headstones
Headstones can cost from $300 to $10,000 based on:
- Size
- Material
- Design
- Engraving
The Smith family bought a basic granite marker for $800, while the Lee family chose a large custom headstone for $5,000.
Tips for Paying for a Headstone
If insurance won’t help, here are other ways to pay:
- Payment plans: Many monument co. offer monthly payments
- Veterans benefits: The VA provides free headstones for veterans
- Medicade help: Some states offer small burial payments
- Crowdfunding: Sites like GoFundMe can help collect money
Real People’s Stories
Tom Wilson lost his wife last year. “I didn’t know how I would pay for evrything,” he said. “Her small life insurance policy covered the headstone and other costs. It was such a releif.”
Sarah Johnson had no insurance when her father died. “We started a fundraser online,” she explained. “Friends and family donated enough for a beutiful stone.”
What to Do Before You Need It
Think about these things now:
- Check your current ins. policies
- Consider getting burial ins.
- Talk with family about wishes
- Look into pre-need monument plans
Final Thoughts
Losing someone you love is hard. Worrying about money makes it harder. Some insurance might help pay for a headstone, but not all types. It’s wise to understand your options early.
The Robinson family found comfort in choosing a special headstone for their grandmother. “The monument company worked with our tight budjet,” they shared. “Now we have a beautiful place to remember her.”
Planning ahead can save your family stress during a hard time. Whether through ins., savings, or other options, knowing how to pay for a headstone brings peace of mind.
