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Content reviewed: March 2026 — Questions? Call 830-201-3153
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Burial Insurance for COPD
COPD, emphysema, and chronic lung disease don't automatically disqualify you from burial insurance. Whether you use oxygen or not, coverage is available. The key is matching you to the right carrier.
The #1 Factor: Do You Use Supplemental Oxygen?
For COPD patients, oxygen use is the single biggest underwriting dividing line. No oxygen use typically means simplified issue (immediate coverage, competitive rates) is possible. Continuous oxygen use shifts most applicants to guaranteed issue (2-year graded benefit). Even with oxygen, you can still get covered — just through the right carrier.
Which Coverage Path Applies to You?
COPD Without Oxygen
Mild to moderate COPD managed with inhalers or medication — no supplemental oxygen, no recent hospitalization.
- Simplified issue available
- No waiting period with top carriers
- Competitive rates based on age and sex
- Foresters and Aetna most lenient
COPD With Oxygen or Recent Hospitalization
Using supplemental oxygen, or hospitalized for a lung condition in the last 12 months — guaranteed issue is the most reliable path.
- No health questions asked
- Guaranteed acceptance
- 2-year graded benefit period applies
- Premiums + interest returned if natural death in year 1—2
Coverage by Lung Condition
Based on Curtis Drake's underwriting experience as of March 2026.
| Condition | Likely Coverage | Waiting Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild COPD (no oxygen, no recent hospitalization) | Simplified Issue | None | Most carriers accept mild COPD diagnosed and managed by medication without oxygen use. |
| Moderate COPD (inhalers, no oxygen) | Simplified Issue | None (most carriers) | Controlled with bronchodilators or corticosteroids. Foresters and Aetna are most lenient. |
| Severe COPD (no oxygen, stable) | Simplified or Graded | None or 2 years | Depends on carrier. Some accept with graded benefit; others may offer immediate for stable cases. |
| COPD with Supplemental Oxygen Use | Guaranteed Issue | 2-year graded | Continuous oxygen use typically disqualifies simplified issue. Guaranteed issue available for all. |
| COPD + Recent Hospitalization (<12 months) | Guaranteed Issue | 2-year graded | Recent lung-related hospitalization is a hard decline for simplified issue at most carriers. |
| Emphysema (stable, no oxygen) | Simplified Issue | None (many carriers) | Emphysema treated as equivalent to COPD for underwriting purposes at most carriers. |
| Chronic Bronchitis (stable) | Simplified Issue | None | Chronic bronchitis without oxygen or recent hospitalization is typically acceptable. |
| Pulmonary Fibrosis | Guaranteed Issue | 2-year graded | Most carriers treat pulmonary fibrosis as a high-risk condition requiring guaranteed issue. |
Underwriting guidelines vary by carrier and are subject to change. Data as of March 2026. Get your personalized quote ?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get burial insurance if I have COPD?+
Yes. The type of coverage you qualify for depends on your COPD severity and whether you use supplemental oxygen. Mild-to-moderate COPD without oxygen typically qualifies for simplified issue burial insurance with no waiting period. Severe COPD or oxygen-dependent COPD usually requires a guaranteed issue policy with a 2-year graded benefit. Either way, coverage is available.
Does using oxygen for COPD affect my ability to get burial insurance?+
Yes, significantly. Most simplified issue carriers will decline applicants who use supplemental oxygen on a continuous basis. However, guaranteed issue burial insurance is available regardless of oxygen use — you simply answer no health questions, and the tradeoff is a 2-year graded benefit period before the full death benefit applies.
What is a graded benefit and how does it affect COPD patients?+
A graded benefit means that if you pass away from a natural cause (like COPD complications) within the first 2 years of the policy, your beneficiary receives a return of premiums paid plus interest — typically 10% — rather than the full death benefit. After 2 years, the full benefit is paid for any cause of death. Accidental deaths are usually paid in full from day one.
Which carriers are best for COPD patients?+
For mild-to-moderate COPD without oxygen, Foresters Financial's PlanRight policy and Aetna are among the most lenient simplified issue carriers. For oxygen-dependent COPD, Transamerica's Easy Solution and Mutual of Omaha's guaranteed issue product are strong options. The right carrier depends on your specific situation — a licensed broker can compare all options at once.
Let Curtis Find Your Best Option
With access to 35+ carriers, Curtis knows exactly which ones will offer immediate coverage for your level of COPD — and which rates you'll qualify for. No pressure, no obligation.
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