Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance in Illinois
Updated November 14, 2026
The quick answer for Illinois
Yes, you can get guaranteed issue life insurance in Illinois, even after a decline. There are no health questions and no exam. But it is the priciest way to buy coverage, so it should be your backup plan, not your first stop.
Think of guaranteed issue as funeral money that can’t say no. Most policies cover $2,000 to $25,000, and the price never goes up.
Here’s the good news most people don’t hear: a lot of folks who were turned down once still qualify for something cheaper. So it pays to check a level (simplified issue) plan first, then graded/modified, and only then guaranteed issue.
What a funeral costs in Illinois
| Funeral with viewing and burial (Illinois region) | about $8,280 |
|---|---|
| Same funeral, national average | about $8,300 |
| Cemetery plot, opening and headstone | Extra |
NFDA 2023 regional averages. Your funeral home’s price list is the final word.
Illinois sits right at the national average. Prices can swing a lot between the Chicago area and smaller towns downstate, so call two funeral homes before you pick a number.
How much coverage to buy
For a traditional burial, most Illinois families land between $10,000 and $15,000 once the cemetery is added. Cremation usually takes $5,000 to $8,000. Our cremation vs. burial guide can help you choose.
Pick a payment you can keep up for life. A smaller policy that stays active beats a bigger one you have to drop.
How it works, in plain English
You apply, you’re accepted. The catch is a waiting period of about two years. If you pass away from an illness in that time, your family gets back what you paid plus interest. After that, they get the full amount. Accidents are usually covered from day one.
| Level benefit (simplified issue): a few yes/no questions | Full payout from day oneLowest price |
|---|---|
| Graded / modified benefit: fewer, easier questions | Partial payout in years 1–2Varies by carrier |
| Guaranteed issue: no questions at all | About a 2-year waitHighest price |
Want the full picture? Read our guaranteed issue guide or the level vs. graded comparison.
Companies to know in Illinois
Plans and availability vary by state and change over time. These are well-known companies in this market:
Is guaranteed issue right for you?
Good fit if
- Final expense companies have already said no
- You’re in active treatment right now
- You want $2,000 to $25,000 for final costs
Try something cheaper if
- Your conditions are treated and stable
- You want full coverage on day one
- You need more than $25,000
Not sure? See conditions that usually don’t need guaranteed issue.
Good to know in Illinois
- Check who you’re talking to. The Illinois Department of Insurance has a free Agent Lookup on its website. It takes a minute.
- You get a look-back window. After your policy arrives, you have at least 10 days to read it and send it back for a full refund.
- Answer health questions honestly. On level and graded plans, a wrong answer can cause a claim problem later. If you’re unsure of a date, look it up first.
- Tell your family. Keep the policy with your important papers and let your beneficiary know it exists.
Quick questions
Can I get covered if I was declined before?
Yes. Guaranteed issue doesn’t ask about health, so a past decline doesn’t matter. It’s still worth checking the cheaper options first.
Will my price go up later?
No. The premium is locked in for life.
Is there a medical exam?
No. Level and graded plans ask a few health questions. Guaranteed issue asks none.
How fast does my family get paid?
When a person is named as beneficiary, the insurer pays them directly, usually within a few weeks, without going through probate.
Can I buy a policy for my mom or dad?
Yes, as long as they agree and sign the application.
Sources
The bottom line
Guaranteed issue is there if you need it, but most people in Illinois should try a level (simplified issue) or graded/modified plan first. Plan on $10,000 to $15,000 for a traditional funeral, less for cremation, and pick a payment you can keep for life.
General education only. This page is not an offer to sell insurance in Illinois. Ages, limits and waiting periods vary by carrier.
More states on the way
We add new state guides regularly. Need coverage in a state that isn’t listed yet? Get a free quote or call (215) 999-3168 and we’ll tell you what’s available where you or your family live.