Royal Neighbors of America Final Expense Insurance Review: A Licensed Broker's Honest Assessment

Royal Neighbors of America stands out in the final expense insurance market as one of the few remaining fraternal benefit societies offering life insurance coverage. As a licensed insurance broker (FL #G180089, NPN #21367442) appointed with Royal Neighbors, I've helped numerous seniors secure coverage through their final expense programs. This comprehensive review examines whether Royal Neighbors of America is the right choice for your burial insurance needs.

Royal Neighbors of America offers competitive final expense insurance with coverage amounts ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, featuring simplified underwriting and same-day approvals for qualifying applicants. Their unique fraternal structure provides additional member benefits beyond standard insurance coverage.

What Is Royal Neighbors of America?

Founded in 1895, Royal Neighbors of America is a fraternal benefit society headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois. Unlike traditional insurance companies, Royal Neighbors operates as a not-for-profit organization focused on empowering women and supporting communities. The company maintains an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best, indicating strong financial stability and claims-paying ability.

As a fraternal organization, Royal Neighbors has historically focused on women's empowerment and community service. This mission extends to their insurance products, which often feature competitive rates and additional member benefits. The company has over $1.8 billion in assets and has been serving American families for more than 125 years.

Royal Neighbors offers several life insurance products, but their final expense coverage is specifically designed for seniors aged 45-85 who need affordable burial insurance without medical exams. The company's fraternal structure allows them to return profits to members through dividends and enhanced benefits.

Royal Neighbors Final Expense Products

Royal Neighbors offers two primary final expense insurance options:

Simplified Issue Final Expense
This is their flagship final expense product, requiring no medical exam but including health questions. Coverage amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000, with immediate death benefit coverage (no waiting period). Ages 45-80 are eligible, with some health conditions accepted that other carriers decline.

Guaranteed Issue Whole Life
For applicants who cannot qualify for simplified issue coverage, Royal Neighbors offers guaranteed acceptance life insurance. This product requires no health questions and guarantees approval for ages 45-75. Coverage is limited to $25,000 maximum, with a two-year waiting period for natural death claims.

Both products build cash value and offer level premiums that never increase. The simplified issue product is more competitively priced, while the guaranteed issue serves as a safety net for those with serious health conditions.

How Much Does Royal Neighbors Cost?

Royal Neighbors final expense insurance rates are competitive, especially for women and non-smokers. Here are sample monthly premiums for $10,000 coverage:

Age 60:
Female Non-Smoker: $28-32
Male Non-Smoker: $35-40
Female Smoker: $45-52
Male Smoker: $58-65

Age 70:
Female Non-Smoker: $48-55
Male Non-Smoker: $65-72
Female Smoker: $88-95
Male Smoker: $125-135

Age 75:
Female Non-Smoker: $72-82
Male Non-Smoker: $98-108
Female Smoker: $138-152
Male Smoker: $195-215

These rates reflect Royal Neighbors' competitive positioning in the market. Women typically receive better rates due to longer life expectancy, and the fraternal focus on women's empowerment may contribute to their favorable female pricing.

Royal Neighbors Underwriting Process

Royal Neighbors employs streamlined underwriting for their final expense products. The simplified issue application includes specific health questions about:

• Current medications and dosages
• Recent hospitalizations or surgeries
• Heart conditions and treatments
• Cancer history and treatment dates
• Diabetes management and complications
• Lung conditions including COPD
• Kidney or liver disease
• Mental health medications

Royal Neighbors is generally more lenient with controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, and mild heart conditions compared to some competitors. They often approve applicants with well-managed chronic conditions that other carriers decline.

The underwriting process typically takes 24-48 hours for simplified issue applications. Guaranteed issue applications are approved immediately upon submission. Royal Neighbors may request medical records for certain conditions but does not require medical exams for final expense coverage.

Pros and Cons of Royal Neighbors Final Expense

Pros:

• Competitive rates for women: Royal Neighbors often offers some of the best pricing for female applicants
• Lenient underwriting: Accepts many health conditions other carriers decline
• Fraternal benefits: Members receive additional benefits beyond insurance coverage
• Strong financial rating: A- AM Best rating provides confidence in claims payment
• Fast approval process: Most applications approved within 24-48 hours
• No medical exams: Simplified application process for seniors

Cons:

• Limited state availability: Not available in all states compared to larger carriers
• Smaller company size: Less market presence than major competitors
• Age restrictions: Maximum issue age of 80 excludes some seniors
• Coverage limits: $50,000 maximum may not suit all needs
• Male rates: Men may find better pricing with other carriers

Who Royal Neighbors Is Best For

Royal Neighbors of America final expense insurance works best for:

Women aged 45-80: Female applicants often receive the most competitive rates and benefit from the organization's focus on women's empowerment.

Applicants with mild health conditions: Those with controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or minor heart issues who may struggle to qualify elsewhere.

Members seeking community connection: People who value the fraternal benefits and community involvement opportunities.

Budget-conscious seniors: Applicants looking for affordable coverage with competitive premium rates.

Royal Neighbors may not be ideal for healthy males who can qualify for better rates elsewhere, or seniors needing coverage above $50,000.

Royal Neighbors vs American Amicable

When comparing Royal Neighbors to American Amicable, several key differences emerge:

Coverage Amounts: American Amicable offers up to $50,000 like Royal Neighbors, but American Amicable has lower minimum coverage options starting at $2,000.

Pricing: Royal Neighbors typically offers better rates for women, while American Amicable may be more competitive for male applicants, especially smokers.

Underwriting: Both companies offer simplified issue and guaranteed issue products, but American Amicable has slightly more restrictive health questions for their simplified issue coverage.

State Availability: American Amicable is available in more states than Royal Neighbors, providing broader geographic coverage.

Company Structure: Royal Neighbors operates as a fraternal benefit society with additional member benefits, while American Amicable is a traditional stock insurance company.

Case Studies: Real Royal Neighbors Approvals

Case Study 1: Margaret, age 68, from Florida, applied for $15,000 coverage. She had Type 2 diabetes controlled with Metformin and mild high blood pressure managed with one medication. Royal Neighbors approved her application at standard rates within 24 hours, providing monthly premiums of $72. Other carriers had either declined her application or offered graded death benefit policies due to her diabetes.

Case Study 2: Robert, age 73, from Texas, needed $10,000 final expense coverage. He had a history of mild heart attack five years prior but was cleared by his cardiologist with no current restrictions. Royal Neighbors approved his simplified issue application after reviewing his medical records, offering coverage at $95 monthly. His previous carrier had non-renewed his policy due to the heart condition.

Case Study 3: Dorothy, age 65, from Ohio, applied for $20,000 coverage. She had been declined by two other carriers due to COPD and depression medications. Royal Neighbors accepted her guaranteed issue application immediately, though with a two-year waiting period. Her monthly premium was $158, providing peace of mind for her family despite the waiting period.

How to Apply for Royal Neighbors Final Expense

Applying for Royal Neighbors final expense insurance involves several steps:

1. Determine your coverage needs: Calculate funeral costs and final expenses to determine appropriate coverage amount.

2. Complete the application: Provide basic information, health history, and beneficiary details.

3. Answer health questions: Be honest about medical conditions and medications for simplified issue coverage.

4. Review and submit: Ensure all information is accurate before submitting your application.

5. Underwriting review: Royal Neighbors reviews your application, typically within 24-48 hours.

6. Approval and payment: Once approved, set up premium payments and receive your policy documents.

As an experienced broker, I recommend working with a licensed professional who can compare Royal Neighbors against other carriers to ensure you're getting the best coverage and rates for your specific situation.

Royal Neighbors Claims Process

Royal Neighbors maintains a streamlined claims process for final expense benefits. Beneficiaries typically receive claim forms within 48 hours of notification. Required documentation includes the death certificate, completed claim form, and policy information.

For simplified issue policies, claims are typically processed within 5-10 business days once all documentation is received. Guaranteed issue policies with claims during the two-year waiting period return premiums plus interest rather than the full death benefit.

The company's strong financial position and A- AM Best rating provide confidence in their ability to pay claims promptly. Royal Neighbors has maintained consistent claims payment practices throughout their 125+ year history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Neighbors Final Expense

Q: What is the maximum coverage amount available from Royal Neighbors?
A: Royal Neighbors offers final expense coverage up to $50,000, which covers most burial and final expense needs for seniors.

Q: Does Royal Neighbors require a medical exam for final expense insurance?
A: No, Royal Neighbors offers no medical exam life insurance for both their simplified issue and guaranteed issue final expense products.

Q: Can I qualify for Royal Neighbors coverage if I have diabetes?
A: Yes, Royal Neighbors often approves applicants with well-controlled diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes managed with oral medications.

Q: What states is Royal Neighbors available in?
A: Royal Neighbors is available in most states, but availability varies. Check with a licensed broker to confirm availability in your specific state.

Q: Are Royal Neighbors premiums guaranteed to stay level?
A: Yes, Royal Neighbors final expense policies feature level premiums that never increase as long as you continue paying them on time.

Q: How long does Royal Neighbors underwriting take?
A: Simplified issue applications typically receive approval within 24-48 hours. Guaranteed issue applications are approved immediately upon submission.

Q: What fraternal benefits does Royal Neighbors provide?
A: Members may receive scholarship opportunities, community grants, volunteer opportunities, and access to financial education resources beyond their insurance coverage.

Q: Can I convert my Royal Neighbors final expense policy to a larger amount later?
A: Royal Neighbors may allow increases in coverage amounts subject to underwriting approval, but options are limited compared to term life conversion features.

Get Your Royal Neighbors Quote Today

Royal Neighbors of America offers competitive final expense insurance with unique fraternal benefits and lenient underwriting. Their focus on women's empowerment often translates to excellent rates for female applicants, while their community-focused approach provides additional value beyond standard insurance coverage.

However, the best carrier for your specific situation depends on your age, health, coverage needs, and budget. As a licensed broker appointed with Royal Neighbors and eight other top-rated carriers, I can compare your options and help you secure the most appropriate coverage.

Don't leave your family with unexpected burial insurance costs. Royal Neighbors may be an excellent choice, but the only way to know for certain is to compare quotes from multiple carriers.

Ready to explore your Royal Neighbors options? Call me directly at (561) 493-3152 for a personalized consultation, get an instant quote at critical-life-insurance.com/quote, or schedule a convenient appointment at critical-life-insurance.com/appointment.

Your family's financial security is too important to delay. Let's find the right final expense coverage for your specific needs today.