Open care life insurance has become a popular search term among seniors looking for affordable final expense coverage. If you have been researching burial insurance or simplified whole life policies, you have likely come across Open Care (also known as OpenCare Seniors). This guide provides an unbiased, comprehensive review of what Open Care offers, how much it costs, who it is best for, and how it compares to alternatives — so you can make an informed decision about your life insurance needs.
The life insurance market for seniors can be confusing, with dozens of providers offering seemingly similar products at very different prices. Open Care positions itself as a solution to that confusion by acting as a brokerage that shops multiple carriers on your behalf. But is it the right choice for you? Let us break down everything you need to know.
What Is Open Care Life Insurance?
Open Care life insurance is not a single insurance company — it is a licensed insurance brokerage service that connects consumers (primarily seniors) with life insurance carriers. Operating through the brand OpenCare Seniors, the company matches applicants with final expense insurance policies from multiple A-rated carriers based on their age, health status, and coverage needs.
Key facts about Open Care:
- Type: Insurance brokerage/intermediary, not a direct carrier
- Primary product: Final expense (burial) insurance and simplified whole life policies
- Target market: Seniors aged 50-85
- Coverage range: $5,000 to $35,000
- Carrier partners: Multiple A-rated insurance companies
- Medical exam: Not required for most plans
Because Open Care works with multiple carriers, they can often find more competitive rates than going directly to a single insurance company. This comparison-shopping approach is the primary value proposition of open care life insurance for consumers who do not want to contact multiple insurers individually.
How Open Care Life Insurance Works
The process of getting coverage through Open Care follows a straightforward path:
- Initial contact: You request a quote through their website or by phone. You provide basic information including your age, zip code, health conditions, and desired coverage amount.
- Carrier matching: Open Care's agents compare policies from their partner carriers to find plans that fit your profile and budget.
- Quote presentation: You receive one or more quotes showing monthly premiums, coverage amounts, and policy features from different carriers.
- Application: If you choose a plan, Open Care assists with the application process. Most plans use simplified underwriting with health questions (no physical exam).
- Policy issuance: The insurance carrier issues your policy directly. Open Care receives a commission from the carrier — you pay no brokerage fees.
The entire process typically takes 1-3 weeks from initial contact to policy issuance. Guaranteed acceptance plans can be approved in as little as 24-48 hours since they require no health underwriting.
Coverage Options and Plan Types
Open care life insurance brokers primarily offer three types of policies:
1. Simplified Issue Whole Life Insurance
This is Open Care's core product. Simplified issue policies require answering health questions but no medical exam. If you are in reasonable health for your age, this option offers the best rates. Coverage amounts range from $5,000 to $35,000 with level premiums that never increase.
2. Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance
For seniors who cannot qualify for simplified issue due to serious health conditions, guaranteed acceptance policies provide coverage regardless of health status. These policies are more expensive and typically include a 2-3 year waiting period (called a graded death benefit) before full coverage kicks in. If the insured passes during the waiting period, beneficiaries receive a return of premiums paid plus interest, not the full death benefit.
3. Term Life Insurance (Limited Availability)
Some carriers in Open Care's network offer term life options for seniors who want higher coverage amounts at lower initial premiums. Term lengths of 10, 15, or 20 years may be available depending on age and health.
How Much Does Open Care Life Insurance Cost?
Pricing for open care life insurance varies based on age, health, gender, coverage amount, and the specific carrier. Here are typical monthly premiums for final expense coverage based on industry averages from Open Care's carrier partners:
| Age | $10,000 Coverage | $15,000 Coverage | $25,000 Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 (Female) | $25-$35/mo | $35-$50/mo | $55-$80/mo |
| 55 (Male) | $30-$42/mo | $42-$60/mo | $65-$95/mo |
| 65 (Female) | $35-$50/mo | $50-$70/mo | $80-$115/mo |
| 65 (Male) | $42-$62/mo | $60-$88/mo | $95-$140/mo |
| 75 (Female) | $55-$80/mo | $80-$115/mo | $125-$185/mo |
| 75 (Male) | $70-$100/mo | $100-$145/mo | $160-$235/mo |
These are estimated ranges for simplified issue policies in average health. Guaranteed acceptance policies typically cost 20-40% more. Actual quotes may vary significantly — always request a personalized quote for accurate pricing.
Important cost considerations:
- Premiums are locked in for life and will never increase
- The death benefit does not decrease over time (unlike some term policies)
- Whole life policies build a small cash value over time that you can borrow against
- You pay no fees to Open Care — their commission comes from the carrier
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility for open care life insurance depends on the specific plan type:
Simplified Issue Requirements
- Age 50-85 (varies by carrier)
- Must answer health questions truthfully
- Most chronic conditions are accepted (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
- Disqualifying conditions may include: active cancer treatment, organ transplant waiting list, hospice care, or ALS/advanced dementia
Guaranteed Acceptance Requirements
- Age 50-80 (varies by carrier)
- No health questions required
- Acceptance regardless of pre-existing conditions
- 2-3 year graded death benefit period applies
The application process typically involves a phone consultation with a licensed Open Care agent who will ask about your health history, coverage needs, and budget. No in-person meetings or doctor visits are required.
Pros and Cons of Open Care Life Insurance
Pros
- Comparison shops multiple A-rated carriers on your behalf
- No medical exam required for most plans
- Guaranteed acceptance options for those with serious health conditions
- No brokerage fees — Open Care is paid by carriers
- Locked-in premiums that never increase
- Licensed agents provide guidance through the process
- Coverage starts immediately on simplified issue plans
Cons
- Limited to final expense and small whole life policies ($5K-$35K)
- Not ideal if you need high-value coverage ($100K+)
- Guaranteed acceptance plans have a 2-3 year waiting period
- Phone-based sales process may feel pushy to some consumers
- Limited online self-service — you must speak with an agent
- Not available in all states
Open Care Life Insurance Reviews
Consumer reviews for open care life insurance are mixed, which is typical for insurance brokerages in the final expense space. Here is a summary of common feedback:
Positive reviews commonly mention:
- Agents were knowledgeable and patient in explaining options
- Found lower rates than what they were paying with their existing policy
- Application process was simple and fast
- Appreciated having multiple carrier options presented
Negative reviews commonly mention:
- Persistent follow-up calls after requesting a quote
- Difficulty reaching the same agent for follow-up questions
- Confusion about Open Care being a broker vs. a carrier
- Some felt pressured to make a quick decision
When evaluating open care life insurance reviews, remember that the actual policy is issued by the insurance carrier, not Open Care. Your claims experience and policy service will come from the carrier. Research the specific carrier's financial strength rating (AM Best rating of A or higher is recommended) before finalizing your decision.
Alternatives to Open Care Life Insurance
If Open Care is not the right fit, here are alternatives worth considering for seniors seeking final expense or life insurance coverage:
| Provider | Type | Best For | Coverage Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| AARP/New York Life | Direct carrier | AARP members wanting brand-name coverage | $5K-$150K |
| Globe Life | Direct carrier | Guaranteed acceptance without phone calls | $5K-$100K |
| Mutual of Omaha | Direct carrier | Competitive simplified issue rates | $2K-$40K |
| Colonial Penn | Direct carrier | Guaranteed acceptance, 3-tier system | $5K-$50K |
| Independent agent | Broker | Personalized service, wide carrier access | Varies |
For a broader overview of life insurance options, see our complete life insurance guide. For another final expense carrier comparison, read our Lumico life insurance review covering their products, pricing, and how they stack up against Open Care. If you are specifically interested in policies that build investment value, our guide on maximum funded indexed universal life insurance explains how IUL policies work.
Open Care as Supplemental Life Insurance
Many seniors already have a primary life insurance policy — perhaps through a former employer or a term policy purchased years ago — and are looking for supplemental life insurance to cover funeral and burial costs specifically. Open Care's final expense policies work well as supplemental coverage for several reasons:
- Small face amounts: $5,000-$15,000 policies fill the gap between existing coverage and funeral costs (which average $7,848 in the US according to the National Funeral Directors Association)
- Whole life structure: Unlike term supplemental life insurance from an employer that expires when you retire, Open Care's whole life policies remain in force for your entire life
- No coordination required: Open Care policies are completely independent of any existing coverage. You can have multiple life insurance policies from different providers
Can you have multiple life insurance policies? Absolutely. There is no legal limit on the number of life insurance policies one person can hold. Each carrier will independently underwrite your application, though they may ask about your total coverage amount across all policies. For most seniors using Open Care for final expense coverage, the relatively small policy amounts ($5K-$35K) rarely raise concerns during underwriting.
For broader life insurance education, explore our guide on health insurance options or learn how your credit score can affect insurance rates in some states.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Care Life Insurance
Yes, Open Care is a legitimate life insurance brokerage that connects seniors with insurance carriers. Open Care (operating through OpenCare Seniors) partners with A-rated insurance companies to offer final expense and whole life policies. They are not an insurance carrier themselves but act as a licensed intermediary. Your actual policy is issued and backed by the insurance carrier, not Open Care. Always verify the specific carrier's AM Best rating before purchasing.
Open Care primarily offers final expense insurance (also called burial insurance) and simplified whole life insurance for seniors aged 50-85. Coverage amounts typically range from $5,000 to $35,000. Some policies require no medical exam and feature guaranteed acceptance. Limited term life options may also be available through certain carrier partners.
Open Care life insurance premiums depend on your age, health, coverage amount, and the specific carrier. For a 65-year-old in average health, expect to pay approximately $40-$80 per month for $10,000-$15,000 in final expense coverage. Rates are locked in and do not increase over time. Guaranteed acceptance plans cost 20-40% more than simplified issue plans.
Yes, you can have multiple life insurance policies, including one through Open Care and others from different providers. There is no legal limit on the number of life insurance policies you can own. However, each insurer will review your total coverage amount during underwriting to ensure it is reasonable relative to your financial situation.
Supplemental life insurance is additional coverage purchased beyond your primary life insurance policy, often through an employer or a separate provider. Open Care's final expense policies can serve as supplemental coverage on top of any existing term or whole life policies you already have, ensuring your family has extra funds for burial costs and outstanding debts.
Key Takeaways
- Open care life insurance is a brokerage service (not a carrier) that matches seniors with final expense policies from multiple A-rated insurers.
- Coverage ranges from $5,000 to $35,000, with monthly premiums typically between $30-$140 depending on age, gender, and health status.
- Simplified issue plans offer the best rates with no medical exam; guaranteed acceptance plans are available for those with serious health conditions but include a 2-3 year waiting period.
- Open Care charges no fees to consumers — their compensation comes from carrier commissions.
- You can use Open Care policies as supplemental life insurance alongside existing coverage. There is no legal limit on holding multiple life insurance policies.
Making informed decisions about life insurance is crucial for your family's financial security. Visit our personal finance hub for more guides on managing your financial future, or explore our personal loans guide if you need help understanding other financial products. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides free tools to verify insurer financial strength and file complaints if needed.