Can You Get Burial Insurance If You Use Oxygen for COPD?

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and use supplemental oxygen, you may wonder whether an insurance company will approve you for burial insurance.

Maybe you use oxygen while sleeping.

Perhaps you need a portable oxygen concentrator when leaving home.

Or maybe your doctor has prescribed oxygen throughout the day.

Whatever your situation, you may be asking:

“Can I still get burial insurance if I have COPD and use oxygen?”

The answer is potentially yes.

However, oxygen use can significantly affect which types of Final Expense Insurance you may qualify for.

Some insurance companies have strict underwriting guidelines regarding oxygen therapy for chronic respiratory conditions. Depending on your age, health history, oxygen use, and available products, you may need to consider guaranteed-issue coverage.

That doesn't mean you should automatically assume you have no options.

At Final Expense Memphis, we help families throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas understand their burial insurance choices, including options for people with COPD and other chronic medical conditions.

Let's look at how oxygen therapy affects underwriting, what types of coverage may be available, and what you should know before applying.

What Is Burial Insurance?

Burial insurance, often called Final Expense Insurance, is generally a smaller permanent life insurance policy designed to help families prepare for expenses after someone dies.

Unlike traditional Term Life Insurance, permanent burial insurance is generally designed to remain in force for life as long as required premiums are paid and policy conditions are satisfied.

Beneficiaries can generally use the death benefit for:

• Funeral services

• Burial expenses

• Cremation costs

• Cemetery plots

• Memorial services

• Medical bills

• Outstanding debts

• Other final financial obligations

Many burial insurance policies offer coverage amounts such as $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, although available amounts vary by insurer and applicant age.

The purpose is to reduce the financial burden on loved ones when final expenses arise.

What Is Final Expense Insurance?

Our educational guide explains how Final Expense Insurance works, what it may cover, and how to determine whether a policy fits your family's needs.

Does Using Oxygen Automatically Disqualify You From Burial Insurance?

No, not from every type of burial insurance.

But oxygen use can make qualifying for medically underwritten Final Expense Insurance more difficult.

Many simplified-issue insurance applications ask whether you've used prescribed oxygen for a chronic respiratory condition.

Some companies may decline applicants who require ongoing supplemental oxygen for COPD.

Other insurers may evaluate the circumstances differently.

The important distinction is between:

Qualifying for a medically underwritten burial insurance policy

and

Qualifying for a guaranteed-issue burial insurance policy.

A guaranteed-issue policy generally does not require medical underwriting or health questions, although applicants must meet age, state availability, and other nonmedical eligibility requirements.

That means someone who cannot qualify for a simplified-issue policy because of oxygen-dependent COPD may still have another option.

Why Does Oxygen Therapy Matter to Life Insurance Companies?

COPD is a chronic lung disease that can make breathing more difficult.

Some people with COPD have relatively mild symptoms.

Others have advanced disease that affects their ability to maintain adequate oxygen levels.

When supplemental oxygen is prescribed for chronic lung disease, an insurance company may view it as an indicator of more significant respiratory impairment.

However, the reason oxygen was prescribed matters.

An insurer may want to know:

• Why oxygen was prescribed

• How long you've used it

• Whether you use it continuously

• Whether you use it only at night

• Whether you need oxygen during physical activity

• Whether you've experienced recent COPD exacerbations

• Whether you've been hospitalized

• Whether you have other serious medical conditions

The insurer may also consider your age and complete health history.

Using oxygen doesn't tell the entire story, but it can be a major underwriting factor.

Does It Matter Whether You Use Oxygen at Night or All Day?

It can.

Oxygen therapy isn't identical for everyone.

Some individuals use oxygen only while sleeping.

Others use oxygen during physical activity.

Some require continuous oxygen therapy throughout the day and night.

How Oxygen Use May Affect Burial Insurance

Important: These examples do not establish eligibility. Some simplified-issue applications may treat any prescribed oxygen use for chronic COPD as disqualifying.

Never assume that nighttime oxygen is automatically acceptable.

The exact wording of the insurance application matters.

Can You Get Burial Insurance If You Use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

Potentially.

A portable oxygen concentrator is a device that supplies supplemental oxygen.

From an underwriting perspective, an insurer is generally more concerned with the underlying medical condition and prescribed oxygen therapy than whether the oxygen comes from a portable concentrator or another delivery system.

For example, someone who uses a portable concentrator during daily activities may still be considered an oxygen user under the company's health questions.

Be prepared to explain:

• Whether the oxygen is prescribed

• Why you need it

• When you use it

• Whether you also use oxygen at home

• Your COPD diagnosis and treatment history

Don't assume a portable device is treated differently simply because you're active and independent.

Can You Get Final Expense Insurance With COPD Without Oxygen?

Possibly.

Someone who has COPD but does not require supplemental oxygen may have different underwriting options from someone with oxygen-dependent COPD.

The insurer may evaluate:

• COPD severity

• Medication history

• Smoking status

• Hospitalizations

• Other respiratory conditions

• Cardiovascular health

• Overall medical history

Some applicants with stable COPD may qualify for simplified-issue Final Expense Insurance.

Others may need graded or guaranteed-issue coverage.

Can You Get Final Expense Insurance With COPD?

Our related article explains how COPD severity, medications, smoking history, and other health conditions may affect Final Expense Insurance approval.

This article focuses specifically on oxygen therapy and burial insurance, while the supporting article addresses COPD underwriting more broadly.

What Types of Burial Insurance Are Available for People Who Use Oxygen?

There are several policy structures worth understanding.

1. Level-Benefit Final Expense Insurance

Level-benefit policies generally provide the full stated death benefit for covered death from the beginning of coverage, subject to policy terms and exclusions.

These policies usually involve health questions or other underwriting.

Someone who requires prescribed oxygen for chronic COPD may have difficulty qualifying for certain level-benefit products.

Eligibility depends on the carrier's guidelines.

2. Graded or Modified Final Expense Insurance

Some burial insurance policies provide limited benefits for natural death during an initial period.

For example, the policy might return premiums plus a stated amount of interest if natural death occurs during a graded period.

The specific benefit structure varies by insurer and policy.

These products may still involve health questions, and oxygen use can remain a disqualifying factor.

Graded coverage is not automatically available to every person using oxygen.

3. Guaranteed-Issue Burial Insurance

Guaranteed-issue life insurance generally does not require health questions or a medical examination.

Applicants who meet the policy's nonmedical eligibility requirements can obtain coverage without being evaluated for COPD severity or oxygen use.

However, guaranteed-issue policies commonly include a graded natural-death benefit during an initial period.

They may also have lower maximum coverage amounts or higher premiums per dollar of coverage than medically underwritten policies.

For people with oxygen-dependent COPD, guaranteed-issue burial insurance can be an important option to explore.

Does Guaranteed-Issue Burial Insurance Have a Waiting Period?

This is one of the most important questions to ask before purchasing guaranteed-issue coverage.

Many guaranteed-issue burial insurance policies have a graded death benefit during the first two years.

However, the exact period and benefit structure depend on the insurer and policy.

For example, a hypothetical policy might provide:

• During the first two policy years: A return of premiums paid plus a specified amount of interest for natural death.

• After the graded period: The full stated death benefit for covered death.

• Accidental death: Some policies provide the full benefit from the beginning for qualifying accidental death, subject to policy definitions and exclusions.

This is only an illustration of a common policy structure, not a promise that every guaranteed-issue policy works this way.

You should always review the actual contract.

Example: $10,000 Guaranteed-Issue Burial Insurance

Suppose someone purchases a $10,000 guaranteed-issue policy with a two-year graded natural-death benefit.

If the insured dies from COPD during the graded period, the beneficiary may receive the limited benefit specified in the policy rather than the full $10,000.

If the insured dies from a covered cause after the graded period, the full death benefit would generally become payable, subject to the contract.

That's why understanding the waiting period is just as important as knowing the monthly premium.

Can Someone on Oxygen Get Burial Insurance With No Waiting Period?

Possibly, but it can be difficult when oxygen is prescribed for chronic COPD.

Some underwritten products provide immediate full death-benefit coverage to applicants who qualify.

However, ongoing oxygen use for chronic respiratory disease may prevent eligibility under many simplified-issue guidelines.

Guaranteed-issue policies commonly have graded natural-death benefits.

Therefore, don't assume a policy offers immediate full natural-death coverage simply because an agent says approval is guaranteed.

Ask specifically:

“If I die from COPD during the first year, what exactly will my beneficiary receive?”

The answer should be clearly explained using the actual policy provisions.

Does COPD Medication Affect Burial Insurance Approval?

It may.

Insurance companies may review medications prescribed for COPD, including:

• Rescue inhalers

• Maintenance inhalers

• Nebulizer treatments

• Oral medications

• Other respiratory treatments

Medication use alone doesn't necessarily determine eligibility.

However, the overall treatment history can help the insurer understand the severity of the condition.

For someone using supplemental oxygen, the oxygen requirement itself may be a significant underwriting issue regardless of the medication list.

What If You Have COPD, Use Oxygen, and Still Smoke?

Current cigarette smoking may add another underwriting concern.

Smoking history is especially relevant when someone has chronic lung disease.

An insurer may ask:

• Whether you currently smoke

• When you last smoked

• How frequently you smoke

• Whether you use vaping products

• Whether you use other tobacco or nicotine products

If you have COPD and use oxygen, don't assume quitting smoking will automatically make you eligible for simplified-issue coverage.

The oxygen requirement and underlying lung condition may still affect eligibility.

For safety, smoking or using open flames near supplemental oxygen presents a serious fire hazard. Follow your oxygen supplier's and healthcare professional's safety instructions.

Can You Get Burial Insurance If You Have COPD and Heart Disease?

Potentially, depending on the policy.

When COPD is combined with another significant medical condition, simplified underwriting may become more challenging.

Insurance companies may consider:

• Heart failure

• Coronary artery disease

• Previous heart attack

• Stroke history

• Blood pressure

• Kidney disease

• Other serious medical conditions

Guaranteed-issue coverage may be an option for eligible applicants who cannot satisfy medical underwriting requirements.

The important point is to evaluate the complete medical history before deciding which type of policy to pursue.

What If You've Already Been Declined Because You Use Oxygen?

A previous decline doesn't automatically mean no burial insurance is available.

First, find out what type of policy declined you.

Was it a simplified-issue policy?

Did the application specifically ask about prescribed oxygen?

Was the decision based on COPD severity, oxygen use, another medical condition, or a combination of factors?

Understanding the reason can help identify realistic next steps.

For example, an applicant who was declined for a medically underwritten Final Expense policy may still meet the age and other eligibility requirements for guaranteed-issue coverage.

Don't submit repeated applications without understanding the previous decision.

How Much Burial Insurance Should Someone With COPD Consider?

The amount of burial insurance you need depends on your financial goals and obligations—not simply your COPD diagnosis.

Consider expenses such as:

• Funeral home services

• Burial or cremation

• Cemetery expenses

• Transportation

• Memorial services

• Medical bills

• Outstanding personal debts

Then consider whether your family already has savings or other life insurance available.

For example, someone who has already prepaid funeral expenses may need a different amount of coverage from someone whose family would be responsible for the entire cost.

The goal is to select an appropriate benefit while keeping premiums affordable.

Life Insurance Needs Calculator

Money Optimal Management Life Insurance Needs Calculator

Use our Life Insurance Needs Calculator to estimate your broader financial protection needs.

Although burial insurance typically focuses on smaller final expenses, the calculator may help identify other financial obligations that could affect your family's long-term security.

What If Burial Insurance Premiums Are Difficult to Afford?

Many seniors live on a fixed retirement income.

If you're paying for prescriptions, medical care, oxygen equipment, housing, and other necessities, adding another monthly expense requires careful planning.

Before purchasing a policy, consider:

• Your monthly retirement income

• Existing insurance coverage

• Household expenses

• Medical expenses

• Outstanding debts

• Emergency savings

Choose a premium you can reasonably maintain.

A policy that becomes unaffordable and lapses may not provide the protection you intended.

Mediator Debt Solutions

If debt is placing pressure on your household budget, explore the educational resources and available solutions through Mediator Debt Solutions.

Debt-relief options may involve costs, credit consequences, or other trade-offs and aren't appropriate for everyone.

Understanding your current financial obligations can help you make better decisions about insurance and long-term planning.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Burial Insurance With Oxygen-Dependent COPD

Before purchasing coverage, make sure you understand the policy.

Ask:

• Does the policy require health questions?

• Does prescribed oxygen affect eligibility?

• Is the policy level-benefit, graded, modified, or guaranteed issue?

• Is there a waiting period for natural death?

• What happens if death occurs during the waiting period?

• Does the premium remain level?

• How much coverage is available?

• How long must premiums be paid?

• What happens if a payment is missed?

• Are there any exclusions or limitations I should understand?

These questions can help you avoid surprises later.

Why Trust Matters When Shopping for Burial Insurance

Be cautious if someone tells you:

“You use oxygen? Don't worry. Every company will approve you.”

That isn't accurate.

Medical underwriting varies by carrier, and some products may decline applicants who require prescribed oxygen for COPD.

Guaranteed-issue coverage may be available to eligible applicants, but it has its own policy limitations.

An insurance professional should clearly explain those differences before you purchase coverage.

Better Business Bureau

Visit our Better Business Bureau profile to learn more about our business and our commitment to helping families understand their insurance options with transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get burial insurance if you use oxygen for COPD?

Potentially, yes. Oxygen use may limit medically underwritten options, but eligible applicants may be able to obtain guaranteed-issue burial insurance without health questions.

Does using oxygen automatically disqualify you from Final Expense Insurance?

Not from every policy. However, prescribed oxygen for chronic COPD may be disqualifying under some simplified-issue underwriting guidelines.

Can you get burial insurance if you only use oxygen at night?

Possibly. Some insurers may still treat nighttime prescribed oxygen as oxygen use for underwriting purposes. The reason for treatment and exact application questions matter.

Can you get burial insurance with a portable oxygen concentrator?

Potentially. Insurers may evaluate the underlying condition and prescribed oxygen requirement rather than the type of oxygen equipment.

Is guaranteed-issue burial insurance available to people with COPD?

Generally, eligible applicants can obtain guaranteed-issue coverage without answering medical questions. Age, state availability, and other nonmedical requirements still apply.

Does guaranteed-issue burial insurance have a two-year waiting period?

Many policies have a two-year graded natural-death benefit, but the exact provisions vary. Review the policy before purchasing.

Can someone on oxygen get burial insurance without a waiting period?

Possibly, but oxygen-dependent COPD can make qualifying for immediate full-benefit coverage more difficult. No specific outcome is guaranteed.

Does using an inhaler affect burial insurance approval?

It may, depending on the diagnosis, treatment history, and insurer's guidelines. Inhaler use alone doesn't necessarily determine eligibility.

Can you get burial insurance with COPD and heart disease?

Potentially. The combination of medical conditions may affect simplified underwriting, while guaranteed-issue products may remain available to eligible applicants.

How much burial insurance should someone with COPD buy?

The amount depends on anticipated final expenses, existing coverage, savings, household obligations, and what premium the applicant can afford.

Areas We Commonly Serve

Final Expense Memphis helps individuals and families explore Final Expense and burial insurance options throughout the Mid-South, including:

• Hernando, Mississippi — 38632

• Southaven, Mississippi — 38671 and 38672

• Olive Branch, Mississippi — 38654

• Horn Lake, Mississippi — 38637

• West Memphis, Arkansas — 72301

• Marion, Arkansas — 72364

• Jonesboro, Arkansas — 72401

• Whitehaven, Tennessee — 38116

• East Memphis, Tennessee — 38111 and 38117

• Midtown Memphis, Tennessee — 38104

• Raleigh, Tennessee — 38128

• Frayser, Tennessee — 38127

• Bartlett, Tennessee — 38134 and 38135

• Cordova, Tennessee — 38016 and 38018

• Arlington, Tennessee — 38002

• Lakeland, Tennessee — 38002

• Collierville, Tennessee — 38017

Coverage availability, premiums, benefits, waiting periods, and eligibility depend on the applicant, insurer, product, underwriting, and state availability.

About the Author

Latasha Nichols is the founder of Final Expense Memphis, Mid-South Term Life, and Money Optimal Management Financial Services.

She helps individuals and families understand Final Expense Insurance, Term Life Insurance, retirement planning, and other financial protection strategies.

Her approach focuses on education first—helping families understand health-related underwriting considerations, compare available insurance options, and make informed decisions based on their financial needs and budget.

Final Thoughts

So, can you get burial insurance if you use oxygen for COPD?

Potentially, yes.

But the type of coverage available may depend on your health history and the insurance company's underwriting guidelines.

An insurer may want to know:

Why do you use oxygen?

Do you use oxygen only at night or throughout the day?

How severe is your COPD?

Have you been hospitalized recently?

Do you have other serious medical conditions?

And what type of policy are you applying for?

Some applicants may qualify for medically underwritten coverage.

Others may need to consider guaranteed-issue burial insurance.

And if guaranteed-issue coverage is the appropriate option, it's important to understand any graded death benefit or waiting period.

Using oxygen for COPD can affect burial insurance approval, but it doesn't automatically mean you have no coverage options.

Using Oxygen for COPD? Let's Explore Your Burial Insurance Options

If you or a loved one uses prescribed oxygen for COPD, don't assume you must leave your family without financial protection.

At Final Expense Memphis, we'll discuss your health history, oxygen use, coverage goals, budget, and available policy types before helping you explore appropriate options.

We'll help you understand:

• Whether health questions are required

• What coverage amounts may be available

• Whether a waiting period applies

• What the beneficiary may receive during a graded period

• What your monthly premium may look like

No unrealistic approval promises. No pressure. Just information to help you make an informed decision.

Request Your Personalized Burial Insurance Review

Schedule your free Final Expense Insurance consultation today.

There's no obligation to purchase coverage.

Call 901-446-0177 to schedule your appointment.

Your health history may affect the type of policy available, but exploring your options is the first step toward protecting your family's financial future.