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Final Expense

Grandparents: Ways to Help Protect Your Grandkids' Future

By Brent De Paris ·
Large multi-generation family holding hands on the beach at sunset

Grandparents often ask how they can help their grandkids get a strong start. Life insurance can be one way to do that, in a few different forms.

1. Cover your own final expenses

One of the kindest gifts is making sure your family isn't paying for your funeral and final bills. A final expense policy is a small whole life policy designed for exactly that, so your children's money can stay focused on your grandkids.

2. Leave a legacy

A permanent policy can leave a death benefit to your grandchildren. Because they may be minors, consider naming a trust or a custodian under your state's Uniform Transfers to Minors Act rather than naming them directly. An estate attorney can help set that up.

3. Buy a policy on a grandchild

In many cases, a grandparent can buy a small whole life policy on a grandchild, usually with the parents' consent and an insurable interest. It can lock in the child's future insurability and build cash value slowly over time. Later, ownership can often be transferred to the grandchild as an adult. Rules vary by carrier and state.

Things to keep in mind

  • Health and age matter. Your options depend on your age and health. Simplified or guaranteed issue final expense policies are options for some people, usually with smaller benefits and waiting periods.
  • Cost vs. benefit. Premiums are higher at older ages. Compare carefully.
  • Coordinate with the parents. Make sure your plan fits with what your grandchild's parents are doing.

Start the conversation

The best plans start with a family talk about what matters most. A licensed advisor can show you what's available for your age and health.

Have a question? Ask Jarvis

Jarvis is a free AI concierge open to the general public. Ask it anything about this topic in plain English, any time, at mmalifeusa.com/jarvis. When you're ready, a licensed Moving Mountains advisor can walk you through real options. No pressure, and we don't sell your data.

Frequently asked questions

Can a grandparent buy life insurance on a grandchild?+
In many cases yes, usually with the parents' consent and an insurable interest. Rules vary by carrier and state.
How can grandparents leave life insurance to grandchildren?+
Many grandparents name a trust or a custodian under their state's Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, since minors generally can't receive a large benefit directly.
What is final expense insurance?+
A small whole life policy designed to help your family pay for a funeral and final bills.
Brent De Paris headshot

Brent De Paris

Licensed Insurance Agent (License 215). President of Moving Mountains Advisors, a boutique independent agency serving Florida and beyond.

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This article is educational and not an offer of coverage, tax or legal advice, or a guarantee of approval or rates. Coverage, riders and pricing vary by carrier, state and your health. Talk to a licensed advisor about your situation.

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