Introduction
Life insurance is a critical safety net for U.S. families. In fact, recent surveys show 42% of American adults acknowledge they need coverage or more coverage than they have. This need is especially urgent for seniors: the median U.S. funeral cost is about $8,300, a hefty expense that can burden loved ones if left uncovered. Open Care Life Insurance (often marketed as the Open Care Senior Plan) is a Florida-based brokerage aggressively advertised on TV and online, promising simple, low-cost coverage for seniors and their families. But does it deliver on its promises? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dissect Open Care’s background, products, pricing, and customer feedback – and answer the key question on many minds: is Open Care Life Insurance a legitimate and good option for protecting your family’s future?
What is Open Care Life Insurance?
Open Care Life Insurance Seniors (the company behind the advertising) is not a traditional insurer, but an independent insurance agency headquartered in Naples, FL. It promotes the Open Care Senior Plan as a one-stop solution for final-expense and life insurance needs, especially targeting retirees and middle-income families. According to industry sources, Open Care specializes in final expense (burial) life insurance for seniors. It also offers term life policies and guaranteed-issue plans. In other words, Open Care “sells life insurance, final expense insurance, term life insurance, [and] long-term care” plans through other companies.
In practice, Open Care Life Insurance markets insurance for adults up to age 85. Its own materials claim seniors can get policies of substantial size – up to $500,000 of coverage– with premiums that stay level and benefits that never decrease. The agency emphasizes ease of enrollment (“no medical exam required”) and availability for applicants with health issues. However, because Open Care is a broker rather than an insurer, customers should be aware that policies are underwritten by third-party carriers (the company doesn’t publicly say which ones).
Open Care Life Insurance Products
Open Care’s product line is essentially split into three categories:
- Final Expense (Burial) Whole Life Insurance: These permanent policies are designed to cover funerals and final debts. They typically provide modest death benefits (often $2,000–$50,000). Open Care’s version requires a simple health questionnaire and is available to applicants ages 18–85, with coverage as low as $2,000 and reportedly as high as $250,000. Premiums are fixed for life, and policies accumulate cash value over time. Immediate or “first-day” coverage is advertised in many of Open Care’s plans.
- Guaranteed-Issue Whole Life Insurance: This is a subset of final-expense coverage for those who cannot qualify medically. With guaranteed-issue policies, there is no health exam or medical questions – as long as you are in the age band (typically 25–80). Death benefits tend to be smaller (often $2,000–$25,000) but acceptance is near-certain. Premiums start very low (Open Care advertises GI plans at about $9/month), but these rates cover only minimal benefits and typically have a 2-year waiting period for full coverage.
- Term Life Insurance: Open Care also offers traditional term life policies for healthy adults. These policies (10, 20, or 30-year terms) are available for applicants roughly 18–75 years old, with coverage amounts from $25,000 up to $500,000. Term rates are generally very low for younger, healthy buyers (starting around $6.96 per month for some low-risk profiles), but premiums rise sharply with age and medical issues. Term policies can usually be renewed or converted to whole life later, albeit at significantly higher cost.
Unique Selling Points: Open Care Life Insurance heavily touts convenience and accessibility. Applicants often receive an instant phone quote and approval in about 15 minutes. All plans require no medical exam (only questionnaires), and coverage can start immediately upon approval. The company markets very low base rates (as little as $6–$9 per month for some plans) and emphasizes locked-in premiums. In summary, Open Care’s products are (a) easy to get (no exam, broad age limits) and (b) tailored for seniors’ needs (burial coverage, guaranteed acceptance).
Open Care Life Insurance Cost
Open Care Life Insurance advertises eye-catching starting rates – for example, $7.49 per month for a final-expense plan. In reality, your premium depends on age, health, tobacco use, and death benefit amount. As with all life insurance, costs climb rapidly with age and coverage.
- Advertised Rate: Open Care Life Insurance marketing claims that $7.49/month buys you an $8,000 policy for a healthy 50-year-old woman. That illustrates the caveat: such a low premium only covers a small benefit for a relatively young senior.
- Sample Rates: Independent rate comparisons show typical premiums for seniors. For instance, a PinnacleQuote analysis lists these sample monthly costs for an $8,000 final-expense policy:
- Female non-smoker: age 50 – ~$21; age 60 – $29; age 70 – $42; age 80 – $84.Male non-smoker: age 50 – ~$25; age 60 – $36; age 70 – $60; age 80 – (extrapolating to) roughly $117.
- How much for seniors: In general, expect tens of dollars per month. Open Care itself suggests a $10,000 burial policy for seniors often runs in the $25–$75/month range. In short, most seniors will pay more than the $7.49 advertised minimum once you account for your age and coverage needs.
- Competitor comparison: How does this stack up? AARP’s New York Life–backed burial insurance is a well-known senior alternative. For comparison, one rate chart shows a 60-year-old woman pays about $36/month for a $10,000 AARP whole-life policy. Open Care’s quoted rate was $29 for $8,000 at age 60. (These are rough comparisons, but it suggests Open Care can be somewhat lower-cost than AARP in some cases.) On the other hand, Mutual of Omaha’s Living Promise (an A++-rated final-expense insurer) is often cited as a value: independent quotes typically beat AARP by 10–30%. In summary, Open Care’s rates tend to fall in line with market averages. It may beat AARP’s published rates, but other large insurers like Mutual of Omaha or Foresters often offer similar or better prices once you shop around.
Open Care Life Insurance Reviews
Finding genuine customer reviews of Open Care Life Insurance is surprisingly hard. Open Care Senior Plan has no BBB accreditation and virtually no official rating. Searches mainly turn up the unrelated “Open Care Life Insurance” healthcare referral service (which carries a BBB D– rating for unresolved complaints (bbb.org). In short, the life-insurance “Open Care Life Insurance” brand has no BBB listing and no consumer-reports profile. (We found no Trustpilot reviews of Open Care Seniors either.) One insurance insight blog remarked that “Open Care Life Insurance reviews are difficult to find”, noting the company isn’t listed on the BBB or NAIC complaint databases (source by finalexpensebenefits.org).
Third-party blogs and aggregators paint a mixed picture. Some describe Open Care Life Insurance as a legitimate, well-known agency for seniors’ burial insurance. For example, InsuranceForBurial.com calls it a “legitimate and well-known independent agency” specializing in no-exam final expense coverage (source by insuranceforburial.com). In practice, Open Care does connect customers to real insurance carriers.
However, many consumer accounts (mostly on affiliate sites) warn that Open Care’s advertising can be misleading. Experts note that while ads tout a $7.49 rate, the actual plans behind that offer are very limited (small benefits for only young seniors). Common praises include affordability and ease: customers say Open Care Life Insurance delivers low-cost burial coverage compared to old-school agents, and its online/phone application is quick. By contrast, complaints often focus on sales tactics and transparency. Many policyholders report frequent telemarketing calls and pressure to buy immediately. Others say they didn’t see the policy documents until weeks later, or that the “low” quotes jumped higher once underwriting began. For instance, PinnacleQuote’s review notes that while Open Care Life Insurance offers “simple online applications,” it has problems like “misleading advertising – actual policy costs are often higher than quoted,” and “aggressive telemarketing – some seniors receive daily follow-up calls”(source by pinnaclequote.com).
Importantly: Open Care Life Insurance is not a scam. It really does place you into a life insurance plan. But it operates like a lead-generation agency, not a traditional insurer. If there are red flags, they are about marketing style, not fraud. No credible source alleges outright fraud; rather, caution is advised. Overall, the limited feedback suggests Open Care Life Insurance is a legitimate but somewhat opaque brokerage. Due to the mixed online reputation, experts recommend comparing its quote with those from established insurers (Mutual of Omaha, AARP/New York Life, etc.) before deciding.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No medical exam required. Open Care’s burial and guaranteed-issue plans only ask a few health questions. This makes coverage accessible even with health issues.
- Coverage to very old ages. Policies can extend up to age 85, which is higher than many term life offerings.
- Quick, easy application. Most applicants report a brief phone interview (often ~15 minutes) and “same-day” approval.
- Fixed premiums for life. The whole-life plans keep the rate level and accumulate cash value. Seniors like the certainty of a locked-in monthly cost.
Cons:
- Agency, not insurer. Open Care is simply an agent. You won’t know which insurance company is underwriting your policy until after signup. This lack of transparency can be unsettling compared to buying directly from a known carrier.
- Advertising vs reality. The very low advertised rates apply only to limited scenarios. Most buyers (older, larger benefit) see higher premiums. In practice, many find the “$7.49” pitch doesn’t match what they pay.
- Aggressive marketing. Multiple sources cite frequent follow-up calls and sales pressure. If you have a busy schedule, this style may feel intrusive.
- Mixed service feedback. Some customers have complained of slow paperwork and customer-service delays (e.g. waiting weeks for a policy to arrive).
How to Apply
Applying for an Open Care Life Insurance policy is straightforward. You can start online or by phone. Visit OpenCareSeniors.com or simply call their agent line. Open Care’s site lists a customer service number of (321) 300-1446. (Some marketing materials also give (321) 222-9443 for live agents.) Expect to provide basic personal information (age, zip code) and answer a few health questions.
The process is typically:
- Request a quote. Online or by phone, give your age, gender, coverage amount and whether you smoke.
- Get questions. A short health questionnaire follows. Because no exam is needed, the conversation is quick. Open Care advertises that approval can often be done in about a 15-minute call.
- Review offer. The broker will present you with a policy option (underwritten by one of its partner insurers). Compare the premium and coverage.
- Purchase and payment. If satisfied, you finalize the application and set up payment (usually via bank draft or credit/debit card).
- Receive your policy. The insurer will mail or email the official policy documents within a few days. Coverage typically begins immediately once you make your first payment, especially on term plans.
Overall, the application is designed to be senior-friendly. No medical exam or doctor visit is required. An experienced agent will guide you through the process. If you have questions or need help at any point, you can call Open Care’s customer support at (321) 300-1446 or email OpenCareInsurance@OpenCareSeniors.com.
Alternatives & Competitors
When shopping for senior life insurance, it’s wise to compare Open Care Life Insurance against well-known alternatives. Each has strengths where Open Care may fall short:
- AARP (New York Life) – AARP’s plans (underwritten by New York Life) are very stable and reputable. They offer whole life policies for members 50–80 (no exam) and even guaranteed-issue options. However, AARP premiums are generally higher. For example, one analysis shows a 60-year-old woman’s $10K policy at ~$36/month – notably above Open Care’s quoted ~$29 for a slightly smaller benefit. AARP’s advantage is its brand trust and direct dealing with NY Life, but the tradeoff is cost.
- Mutual of Omaha (Living Promise) – This A++-rated insurer is widely cited as a top final-expense carrier. Its “Living Promise” whole life plan has competitive rates and includes valuable riders (like accelerated death benefits). Its customer satisfaction and financial strength are excellent. In many quote comparisons, Mutual of Omaha was among the cheapest options. In fact, one guide lists Mutual of Omaha first among alternatives to Open Car. If transparency and service are your priority, a Mutual policy (obtained through an independent agent) might be preferable.
- Banner Life (Legal & General America) – Banner is a top-rated carrier for term life (up to age 60–65). Unlike Open Care’s senior-focused products, Banner offers larger death benefits (tens or hundreds of thousands) but requires medical underwriting. It’s only available to younger seniors (typically ends at 75) and the term ends by age 65. Banner can be much cheaper for healthy applicants seeking larger amounts, but it doesn’t address end-of-life (funeral) specifically and requires a medical exam.
- Other Final Expense Carriers: Companies like Lincoln Heritage, Foresters, AIG (National Western Life), and SBLI also sell burial insurance to seniors. Many operate similarly to Open Care (no exam up to certain ages), but they sell their own policies directly or through captive agents. Generally, those big insurers are financially secure and have standard rate books. Depending on your profile, their published prices may beat or lag Open Care’s quotes.
In short, Open Care’s convenience (no exam, quick issue) is where it shines. But in terms of pricing and transparency, direct carriers often do better. One expert analysis suggests that working with a broker to “properly shop” will often find policies 10–30% cheaper than sticking with one brand (like AARP). We recommend getting sample quotes from Mutual of Omaha, AARP/NY Life, and at least one independent broker to see how Open Care’s offer stacks up in your situation.
Customer Experience & Policy Management
Renewals: Open Care Life Insurance final-expense policies are whole life, so there is no renewal – the policy remains in force for life as long as premiums are paid. (Term policies, if purchased, could be renewed or converted at the insurer’s standard rates, but that typically means a sharp premium increase (source by finalexpensebenefits.org).
Claims: Since Open Care Life Insurance is an agency, claims are actually handled by the insurance company underwriting the policy. Beneficiaries will work directly with that insurer. Typically, the claim process involves submitting a death certificate and claim form to the carrier. For example, Mutual of Omaha (a common carrier for senior plans) reports that final-expense claims are usually processed in about 7–10 business days once all paperwork is received (source by pinnaclequote.com). We expect Open Care’s policies to follow similar timelines, though the exact insurer matters.
Cancellations & Service: You can cancel an Open Care Life Insurance policy at any time by contacting customer service. Industry sources note that calling Open Care’s hotline will initiate a cancellation (e.g. one agent notes (321) 300-1446 is the number to call to cancel, (source by fexguy.com). Refunds of any unearned premium would then be handled according to state laws and the policy terms. Open Care provides support via phone and email for policy questions, billing, etc. However, some customers have reported sluggish response times. Because Open Care acts as a middleman, policyholders sometimes feel caught between the agency and the insurer when seeking service or making changes.
Overall, managing an Open Care Life Insurance policy follows standard insurance practice: keep up your payments to maintain coverage, file claims with the insurer, and contact Open Care’s service line for general questions. Having a permanent policy means no lapses unless premiums stop. But if you ever do want to switch plans, remember to first get a new policy in place before canceling – one advisor reminds customers not to cancel the old plan until a replacement is active (source by fexguy.com).
Open Care Life Insurance FAQ
Is Open Care Life Insurance legit?
Yes. Open Care Life Insurance Seniors is a legitimate insurance agency/broker, not an insurance carrier. It sells real life insurance policies underwritten by established companies (such as Mutual of Omaha or others). The “company” itself is simply the marketer. In other words, it’s not a scam, but you should be aware it’s a middleman. Many experts note: Open Care is not an insurance company – it’s a marketing agency that connects seniors with insurers.
How much is Open Care Life Insurance per month?
It varies widely by age, health, gender, and coverage amount. Very low rates (around $7–$9 per month) are possible for small burial policies on younger seniors. However, most seniors pay more. As a rule of thumb, a $10,000 final-expense plan typically costs on the order of $25–$75 per month for someone in their 60s or 70s. For example, a 60-year-old non-smoking woman might pay ~$36/month for $10K coverage with a major carrier, while Open Care’s quoted rate was about $29 for $8K. Your exact premium could be higher or lower; get a personalized quote.
What is Open Care Life Insurance?
Open Care Life Insurance (a.k.a. Open Care Senior Plan) is a branded life insurance program sold by an independent agency. It offers final-expense (burial) whole life, term life, and guaranteed-issue life policies aimed at seniors. The policies are underwritten by partner companies, but sold through the Open Care brokerage network. Essentially, it’s a one-stop senior life insurance product line with an easy application.
Is Open Care Life Insurance a scam?
No – there’s nothing illegal about it. Open Care Life Insurance truly provides access to life insurance coverage. Calling it a “scam” would be unfair. The term “Open Care” simply refers to the marketing entity, not the insurance carrier. However, expect sales pitches and be cautious about the fine print. While policies are real, some customers feel misled by the low initial quotes. In summary: not a scam, but read your policy closely and compare prices as you would with any insurer.
How do I contact Open Care Life Insurance?
You can reach Open Care Life Insurance customer service by phone at (321) 300-1446 (this number is listed on their site). Some mailings also show (321) 222-9443 for live agents. You can email OpenCareInsurance@OpenCareSeniors.com (per their website) or visit OpenCareSeniors.com. For billing or policy questions, calling the above number is usually fastest. Remember, you may also get in touch with the actual insurance carrier once your policy is active (they will have their own service lines).
Open Care Life Insurance Reviews BBB?
Open Care Life Insurance (often marketed as “Open Care Seniors”) is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has very limited information listed under that name. This makes it difficult to find verified BBB reviews or ratings directly tied to the company. Some third-party reviewers note this lack of transparency as a red flag, since most established insurers have an active BBB profile with consumer feedback. If you’re considering Open Care, be sure to ask which actual insurance carrier underwrites your policy and check that carrier’s BBB rating instead.
Final Verdict
Open Care Life Insurance Senior Plan can be a useful option for some consumers, particularly seniors who want hassle-free burial insurance without a medical exam. Its key advantages are accessibility (accepting up to age 85, quick approval) and straightforward pricing for basic plans. For a healthy 50–65 year old looking for around $10,000 in coverage, Open Care often delivers one of the cheapest offers available.
However, Open Care Life Insurance isn’t the best fit for everyone. Its drawbacks – mainly aggressive marketing and less transparency – may deter cautious shoppers. If you prioritize brand name security or have more complex needs, you might look elsewhere. For example, if you’re an AARP member willing to pay more for an A++-rated policy, AARP/New York Life’s plan could be a good alternative. If maximum benefit and financial strength are your goals, Mutual of Omaha or Foresters might be better. Essentially: Open Care is best for seniors who want quick, guaranteed-issue burial insurance at a low entry price, and who don’t mind a broker handling the details.
For those on the fence, a prudent approach is to shop around. Get quotes from Open Care and from at least one or two direct insurers (like Mutual of Omaha or Banner Life). Compare the premiums, coverage amounts, and terms carefully. Make sure the policy you choose truly meets your family’s needs. In the end, the best plan is one that balances cost, coverage, and peace of mind.
Call to Action
Life insurance is only one piece of your family’s financial safety net. Be sure you’re also building an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs. To get started, use the 👉 EmergencyFundCalculator.com tool. It will help you determine how much you should save, so you can complement your Open Care policy (or any life insurance) with a robust cash cushion for truly complete protection. Secure your family’s future today – compare policies, calculate your needs, and take action now!