Aetna Final Expense Insurance Review

Who actually issues Aetna final expense

Aetna does not issue these policies under the Aetna Life name. Accendo Insurance Company, a CVS Health company, underwrites Accendo Final Expense, and policies are administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates. Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood, Tennessee issues Protection Series Final Expense.

Aetna itself dates to 1853 in Hartford, Connecticut, and CVS Health completed its purchase of Aetna in 2018. AM Best affirmed A (Excellent) ratings for both Accendo and Continental Life on June 5, 2026, with a stable outlook.

Aetna’s September 2026 agent chart still lists both final expense plans for sale. We found no announcement that CVS has closed or sold this line, though CVS has exited other businesses. Confirm availability in your state when you apply.

Accendo Final Expense: Level and Modified

Accendo has some of the widest age limits in final expense. The Level plan issues from age 40 to 89 and pays the full benefit from day one. The maximum is $50,000 at ages 40 to 55, $40,000 at 56 to 65, $30,000 at 66 to 75 and $25,000 at 76 to 89.

The Modified plan issues from 40 to 75, from $2,000 to $25,000. If death from illness happens in the first two years, it pays 110% of premium paid. Accidental death pays the full benefit immediately, and all causes are covered in full from year three.

A super preferred rate is available. Aetna’s brochure says it is 10% below preferred for applicants issued an Accendo or Aetna Medicare Supplement plan in the previous 180 days. Premium dates can match your Social Security deposit.

Protection Series and riders

Protection Series Final Expense from Continental Life issues from 45 to 89, from $2,000 to $50,000. It offers level benefits only, so there is no modified plan for applicants with recent serious health history. It is sold in fewer states than Accendo and is not offered in Alaska, DC, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota or Washington.

The Accendo Level plan can include an accelerated benefit for terminal, chronic or critical illness with 12 months or less to live. It pays up to 50% of the benefit, capped at $15,000, with a $200 fee. Optional riders add accidental death coverage (issue ages 40 to 70) and term coverage for children and grandchildren.

Underwriting

Both plans use a simplified yes-or-no health application with no exam. Your answers decide whether you get Level or Modified coverage at Accendo. If you have had a serious condition in the past year or two, see our pages on final expense after a stroke and waiting periods.

Accendo charges an annual policy fee of $40, according to its brochure. Policies are administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, so service calls go to Aetna even though Accendo is the insurer.

Who Aetna final expense fits

Aetna’s Accendo plan suits seniors in their late 80s, since it issues to age 89. It also suits current Aetna or Accendo Medicare Supplement customers, who may qualify for the super preferred rate.

People who want premiums drawn on the same day as their Social Security deposit may value its billing option. Those with serious recent health issues should compare the Modified plan’s 110% refund with partial-benefit graded plans elsewhere.

It does not fit New York residents. In states where only Protection Series is sold, applicants who need a modified plan should look at other carriers.

Pros and cons

Pros: issue ages to 89, among the highest we verified; day-one coverage on the Level plan; a discount for Aetna Medicare Supplement customers; backing from CVS Health.

Cons: the Modified plan returns only 110% of premium in the first two years and stops at age 75. Level maximums drop to $25,000 after 75, neither plan is sold in New York, and Protection Series has no modified option.

Buying through an independent agent vs direct

Aetna final expense is sold through licensed agents, including independent agencies, rather than online or by mail. Because Accendo issues to 89, an agent may look at it first for applicants over 85. They can also compare its health questions with other carriers before you apply.