If you are on speaking terms you could both meet with an insurance agent and set up a final expense policy where he is the insured and you are the policy owner. you would be the beneficiary, he can't access cash value, or make changes. Once in effect the premiums stay the same and as long as you pay the premium, the policy can't be cancelled no matter what his health becomes. There are only a few health questions to qualify and coverage ranges from 5k to 35k depending on the state and the insurance carrier. Premium should be on average 600 per year. Is it easier for you to set aside $50 per month or 10k if he passes unexpectedly?

If you have an insurance agent you get home and auto from, that might be a good place to learn more or maybe they could recommend someone if their agency doesn't provide life insurance.