How to choose funeral cover7 things to consider before making a decision

At some point in our lives, we realise that we need funeral cover for ourselves and possibly funeral cover for our parents too. The question is, how to choose funeral cover that's right for your needs and your budget?

Here are a few important questions to ask yourself before making the choice

1. Why do you need funeral cover?

Funerals are expensive. Consider all the things that are needed for a funeral: coffin, flowers, pamphlets, tents and chairs at the grave site, transport, traditional sacrifices, ceremonies and in some cases body repatriation. Having funeral cover will go a long way to helping you or your loved ones prepare financially for a proper funeral.

2. Who is the funeral cover for?

You can buy funeral cover for yourself and your immediate family. You can even get funeral policies for your parents or parents-in-laws and extended family members.

3. How much does it cost?

Many financial services companies offer funeral cover quotes. You can use the Old Mutual EasiPlus funeral quote tool, to get an idea of how much this particular funeral cover will cost you each month.

4. Do you want to buy funeral cover online or would you prefer to speak to an adviser?

Buying funeral cover online is a great option if you know what you want - simple, basic cover for you, your family and/or extended family. If you need more comprehensive cover then take a look at our full range here and most importantly speak to your financial adviser.

5. Have you considered a Monthly Grocery Benefit and a Monthly Education Benefit?

Both benefits provide payments to a nominated individual for 12 months after the insured person (the person the funeral cover is for) dies. These benefits are at an extra cost but could prove critical if the breadwinner of a family dies.

6. Do you want an "off the shelf" product or a customised one?

Some funeral plans have the various benefits mentioned above included in the package. But with others - like Old Mutual's Funeral insurance - you can customise the cover with the help of a financial adviser. You start with the type of cover and then enrich it with various benefits (Monthly Grocery Benefit as an example). Finally, you choose your add-ons like cashback. In this way you include - and only pay for - the parts you want.

7. Is it easy to buy funeral cover?

Most financial services companies offer various ways of buying funeral cover which makes it pretty easy to get. The only thing you need to decide is which medium you prefer: online, via WhatsApp or USSD, or by speaking to someone on the phone.

Here's how you can buy funeral cover from Old Mutual:

Online

Complete a quick application process online.

Buy via WhatsApp:

  • Save 0860 933 333 as a contact on your phone
  • Open WhatsApp, go to the Old Mutual contact and send ‘Hi’ as a message
  • Follow the messages on screen and choose your option

Buy via USSD

  • Simply dial *120*OMSA# or *120*6672#.
  • Using this service is free for customers.
  • No airtime or data costs will apply for users who dial us with an active sim card on Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C networks

Request a call back

Use our data-free link (it won't cost you anything) to send us a few details and we'll call you back to discuss various options.

This content does not constitute advice. Should you need financial advice please contact your financial adviser or find an adviser here.