Funeral cover is an insurance policy where you pay a monthly premium, and it pays out a single amount when you (or a family member covered in the policy) dies. The amount paid out can be used towards expenses like a coffin, tombstone, and catering. This ensures that when the time comes to say goodbye, your family will have some money towards funeral costs and may not need to go into debt.

Upon your death, or the passing of a loved one covered in your policy, your funeral plan pays out a single amount. This money goes towards the costs of a funeral. These expenses can include things like: 

• A coffin or casket
• Venue or tent hire
• Transport
• Catering
• Flowers

When it comes to life and funeral insurance, one isn’t better than the other because both serve different needs when someone passes away. A funeral plan pays towards the expenses of a specific event: a funeral. Life insurance provides for a family financially for the long term when they lose a breadwinner. It’s important to consider both as an integral part of your financial planning, and it’s possible to have both types of cover.

Read more about the differences between life and funeral cover and why it’s important to have both.

Yes, you can take out a funeral plan for your parents or other extended family members (like in-laws, grandparents, aunts and uncles) if they are younger than the maximum age specified in the policy at application.

There are four advantages of having funeral cover:

1. Avoid leaving your family desperate during a difficult time.
2. Avoid prolonging the process and give yourself peace of mind.
3. Avoid having your family go into debt when paying funeral expenses.
4. Have the convenience of cover that pays out quickly for those immediate funeral expenses.

Get more insight by reading our article about why you should have a funeral plan.

When you apply for a funeral plan, you must be younger than a certain age. The specific age depends on which funeral product you purchase.

You can have more than one funeral policy, but it might not make sense financially to pay monthly premiums for two or more plans. Speak to a financial adviser to get advice on which funeral plan will be the most affordable for you, whilst covering the number of people you need it to.