Choose a funeral plan that best suits your particular needs and budget.

Planning ahead for unexpected events such as an untimely death may seem like a morbid undertaking, but it is a necessary precaution, especially for those with dependants. Protect your family from the financial implications of planning a funeral by finding an affordable funeral insurance policy that suits your budget and family needs.

Things to consider when choosing a funeral plan

When researching the market for funeral plan options, there are many considerations to bear in mind.

Make certain that your funeral plan is sold by an authorised financial services provider. Select a reputable insurance company that has been in existence for many years, offering reliable long-term cover.

Assess your individual requirements before selecting a plan. You may require cover for yourself, your spouse and your dependents, or in addition you may wish to cover your parents and parents-in-law. Seek funeral plans that offer low premiums for each additional relative.

Look out for practical funeral plans that offer useful benefits over and above a cash payout to cover funeral expenses. Funeral plan benefits can include a groceries plan, vehicle access benefit, additional accidental death or disability benefits or a tombstone benefit.

A groceries plan will pay a fixed monthly benefit for a period of 12 months to the bereaved family members, to help cover any essential monthly expenses. A vehicle access benefit will provide the use of a car to the family of the deceased during the funeral planning process.

An accidental death and disability benefit will provide cover in the event of an insured persons accidental death or accidental permanent disability. A tombstone benefit pays out a lump sum to assist the bereaved family with the expenses of the tombstone unveiling ceremony. These product options can be added to a funeral cover plan and the benefits can assist your family with the provision of financial relief during a traumatic time.

Because the bereaved need access to money quickly to pay for funeral arrangements and other associated expenses, select a funeral plan that pays out within a short number of days after a death has occurred.

To ensure that youre guaranteed cover, apply for a funeral policy that does not require that you take any medical examinations or blood tests to qualify for cover. Many funeral insurance policies guarantee acceptance to South African citizens and permanent residents, between specified ages.

It is important to be aware of when children covered by the plan will be excluded from the policy. The cover can cease when the child turns 18, or cover can continue up until the age of 21.

Familiarise yourself with the exclusion terms of the funeral policy. Your advisor must disclose this information in addition to waiting period details when you apply for funeral insurance cover.

When you sign up for a funeral plan, you are entitled to a policy certificate stating who is covered, the amount of cover, the premium, and a detailed breakdown of costs. Be aware of annual increases or select a policy with a fixed premium.

Most importantly, read through the terms, conditions and fine print of the policy thoroughly. Your advisor should extend professional advice and have a comprehensive knowledge of all the benefits and services available to you.

Plan for lifes inevitabilities

Explore the range of funeral plans available in South Africa. Speak to a qualified advisor for advice on choosing a funeral plan that will match your budget and personal requirements.

Reputable funeral plan providers offer low premiums for adequate cover and added benefits. Having a funeral cover in place means that your family will be relieved of any distressing financial burdens during their time of mourning.