There are three primary reasons why people consider buying a 'funeral in advance' or making funeral arrangements for themselves and then paying for them now:
- To fix the cost or inflation-proof the price of the funeral. When you buy a prepaid funeral plan you pay for the funeral you want at today's prices and you are guaranteed that no matter what happens to costs between now and the day you die, you still receive the funeral you have paid for without paying anything extra. (Some prepaid funeral plans may require a 'top up' due to impact of inflation.)
- To remove the burden of funeral arrangements from relatives when the inevitable occurs, and
- To make sure that the 'type and style' of a funeral that an individual may want is carried out to the letter. These requests may include the type of coffin (or casket); where the service should be held; and where, in the case of cremation, the cremated remains or ashes should be scattered.
Further information
If you are considering joining a prepaid funeral scheme you need to be absolutely confident that the future cost of the funeral will be covered. A few questions now will give you peace of mind before you part with your savings. Check that your money will go straight into an independent trust fund that is accounted for separately to the funeral planning company. Make sure you know what you are getting for your money.
The security of your funds must be the key concern to consider, other concerns you should satisfy yourself about are:
- Does the plan you are considering cover the usual basic disbursements for a cremation, ie, crematorium fees, doctors certificates and the basic ministers fee? (This does not usually include the minister's travelling expenses.) Disbursements may have to paid for at the time of the funeral). If you wish to be buried it is important to know what the plan covers, most plans only allow for a contribution due to escalating charges relating to the cost of burials. (Some council authorities charge double fees for non-residents wanting to be buried within their area. These charges may not be included in any plan, but you do need to be aware of them.)
- Does the plan guarantee to cover the cost of specified funeral director's services, when required - no matter what the costs might be in the future?
- Does the plan cover the removal of the body day or night? Some plans may not cover the cost of an out of hours removal and you need to be aware of any extra costs that may occur.
- Does the plan include the removal of the body from anywhere in the United Kingdom?
- If you move to another part of the country can you take your plan with you or can you get your money back?
- Is the funeral planning company a member of an established trade organisation such as the National Association for Pre-Paid Funeral Plans?
If you are considering a prepaid funeral plan, please take the time to make a Will if you have not already done so.
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