The survey was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services. It asked 1,000 people, aged 50 and above, about their awareness of pre-paid funeral plans and where they can be purchased. Most of the respondents (94%) were aware that many funeral directors offer pre-paid funeral plans, whereby customers can arrange and make financial provision for a funeral in advance, with slightly more women (96%) than men (92%) expressing awareness. Unsurprisingly perhaps, awareness of funeral plans increased with age – 89% of 50 to 55 year olds said they were familiar with pre-paid funeral plans, compared to 97% of those aged 76 or older.
Pre-paid funeral plans are an ideal way to help relieve stress for families when a loved one passes by reducing worries about how to pay for a funeral. The average cost of which now sits at £3,8372. Taking out a pre-paid funeral plan can also help to protect those who are left behind from having to make difficult funeral decisions at what can be an extremely emotional time.
The survey also asked over 50s how important they felt it was for funeral directors to promote their pre-paid funeral plans. Nearly half (47%) felt that it was very or quite important. This is despite the fact only 58% of over 50s have discussed their funeral wishes with loved ones.
Marketing Manager Emma Simpson, said “It’s very pleasing to see that there is such good awareness of funeral plans among the over 50s, and that there are options for people who want to arrange their funeral in advance to ease the burden for loved ones. Taking out a pre-paid funeral plan can be a cost-effective way to make financial provision for a funeral in advance, and to reduce the worry for those left behind. We would encourage everyone to research the available options to ensure they get the right fit for their needs and budget.”
For more information about pre-paid funeral plans and the benefits of planning ahead, please contact your local funeral director.
Terms and conditions apply to funeral plans - please ask for details.
Sources
1. OnePoll research of 1,000 UK residents aged 50 and above, on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, October 2021.
2. Royal London, National Funeral Cost Index Report 2020.