What To Ask Before Buying

There are a number of funeral plans and funeral plan providers in the UK, and not all products are the same. It can be difficult to know which provider or plan is best for you.

There are a few important questions to ask and things to look out for when buying a funeral plan. For example: 

• Does the plan include a contribution to third party costs, such as cremation or officiant’s fees? These costs are outside of the funeral director’s control and if they are not covered by the plan value at the time of need, there will be a balance to pay. However, if the plan does not allow you to make any contribution to third party fees, your loved ones could be left with a considerable balance to pay at the time of your funeral. 
• What happens if you move away from the area? Check whether you are able to transfer your plan to a new funeral director. 
• What happens if the person the funeral is intended for dies abroad? Funeral plans don't usually cover the cost of a funeral abroad, or the cost of repatriating the deceased. You should consider this when travelling abroad. Most travel insurance policies should state whether repatriation is covered or not. 
• Can the funeral director arrange a funeral of a different standard from the one you have chosen? Check whether you can tailor your plan to your individual wishes or make changes at a later date and if there are any charges to do so.
• Is it possible to cancel the plan if circumstances change? For example, if you’ve arranged for your spouse’s funeral but you later separate. Are there any cancellation charges?