Pay Now, Die Later: Is Funeral Insurance Worth It?
Marisa, a client, contacted me with an urgent tone in her voice: “Should I get funeral insurance? I
really want to sort my funeral out, but this is a big stumbling block for me. I just can’t decide, and it’s keeping me awake at night.”
Aged 68, Marisa was aware she needed to take care of a few things so her children would not have a great big muddle to sort out after she had gone. This was the latest in a series of challenges she had had around the whole topic, but it is in fact one of the most common questions I get asked.
The answer is simple – it depends.
That’s probably not what you want to hear, but it’s true nevertheless! Think about it as if you were engaging a plumber.
You wouldn’t just take on any old person to sort out your plumbing, would you? It’s much more likely you’d get three quotes for the same job, compare them, and then choose who you feel would do the best job.
You can do the same thing with funeral insurance.
10 Things to Pay Attention to When Shopping for Funeral Insurance
It’s not that difficult to get 3 quotes from different funeral insurers. More important is to pay attention to what they actually say, so:
- Check the small print to see exactly what you are paying for.
- Make sure which terms apply to where you are based.
- Ensure their offer is in line with what you want.
- Make sure you know which funeral director they will be employing, and that you want that particular firm/person.
- Check the costs and offerings of the different plans.
- Ask whether the plans cover the transport of the body, and if this is limited in any way.
- Make sure you are protected against any increase in funeral costs.
- If you have life insurance already, check if it covers funeral costs and what it actually does include.
- Check if there is an age limit to any insurance, and if not pre-paying, whether premiums go up as you age.
- Ask what happens if you move state or county, and if you want to opt out at any point.
Insure or Save?
Decide whether you would rather save into a separate account instead. Banks will usually release money early from an estate to pay for funeral costs if you provide a copy of the death certificate and an itemised account from a funeral director.
Preferences Change
Be aware that what you want may change as you age. If the insurance plan is fixed in its terms, then you may not be able to change the specifics.
This happened to my Mum. Looking into the matter, we discovered that what her pre-paid plan dictated was no longer what she wanted.
When she considered what she was now keen to have, it became obvious that the best way out would be to get reimbursed from the organisation, even with paying their cancellation fee.
It had become of particular importance to have a funeral director she had already met and with whom she felt she had a connection, rather than the impersonal nature of the funeral director stated in her plan.
Plus, she wanted flowers from her own garden, and various other things that had been included in the original plan were now superfluous.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What would be important to you in a funeral insurance? Have you purchased one? Do you have any tips for our community? Please share them!
Tags End of Life Planning
Hello all,
This is an interesting topic. I guess we all have to do what is best and comfortable for our situation.
I come from a community support society. Parents and relatives are jointly responsible for raising children and in turn children are expected to reciprocate when the parents, uncles or aunts are elderly.
What I would prefer to do is to save up and set some money aside to help my children pay for all funeral costs when I depart. I pray that will be many more years from now. I am yet to welcome my grandchildren to our world 😊
As a former board member of an all-volunteer advocacy organization committed to ensuring that people have sufficient information about issues surrounding death and dying, I am generally against insurance policies for funerals or pre-paying funeral costs. Too often people over-pay for services, or find out there were hidden costs not covered by these policies. The following website is a treasure trove of useful information:
https://www.fcactx.org/
Thanks Ciara – I am inclined to agree with you!
Last week I met with a local funeral home and paid for my cremation. I also bought insurance so that if I die further than a 50 mile radius from here, the cost is covered. It was a relief to me knowing my children won’t have to deal with this when I die.
When my ex-husband passed away he didn’t have any arrangements made. The responsibility was put on our 2 daughters. I decided then that I was going to make arrangements ahead of time. I have paid for my cremation. Once it’s paid the funeral home honors that price whenever you die.
This way my daughters don’t have to deal with that part at my death.
Is funeral insurance the same as a pre-paid plan? We have a pre-paid plan. That way I know who to call and that they will do the rest. I agree it’s important to read the fine print before you sign. Also, you may have the right to cancel within a certain number of days if you find you regret your decision.
My situation is a little different. We travel full time and want cremation. We went with Neptune Society as they will take care of us no matter where we are when we pass.
I feel so much better knowing I will have someone to help me if my husband predeceases me, as men are wont to do. Just remember, we’re all mortal. So, plan now.