What To Look Out For When Buying A Funeral Plan
Death and funerals are becoming less of a taboo subject for us as a nation
. A quick Google search reveals a whole host of websites, blogs and forums dedicated to discussing the best options for a final farewell. This solemn topic, once confined to the four walls of a funeral home, now includes conversations ranging from the most fashionable coffins and the emerging trend of green funerals, to the top 10 funeral songs. For an increasing number of us funerals are becoming a celebration of life, rather than a sad departure. More and more of us want to plan ahead and pre-arrange our final farewell, rather than leaving our families to second guess what we would have wanted.Funeral costs
According to the Funeral Planning Authority the number of people buying funeral plans in the UK has more than doubled since 2002. More than 100,000 funeral plans were purchased in 2010, compared to the 46,000 bought in 2002. Its not just the number of plan sales that are increasing; so are the prices of modern-day funerals. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence around to show us that the cost of funerals is on the rise in the UK. The recession and more notably, local government cuts, have resulted in regional authorities increasing funeral costs and in particular crematorium fees. The cost of funerals varies greatly region by region and also depends on the type of funeral chosen. A price tag of nearly 7,248 (Source: Sun Life research featured in The Guardian, 14 September 2011) now applies to the average funeral in the UK. This is a cost most British families cannot afford in the current economic climate.
One way of making sure you dont leave your family with sizeable funeral expenses is to take out a funeral plan. Although the number of people thinking ahead and pre-arranging their funeral is increasing year-on-year, many people are yet to consider their funeral expenses and wishes. For one thing, not planning ahead could mean your family have to cope with financial hardships at an emotionally difficult time. It could also mean that your loved ones choose to send you off with Robbie Williams Angels, when you would have preferred Freddie Mercurys The Show Must Go On!
What to look out for when buying a funeral plan
There are an abundance of funeral plan and funeral insurance providers in the UK, it can be difficult to navigate your way through the maze to find the best provider. There are however, a few questions to ask and things to look out for when buying a funeral plan. For example, consider the following:
Does the plan allow you to choose the funeral director? A good funeral plan allows you to make this choice.
What if your chosen funeral director goes out of business? Check if you are able to transfer your plan to a new funeral director.
What happens if the person the funeral is planned for dies abroad? In most cases, travel insurance will cover the cost of repatriation. Check carefully that you have the appropriate level of cover depending on your travel needs.
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 and make changes at a later date.
Is it possible to cancel the plan if circumstances change - for example, if youve arranged for your spouses funeral but you later separate? Are there any cancellation charges? A good plan will allow you to cancel it if your circumstances change.
What if there are outstanding payments at death? Check if your plan allows you to use the payments you have made as a contribution to your funeral.
How much freedom do you have to change the details of your funeral plan? The best plans allow you to make changes if your requirements change.
Other things to look out for include the transport of the deceased to the funeral director's premises, advice on the registration of the death, collection of paperwork and collection for charitable donations.
The best providers dont simply provide you with the plan. They also offer your nearest and dearest support from a local funeral director at the time when they need it the most.
Funeral plans come with an abundance of options, so it is important to take the time to go through the available products and services carefully and choose the plan that best meets your needs.
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