With so many funeral plans on the market it can be difficult to know which plan is the right one for you, especially when they seemingly look the same - and if you have never arranged a funeral before. Not all funeral plans are created equal.

To ensure you buy wisely, Before You Go only lists funeral plans from Funeral Planning Authority registered providers.  These providers must follow a strict Code of Conduct and undergo annual financial scrutiny. 

Ultimately, the right funeral plan for you will depend on your personal preferences and financial circumstances. Follow the simple steps in this guide to get the best out of your search.

In this guide

  • Learn what three factors you need to consider before you begin your funeral plan search.
  • Download our free and easy Funeral Wishes Planner to help you familiarise yourself with all your funeral options
  • Discover the three types of funeral pre-payment options that will have a bearing on your choice of funeral plan 

Reading time:  2 mins


How to get off to the best start in your search for a prepaid funeral plan

To help you find the right funeral plan, consider the three main factors below before you begin your funeral plan research.

What type of funeral and service do you want?

  • Do you want to be cremated or buried?
  • What type of funeral ceremony do you want?  
  • • A full-length ceremony and no limit on the number of people who can attend?  
  • • A short committal-only service (no formal ceremony) for up to 12 people to attend?
  • • No ceremony and no one in attendance?
  • Do you want your loved ones to be able to choose the date and time of the funeral?
  • Would you want/would your loved ones want the option to visit you in the chapel of rest?

2

How much of the funeral cost do you want your plan to cover?

A prepaid funeral plan guarantees to pay the funeral director’s fees, but it won't necessarily pay the third-party cremation or burial costs.  

Here's a brief summary of the three types of funeral plans:

  • A Guaranteed funeral plan  
  • This type of funeral plan covers the funeral director's fees and the third-party cremation or burial fees, ensuring loved ones have nothing more to pay at the time of the funeral.
  • Cost:  Highest in a funeral plan provider's range
  • A Contribution funeral plan  
  • This type of funeral plan covers the funeral director's fees and pays an allowance towards third-party cremation or burial fees.  Any shortfall will need to be paid at the time of the funeral. 
  • Cost:  Mid-point in a funeral plan provider's range.
  • A No Contribution funeral plan
  • This type of funeral plan covers the funeral director's fees only.   Third-party cremation or burial fees will need to be paid at the time of the funeral from the Estate or by your personal represenative.
  • Cost:  Lowest in a funeral plan provider's range.

3

How would you like to pay for your funeral? 

To help you budget more easily, funeral plan providers typically give you a choice of three payment options. 

  • A single payment
  • Monthly instalments (1 – 25 years)
  • Lower-cost fixed monthly payments (FMP) up to a specified age (eg. 90) or for life.

To learn more about your payment options, click here.


Additionally ...


Download this free and simple Funeral Wishes Planner so that no one is in any doubt as to the finer detail of the send-off you want, such as who you would like - or not like! - to attend the funeral ceremony, if you're planning on having one.  Leave a copy of your Planner with loved ones and any later life planning documents you have, such as a Will. 

Funeral Wishes Planner pages

Get your FREE 
Funeral Wishes Planner

(No funeral plan purchase necessary)

Don't leave loved ones to worry about the detail of your funeral.  Leave clear instructions in this FREEand simple 
Funeral Wishes Planner

Haven't got a printer?  Send an S.A.E. to Before You Go.  Click for address.


About the author 

Kim Bird

Kim, the founder of Before You Go, is a funeral cost expert and regularly appears in the press, on TV and on radio. She began campaigning for greater funeral price transparency over 10 years ago. Kim is a member of Parliamentary Groups for funerals and bereavement.

In 2017, Kim was included in the Maserati 100 & The Sunday Times list of top 100 UK entrepreneurs for having a positive impact on society and her industry.


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