cheap funeral plans

Cheap Funeral Plans and Cheap Funeral Packages In The UK

The death of a parent, friend, wife or husband is a difficult issue to deal with. It becomes even more challenging when you add the cost of a funeral, which has increased dramatically over the last few years.

This article will help you find the cheapest funeral packages.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS NO LONGER UP TO DATE. 

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As of now, the cost of a funeral plan is estimated to be around £4,200, and this cost is likely to increase to £5,000 by 2022. It explains the high number of people taking out funeral plans designed to take care of the funeral costs, so the family doesn’t foot the hefty funeral cost.

It is a prepayment to the funeral insurance provider and can range between £3,000 and £4,000. A funeral insurance cover should include basic costs like:

  • Transportation of the deceased to the funeral home
  • Taking care of the body
  • The coffin and hiring the finance director personnel
  • Viewing of the body at the chapel

Here is a video that explains a little more about what a funeral plan is and how to find cheap funeral packages.

Click here to see the video on youtube.

10 Cheap Funeral Plans

  1. Golden Leaves – Prices from £1,644 
  2. Dignity – Costs from £2,795
  3. Co-operative Funeral Care – Costs from £2,895
  4. Memoria – Costs from £2,490
  5. Age Co – £2,770 
  6. Golden Charter – Costs from £2,895
  7. Pride Planning – £2,495
  8. Open Prepaid Funeral Plans – £2,995
  9. Sunlife – £2,895
  10. Avalalon – £3,645
 

What Makes a Good Cheap Funeral Plan Package

Different providers cover varying costs, depending on the plan you choose. While some cheap funerals will include the cost of embalming, another will not cover this cost but will include the cost of the limousines for the mourners. So, what makes a good funeral insurance plan?

1 – The Plan Guards against Inflation

Since most plans require a fixed one-off fee, it should factor in the likely increase in prices of funeral services. If taking out a funeral director services only, it should account for such increase or inflation cost beforehand.

Thus, if buying a plan that costs £5,000 today but dies after 15 years when the cost of everything has doubled, making the cost £8,000, the family is not tasked with meeting the difference as the funeral plan is protected.

 

2 – Registration with the Funeral Planning Authority

The FPA has been set up to regulate funeral insurance providers operating in the UK. An FPA registration affirms the provider’s credibility as the company has demonstrated its ability to meet the strict code of practice and met financial and company procedures.

Additionally, customers can access an independent dispute resolution process in the event of a disagreement with the provider.

3 – Provides Funeral Guarantee

The best funeral plans provide a funeral guarantee but most companies require the family and friends to cater for this cost. A funeral guarantee contract means that the funeral home accepts payment at the time of death for the services you have selected. As such, the bereaved are not required to pay for any additional costs.

4 – Should be Flexible

The plan should allow for any changes that occur in the course of the life of the insured without incurring additional costs. As such, if the client relocates to another city in the UK, the plan should provide similar services, e.g., assign a new funeral director without additional costs.

 

How to Compare Low Cost Funeral Plans  

Many companies have been set up to provide low cost funeral plans hence the need to compare funeral plans before signing up.

You also need to protect your monies from unscrupulous companies that charge hefty rates with providing the agreed services at the time of the death of the loved one. Here are things you should consider when comparing the plans:

  • It should provide security for your monies, e.g., through registration with FPA
  • The frequency of payment: Most companies offer fixed monthly funeral plans. However, others offer yearly terms. Choose a plan that matches your budget between the monthly funeral plans and its alternative.
  • Services offered: Basic plans cater for the cost of a coffin and the hearse while others provide bereavement services, limousine hire for the family and high-quality coffins.
  • They type of funeral you want: Do you want a normal burial or cremation, do you have a preference of hymns, music, flowers or readings. Such add-ons determine the type of funeral plan you choose.

10 Cheap Funeral Plans

On average, the cost of a funeral is £4,078.

This cost may vary, depending on the funeral arrangements and the location. For example, those who opt for a direct cremation may pay as little as £1,600, which includes a simple coffin, the collection of the deceased and the return of the ashes.

People who include a funeral director during the cremation might incur twice the cost, i.e. £3,311 and this cost does not include an elaborate burial ceremony. The next part of the text compares 10 cheap funeral cover options.

 
cheapest funeral

Our winner for the cheapest funeral plan

1 – Golden Leaves

Golden Leaves offers the cheapest funeral plans starting from around £20 per month. The plans are grouped into Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, which means that you have a wider selection to choose from.

These plans are also fully guaranteed, and we believe the only one’s like this in the UK.

Each plan includes a funeral director’s professional services, advice on funeral registration and documentation, collection of the deceased from the hospital or coroner, care of the deceased, a coffin and a hearse.

The single payments per funeral cover are:

  • Copper Plan: £1,644
  • Bronze Plan: £2,394
  • Silver Plan: £3,364
  • Gold Plan: £3,719
  • Platinum: £3,969
funeral packages
 

Other plans in the top 10 with the cheapest funeral cost

2 – Dignity

The company has a long-standing history of offering the best funeral services in the UK. It has 45 offices throughout the country that provide single operator crematoriums.

Costs

It also offers four funeral cover options; the Limited plan (£2,795), Amber (£3,195), Pearl (£3,550) and Diamond (£3,795). All the plans include the cost of a Dignity Funeral director, the total cost of cremation and the celebrant’s fee.

Comparison

Funerals with burials are allowed £1,220, which caters for the minister’s fee and the cost of the burial. The family pays the costs that exceed this allowance. Dignity does not include the doctor’s fee in all its plans.

3 – Cooperative Funeralcare

The company boasts more than 1,000 funeral homes located at the heart of local communities. What makes this company stand out is its ability to offer fixed prices that cover everything against inflation and future price increases.

Costs

The company offers four packages; the Simple plan (£2,895), Bronze plan (£3,295), Silver plan (£3,650) and Gold plan (£3,899).

Comparison

All the plans include the cremation fees at the local crematorium, the funeral director services (personnel and the hearse), cost of the minister, caring for the deceased and the visits to the chapel. Also, the Simple plan restricts the date of the burial while the other plans allow you to choose an appropriate date.

 
cheap funerals

4 – Memoria

Howard Hodgson, a fourth generation funeral director, established Memoria to offer memorial parks and crematoria services in the UK. All its plans are fully guaranteed.

Costs

The company offers a direct cremation plan, which is the most affordable (£1,490), a contemporary plan (£2,490) and traditional plan (£2,990).

Comparison

The contemporary plan ensures the insured gets the traditional cremation and a funeral service while the traditional plan provides a conductor, four pall bearers, a hearse and a limousine (optional).

5 – Age Co

It is UK’s largest charity, Age Co is committed to helping seniors looking for affordable funeral plans. It has a network of 450 shops around the country.

Cost

The company provides four different plans; Basic (£2,770), Ivy (£3,170), Holly (£3,525) and Rowan (£3,770).

Comparison

All the plans offer 24-hour transportation of the deceased to the funeral premises, care and preparation of the deceased, funeral director services and a hearse. However, they don’t include the medical certification fee, the cost of embalming, flowers, burial plot and costs associated with changes in regulation.

6 – Golden Charter

The company was established in 1989 and has been recommended by the Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors.

Costs

The provider offers four packages; the Value plan (£2,895), Standard (£3,495), Select (£3,850) and Premier (£4,099).

Comparison

All the plans cover the funeral director service but other services (burial, crematorium and celebrant, among others) are provided on an allowance basis. If the allowance is more than the actual cost, the family meets the difference.

 
low cost funeral plans

7 – Pride Planning

It is a pretty new company in the market and it offers four prepaid funeral plans.

Cost

Pride funeral plan costs £2,495 is the most affordable and does not make an allowance for third-party expenses. There is the Pride Simplified plan that costs £3,495, Pride Plus Plan (£4,195) and Pride Essential Prepaid plan (£3,895).

Comparison

All the plans offer funeral preparation services, advice about registration and certification, the services of the funeral director and funeral arrangements.

8 – Open Prepaid Funeral Plans

The company was formed in 2003 to offer financially secure funerals. The plans are tailored to protect the insured and the funeral director who is tasked with the responsibility of providing funeral services.

Costs

It offers three plans; the Simple Plan (£2,995), Traditional Plan (£3,550) and Select Plan (£4,100).

Comparison

All the plans cater for the provision of chapel for viewing of the dead before the funeral service but only the select plan offers attendance cards for those attending the funeral to sign.

 
cheap funeral packages

9 – Sunlife

It is the first company to introduce the Over 50s life insurance plan that dates back in 1979. Clients taking out plans with this company are entitled to the funeral services after paying for two years.

Comparison

The company provides three funeral plans, which are similar to Dignity funeral plans; a direct cremation plan without a funeral service, Amber funeral plan with a full guarantee for the services of the funeral director and a Diamond plan. Amber and Diamond plans provide an allowance of £1,010.

10 – Avalon

The company was formed in 1993 and allows clients to buy the plans directly or through third-party partners. The company is FPA registered.

Costs

The most affordable plan is the Cremation only service, which costs £1,895. Therefore, it is regarded as one of the best funeral plans. Other plans include the Avalon Balmoral plan (£3,645), Highgrove Plan (£3,995) and Windsor way (£4,225).

Comparison

Only the Avalon Windsor Way plan comes with a coffin and a limo for the bereaved. Allowance for third-party expenses for all the plans are pretty expenses.

 

How do funeral plans in the UK differ from funeral insurance?

In the United Kingdom, a funeral plan is a pre-paid plan that covers the cost of your funeral. In contrast, funeral insurance is a policy that pays out a lump sum to cover funeral expenses upon your death. 

With a funeral plan, you pay for your funeral in advance and lock in the price at the current rate, thereby protecting yourself from funeral price inflation. Funeral insurance, on the other hand, provides a payout to cover funeral expenses, though it may not cover all expenses or the costs may exceed the payout.

What basic costs should be covered in a funeral plan in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, a basic funeral plan should cover the funeral director’s fees, the cost of the coffin or casket, and the cremation or burial costs.

It may also include contributing to third-party expenses like doctor’s fees, clergy or celebrant fees, and flowers. 

Some plans may consist of a basic funeral service or ceremony. However, the exact costs and coverage will vary by plan and funeral service provider.

How does a funeral plan protect against inflation in the UK?

In recent years, funeral expenses in the United Kingdom have risen faster than inflation.

A funeral plan protects against inflation by allowing you to pay for your funeral at today’s prices, protecting you from future price increases.

 

How do funeral plans in the UK differ from funeral insurance?

Both funeral plans and funeral insurance are designed to help cover funeral expenses.

However, there are significant distinctions between the two. A funeral plan is a method of prepayment for one’s funeral. 

You pay a lump sum or monthly instalments to cover the cost of your funeral with a funeral plan. This means that your loved ones will not have to arrange or pay for your funeral upon your passing.

On the other hand, funeral insurance is a specific life insurance policy designed to cover funeral expenses. 

You pay regular premiums for funeral insurance, and in the event of your death, your loved ones receive a lump sum payout to cover the cost of your funeral.

What basic costs should be covered in a funeral plan in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, a funeral plan should cover the funeral director’s fees, the cost of a casket or urn, transportation of the deceased, and the necessary paperwork and permits required for burial or cremation. 

Additional expenses may include burial or cremation fees, doctor’s fees for death certification, and the price of a death certificate.

How does a funeral plan protect against inflation in the UK?

Typically, funeral plans in the United Kingdom protect against inflation. This is significant because funeral costs tend to rise faster than inflation, so if you do not have a plan in place, the cost of your funeral could be significantly higher when you die. 

Some funeral plans offer a fixed price guarantee, meaning that the price of your funeral is fixed at the time of purchase, regardless of future price increases. Other plans provide inflation-linked guarantees, meaning that the cost of your funeral will increase with inflation.

 

Why is choosing a funeral insurance provider registered with the UK’s Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) important?

The Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) regulates the funeral planning industry in the United Kingdom. Choosing a funeral insurance provider registered with the FPA is crucial because it guarantees that the provider adheres to a strict code of conduct and standards.

This includes holding customer funds in a secure trust, providing transparent pricing and terms, and providing a transparent complaints procedure. By selecting an FPA-registered provider, you can rest assured that you are dealing with a reputable and trustworthy company.

What is a funeral guarantee?

A funeral guarantee is a feature of specific funeral plans that ensures the total cost of the funeral will be covered regardless of future price increases. 

This is crucial because, as stated previously, funeral costs tend to rise faster than inflation, and without a guarantee, the funeral cost could exceed the amount paid into the plan.

With a funeral guarantee, you can rest assured that your loved ones will incur no additional charges when the time comes.

Can a funeral plan in the UK be changed if the insured person relocates to another city?

The funeral plan can usually be modified if the insured moves to a new city in the United Kingdom.

However, it is essential to review the terms and conditions of your plan, as some providers may impose usage restrictions in certain locations.

There are several factors to consider when comparing low-cost funeral plans in the United Kingdom. First, it is essential to understand what each plan covers. Comprehensive funeral plans may cover burial or cremation costs, transportation, and other funeral expenses. 

Consider whether the plan offers a lump sum payment, monthly payments, or applicable cancellation fees.

 

What is the average funeral cost in the UK, and how does it vary depending on the funeral arrangements and location?=

What is the cheapest funeral plan in the United Kingdom, and what does it cover?

What other affordable funeral plans are available in the United Kingdom, and what are their costs and coverage?

Yes, here are the answers that include the missing key phrases:

Can a funeral plan in the UK be changed if the insured person relocates to another city?

Yes, modifying a funeral plan in the United Kingdom is possible if the insured moves to a different city. The individual should then contact the funeral plan provider to discuss options.

Some providers may permit the transfer of the funeral plan to a local funeral director in the new city, while others may require purchasing a new funeral plan. 

It is essential to carefully read the terms and conditions of the funeral plan to comprehend the provider’s policies regarding plan modifications.

What are the factors to consider when comparing low-cost funeral plans in the UK?

When comparing low-cost funeral plans in the United Kingdom, it is crucial to consider several factors. 

These costs include the level of service rendered, the funeral director’s fees, the cost of the casket or urn, transportation, cremation or burial, and any additional costs. It is also essential to consider the funeral plan provider’s reputation and registration with the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA). 

In addition, individuals should determine if the funeral plan provider offers monthly or lump sum payments, and if the plan can be tailored to meet their particular needs.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are cheap funeral plans and how do they work?

Affordable funeral plans are prepayment plans that cover the cost of your funeral and related expenses. Typically, these plans require lump-sum or monthly contributions to a trust fund managed by the provider. According to the plan’s terms, the money is used to pay for your funeral and other expenses when you pass away.

What should I consider when looking for a cheap funeral plan?

It is important when comparing low-cost funeral plans, to consider the level of coverage they offer, as well as any exclusions or limitations. Additionally, you should determine if the provider is registered with the Funeral Planning Authority (FPA) and if they offer guarantees against funeral cost increases. Additionally, you may wish to examine customer reviews and ratings to determine the provider’s reputation and quality of customer service.

How much does a cheap funeral plan cost in the UK?

The price of a cheap funeral plan in the United Kingdom can vary greatly based on the level of protection and the provider. For a basic plan, you can expect to pay anywhere between a few hundred and a few thousand pounds. Some providers also offer more inclusive plans that cover additional costs such as flowers, transportation, and venue rental, but these tend to be more costly.

What is typically covered by a cheap funeral plan? 

The coverage provided by inexpensive funeral plans can vary, but most cover the funeral director’s fees, a casket or urn, and the cremation or burial costs. Some plans may also cover the cost of a basic funeral ceremony and a hearse, while others provide more comprehensive coverage for transportation, flowers, and venue rental. When comparing plans, it is essential to review the terms and conditions thoroughly to ensure you understand what is and is not covered.

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