Funerals are not a topic that we frequently like to discuss. When we spend time with our grandparents we want it to be joyous. Not heavy and difficult, and discuss topics like funerals.

The thought of our grandparent(s) passing away can be extremely overwhelming. However, the reality is that one day it is going to happen to us all.

Sadly, the older we become, the harder it is to get good funeral cover. Luckily, it is not impossible. Don’t wait any longer and help your grandparents today.

Assist them in doing the research and compare funeral cover quotes in South Africa to find the right funeral policy for their needs.

Types of Funeral Plans

In the sad case of someone’s death, a funeral policy assists in covering the costs of the funeral. The type of funeral held depends on the personal preference of the deceased.

There are those that prefer to have a large ceremony allowing all their friends and family to pay their final respects. However, some people prefer to keep the gathering small and intimate.

Based on the type of funeral one wishes to have, one can determine what type of funeral cover is required.

Funeral Insurance

A funeral entails holding a ceremony. It includes either a burial or cremation of the body. Resulting in costs for both the burial/cremation and ceremony.

Both options include costs, though they vary depending on personal preference and the ceremony itself. Remember to think of costs for catering, decor, venue, etc.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a funeral cover is that the policy’s payout is sufficient to cover the entire funeral cost.

Burial Insurance

There are those who choose to be buried. It is of importance to them, to have a sacred place for their family members and friends to visit.

Being buried comes with several costs. Think of the purchase of a casket, a burial site and the cost involved in paying for the undertaker. Generally, when one has a burial policy, there are sufficient funds to cover the burial. However, in most cases, the payout often does not cover ceremonial costs.

Choosing this sort of funeral cover allows your loved one to have a dignified burial.

Cremation Insurance

Those preferring a cremation, choose for their remains to be burnt after their death. Once the cremation has taken place, the family is given the ashes. Depending on the wishes of the deceased, the ashes can either be stored, buried or scattered.

Typically, cremation costs less than a burial. The ceremonies held are also a little less formal. If you choose this option, you can take out a smaller funeral policy.

Funeral Cover With No Waiting Period

In most instances, funeral plans have a waiting period between 6 to 12 months. Various factors influence the amount of time. Think of the insurer that is chosen, the policy and the age of the person being insured.

As the person needing funeral cover is someone over the age of 85, there is often a once-off payment that is required. Though this can be a lump sum, it generally waives the waiting period.

Best Funeral Policies for Over 85

Even though in theory you should be able to take out a funeral cover at any age, in reality, that is not the case. The older one becomes the harder it gets.

Luckily there are a few insurance companies that offer affordable funeral cover specifically created for those over 85. We’ve compiled a list below with the best insurance companies in South Africa that offer funeral cover for seniors.

Assupol Funeral Cover

Assupol offers various funeral plans. Each of these policies come with their own set of requirements. For those wanting to purchase an Assupol funeral plan – their best choice is the Cornerstone Pensioner plan.

This plan is ideal for seniors over the age of 85 as the policy has no age limit to it. Another reason this Assupol funeral cover is popular amongst the elderly is that no medical examination is required.

AVBOB Funeral Plan for Pensioners

Unlike other companies, it has gone the extra mile for its seniors. The company has created an AVBOB funeral cover package that caters solely to those over the age of 64.

The AVBOB group funeral insurance scheme for pensioners has no maximum age. However, those over the age of 84 can only get cover by paying a single once-off premium. The cost of this amounts to R10 000.

Though it is a large amount of money – it does come with a great benefit. Once the person being insured has paid the once-off premium, the waiting period is waived. The moment the policy starts, the beneficiary will receive full cover.

Final Thoughts On Funeral Cover For Seniors Over 85

Unfortunately, those between the ages of 85 and above are not well catered for in the funeral insurance industry. Ideally, the best thing to do is to add your (grand)parents to a funeral policy before they turn 85.

If you are unable to find funeral cover for grandparents before they reach the age of 85. Which for most companies is the maximum age allowed for someone joining the plan. It would be wise to put away a lump sum of money to use for their funeral.

Remember losing a loved one is always going to be difficult. We are overcome with indescribable sadness and struggle to cope with our daily routine.

Discussing and planning the funeral of our loved one before they pass away is never going to be easy. But in the case of funeral cover, it is best to plan ahead and it is a topic that needs to be addressed.

The sooner you take out a policy, the less stress you will have once you need it. Having the right funeral plan can relieve a lot of pressure during an already overwhelmingly hard time.