
In Australia, funeral insurance is a vital consideration for individuals and families to ensure they can cover the costs of a funeral, which can range from $7,000 to $15,000.
The costs of a funeral in Australia are significant, with the average cost being around $10,000. This can be a heavy burden on loved ones, especially during a difficult time.
There are several funeral insurance options available in Australia, including life insurance policies that cover funeral expenses.
Australians can choose from a range of funeral insurance policies, each with its own features and benefits.
For more insights, see: $250 000 Life Insurance Policy No Medical Exam
What is Funeral Insurance?
Funeral insurance is a policy that pays a lump-sum amount to your loved ones when you die. The funds will be paid into your nominated beneficiary’s account, which they can use to cover your funeral or other final expenses.
This type of insurance can provide financial relief to your family during a difficult time, helping to cover the costs of your funeral and other final expenses.
Having funeral insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones won't be left with a significant financial burden after you pass away.
A unique perspective: Final Expense Insurance Quotes Online
What's Insurance?

Insurance is a type of policy that pays a lump-sum amount to your loved ones in case of an unexpected event, such as death or a serious illness.
It's a safety net that can help cover final expenses, including funerals, medical bills, or other costs that can be overwhelming.
Insurance policies can be tailored to fit your individual needs and circumstances.
You can choose a policy that pays out a certain amount when you die, which your loved ones can use to cover funeral costs or other final expenses.
Insurance can provide peace of mind and financial security for your family and loved ones.
Readers also liked: What Does a Face Amount plus Cash Value
What It Covers
Funeral insurance covers a fixed coverage amount, which can range from $3,000 to $15,000, and can be increased to up to $25,000 once the policy is in place.
You can choose the coverage amount that suits your needs, and it's a lump-sum amount that will be paid to your loved ones when you pass away.
Explore further: Which Type of Life Insurance Policy Pays the Face Amount

Accidental death cover is only available for the first 12 months, and cover for any cause of death is provided after that period.
A fast payout is guaranteed, usually within 24 hours of providing all the required information to make a claim.
There's also a bonus 10% more cover at no extra cost, if you've had your policy for at least five consecutive years.
Here are the benefits of funeral insurance in a nutshell:
- Fixed coverage amount: $3,000 to $15,000 (increasable to $25,000)
- Accidental death cover (first 12 months)
- Fast payout (within 24 hours)
- Bonus 10% more cover (after 5 years)
What Makes Life Insurance Unique
Life insurance provides a payout to beneficiaries upon the policyholder's death, which can help cover funeral expenses and other final costs.
A key difference between life insurance and funeral insurance is that life insurance pays out a lump sum to beneficiaries, whereas funeral insurance typically covers only funeral expenses.
Funeral plans or insurance can be misleading, as highlighted in research by the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW (CPSA) in 2011, titled "The $140,000 Funeral: Pitfalls of Funeral Insurance".
See what others are reading: Choose Life Insurance Beneficiaries
Pros and Cons of Funeral Insurance

Funeral insurance can be a complex and emotional topic, but understanding the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision.
One of the main benefits of funeral insurance is that it can provide financial protection for your loved ones, paying out a lump sum to cover funeral costs, which can range from $7,000 to $15,000 or more.
Having a pre-arranged funeral plan can also alleviate the burden on family members, who may not have the time or energy to deal with funeral arrangements.
Funeral insurance premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, and some policies may offer discounts for paying upfront.
Some funeral insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations, such as not covering pre-existing medical conditions, which can affect the payout amount.
It's essential to carefully review and compare different funeral insurance policies to find one that suits your needs and budget.
You can also consider other options, such as pre-paying for a funeral or setting aside a dedicated fund for funeral expenses.
Recommended read: 500 000 Whole Life Insurance
Costs and Savings

The cost of funeral insurance can be a significant burden, especially as you get older. The average price of a funeral insurance policy at age 60 is $14.98 per week.
Your premiums will increase every year, almost doubling to $26.33 per week by age 70, and skyrocketing to $59.61 by age 80. This is why funeral insurance premiums can become far too expensive for pensioners to maintain.
However, there are other options available, such as prepaid funeral plans. The average price of a prepaid funeral with Bare is about $145 a month, paid off over two years, or you can pay upfront for an average of about $3,300.
You might like: Condition of Average
Cost-Saving Options
Funeral insurance can be a costly investment, but there are alternative options to consider.
The average price of a funeral can range from $4,000 for a basic cremation to around $15,000 for a more elaborate burial.
If you're looking for cost-saving options, consider a pre-paid funeral. The average price of a prepaid funeral with Bare is about $145 a month, paid off over two years, or around $3,300 upfront.
Discover more: Average Life Insurance Policy Payout

Alternatively, you can explore other options such as a funeral bond, using your superannuation, or saving for your funeral using a high interest savings account. These alternatives may be more affordable and provide peace of mind for your loved ones.
Here are some options to consider:
Remember, it's essential to shop around and compare prices before making a decision.
Already Paying?
If you're already paying funeral insurance, you have a few options to consider.
You can cancel your policy and switch to a prepaid funeral arrangement, which might be the cheapest option if you're planning on not needing a funeral for a few years or more.
This means you forfeit your potential payout, but it could save you money in the long run.
Alternatively, you can continue paying your funeral insurance premiums and also take out a prepaid funeral plan, which allows your beneficiary to keep the cash benefit if they don't need to use it for a funeral.
If this caught your attention, see: What Happens If You Stop Paying Whole Life Insurance Premiums

If you prefer to wait until the time comes, you can keep paying your funeral insurance as normal and advise your family to use some of the payout to arrange a simple cremation.
This is what the experts recommend if you're expecting you might need a funeral in the next three years or so.
How to Choose and Plan
Choosing the right funeral insurance plan can be overwhelming, but understanding the basics can make all the difference. Funeral insurance can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the provider and your age.
To choose the right plan, it's essential to consider your budget and funeral wishes. Think about the type of funeral you want, including your internment choice, and how you'd like your funeral service to run. For instance, do you want a specific type of flower or a favourite song included?
Here are some key things to consider when choosing a funeral insurance plan:
Ultimately, choosing the right funeral insurance plan requires careful consideration of your funeral wishes and budget. By doing your research and understanding the options available, you can make an informed decision that gives you peace of mind.
Explore further: B Owns a Whole Life Policy
How It Works

Funeral insurance can be a bit confusing, but it's actually quite straightforward. It's a financial protection that provides a lump sum payment to your family or nominated beneficiaries to pay for funeral expenses when you die.
This lump sum payment can be used for funeral expenses, but it's not a requirement. Your beneficiary has complete discretion over how the insurance payout is spent. It might not even end up being used for your funeral at all.
You can choose a single or joint policy, which means you can also cover your partner at the time of your application. The policy benefit amount can range between $5,000 and $15,000, and you usually make fortnightly or monthly payments in exchange for cover.
It's essential to understand that funeral insurance is not a method of saving for your funeral costs. Instead, policyholders are buying insurance to cover expenses to the value of what a funeral may cost in the future. There's no cash held in a bond or savings account in your name for future access.
Check this out: Does a No Fault Accident Affect Insurance

Here are some key things to consider:
- Many funds increase your premiums and policy coverage amount annually.
- If you cancel your policy before death (or reaching the Early Payout date if offered in your policy), you won't get a cent back.
- In most policies, there is no cap on what you may pay over the term of the policy.
- The long-term affordability of the policy isn't based on your current income, but the income or pension you are expected to have in the future.
It's crucial to be aware of which exclusions or factors apply to the policy you are considering or your current premium.
Planning in Digital Era
In the digital era, funeral planning has become easier and more streamlined. You can now discover how technology revolutionises funeral planning, making it a more efficient process.
You can create a funeral plan that reflects your personal preferences, such as choosing between burial or cremation, and deciding on the type of flower or song you'd like to include.
Funerals can be expensive, with costs adding up quickly. Consider looking into Funeral Insurance to help cover some of the costs.
It's essential to share your funeral plan with your loved ones, so they can support you in carrying out your wishes. You may choose one trusted family member or friend to be responsible for this task.
You can put together important information and documents to assist your loved ones in handling your affairs after you pass away. This can include recording your life in an autobiographical text or recording.
Check this out: Does Term Life Insurance Cover Funeral Costs
DIY vs Professional Funerals

Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, but understanding the options can make it more manageable. You can choose between a DIY funeral and hiring a funeral director.
A DIY funeral allows you to take control of the planning process and save money. You can read more about the pros and cons of DIY funerals vs funeral directors to make an informed decision.
If you decide to go the DIY route, you'll need to consider the logistics of transporting the deceased, preparing the body, and arranging the ceremony. This can be a significant undertaking, requiring time and effort.
A funeral director, on the other hand, can handle all the arrangements and logistics, freeing you to focus on the emotional aspects of the funeral. They can also provide guidance on the necessary paperwork and regulations.
Ultimately, the decision between a DIY funeral and hiring a funeral director depends on your personal preferences and circumstances.
Check this out: How to Appeal a Car Insurance Claim Decision
Can I Insure My Partner?

You can insure your partner, but there are some limitations to consider. You can take out a policy on behalf of your partner, but you won't be able to nominate yourself to receive the benefit.
If you want to include your partner on your policy, check if joint cover is available as an option. This way, both of you can be covered under the same policy.
Eligibility and Application
You must be an Australian resident aged between 40 and 79 years to apply for funeral insurance policies directly available through Choosi.
Any Australian resident over the age of 18 can take out a funeral insurance policy, as long as they meet the provider's eligibility criteria.
Some applicants may be required to undergo medical testing or provide blood tests as part of the provider's screening process.
A Bare prepaid funeral plan is available to any Australian resident, with no eligibility criteria.
Most funeral insurance policies are subject to a set of medical or lifestyle criteria, which may include medical testing or blood tests.
Suggestion: Australian Unity

You can take out a funeral insurance policy without needing paperwork or medical screening if you're an Australian adult up to 79 years of age, with some providers guaranteeing approval.
Here's a summary of the eligibility criteria for funeral insurance policies:
- Choosi policies: Australian resident aged 40-79 years
- Other providers: Australian resident over 18 years, meeting provider's eligibility criteria
- Bare prepaid funeral plan: no eligibility criteria
Claims and Benefits
Funeral insurance in Australia can provide a financial safety net for your loved ones, covering funeral costs and other expenses.
Many funeral insurance policies in Australia offer a lump sum payout, which can range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the policy and provider.
Having a funeral insurance policy can help alleviate the financial burden on your family, allowing them to focus on celebrating your life rather than worrying about funeral costs.
In Australia, the average cost of a funeral is around $7,000 to $10,000, which can be a significant financial strain on families.
If this caught your attention, see: Does Health Insurance Cover Funeral Costs
Comparison and Options
You can start comparing funeral insurance policies today and find the one that's right for you and your family.
There are heaps of funeral insurance providers on the market, but Choosi helps you separate the good from the bad to make sure your family will be in safe hands when dealing with funeral expenses.
You can compare a range of funeral insurance policies according to your individual needs, from adding optional benefits to your chosen cover amount.
Choosi lets you compare policies side-by-side to get started.
Here are some key features to consider when comparing funeral insurance policies:
Don't leave your family to pay for your funeral at an already difficult time. Start comparing funeral insurance policies today to find the perfect fit for you and your family.
Related reading: Life Insurance for Whole Family
Learn More About
Funeral insurance can be complicated and confusing, but it's essential to understand how it works and the benefits it offers. Funeral insurance is designed to help cover the costs of a funeral, typically ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 in Australia.
You can choose from various types of funeral insurance, including life insurance and standalone funeral insurance. These options can provide peace of mind and financial security for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Funeral insurance policies often have a waiting period, usually between 30 to 90 days, before they become active. This means that if you pass away during this time, your policy may not be able to cover the funeral costs.
Final Thoughts
Many policies are only of value if the policyholder dies between about two and five years.
Shockingly, only a third of funeral insurance policies are ever paid out, leaving families high and dry.
Those families won't ever see a cent of the money already handed over over the years, which is a huge concern.
A prepaid funeral service like Bare guarantees your funeral is paid for, taking the future stress off your family.
Once a Bare prepaid funeral plan is paid, it's guaranteed to be used for covering the costs of your cremation, with no recurring charges beyond the length of your instalment plan.
On a similar theme: When a Business Pays for Insurance Prepaid Insurance Is
Frequently Asked Questions
How does funeral insurance work in Australia?
In Australia, funeral insurance provides a lump sum payment to cover funeral expenses when you pass away, paid out to your family after a fixed period of premiums. You can choose from a range of cover options, typically between $5,000 to $15,000.
What happens in Australia if you can't afford a funeral?
In Australia, if you can't afford a funeral, the state government's Area Health Service may cover the costs. They will typically contact the next of kin to discuss funeral arrangements.
How much does a funeral cost in Australia?
A funeral in Australia typically costs between $4,000 to $15,000, varying with cremation or burial and ceremony complexity. Learn more about the factors affecting funeral costs in Australia.
Sources
- https://moneysmart.gov.au/other-types-of-insurance/funeral-insurance
- https://www.choosi.com.au/funeral-insurance
- https://www.apia.com.au/apia-good-life/health-wellbeing/funeral-insurance-planning.html
- https://bare.com.au/blog/funeral-insurance-vs-prepaid-funeral-plan
- https://www.insurancewatch.com.au/life-insurance-funeral-plans.html
Featured Images: pexels.com