Categorized | Business and Finance

Your Ultimate Guide to Funeral Insurance

Posted on 05 August 2010 by Martha

Funeral insurance has become a more popular form of insurance coverage as a larger segment of Australian society reaches retirement age. Many baby boomers are realising that their loved ones may not always be able to afford costly, unplanned funeral expenses. Consequently, they are seeking out coverage that will leave a beneficial legacy instead of a debt-ridden one.

Good Candidates for Coverage
Death is a fact of life and no one knows when the unexpected is going to happen. So that makes everyone a good candidate for funeral insurance coverage. Whether you are suffering from a critical illness, approaching senior age, or even young and in good health, funeral insurance gives you peace of mind and your family protection against overwhelming funeral costs. A good funeral insurance policy is the best choice for anyone and everyone.

Extent of Typical Coverage
Funeral plans are as varied as the individuals that purchase them. The policy can be very detailed or ultra basic depending on your needs. A simple funeral insurance policy might cover only the bare necessities of a funeral. Be advised, the starting cost for a basic funeral begins at around $8,000, so make sure you purchase enough coverage by investing in a more extensive cover, like a funeral expenses cover, and not just minimal basic insurance.

Costs of Incidentals Possibly Not Covered
Most funeral insurance policies should pay out a lump sum upon the death of the policy holder. If your policy doesn’t though, be sure that your funeral coverage includes every detail, such as embalming, flowers, the service, cemetery fees, transportation and cremation, as these can be considered extras on some funeral plans. Also, allow for inflation, because funeral costs rise just as other costs rise over time.

Cost of Coverage
A funeral is a sure thing, so make your decisions based on when and not if. It is strictly up to you what you want your funeral to be like, and how much it is going to cost. Do you want to be cremated then have a memorial service for your loved ones to attend? Or would prefer a simple private service followed by a cemetery burial? The choice is yours and by paying funeral insurance premiums you are basically making your funeral prepaid. With that in mind, make it as you like it, simple or detailed, go out in your own style.

Additional Coverage
Many individuals who take out a funeral insurance plan also get life insurance coverage as well. This will give your family members financial support after you are gone. If you are married, get additional coverage for your partner on your funeral insurance plan and add additional life insurance coverage, this way you are both provided for when one of you passes.

Other Types of Related Insurance Cover
There are many additional types of valuable insurance coverage that can be added to your funeral and life insurance coverage, such as: Accident insurance, cancer insurance, disability insurance, and serious illness cover.

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