Funeral plans - Your Questions Answered
There's a lot to consider before you choose your funeral plan, so it's important you have all the answers you need.
We've listed all of the commonly asked questions below - and if you think of any more, just give us a call on 01543 211997. We're happy to help.
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Understanding your options
The first thing you need to decide is what kind of funeral you want - and that means understanding your options.
What’s the difference between a funeral plan and a life insurance plan?
Funeral plans are prepaid service agreements where the money required is typically invested in a secure trust until the time it’s needed. A funeral plan guarantees to cover the services that were listed at the time the plan was taken out. With a funeral plan there’s no need for any medicals assessments or health and lifestyle questionnaires.
Life insurance is a type of insurance that pays out an agreed cash sum should you pass away while the policy is in force. A life policy will pay an agreed amount which could be used to help pay for a funeral or clear outstanding debts but does not guarantee to cover any specific costs.
Learn more about funeral plans and life insurance in our detailed guide.
What is a funeral plan?
A funeral plan lets you choose and pay for a funeral ahead of time. Planning your own funeral protects your family from funeral costs and ensures your wishes are known for the type of funeral you'd like. If you're going to be the one making funeral arrangements for someone else in future, you can also take out a funeral plan for them for peace of mind.
When the time comes we'll carry out every part of the process and deliver the ashes to your family at no extra cost. Our funeral plans include cremation, fees, collection, care, return of the ashes and much more. For full details of what is and is not covered with our different funeral plan options, please read our funeral plan summary and terms & conditions.
What is the difference between a direct cremation and a traditional cremation?
A direct cremation is a worry-free, affordable alternative to a traditional cremation, without a procession, service, mourners and viewing of the deceased. Though the cremation is unattended, the deceased is still treated with the highest level of care from beginning to end. A direct cremation is also the least expensive funeral option costing just £1,350 with Distinct Cremations. A traditional cremation on average costs £4,200.*
* The average cost of cremation in 2025 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
Why plan ahead?
Thinking about your funeral now may feel uncomfortable, but planning ahead can reduce stress and costs.
What happens if I can't afford to pay for a funeral?
Many people struggle to afford a funeral because of the rising funeral costs. If you’re arranging the funeral of a loved one and you think you can’t afford it, check if you’re eligible for Government assistance via a Funeral Expenses Payment in England & Wales or check your eligibility and apply for a Funeral Support Payment in Scotland.
Can I pay for a direct cremation in advance?
Yes, a direct cremation funeral plan lets you pay for an unattended direct cremation in advance. With our Direct Cremation Plan you have the option to pay upfront or in instalments over 1, 5, or 10 years. Your money is kept secure in a trust or if you are paying over 5 or 10 years it is protected by Scottish Friendly who are an authorised and regulated insurance provider.
Is there an option for a memorial service later?
Absolutely. While fuss-free funerals focus on the cremation process, you have the freedom to organise a separate, **personalised memorial service at any time, allowing you to celebrate your loved one's life in a way that's meaningful to you.
Is it more expensive if you are older or have health issues?
Our funeral plans guarantee your acceptance, with no medical questions or additional costs for the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions. However, for funeral plans payable over 5 or 10 years we incur additional administration expenses for collecting the monthly instalments and for the purchase and administration of a “whole of life” policy from Scottish Friendly - an authorised and regulated insurance provider.
Could a direct cremation be the right option for me?
A direct cremation is the most straightforward and simple way to say goodbye. If you're looking for a fuss, worry and tradition-free funeral, with little stress and low expense, then a direct cremation may be the perfect solution for you.
Get in touch with us for personalised guidance on how a direct cremation could be the right choice for your needs. Call us on 01543 211997 today.
Is it OK to plan your own funeral?
Yes, it is possible to plan your own funeral and doing so has a number of benefits. With our funeral plans, you can pay for your funeral in advance to relieve your family of the financial burden when the time comes. Funeral planning ahead of time also gives you and your family peace of mind about what will happen and leaves no uncertainty about your wishes. Once your funeral plan is set up the price is set so you are protected from any future rises in funeral costs.
What does it cost and is it worth it?
Since 2004, funeral costs have more than doubled from £1,835 to £4,510 in 2025. While the overall cost will depend on the type of funeral you choose, a pre-paid plan will fix costs at today's rate, safeguarding you should prices increase in the future.
How much is a cremation service in the UK?
The average cost of a funeral in the UK is now £4,510^[1]^. Our funeral plans start from as little as £1,999 or from just £1,350 if you need to arrange a funeral today or in the very near future.
^[1]^ SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
How much does an attended cremation cost?
Attended cremation costs vary between direct cremation providers, but the average attended cremation cost in the UK is £4,200.* At Distinct Cremations, our prices for an affordable Funeral Service start at just £1,950.
* The average cost of cremation in 2025 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
Will your prices increase?
If you’ve already taken out a funeral plan with us, then no. The price you’ve paid is guaranteed with no additional costs if funeral costs do increase in the future. However, the price of new plans may increase from what you see today.
What is the average cost of a funeral plan?
The cost of a funeral plan can vary widely depending on the type of service you choose, the provider, and the specific options included.
A Distinct Cremation plan offers a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional funeral plans, with complete transparency and no hidden fees. Locking in a plan at today's rates ensures you and your family are safeguarded against future price hikes and inflation.
If you're unsure, you might want to contact a few providers directly for quotes based on your specific preferences.
Can I pay for my prepaid funeral plan in instalments?
Yes, you can pay for your funeral plan in 12 monthly instalments or over 5 or 10 years. Terms & conditions apply.
What happens after you buy a plan?
Once you buy a plan, you need to be confident your money is protected and you can make changes if you need to.
Is it safe to take out a new funeral plan?
Absolutely. Taking out a new funeral plan with Distinct Cremations is completely safe. Distinct Cremations, and our parent Westerleigh, are one of the largest funeral and cremation service providers in the UK. We have been established for 30 years and each year we help around 74,000 families.
I have a funeral plan, will anything change?
There will be no changes to your plan and you have nothing to worry about - your funeral plan with Distinct Cremations is completely safe.
Do I need to tell anyone that I've taken out a funeral plan?
You can choose a nominated representative when taking out a funeral plan. This person will put your wishes in motion when the cremation is required. This could be a family member, friend or someone else.
You can also include your plan's information in your will, however, the will is not typically read until after the funeral.
Is my money protected with a funeral plan?
Yes, single payments and instalments up to 12 months are held in a secure Trust which is managed by independent trustees. For 5 & 10 year instalment plans we purchase a “whole of life” policy from Scottish Friendly - an authorised and regulated insurance provider. The proceeds of that policy will be used to pay for your chosen cremation at the time of need.
Who are the FSCS and how do they protect me?
The FSCS is an independent service set up by the UK government to protect consumers when a financial firm fails. For example, if Distinct Cremations were to go out of business, the FSCS will protect every person who has taken out a plan with Distinct Cremations and provide them with a choice of a replacement funeral plan from a regulated provider or cash compensation.
When will I receive my plan documents?
You’ll typically receive your documents within five working days of taking out the plan.
When I die who do my family need to contact first?
When you die, your family should first notify your local registry office so they’re aware that a death has happened.
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We're here to help
We're always transparent about every aspect of buying a funeral plan. If you have any questions about affordability, your funeral plan or the cremation process, please give us a call. We're happy to help.
