For many people, taking out a funeral plan on behalf of a loved one is a great option. In SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report 2022, it highlighted that the average cost of a basic funeral in the United Kingdom is currently £4,056 (2021). The report also highlighted that funeral costs in the UK are predicted to increase to £5,089 by 2026.
Taking out a funeral plan on behalf of someone else can help you plan for a funeral without making rash decisions when grieving for your loved one. At the same time, having a funeral plan in place removes the ever-increasing cost of arranging a funeral for a loved one.
Our latest blog will guide through the process of taking out a funeral plan for someone else. In particular, what is included in the funeral plan, as well as what happens if a loved one dies and the benefits of taking out a funeral plan on behalf of your family member.
How to buy a funeral plan on behalf of someone else?
Buying a funeral plan on behalf of someone else is a simple and straightforward process. The Unattended Direct Cremation Plan gives you the option to pay for a funeral plan with a single payment or you can spread the cost with 12 monthly payments.
It’s worth noting that you must be 18 years or older to take out a funeral plan on behalf of someone else and need their permission to do so. Once you have prepaid your funeral plan, the money will be in a secure trust fund, meaning that your family will have peace of mind when it comes to holding the cremation of a loved one in the future.
What is included in the funeral plan?
When you take out a prepaid funeral plan, such as an Unattended Direct Cremation Plan on behalf of a loved one, it's important that you know what is included in the cremation plan.
In terms of what comes with the prepaid unattended direct cremation plan, it’s an affordable alternative to a traditional funeral service. There are no attendees and no memorial service, which means you can ensure that your loved one gets a dignified, high quality send-off at one of our crematoria.
As part of the unattended direct cremation prepaid plan, the funeral plans include the option to have unattended direct cremation. With an unattended direct cremation, it includes collecting and preparing the deceased for cremation.
A simple coffin and urn for the deceased loved one and the ashes being scattered in the garden of remembrance or returned within 21 days are also included in the funeral plan. Bear in mind that there is an additional cost of £75 if you want your loved one’s ashes returned by hand.
The funeral plan options we provide cover the essentials for a no-fuss direct cremation on behalf of someone else.
What happens if your loved one dies?
When a loved one dies, it can be a confusing and overwhelming process to go through. Not only will family members and relatives be stricken with grief and sadness, but you have to deal with funeral arrangements.
The first thing you should do is register the death and get it confirmed from a medical professional. This is dependent on the location of where the loved one was deceased, whether it was at home, in a hospital or a care home.
Once the cause of death for the deceased loved one is confirmed, then you can go ahead with the cremation.
If you have a prepaid funeral plan in place for a loved one, then the plan holder can contact the funeral provider with all the essential details and they’ll deal with everything else.
The benefits of taking out a prepaid funeral plan for someone else
Taking out a prepaid funeral plan for someone else comes with many benefits. If you are looking to arrange a funeral in the future, it gives you the reassurance that the cremation will be carried out in exactly the way you want to remember a family member or friend.
If you take out a prepaid funeral plan for someone else, the benefits include protecting you against the increased cost of organising a cremation for a loved one. Having a funeral plan in place means that it prevents your family from having cash flow problems.
Other benefits of taking out a prepaid funeral plan for a loved one also include possibly paying less to hold a cremation. The funeral prices of today could go up, which means if you are paying for a prepaid plan on behalf of someone else, then you can save a significant amount of money on holding a family member or relative’s funeral.
Paying for a prepaid funeral plan can give you some reassurance when it comes to planning a cremation on behalf of someone else. By paying for a prepaid plan with the individual’s permission, it means that your loved one will have a respectful and dignified cremation at one of our crematoriums across England, Wales and Scotland.
For any questions you may have about taking out or paying for a funeral plan on behalf of someone else, then you can contact our team of Personal Advisors. A Personal Advisor will be able to help with finding the best prepaid plan for your cremation to ensure that the plan you are paying for your loved one on their behalf is right for you and your family.
Distinct Cremations is a trading name of Distinct Cremations Limited I Registered in England, No. 13366310 and Distinct Funeral Plans Limited (Prepaid Funeral plan provider) I Registered in England, No. 13366327 | Registered Office Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Bristol BS37 8QP | Part of the Westerleigh Group |
