How much funeral cover do I need?

Work from real costs: basic funerals run R10,000–R15,000, traditional burials R20,000–R40,000, and totals with catering average R70,000–R84,000. Cover the funeral you would actually hold - not the round number an advert suggests.

What should I check before buying funeral cover?

Four things: the waiting period (usually around 6 months for natural death, up to 12 on some policies), the exact benefit (cash or a defined service), the insurer and FSP licence (verify with the FSCA on 0800 110 443), and what happens if you miss payments.

Is a parlour's own funeral plan a good idea?

It can be - but you're buying a service package tied to that parlour, not cash. Get the exact service list in writing, confirm the plan is underwritten by a licensed insurer, and compare its value against a cash policy for the same premium.

Funeral cover

Funeral cover, without the fine-print surprises

A funeral must be paid for within days - funeral cover exists to make sure the money is there. Here's how to buy it well, and how to avoid the schemes that never pay.

At a glance

Basic individual cover runs about R50–R150 a month for a R10,000–R15,000 benefit; family plans covering several lives run R150–R500 a month. Entry prices as low as R25 exist but describe minimal single-life cover, not a family policy - see the full pricing breakdown for what drives your actual premium.

How funeral cover works

You insure lives

Yourself, spouse, children - and often parents and extended family at an added premium.

A waiting period runs

Usually around 6 months for natural causes (up to 12 on some policies); accidents are usually covered from day one.

It pays fast

Valid claims typically pay within 24–48 hours - before the parlour must be paid.

The 5-point comparison checklist

Waiting period. How long for natural causes? Does switching or lapsing restart it?
Benefit type. Cash paid to you, or a service delivered by a specific parlour? Cash is flexible; services are locked in.
Premium vs benefit. Compare the premium for the same benefit and the same covered lives across 3 quotes.
Licence. Which insurer underwrites it? What's the FSP number? Verify with the FSCA: 0800 110 443.
Lapse rules. How many missed months before the policy lapses, and must they warn you first?

Deep dive: funeral cover explained · spotting funeral scheme scams

Compare the major providers

Independent guides to each insurer's funeral product: waiting periods, real differentiators, and the fine print to check before you sign. We earn nothing from ranking anyone higher.

AVBOB funeral cover

Cash plus free funeral benefits up to R23,500, if AVBOB conducts the funeral.

Read the guide →

Old Mutual funeral cover

Up to R100,000, grocery and education add-ons, parents insurable to 84 on some plans.

Read the guide →

Sanlam funeral cover

Triple accident payout and tombstone cover, behind a 12-month waiting period.

Read the guide →

Capitec funeral cover

App-based cover from R25 per month, up to R100,000, claims into your account.

Read the guide →

Clientele funeral cover

24-hour payouts and unusually transparent terms, from R370 per month.

Read the guide →

1Life funeral cover

R16,000 in concrete free benefits: grocery, headstone and SADC repatriation.

Read the guide →

Start with our side-by-side comparison of all six.

Buying guides

Common questions

How much funeral cover do I need?: Work from real costs: basic funerals run R10,000–R15,000, traditional burials R20,000–R40,000, and totals with catering average R70,000–R84,000. Cover the funeral you would actually hold - not the round number an advert suggests.
What should I check before buying funeral cover?: Four things: the waiting period (usually around 6 months for natural death, up to 12 on some policies), the exact benefit (cash or a defined service), the insurer and FSP licence (verify with the FSCA on 0800 110 443), and what happens if you miss payments.
Is a parlour's own funeral plan a good idea?: It can be - but you're buying a service package tied to that parlour, not cash. Get the exact service list in writing, confirm the plan is underwritten by a licensed insurer, and compare its value against a cash policy for the same premium.

This page is general information, not financial advice. Policy terms differ between insurers - the policy schedule you sign is what counts. Only buy from FSCA-licensed providers.