What is Funeral Planning?

No one likes to think about a time when they will no longer be around, but unfortunately it is one certainty in life. Planning for a loved one's funeral can be a difficult thing to deal with at such an emotional time. However, if there are some plans in place already, it can make the process simpler and easier by taking away some of the emotional strain and decision making.

Many people also wish to make some provisions in advance to help meet the cost of their funeral when the time comes. It may surprise you to know that the average cost of a cremation funeral (including disbursements) in the UK is now £2,448 - that's £720 more than it was five years ago.* And what's more, these costs do not include any special touches that your family may wish to add. For many people this is a large amount of money to find, that's why planning your funeral can really make sense.

Source: *Average of quotes provided by a sample of funeral directors across the UK for standard cremation arrangements. Mintel Research Consultancy, Average Funeral Pricing August 2009. This report has been commissioned by and produced exclusively for Sun Life Direct.

What do we offer?

We have three plans which could help with your funeral:

• Funeral Plan for people aged 50-80
• Funeral Assist for people aged 50-80
• Guaranteed Over 50 Plan with Funeral Option for people aged 50-85

What’s the difference between the three plans you offer?

With Funeral Plan and Funeral Assist you pay a monthly premium into a life insurance plan. When you die, your life insurance cash sum is paid to The Co-operative Funeralcare who will carry out your funeral. Choosing Funeral Plan means that you will have put some essential cremation funeral arrangements in place, including transportation of the deceased, support for the family, a dignified resting place, a cremation funeral service and payment of the disbursements. Funeral Assist offers you the same essential elements that are included in Funeral Plan, but does not include disbursements.

With the Funeral Benefit Option you would need to take out a Guaranteed Over 50 Plan. Then the cash sum from the Plan would be paid directly to The Co-operative Funeralcare on your death, rather than to your estate. Arranging this is known as ‘charging’ your Plan and it won’t cost you a penny extra. With the Funeral Option no specific services are agreed upfront and all arrangements are made by your loved ones when the time comes. The cash sum ‘charged’ could go towards a cremation funeral or a burial, giving you and your family flexibility of options. The cash sum will then be deducted directly from the final cost of your funeral, along with an extra £250 contribution from
The Co-operative Funeralcare.

How do I choose between the different plans you offer?

Our plans are available to different age ranges, so your age will affect which plan(s) you are eligible for.

There are other things that you may want to consider such as:

• How much do you want to pay each month? 
• What funeral arrangements do you want to put in place?

Find out more

Each plan has different features, so please read the full plan information to find out which one could be right for you.